Water Street in 1888

The City of Thunder Bay was created in 1970 by the amalgamation of two old cities -- Fort William and Port Arthur. Each had its own central business district. This is Water Street, early Port Arthur's main street. Today it is a thoroughfare, bordered by few buildings or businesses of note. In the 1880s, as this picture attests, it was a bustling hive of activity lined with hotels, stores, industry and railways. Some of the frontier merchants of Water Street in the 1880s includes:

• Bay View Hotel
  featuring the best in American, English and Canadian Ales
  
• Clarke's Drug Store
  dispensing remedies and cures to the citizens of Port Arthur with an upper floor housing: Dr. N.F. White, L.D.S., a gentleman of prepossessing appearance, steady habits, and a kind and affable manner; J.A. MacDonell, M.D., pioneer physician with experience on the Dawson Road; and J.F. Clarke, M.D., physician, one-time Sheriff, and formerly MPP for North Norfolk.
  
• Thunder Bay Stove and Tin Manufactory
  George Kennedy's fine establishment which sells stoves, hardware, sporting goods, etc., and produces tinware of every description. Mr. Kennedy also represents the Wisconsin Central Railway, and the Lake Michigan and Lake Superior Transportation Company of Chicago and is president of the Town Hall Company, Elevator "A", and the Shuniah Dock and Forwarding Company.
  
• Thunder Bay Tailoring Establishment
  Here will be found all kinds and classes of English, Scotch and Canadian tweeds, cloths of all styles.
  
• Our American Tailor
  Fred. Daniel's complete stock of ready-made clothing and gents' furnishings is new and attractive.
  
• Port Arthur Iron Works
  Woodside Bros. proprietors, for all your iron and repair needs
  
• The Palace Shaving Parlour
  Baths at any temperature and at all times
  
• The Mining Exchange Hotel
  The finest in imported wines, liquors and cigars, agent for O'Keefe's ale and porter, John C. Hasking Proprietor
  
• W.H. Arthur's Fancy Goods
  Amethysts, crystals, spar, etc.
  
• D. MacKenzie & Co.
  Canned goods, every class of fruits, vegetables and meats, widely known locally as offering terms better than Winnipeg houses.
  
• A.W. Thompson & Bros.
  Jewellry, watch and clock repairs, gold, silver and electro-plated ware. Mr. Thompson, prop. also sells life insurance, deals in lumber, and is the Municipal Clerk -- a very busy man.
  
• Daniel Campbell
  A very creditable little business in groceries, candies, nuts, biscuits, butter and cheese
  
• Prof. Jones, Tonsorial Artist
  Barber shop and singing instructor, at your service.

  

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