Submitted by the staff of the Orillia Museum of Art and History (OMAH)
More than 70 years ago, there were 26 independent grocers in Orillia and only two chain grocery stores.
Today in Orillia, it is quite the opposite, with more than eight chain stores and fewer than three independent grocers.
From 1868 until it closed in 1947, Hatley’s butcher shop was the place many Orillians relied on for their meat and poultry needs. The lumber mills located around Orillia greatly contributed to Hatley’s success and growth, as did loyal customers, such as Canadian humorist Stephen Leacock, author of Sunshine Sketches of a Little Town.
In 1867, Thomas Mulcahy launched his mercantile career in dry goods with the opening of his California Store at 61-63 Mississaga St. E. The business ran from 1867 until 1910. Recognizing the importance of real estate in Orillia, Mulcahy built and rented homes to his employees, charging a monthly rent of $9.
Located at 29 Mississaga St. E., Kane & Kane Ltd. provided Orillians with a variety of goods. William Kane relocated to Orillia from Peterborough to take a position in the store of Mulcahy. There, he developed a good rapport with Orillians and, in 1887, Kane and his brother, Charles, opened their own business on the main street. They offered clothing, furs, ladies’ ready-to-wear, house furnishings, boots, shoes, dry goods, and groceries.
One of the busiest grocery stores on Mississaga Street was Batallia’s Fine Fruits, at 114 Mississaga St. E., a downtown staple from 1907 until 1992. Founder Sam Batallia was succeeded in the business by his son, Victor, in 1946. Today, Victor’s son, Sal, is the owner of Batallia’s Wholesale Fruit on Fittons Road West.
Next week, we will feature another object from the OMAH collection that showcases our local history.
