Social History Archives | Page 5 of 11 | Sweat Equity – The Grimsby Homebuilding Co-operative 1953

Etching by co-op son, David Hill

David wrote, This is me as a 7-8 year old delivering bread to some clients in the neighbourhood. Helen used to bake loaves of bread and I would […]

The whole gang on the steps

There were different age cohorts within the kid community. The older kids had moved in at age 9 or 10, though most were only 2 or 3. A […]

Bill and Joanne in the neighbourhood

The children of the co-op found endless opportunities for outdoor play – back and front yards when they were younger, but as they grew, the shoreline of the […]

A kids’ world of play

This photo best illustrates why the families studied, built and endured. How poignant that the children are digging together, and how wonderful they have the space and […]

Murray Street Park plaque dedicated to Walter Muise

Walter Muise, an alderman for 13 years, was honoured for his commitment to save the shoreline. 9 years after his death this plaque was erected in Murray Street […]

Town Councillors Jack Morrison and Walter Muise

John (Jack) Morrison was first elected to Town Council in 1958, two years after the co-op members moved into their homes. Walter Muise served as alderman for 13 […]

Jim Denvir, Citizen of the year, 1986

Jim Denvir was among a group of St. Joseph’s parishioners who helped in the community, both in and outside of the congregation. At first, they collected food, storing […]

Dorothy and Pat with their children

Co-operative homebuilding required the strong alliance of husband and wife as well as the teamwork of the men who would build together. The wives were vigilant on the […]

Homes and neighbours

A sense of community had begun when they first gathered in 1953. The culmination of their study, work and co-operation was a well-built home and a fine community […]

Lakedale homes almost complete

Rain or shine, snow or sleet, the build continued, with the men working into the evenings until it was too dark to carry on. Some nights they strung […]

Lunch break on the site

Most often the men would rush home to eat before heading out to the site. On an early spring day, these fellows enjoyed a welcome snack at break […]

The Lakedale Co-operators

Doug Wilson of the Lakedale group captured colour photos of his fellow co-operators. Together with photos collected from families and footage by John Blake of Sherbrien-Cathedral Heights co-op, […]