Diamonds in the rough? Quirky, eclectic, unusual, eccentric…these are words people use when they’re describing artsy neighbourhoods. This has surely been the case for communities that thrive on counterculture. For the last number of decades, Old East Village has carried that torch as it is home to many ‘sub-culture’ businesses that you might not find in other parts of town. Often the lower cost of rent affords this kind of opportunity, but the neighbourhood also seems to welcome those who choose a non-conformist lifestyle. Some of these businesses set up shop long ago and remain today. When speaking with Londoners outside of the village, they often refer to these off-beat businesses that bring them to the area. It was something that struck me from my very first visit to OEV back in the 1990s. Since that time I have had the good fortune to chat with those who were here long before then and who have seen things come and go. I cannot count the number of times I’ve heard people say ‘remember when’ and still get excited. In truth, those stories come with a fair amount of grit too, which ultimately creates an undertone that counterculture types gravitate towards. In fairness, our neighbourhood is going through a very trying time. Although the community would like to see itself prevail over these complex issues, it is clear that we will need to find a new way to overcome this chapter. It would be interesting to imagine what people will talk about in the next decade or two and how they will reflect back on what businesses and the community did to keep the torch burning.
O-Pee-Chee Factory, Source: Ivey Family London Room, London Public Library – PG F56 ). C. C. P. D. 2012. P. D. Located at 430 Adelaide Street, the facility was built in 1928. After a new O-Pee-Chee factory was built 1989, the Adelaide Street building was renovated into an apartment building.
Page 2 Old East Villager September/October 2024
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