In the end, the view from Lilley’s Corners remains as it’s always been – a window to the past, a reflection of the present, and a sentry of hope for the future of our evolving city. It’s a reminder that communities are not just built of bricks and mortar, but of the stories, struggles, and triumphs of the people who call them home. As I stand here, looking out at the street where I spent many formative years (like my Mother, Grandmother, and Great Grandmother before me), I’m filled with a sense of pride and nostalgia. OEV may have changed, but its spirit – the spirit that Charles Lilley helped forge over 150 years ago – remains unbroken. It’s a reflection of the enduring power of this community and a promise that no matter what challenges we
Charles, Uncle, Mother and brother c. 1974. Charles grew up at Adelaide and Dundas and recently returned to London after having lived elsewhere for most of his life.
Photos at left: East London Summer Bazaar c.1967. Photo by David Barber. Lilley’s Corner’s Intersection in the late 60s. Photo by Don Barber.
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Old East Villager January-February 2025 • Page 11
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