That Little Shop On The Corner

Source: Facebook

I have often wondered about the story behind the sign on the House at the corner of Lyon St. and Florence St.

So I went looking.

Once Upon a time, there was another building there, owned by a Chinese immigrant named Lee Yee and operated as a Chinese laundry. Then, in 1923, a Jewish immigrant named Leo Osterer came to Canada; a few years later, he bought the property at 136 Florence, tore down the existing building, and built a new one period

Eventually, the building became Osterer’s Corner Store (later Osterer’s Confectionery) and opened in 1927.

Reading about the store, there's an element of “Remember when...?”Like how Leo placed his first order with Moses Loeb for cigarettes and candy-classic cigarette brands like Rex and Turrets. Or how the store eventually got refrigeration- but before that, the store would get deliveries from Borden's Dairy in containers filled with ice and salt.

The store continued on, as did life; Leo Osterer served in World War 2, married, and had two children. One of those children, Joe, took over the store with his wife in 1974 and expanded the business to include things like beverage distribution and party supplies.

No one is quite sure when the store closed; it was likely sometime in the 1980s. But the sign continues on, adding a bit of nostalgia and charm to the neighbourhood.

Written By: Michelle Lawless

Many thanks to Ottawa Jewish Archives for their available info and allowing the use of their photos.