It’s a look back at our downtown core from a different generation.
That’s according to Kelly Thompson with the Renfrew Public Library, who recently unveiled a pair of new murals supplied by Heritage Renfrew and printed by Renfrew Printing, now on display next to their entrance on Raglan Street.
One depicts Raglan Street back in 1937 with businesses such as Clemens’s Stores, Clark’s Jewelers, Miller’s Economy Store, McHail Hardware, Tip Top Tailors Men’s Wear, Fraser & Smart Drugs, and Reward Shoes.
The other mural dips even further back to 1907 to feature the MacKay Bros. Department Store, which still stands today as apartments and restaurant space on the corner of Raglan Street and Renfrew Avenue West.
The work was funded thanks to a Community Improvement Plan grant from the Town of Renfrew, as Mayor Tom Sidney notes that it is “exciting to see the final product” come to fruition “to showcase a piece of Renfrew’s history prominently in our downtown core.”
He also encourages residents to take advantage of the Community Improvement Plan grant, which is offered through the Town to help community members revitalize, restore, and beautify local buildings and facades.
The criteria for eligibility and application forms can be found on the Town of Renfrew’s website.
(written by Kasey Egan)