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The Main Drag

Various looks at Willow Street in downtown Chemainus from a bygone era
Black Press Media
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Willow Street, late 1950s, facing south towards the planer mill (in background).Pink Elephant Coin Laundry, Chemainus Sport’s Centre on left; Caprice Theatre, Marshall Wells Hardware and Pattison Pharmacy on the right. Notice the post office at the end of the street on the right and St. Michael’s Church spire in the distance on the left). (Photo courtesy Chemainus Valley Museum)

The more things change the more they sort of stay the same.

Here are three views of Willow Street in downtown Chemainus from the 1950s.

Many different stores have occupied the buildings on the street, but it’s always had that distinctive look through the ages so you know where you’re at.

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Willow Street 1950s, facing north. Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce and Overwaitea Foods can be seen on the left. (Photo courtesy Chemainus Valley Museum)
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An earlier 1950s view of Willow Street. (Photo courtesy Chemainus Valley Museum)