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Interesting map of the 5th and 6th wards of Hamilton, Ontario, offering a detailed portrayal of a city experiencing growth and transformation.
Hamilton's location on the western end of Lake Ontario's shore contributed to its rise as a significant port city by the 1870s. The map shows a well-developed set of main avenues and smaller streets, representing the city's expanding infrastructure. Both the 5th and 6th wards are marked with residential and commercial structures, indications of the city's burgeoning railway industry.
However, what stands out are the specific vignettes — detailed illustrations or depictions — that add character to the map. The Morrison Bros & Co. Manufacturers suggests the prominence of local businesses and Hamilton's industrial nature. The residences of notable personalities, such as K Wischart and E.B. Smith, provide a glimpse into the architectural tastes and styles preferred by Hamilton's residents at the time. The inclusion of Osler's Block on Main Street in Dundas Ontario speaks to the significance of commercial hubs outside the immediate confines of Hamilton, highlighting the interconnectedness of the broader region.
The combined depiction of the residence and store of E.B. Smith with the Post Office of Stoney Creek underscores the multifunctionality of certain key buildings, pointing to a time when businesses and essential services often shared premises or were located in close proximity for convenience. Similarly, the illustration of the Store and Residence of H. Hall at Halls Corner T.P. Binbrook Co. Wentworth gives insight into the retail environment of the time, where proprietors often lived on or near their business premises.
