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Stephenville in days gone by

The Georgian wishes to thank Bill Pike who provided the photos reprinted here as part of our series on the history of Stephenville, marking the 50th anniversary of the town.

Harnett's Furniture on the corner of Main and Queen (current site of the Acadian Restaurant). Next to it is the Dome Theatre. This is a photo of a Santa parade probably in the mid-1970s.

Irving's clothing store on Main Street on the site of the current More for Less store. At the left was Alteen's Jewellers and in back was the West Side Taxi stand.

The atmosphere in Stephenville was pretty lively when the American military were here in large numbers. These U.S. servicemen seemed to be having a good time on Main Street, near the Brown Derby (to the right) with Queen Street behind them.

This was the building that served as the town's municipal airport terminal in the 1950s and 60s. Located near Queen and West Streets, it later served as a swimming pool and youth centre before being torn down. The photo shows crowds leaving the airport on the day of the visit of Queen Elizabeth in 1959.

Main Street in January, 1959, looking from the base towards Queen Street. On the left is the old Eddy's Taxi stand, site of the Town Clock today. On the right (second building from right) is the old Dome Theatre, site of the new Petro Canada gas bar.

The Brown Derby looked a little different when this was taken than it does today. The store on the left is Leo Kaplow Ltd. The Beavercraft building can be seen at the right.

The Shindigs were a popular Stephenville band. They included (from left) Harry Cormier, Gerry Formanger, Ronnie Alexander and Charlie Martin, with Roddy Leprieur (kneeling). They are shown in the old airmen's club on base in 1963 or 64.