A new book has been released telling the story of the facades of Downtown Belleville.
‘Facades on Front: The Lives and Legacies of Downtown Belleville’ is written by local author and historian Connie Carson with research coming from Patti Spice.
Carson spoke to council in a delegation.
“Over the past two years, I’ve researched endlessly, digging through archives, tracing land deeds, reading old newspapers and listening to cherished stories from residents,” Carson told council.
“With the help of my remarkable researcher Patti Spice and my ever supportive family, I’ve woven it all together into something I hope becomes a lasting legacy for Belleville.”
The book pays tribute to all 68 historic buildings that line both sides of Front Street in Belleville.
It contains 180 pages filled with stories, historical photos and architectural insights.
“It’s about the people who built this city, merchants, immigrants, visionaries and everyday folk who took a chance on this little corner of Ontario,” Carson explained.
You’ll find stories of furriers and fire halls, bakers and bankers, barbers and boarding houses and even a merchant who rose to fortune and fame selling ashes across Hastings County at 14 years old.”
Carson says she hopes the book will also be a boon for tourism.
“I’m generally excited to explore with the Belleville Downtown Improvement Association how these stories and images will help draw more people into our downtown core, whether it’s through walking tours, storefronts to play displays, murals or QR codes,” Carson said.
More information about the book can be found at the Hastings County Historical Society’s website.
