THE HEART OF THE CITY
CHRISTOPHER'S
5 King Street East
CURRENT STATUS (1999)
Present Owner: Bank of Nova Scotia, Toronto (c/o Chambers & Company, Hamilton)
Present Use: Crystal Shoes
Heritage Status: Listed on the City's Inventory of Buildings of Architectural and / or Historical Interest
Locally Significant Date: Pre-Confederation
BUILDING INFORMATION
Date Built: 1843
Original Owner: Sir Allan Napier MacNab
Original Use: William Billings, physician
Subsequent Uses: 1851-4, 1860-71: Lawson Bros. Dry goods; 1890-1901: F.R. Smith's Tailor Shop; 1902-1933: Peter Christopher's Confectionery; 1934-1977: D'Allairds
Previous Building on Site: Unknown (most probably none)
ARCHITECTURE
Size: Three storeys
Design and Style: Georgian
Architect, Builder: Unknown
Construction Materials: Brick masonry; now stuccoed
Architectural Integrity: Poor (upper facade completely altered)
Architectural Features: Middle unit of three-unit rowhouse (#1-9), originally gable-roofed with parapet walls dividing individual units
Christophers confectionery store was located
on the north side of King Street East next to the corner of James Street. For many years,
Mr. Peter Christopher operated a flourishing business and restaurant that enjoyed
prominence in Hamiltons commercial centre. Peter Christopher, owner and manager of
the confectionery, was born in Sparta, Greece and came to Hamilton from Grand Rapids,
Michigan in 1910. The first listing of Christophers is in the City Directories for
1918. His business was last listed in 1932.
REFERENCES:
Clipping File - Hamilton - Biography - Christopher,
P. Special Collections, HPL.
LACAC Research File. Planning Department, City Hall.