Tourist Camps
Tourism has always been a major part of the Niagara story. Rail excursions were popular, but were diminished by the automobile industry. Highway Number 8 was known as the Stoney Creek, Grimsby and Queenston Stone Road, and in July of 1918, it was one of the first roads to be designated as a Provincial Highway. In 1920, the road was paved with macadam and by 1922 it was paved with concrete. Better roads brought more tourists.
Campgrounds became extremely popular. The mid-1920s saw campgrounds spring up along Highway Number 8. The campgrounds were somewhat primitive by today's standards and proper sanitation was often a problem. Tourist cabin camps with inside facilities took the place of the campgrounds. It should be noted that Highway 8 took a different route than it does today. It ran right through Stamford, all the way down to Bridge Street then up River Road, where it ended at the Rainbow Bridge
Clark's Cabins were extremely popular. Proud automobile owners would drive to Clark's and park outside their cabins. Clark's was located on what is currently Portage Road at the corner of Keith Street.
Clark’s Tourist Camp
In 1953, Clark's Cabins were torn down and a small set of stores was built in that location. This photo shows Pullano's Barber Shop which operated from 1966-1993 and Jasmine's Beauty Lounge which operated from 1970-1974. In 1994, the stores were demolished, and Commisso's Food Market was built. Commisso's opened in 1995 and the adjoining plaza was built soon after. The spot occupied by Commisso's was taken over by Sobey's in 2006. Other popular cabins which were on the road heading toward Cyanamid were McGibbon's Cabins and Rest-a-While Cabins.
Pullano's Barber Shop and Jasmine's Beauty Lounge, Portage Road
Commisso's Plaza,1999
Uncle Tom's Cabins Flyer
These cabins offered the latest amenities. They opened in 1930, and were located on the current Thorold Stone Road.
Map to Uncle Tom’s Cabins, Stamford