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Toronto Then and Now

Explore our historic and modern photo comparison of Toronto. Drag the interactive slider to see how the location has changed over time.

  • Ossington Coffee Palace 1881 – 2024

    The Ossington Coffee Palace, established in Newark-on-Trent in 1882, served as a Victorian temperance hotel designed to offer a respectable alternative for farmers and travellers. This Grade II listed building was intended to discourage patrons from frequenting local pubs by providing a sober environment, which included a café, assembly rooms, billiard tables, and stabling for horses.

    Over the years, the structure has witnessed various changes, reflecting the evolving social landscape. Its original purpose as a haven for sober leisure is a testament to the temperance movement of the time, highlighting the cultural shift towards more family-friendly social venues in the Victorian era. The comparison of past and present images illustrates how this historical establishment has adapted while retaining its architectural significance.

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