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Introduction Fire has dramatically changed the architectural landscape of Hilton. These "Then and Now" pictures show several street corners in the heart of the Village and how their appearance has changed throughout time.
The northwest corner of Main and Hovey In 1884, Allan B. Fraser built the first Fraser Block (seen in the picture to the left, above) at the northwest corner of Main and Hovey. Mr. Fraser housed his general store at the block. In 1903 the building was destroyed by fire. In 1904 the Fraser Block was rebuilt (seen in the picture to the right, above). It housed Fraser's general store and also the post office (in the east end of the building). This second Fraser Block was lost in the 1965 Main Street fire. After the 1965 fire the post office eventually reopened in a new building at this site, along with a restaurant.
The northeast corner of East and Hovey The picture from 1901 (left, above) shows a parade passing by the Commercial Hotel, which stood at the northeast corner of East and Hovey. The hotel burned down in 1903 and was replaced by the Curtis Block. On the right is the Curtis Block, as seen circa 1957. At that time it housed a Masonic Lodge and an IGA Superliner store. This building was lost in the 1965 fire, as was the village hall/library (the brick building to the right).
Northeast corner of Main and Lake
At the northeast corner of Main and Lake was the Green Block (left, above). It was lost to fire in 1910, but was rebuilt. To the right, above, is a view of the same corner as seen in 2002, showing the second Green Block.
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