STC150: James D. Tait Co. Department Store

Last week we read about the McLaren and Co. Department Store at the corner of St. Paul and William Street. Directly across William Street could be found another staple of early 20^th century St. Catharines shopping – the James D. Tait Co.

James D. Tait established his first store on Ontario Street in 1865 using the buffalo head as his trademark as furs were a specialty of his business. Tait’s moved to a larger establishment in the Prendergast Block of buildings around 1892. In this new location, the establishment occupied all three floors of this spacious and distinctive building.

Tait’s was well known for their furs, leather goods, and specialty items. They employed dressmakers on site who could produce the latest fashions for the local residents.

After James D. Tait died in 1907, the business operated under the management of A.M. Stobie who served as president and manager.

The store ceased operations in 1933. The building was later demolished in 1949 and a new building built to house the Kresge’s Department Store opened in that location.

This image from prior to the First World War shows a parade on St. Paul Street crossing in front of the James D. Tait Co. department store which can be seen in the top middle of the photo. (1978.58.35)