Mosaic of the Gold Panners

Now a burrito take out and apartments, the use of this century building on Simcoe Street has changed many times.  In the 70s, the second floor was a repertory movie theatre.  When the movie Harold and Maude had been rereleased on its way to cult film status, I remember it played there for many months.



The mosaic on the eastern side of the building adorned the exterior of the Gold Rush Room of the Empress Hotel during the 60s and 70s.  The hotel is now Empress Gardens retirement residence.  The mosaic was on the west, or George Street side of the first floor, outside what is now the Whistle Stop Cafe.  It was preserved by Aon properties and moved to this location in their Charlotte Mews.

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