Attic Books, one of Canada's largest used books and antiquarianindependent bookstores, is located in London, Ontario. It has been in business for over forty years, and has been in its present location in the heart of downtown London for over 20 years. Specializing in used and antiquarian books, along with maps, prints, and ephemera, Attic Books draws a large variety of customers.
The store originally opened in 1976 on the top floor of a building at 428 Richmond Street, which currently houses Bob Burke Jewellers. It then moved to the second floor space at 388 Clarence Street. These locations lent themselves well to the shop's name. In the 1980s, development in downtown London forced Attic Books out of its location, and it reopened in Parkhill, Ontario. In 1996, mayor Diane Haskett worked with proprietor Marvin Post to bring Attic Books back to London, Ontario. It is now one of the few longstanding destination businesses in downtown London.
Recent history
Attic Books in 2006 opened the second floor, which is specialized in antiquarian books, maps and prints, along with sections of collectibles, antiques and books on books. It was previously only available to dealers and known collectors. Now it is open to the public. Attic Books sells maps and prints. Branching out into the online world of book retail, Attic Books now sells online stock at both ABE, Biblio, and Alibris. Attic Books also is becoming known for selling curiosities and unusual antiques in addition to books.
Other information
Attic Books is one of the very few places where Charles van Sandwyk's fine art and fantasy cards and books can be purchased. Involved in the community, Attic Books often sponsors and hosts awards and events in London, Ontario. It is also the only local supplier of Brodart mylar jackets. Attic Books also participates in large tradeshows in Toronto and Ottawa.
History of the building
The building at 240 Dundas Street is late Victorian red brick commercial in style. Originally, the building was a single floor and only about 20' long. It was not expanded until the 1880s, when the second and third floor were added. The second floor was attached to 242 Dundas, creating a large space that accommodated Somerset Hall. Doorways on the main floor also allowed access to the adjacent building. A hoist existed where the current elevator can be found. During a major renovation in 1919, arts and crafts elements were added to the façade. The back end of the store was extended and a mezzanine was added to the third floor. This renovation was designed and executed by famous London architect J. M. Moore. Before 1919, the building matched the three structures that surround it, two to the west and one to the east. The elevator was installed in 1919, and was made by the Roelofsen Machine and Tool Co. in Galt, Ontario. The large pane glass windows overlooking the street were installed by McPhillips & Co. in the 1930s. The outer two window panes on each of the upper picture windows pivoted to open like doors. These windows facilitated the movement of pianos from the street to the upper floors for display. They have since been replaced with more energy efficient windows Marvin Post purchased the building from the Thompson family, owners of Supertest, in 1996. The Thompsons had owned it since the early 1930s. When repainting the elevator, Post removed 35 lbs. of lead paint from the car, unveiling a rainbow of colours that had been added over the years. The alternating dark and light wood on the second level flooring is called a "wedding floor", made of walnut and maple, and can also be found in 242 Dundas next door. When Post took possession of the building in 1996, the toilets had not been updated, although the plumbing had been. The toilet tanks were still made of wood, and have since been replaced. The gargoyle overlooking Dundas Street was added by the current owner. It was designed by Florin Musta, and acquired through Tony O'Callaghan of Studio Celtia, former business at 242 Dundas.
Other businesses at 240 Dundas St.
1875 Abraham Spry, merchant tailor 1876 - 1880 Various small businesses 1880 Vacant 1881–1886 Reid Brothers & Co., stationers 1887–1892 Empire Tea Company Somerset Hall 1892–1907 Anderson & Nelles Drug Store Somerset Hall 1892 First electricity 1893 First telephone 1907–1919 People's Outfitting Company, furniture 1919–1927 Thomas Furniture Company, furniture 1927 Gray's Music, subsidiary of Eaton's 1930–1965 McPhillips Company, pianos, radios, appliances 1965–1995 Robert Holmes Stationery, stationery and books 1996 – Present Attic Books, rare and fine used books
The ghost of Attic Books
In 2009, the Paranormal Knights of London performed an investigation at 240 Dundas Street into the possible presence of a ghost. Activities that have been attributed to the ghost include books flying, lights flickering, and the strong odor of a cigar wafting up from the basement stock room near the original foundations. The staff affectionately calls him Roland.
