The History of Victoria Row: From The Brown Block to a Cultural Hub
Victoria Row, the charming cobblestone street known today for its vibrant mix of shops and restaurants, wasn't always the bustling destination it is today. In its earlier days, it was known as The Brown Block, a place with a rich history that intertwines tragedy, commerce, community, and celebration
The Architecture of The Brown Block
At 132 Richmond Street stood the British Warehouse, a dry goods store owned by John George Hamilton Brown Sr., until it was tragically destroyed by fire in 1884. However, this disaster sparked a new beginning. His son, John George Hamilton Brown Jr., swiftly seized the opportunity, purchasing the adjacent lot and commissioning the prominent local architectural firm Phillips and Chappell to design a new structure. The result was three Italianate-style commercial buildings, their ornate design reflecting the grandeur of Venetian Renaissance arcades.
The Brown Block, as these buildings became known, stands today as one of Charlottetown's finest examples of Victorian architecture. Despite suffering damage from fires over the years, including three major ones in 1952, 1957, and 1971, the buildings have been carefully preserved, retaining their historical significance as a stunning example of the era's architectural style.
The Diverse Tenants and Guests of The Brown Block
Over the years, the Brown Block hosted a wide range of tenants, each contributing to the building's vibrant history. The ground floor at 132 Richmond Street was home to several businesses, including Stanley Bros. dry goods store and Reddins Drug Store. In the upper levels of 128 and 132 Richmond Street, the building hosted the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, a fraternal organization that played a prominent role in the community.
In the 1920s, the building’s second floor housed the Charlottetown Business College, while the third floor became the site of a popular dance club named "Reddins." When Prohibition took hold, Reddins quickly adapted, transforming into a tea room called the Rose and Grey Room.
Decades later, the name "Rose and Grey Room" was revived as a tribute to the past with the opening of Pat’s Rose and Grey Room, a beloved dining destination for locals, theatre-goers, music fans, and tourists. Today, the legacy of John George Hamilton Brown Jr. lives on in the name of the John Brown Richmond Street Grille, which occupies the main and second floors of 132 Richmond Street.
A Speakeasy Past
While Prohibition was gradually lifted across Canada in the 1920s, Prince Edward Island held on to the law until 1948. During this time, alcohol could only be legally obtained with a prescription, or "script," making Reddins Drug Store on the ground floor of the Brown Block a vital link in the supply chain. This unique situation allowed the Rose and Grey Room to thrive, as patrons could easily procure their libations, despite the legal ban on alcohol, creating a lively and secretive atmosphere.
In homage to this fascinating history, the third floor of the Brown Block has been transformed into a modern speakeasy, Reddins. With its vintage ambiance, the space invites visitors to step back in time and immerse themselves in the stories of the past, offering a taste of the city's prohibition-era charm.