Harvey Woods | Woodstock, ON

This past weekend local photographers had the opportunity to visit the old Harvey Woods building in Woodstock. Built in 1912, the building on Vansittart Ave. was the second of two factory's owned by Kenneth W. Harvey, made to manufacture socks and undergarments.  Although the business had many different names over it's 60+ years , it adapted the "Harvey Woods" name that we know today to match it's retail brand. After a decline in sales during the 80's the business was closed in 1990 and has been vacant since. 

It seems that everyone in the area has something to say about the building, whether it be a story, or just what they think should happen to it.  Today my mother-in-law told me her mom used to work at the Eaton's sock counter in London. She would drive down to Woodstock to visit Harvey Woods and pick out the new hosiery for the store. My nan used to work there as a seamstress and while unlikely, it's neat to think that maybe her and my future husbands grandmother may have crossed paths long before we had ever met.

The building was recently purchased to renovate and convert into affordable housing. It's such a gem underneath the weathered exterior. The large bright 'multi-paned' windows will be a show stopping feature in each apartment unit.  They are also every natural light photographers dream. I could spend hours in there, soaking up the light and taking in the unique factory details like the old elevator, fire doors, safes, and structure. While most of the photographers were taking pictures of the building itself, I felt it was the perfect backdrop to have fun with some portrait photography. 

I had the perfect model for the occasion, a great contrast of young and old. I hope that everyone enjoys the photo's as much as we enjoyed our time in such an iconic Woodstock building.

-Chelsea