The Spike Coffeehouse

Logo by Bert Lindstrom

Location

Corner of McIntosh St and Pacific Ave. East, at the base of the Pacific Ave Bridge

History and Description

As seen from the bridge Photo by Bert Lindstrom

Front doors

The building , which has been replaced by a small park, was first ocupied by the Slovak Legion. When the Legion constructed a new facility, the city became custodian of the building, though the Parks Board. Cambrian Players occupied the main floor and in September 1967, the Lakehead Folkguild openned The Last Spike Coffeehouse in the basement, where the Legion's bar had existed.

The Last Spike Coffeehouse started with Lakehead Folkguild concerts at Chippewa Park on July 1-2, 1967. Weekend concerts lead to creation of the coffeehouse at the corner of McIntosh on Pacific Avenue, just below the East End Bridge off Fort William Road. The building has since been demolished, leaving a park in its place. (picture later)

The Spike was opened September 10, 1967 by the Lakehead Folkguild who operated it until 1969 when a small group of people ran it, lead by co-managers, Jim Squier and Bert Lindstrom. It was eventually closed in March 1972.

The Spike enjoyed good audiences until July 27, 1971 when the legal age for drinking was lowered from 21 years to 18 years of age.

The Spike staff participated in creating a "Woodstock" style music event called North Festivals at Boulevard Lake Park on Cumberland Street. It was held on Friday through Sunday, August 8, 1971 The Spike staff ran the concession and the music event on the Saturday & Sunday.

Spike Coffeehouse poster for Wishing Well by Tombstone Signs

Performers

The following groups have performed at the Spike over the years:

Performers included Frank Shoemaker, George Gregorovich, Chuck Tracey, Tom Kelly, Andy Woishwell, Bill Houston, The Rambers, Mary McKim, George And Myrna, Freemen, The Travelers & Amos Garrett, The Melindra Singers, Flipper Flanagans Flat Footed Four, Tom Higgins, Hans Hansen, Huck Heerema, Wishing Well, Tweed, CPR Blues Band, Jerusalem, The Jarvis Street Revue, 5th Column, Dan Matheson, Ken Moore, Dave Gibb, Darcy Legros, Michael and Company, etc.