Hamilton in Mumbai?

I went to a book sale on Friday after work. There were hundreds of books for sale, mostly second hand. As I was browsing through some travel books, there was a coffee table type hardcover book with the title ‘Hamilton – A Community in Symphony’. I figured it was probably not our good old Ontario based Hamilton. For some reason, I thought there was a bigger city named Hamilton in New Zealand or somewhere. I took a closer look…and WOW! It WAS our good old Hammer! The book is written by Sherry Sleightholm and there’s an inscription on the inside cover: To Emily, Love Sherry. Looks like Emily’s book made it’s way to Bandra in Mumbai! The book was published in 1986 and the pictures of all the oldies that made Hamilton great are quite amusing with their big sideburns and huge glasses. The book covers everything from the steel giants Stelco and Dofasco to Coppley men’s wear which is probably my dad’s most favourite place to shop in the world! It also mentions so many companies that I’ve worked with, St. Ann’s Church, the Old Mill, and a whole section dedicated to Ancaster! My cousin and I browsed through it and he also reminisced on his trip to Hamilton/Toronto when he was a young kid. He was also making jokes about how Hamilton looked so good in 1986 and India still doesn’t have that organized infrastructure even after so many years. I agree, Hamilton DID look good in 1986! It looked really clean and organized, quite different from what it looks like now!

Am I one to believe in fate? Well, I don’t really know what I believe! What are the chances that I would come across a book about my relatively small hometown thousands of miles away in a city full of 20 million people!!! To top it off, this is the opening line of the book:

“Hamilton is this country’s best kept secret. I say that – with perhaps no small measure of smugness – as a former Torontonian and a born-again Ancasterite.”

Coincidence or what?

I may not think that Hamilton is Canada’s best kept secret anymore, however, I’m a huge Ancaster fan. As a first-born Ancasterite and, a former Torontonian and a born-again Ancasterite I’m damn shocked and excited to have come across this book!

P.S. It was only 50 Rupees (just over $1) so of course…I bought it! Mom, Dad, it may make it back home if all of the shopping you (Mom/Anjali) requested doesn’t weigh down my luggage first!!!