Downtown Commercial in Calgary in Calgary Metropolitan Region, Alberta — Canada’s Prairie Region (North America)

Doll Block

Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, June 29, 2022

1. Doll Block Marker

Inscription.
Louis Henry Doll, a successful jeweller, completed what he called "Doll's Diamond Palace" in 1907. Deeply affected by the untimely death of his daughter in that same year, Doll lost interest in his business. In 1910, D.E. Black, a former apprentice of Doll's, moved his jewellery business into the building and during the Christmas rush of 1911 became the victim of what was then the largest diamond heist in Calgary's history. When the business was amalgamated with Henry Birks & Sons in 1920, Black's had the largest watch repair business in Canada and employed 28 specialists. Designed by Calgary architects Dowles and Michie, the Doll Block is exceptional for its elegant design and use of materials. The building was extensively restored in 1994.

Erected 1997 by Heritage Advisory Board of the City of Calgary.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Industry & Commerce. A significant historical year for this entry is 1907.

Location. 51° 2.736′ N, 114° 3.728′ W. Marker is in Calgary, Alberta, in Calgary Metropolitan Region. It is in Downtown Commercial. It is on 8 Avenue Southeast

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(Stephen Avenue) east of Centre Street South, on the left when traveling east. Marker is mounted at eye-level, directly on the subject building, just to the left of the front entrance. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 116 8 Avenue Southeast, Calgary AB T2G 0K6, Canada. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Alberta’s Calgary Area.

It is also in the Prairies.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once a British colony

and also Rupert’s Land.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Thomson Block ~ 1893 (a few steps from this marker); Imperial Bank of Canada ~ Ca. 1910 (within shouting distance of this marker); Hudson's Block (about 90 meters away, measured in a direct line); Molson Bank ~ 1911 (about 120 meters away); Stephen Avenue / L'avenue Stephen (about 150 meters away); The Clarence Block ~ 1900 (about 150 meters away); Cathedral Church of the Redeemer (about 180 meters away); a different marker also named Cathedral Church of the Redeemer

Marker detail: Eighth Avenue looking west, C. 1907-1908 image. Click for full size.

Glenbow Archives

2. Marker detail: Eighth Avenue looking west, C. 1907-1908

(about 180 meters away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Calgary.

Regarding Doll Block.

From "Historic Downtown Calgary" walking tour brochure:
When L.H. Doll opened his jewelry store in 1907, ii was hailed by the Calgary Eye Opener as Doll’s New Diamond Palace. Itself a gem, the first and second storeys sparkled with beveled glass. The Doll Block stands out primarily for the delightful third storey oriel window with its leaded glass and surrounding sandstone trim. D.E. Black, moved his jewelry store into the building and, on December 18, 1911, he was the victim of the largest diamond heist in Calgary’s history: a noon-hour Christmas heist of $11,000 worth of diamonds.

Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, June 29, 2022

3. Doll Block Marker

(marker is on left side of entrance)

L. H. Doll Block image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, June 29, 2022

4. L. H. Doll Block

Credits. This page was last revised on April 27, 2023. It was originally submitted on April 23, 2023, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 2,562 times since then and 169 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on April 26, 2023, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.