In the shadow of Elgin Street lies Jack Purcell Lane.
The quiet subtleties offered by Jack Purcell Lane are a stark contrast to the constant murmur of its neighbouring street. Although it’s only one road over from the hustle and bustle of Elgin, it feels as though it’s miles away.
One quick stroll down this quaint, calm road and it becomes readily apparent that Jack Purcell Lane is a serene haven from the everyday chaos that engulfs the rest of the city.
At only two blocks in length it is very modest. There are no shops or businesses but merely a community centre and a small park, both of which share the same name as the street.
It’s ironic that such a small, meek street was named after Jack Purcell, a man who was anything but.
Purcell was born in Guelph in 1903. As a child, he excelled at both tennis and badminton — the latter would become his claim to fame.
Purcell first made a name for himself by winning five consecutive Ontario badminton championships from 1927 to 1931. He continued to excel on the international level where he was named world champion after defeating every challenger he faced. He retired in 1945, still champion of the world.
In an attempt to make the game safer, Purcell invented Converse’s “Jack Purcell” sneakers, which were designed to give badminton players more support. The “Jack Purcell’s” are still one of Converse’s top-selling shoes today.
Purcell died in 1991 but his legacy still lives on both on the quiet Centretown street and on the feet of millions across the world.