Stephen Della Casa

Hastings, Conveyor

A skate wheel conveyor, exemplified by this original model from Hastings, Ontario, faithfully provided for the seamless transfer of cases of beer from the chilled storage facility to the retail area for convenient customer access. Widely adopted across Beer stores throughout Ontario, these conveyors, meticulously crafted by local manufacturers like Matthews Conveyor, became an indispensable fixture. Recalling these scenes vividly rekindles the nostalgic symphony of rolling wheels and the rhythmic journey of beer cases gliding effortlessly along their path.

“The Beer Store by Stephen Della CasaIn his project, "The Beer Store: Communal Spaces," Stephen Della Casa, a cultural documentary photographer, offers a unique perspective on Ontario's endangered Beer Stores. Encompassing but moving forward from typological representations of storefronts and staff, Della Casa's work is imbued with remembered details from his youth. This comprehensive endeavour includes ten framed photographs (24" x 30"), a 40-image hardbound book, an impressionistic composite artwork (48" x 72") on vinyl, a web gallery, and an online slideshow at sdellacasa.com.As potential changes loom over the future of Ontario's Beer Stores due to revisions in the Master Framework agreement, Stephen Della Casa's project assumes a crucial role. It probes into Ontario's cultural fabric, considering the historical significance of these stores in the lives of rural Ontarians in particular. Documenting this globally unique phenomenon of a retail outlet dedicated to the consumer distribution of beer, the project emphasizes the Beer Stores' unique role in the Ontario political and cultural landscape. Della Casa's inquiry into rural Ontario's distinct cultural identity prompts viewers to consider its uniqueness compared to other provinces, territories and countries. Additionally, he explores the relevance of shared spaces to mental health, questioning whether modern urban culture in Canada or internationally has diminished face-to-face opportunities.Beyond retail outlets, Beer Stores are trusted, predictable, and vital community intersection points that foster shared societal memory among diverse individuals. Encompassing but moving beyond traditional typological studies, Della Casa's project considers the social dynamics of these spaces, highlighting their invaluable contribution to the politics of social cohesion and inclusivity.Informed by sociologist Ray Oldenburg's Third Space Theory and Byung Chul Han's insights on isolationism and burnout, the project underscores the significance of communal gathering spots like The Beer Store in combating societal isolation and promoting mental connectivity. Amidst concerns over the decline of communal meeting places, the project encourages reflection on broader societal implications.With considered photographic detail, the project preserves The Beer Store’s mid-century identity and craftsmanship, capturing the distinctive architectural elements that defined Ontario's beer retail landscape in the 1950s and 1960s. Each feature, from inlaid stone and intricate terrazzo flooring to innovative steel and chrome materiality, is a testament to a post-war era of meticulous craftsmanship, design integrity and cultural progressiveness. Inspired by documentary luminaries such as Hilla and Bernd Becher, Ed Ruscha, August Sander, and Walker Evans, Della Casa embarked on a two-month journey across Ontario communities in early 2024. With permission from The Beer Store administration and facilitated access, he utilized high-resolution digital cameras mounted on task-specific tripods to achieve industry-standard elevated shooting positions. Nodal rails and step ladders facilitated highly detailed captures and image production, which consisted of file stitching for high-quality, large file-size images.Ultimately, this visual documentation encapsulates moments of intersection and engagement among people. It is a testament to something that’s uniquely Ontario and to the progressive community-building ideologies embodied within these rural Ontario-based spaces. By prompting viewers to reflect on Ontario's rapid transition towards a homogenized urban-dominated landscape and the resultant ramifications underscored by the dwindling presence of Ontario's historic communal gathering spots, the project instigates profound introspection into the evolving dynamics of societal fabric. It emphasizes the urgent necessity of preserving these significant and indispensable catalysts for connectivity and wellness.”