A Neighbourhood Living Room

http://heartofthehammer.wordpress.com/

"We must not build housing, we must also build communities." - M Burton

Were it not for a friend that introduced me to the ever-so quaint Heart of the Hammer Cafe, I tragically would’ve overlooked it.  Driving on King St East, one is not exactly encouraged to slow down along the 4 lanes of one-way traffic to check out what’s being offered by the South Stipeley neighbourhood.  Since visiting this cafe, it quietly calls out to me every time I drive by, which is why I made my second visit to the cafe last night.
Just shy of its one year anniversary, Heart of the Hammer Cafe was birthed when Rebecca Doll saw a for rent sign in the window of the old Apollo sport’s bar.  What began as a hobby and personal interest in cafe culture, has become a 112 hour work week for the most-dedicated Rebecca.  She started out with something money can’t buy and that’s community.  From the street sign to the table lamps to the fridge in the back kitchen, everything has been made possible by the donations and efforts of the community.  Last time I checked, I couldn’t order that at Starbuck’s.  Rebecca has a very sincere and inclusive approach to running the cafe which allows for the input of anyone who visits.  Rebecca lets the community decide what they want the cafe to be, which explains the very busy schedule that includes book club, crafts, music and entertainment, art displays, and vinyl night among many other events.  She also brings to the cafe her own flare for French culture with her keen knowledge of fine cheeses, meats and wines, which was generously shared with my mom and I as the midnight shipment arrived.  Perfect timing!  My mom described her visit to the cafe as she would visiting a family member in their home, receiving the best the host had to offer us.  We couldn’t pull ourselves away from the conversation we had with Rebecca and other new friends and actually stayed 2 hours past closing.  The Heart of the Hammer certainly rings true, as this tiny space functions as any heart would, supporting life in Hamilton with every beat.