CENTRE WELLINGTON — The township has announced it intends to designate four properties with perceived historical value.
101 St. Andrew Street West, Fergus
Considered to have heritage value because of its direct association with Fergus' early economic development, this property housed several "prominent" local commercial establishments including the Imperial Bank of Canada for just over 50 years and a law firm for 36 years. The property was built in 1880 before it was sold to Samuel Marshall in 1890, for whom the block is named. It was later transferred to Rafferty Insurance Brokers, when it became known as the "Rafferty Building."
The property currently houses the Vault Coffee and Espresso Bar, with commercial uses on the second floor and residential units on the uppermost floor.
"As a prominent and recognizable local landmark at the corner of St. Andrew Street West and St. David Street North, an area traditionally dedicated to mixed commercial and residential uses, it has been central to the town’s growth since the 19th century," said staff in the report.
250 Union Street East, Fergus
Constructed in 1890, this property's historical value is associated with its history with the Presbyterian church and the matriarchal community of Fergus. Directly linked to the local Melville Church and Fergus' Presbyterian community, the property was purchased in 1890, when a church manse was built.
The property was later sold in 1929 after the United Church of Canada was formed. It was later purchased by Wellington County House of Industry and Refuge matron Christina Allan, who ran a Home for Elderly Ladies on-site.
6717 Sixth Line in Belwood
Contributing to Centre Wellington's rural agricultural history, the property changed ownership several times before it was purchased by farmer David Kyle, who was listed as living in a log cabin with six children in the West Garafraxa census- although it's unknown whether the cabin was on the property. Originally from Scotland, the property is believed to have been built around 1890 or earlier but staff can't confirm whether the existing property is the same dwelling, as it may have replaced the log cabin. The property was sold in 1906 to several known farmers.
On the property, there are approximately 20 mature sugar maple trees which appear to have been planted when the dwelling and barn were constructed.
177 Chalmers Street in Elora
Connected to local commerce and early European settlement in Centre Wellington, this lot was originally owned by the Allan family, prominent early settlers to Centre Wellington. Helping establish Fergus and Elora, the patriarch Charles Allan founded Aboyne where the Allan Farmstead remains an identified Cultural Heritage Landscape.
The property was later purchased by Torrance E. Bissell in 1908, who was known for being a prominent manufacturer of agricultural implements in Elora and whose factory was located where Bissell Park is.
Business owner Anita G. Burn owned the property in 1980.
Isabel Buckmaster is the Local Journalism Initiative reporter for GuelphToday. LJI is a federally-funded program.
