Heritage Centre Wellington recently recognized three local efforts to preserve the heritage of this community.
Three locations were chosen for presentations on Feb. 22.
“Our heritage enriches us and guides us in our growth and development,” said Heritage Centre Wellington committee chair Kathy Baranski.
“The efforts we make today to conserve community heritage will ensure a lasting legacy for future generations.”
Baranski stated plaques being presented represent buildings by Heritage Centre Wellington and the township “as being important to the historical fabric of our community.
“We hope these plaques will inspire other owners to follow this example and protect our precious heritage resources.”
Craighead Cottage
Craighead cottage at 495 Union St. West in Fergus, was constructed around 1842 for Hugh and Elizabeth Black and their children.
The home is among the earliest stone structures in Fergus and located along the south side of the Grand River.
The property is owned by Centre Wellington Township.
At one time there was a wooden bridge that ran along the property connecting both south and north parts of the river.
The home is associated with its original owner, Hugh Black, a prominent resident and businessman who arrived in Fergus in 1834 from Scotland.
That year, Hugh Black opened Fergus’ first log tavern at the northwest corner of St. Andrew and Tower Streets.
This location later saw Black opening the St. Andrew Inn/Tavern. The hotel later became known as the “American Hotel.”
Black is reported to have started the area’s first stage coach, which transported passengers from Fergus to Puslinch and Dundas, then to Hamilton and back. He was also the first president of the Fergus Curling Club.
The home remains relatively unchanged from its appearance at the time of construction. It is built in the Georgian style with simple designs and contains a walkout basement facing the river.
Hugh Black, great great grandson and namesake of the original owner, was pleased to be in attendance last week with members of his family.
Newly appointed Canadian Senator Rob Black, also a descendant of the original Hugh Black, said, “We were told it was the second stone home built in Fergus.”
Centre Wellington Mayor Kelly Linton quipped that this photo at the Black family home might be considered Black’s first official “photo-op” as a Senator.
Fergus Marketplace
The Fergus Marketplace at 105 Queen Street West, Fergus is a prominent building and landmark, faithfully maintained by its current owners, officials say.
It is distinguished by its tall brick chimney located on the river side of the building.
Another important relic of the building’s former manufacturing role is the large cast iron mill wheel still in place on the ground floor of the building.
Parts of the basement of the eastern end of the building date from the 1850s. The main part of the east or ‘foundry’ wing was constructed in 1878 with additions in 1890, 1908 and 1916.
Though the finest foundry on the site was built by James Grindley, the Beatty brothers bought the property in 1876, and successor companies continued to operate it for almost a century as a manufacturing company for a wide range of products.
Goods manufactured by the Beatty Brothers were exported from Fergus to locations across the globe.
The structure continues to play an important and productive role in the business interests of the local community, officials say.
“We know the building was designated in 2009, but we understand that you are working on some beautification projects, so we thought this would be a good time to offer this plaque,” Baranski said, noting other buildings in the vicinity have also been designated.
She added, “The Beatty Brothers had a huge influence on the town for many years. To have this building designated just adds to the provenance of this corner.”
Dianne Kennedy, Fergus Marketplace condo board member, added her thanks for the recognition.
“We are working on the building. It’s a work in progress. We are passionate about it and happy to have this support along the way.”
Pariscope
In 1867, Robert Mitchell, a prominent local businessman, constructed the structure at 48 West Mill Street in Elora, which currently houses the business known as Pariscope.
It has become a local landmark within the community and remains faithfully and beautifully maintained by its current owners, officials say.
The building is next to the location of the former Victoria Street bridge.
The facade is constructed of locally cut limestone. The front of the building also has a striking entrance containing two bay windows and decorative glass transoms and sidelights.
The building is one of a series of three adjacent limestone buildings of the same style and period. Mitchell originally moved his saddle shop to this building, which was divided into two stores – the other being used as a bakery.
In 1878, Mitchell took over the entire building and operated a confectionary, candy and book store in the area formally occupied by the bakery.
The building played several subsequent roles within the community, having housed a shooting gallery, the Elora Legion and a squash court.
In 1984, it was the site of the movie Mrs. Soffel starring Mel Gibson.
Parts of the building were also captured by Group of Seven artist A.J. Casson.
