Downtown west

The heritage value of Hutchison House resides in its association with Dr. John Hutchison, the first resident doctor of Peterborough, and with his cousin, noted surveyor and engineer Sandford Fleming. Built in 1837, it is one of the oldest remaining stone houses in Peterborough. It is an excellent example of a local building adapted to changes in popular building styles. Local citizens built it as a home for the doctor, his wife, and five children. The house is thought of as a monument to citizen cooperation for the benefit of the greater community. Dr. Hutchison's cousin, Sandford Fleming, lived in the house from 1845-1847. During this period, he designed his first building (for a local tailor) and began his Canadian career in surveying. Later Sir Sandford Fleming, he became a foremost railway engineer, designed Canada's first postage stamp, and invented standard time zones. The stone of the main block is from a local quarry, now known as Jackson Park. When built, its architectural style was a common interpretation of Neoclassical with its low gabled roof and symmetrical appearance. Within several years, the Ontario Gothic style became popular, and the centre gable and bargeboard trim with finials were added.

The heritage value of the Grover-Nicholls House lies in it being an outstanding example of Greek Revival architecture modified in the Palladian manner. This style of building, which includes porticos, pediments and columns, is rare for the Peterborough area.

The Grovers-Nicholls House is also important because of its association with the Masonic Order and two of Peterborough's most noteworthy families, the Nicholls and the Hamiltons. Built in 1846 by Peregrine Grover, a Member of Parliament and County Warden, the Grover-Nicholls House quickly became the meeting place for the first Masonic Lodge in Peterborough. Meetings were held from 1849 until 1853, when Robert and Charlotte Nicholls moved into the house and added the 2 side wings and front portico. Charlotte Nicholls, Peterborough's best-known benefactress, occupied the house until her death in 1906, and William Hamilton, local businessman and owner of the Hamilton Foundry, then bought the property. In 1950, the building was sold to the Masonic Order of Peterborough.

The Cathedral of St. Peter in Chain's heritage value resides in it being the third stone church to be erected in the City of Peterborough. Constructed in 1837, it was to replace an earlier frame church that was destroyed by fire in 1835. Although it started off as a small parish church, by 1882 it became a cathedral. Despite the numerous alterations to the church including a doubling in size in 1884, it remains a good example of the Gothic Revival style with its central buttressed tower and lancet windows.

The Cathedral of St. Peter in Chain's heritage value of also resides in its association with Roman Catholic worship in Peterborough and the surrounding community in the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. Until 1908-09, it alone served the Roman Catholic population of Peterborough and the adjoining Townships of Smith, Douro, Otonabee and North Monaghan.

The Cathedral of St. Peter in Chain's is also important as the location of the final resting place of former religious leaders of the church. In the early 1980's, a crypt was discovered under the church. Given the date of the burials, it was most likely constructed at the time of the original frame church at this site. It contained the remains of the first pastor of St. Peter's, Father John Butler, Father Daniel Farrelly, and the first bishop, Francis Jamot. The crypt has since been renovated and has been made accessible for public visitation.

St. Peter's Cathedral Centre's heritage value resides in it being a good example of how fine architecture can be recycled to adapt to the changing needs of the community through time and for its association with the early schools of Peterborough and the Cathedral of St. Peters in Chains. Built in 1865, the building was originally a one and one half storey, two-room schoolhouse in the Regency/Gothic style. In 1867 it became a girl's day and boarding school under the control of the four sisters of the Congregation of Notre Dame. In 1890, a four-room addition with Italianate details was built on the south side of the school. Boys were introduced back into the school in the 1940s, and in 1970 the Separate School Board ceased to rent the building for educational purposes and turned it into a centre for various parish activities.

The heritage value of the St. Peter's Bishop's Palace resides in it being an excellent example of late Victorian architecture. Originally a three-storey French Second Empire home with a mansard roof with iron cresting, the building was seriously damaged by a fire in 1932. Renovations were undertaken that replaced the mansard roof with a cross gable roof. Since the renovations, the house has taken on a more Italianate exterior, with its two and one half storey structure, wide overhanging eaves and decorative brackets.

The heritage value of the St. Peter's Bishop's Palace also resides in its association with the political and ecclesiastical leaders of nineteenth century Peterborough. Built in 1885 for Senator George A. Cox, then mayor of Peterborough, the building at 350 Hunter Street was one of the most expensive residences in nineteenth century Peterborough. Cox never occupied the house, choosing to rent it for several years before selling it to the parish of St. Peters-in-Chains Cathedral. It became the home of second bishop of the newly formed Roman Catholic Diocese of Peterborough, Bishop T. J. Dowling. The house continues to be occupied by the Bishops of the Diocese of Peterborough.

The heritage value of the St. Peter's Rectory resides in its association with the Cathedral of St. Peters in Chains. Built between 1860-1865, the house was originally the home of John J. Hall for over 20 years before becoming the rectory for the Cathedral of St. Peter-in-Chains in 1887. As the rectory for the Cathedral, it has served as the primary residence for many of the church leaders important to Roman Catholic worship in Peterborough and the surrounding community since the mid-nineteenth century, and still serves as a rectory today.

One of Peterborough's oldest structures, and its only remaining brewery house, this venerable stone building is important both architecturally and for the multiplicity of uses to which it has been put. The thick walls, built of stone from Jackson's Park Quarry, are an excellent example of the rubble coursed technique prevalent in early Peterborough. The unusual shape of the building announces its original use as a factory. During its long history it has served as a brewery house, a soap and candle factory, a Protestant Home, and a slum tenement. It is now restored for use as town-houses.

Located beside Jackson Creek for easy access to water, this brewery first appears in the 1838 Assessment Roll. In 1844, John W. Bedford became the owner. Sandford Fleming shows it on his 1846 Plan of Peterborough. In the succeeding years until 1870 the building changed hands numerous times. Records show that in 1860 and 1861 it was a soap and candle factory operated by partners Hood & Olgivy. Just prior to 1870 the owner was Henry Calcutt whose brewery and steam ship line was later located in Ashburnham. In 1870, after extensive interior renovations, it became the Protestant Home under the nominal ownership of James Hall, Sheriff. The building was a refuge for the aged and destitute until the erection of Anson House in 1912.

The heritage value of the James Menzies House is as an excellent example of a 19th century Regency cottage, built using an uncommon arrangement of brick laying methods.

The cottage was built in 1870 for James Menzies, a Scottish immigrant and tailor. His wife and their 8 children occupied the small house many years after James’s death in 1885.

The cottage is a 1 storey, square, centre hall plan dwelling. The brickwork is laid in an unusual combination of Flemish bond on the two street front facades, and Common bond on the remaining sides.

Cox Terrace is the finest remaining example of the Second Empire style row housing in Canada. By uniting the individual units into a scheme of balanced projecting pavilions, the architect has avoided the monotonous repetition often found in row housing. It stands as a monument to George A. Cox, a wealthy Peterborough insurance baron and entrepreneur, who had it built as an investment property.

George Cox's family moved from England to the United States in 1810, and then on to Canada at a later date. George was born in and received his early education at the Colborne Grammar School.

When he was about 18 years old, he moved to Peterborough as an operator with the Montreal Telegraph Company. During the thirty years he lived in Peterborough, his accomplishment were numerous and exceptional. While working as a telegraph clerk, he also went into business on George Street as a "photographist, ambrotypist," etc. He seems to have held more jobs than any three men of his times. Eventually he took on duties as the local agent for the Canada Life Assurance Company and rose to become a director and later the president of the company. In 1883 he organized a Peterborough company called The Central Canada Loan and Savings Company, which took over The Peterborough Real Estate and Investment Company. George A. Cox was instrumental in bringing the Edison Electric company, later to become the Canadian General Electric Company, to Peterborough. One of his notable works for the community was his effort to improve railway service in this city. It took him just five years to revive the Midland Railway when, in 1878, it became bankrupt. In 1887, upon becoming president of The Canadian Bank of Commerce, he moved to Toronto. By 1907 he was director of twenty-eight financial and commercial companies. He died in Toronto in 1914.

George A. Cox was actively politically. At the age of 32 he was acclaimed Mayor of Peterborough and, within the next thirteen years, occupied the office of Mayor three more times, once more by acclamation. In 1875 he ran for a seat in the Ontario Legislature and in 1887 was a candidate for a seat in the Federal House, but lost out both times. Following the election of the Laurier Government (Liberal) in 1896, Mr. Cox was elevated to the Canadian Senate. Little is known about his personal life. He was a member of the Charlotte Street Methodist Church. Largely through his assistance, both the YWCA. and the Peterborough Protestant Home were erected. He is known to have erected a number of buildings in Peterborough, which were examples of the best current architectural styles. Some are business blocks on George Street, others are dwellings. The Second Empire terrace on Rubidge Street is his most outstanding architectural contribution to the city. His own home occupied the block now bounded by Weller and Walton Streets and Belmont and Homewood Avenues. Hunter Street West now cuts through where his house stood.

While the exact date of construction is unknown, it is possible that the Hamilton Carriage House was constructed at the same time as the main house on the Hamilton estate. The carriage house is one component of an assemblage of buildings which comprised the estate of William Hamilton, who at one time had one of the most prosperous businesses in Peterborough. Along with the Hamilton home and the original foundry offices located at the corner of Reid and Murray Streets, the major components of the estate are intact.

The carriage house retains its architectural integrity in construction materials and design. While the main carriage entrance has been filled in, the openings are otherwise intact. The building represents a good example of an estate service structure designed to compliment and enhance the property of a prominent family.

The Eastland House is one of the oldest remaining stone houses in Peterborough and was built in 1848 by Thomas Eastland. The house has a remarkable history of occupants and visitors. With strong ties to the early banks of Peterborough as the residence for the local managers of the Bank of Montreal and Ontario Bank Eastland House represents a period in time when employers were expected to provide amenities for their top employees. This trend was discontinued in 1931, and the manager residing in the house, E. S. Martin, was allowed to buy the house upon his retirement.

The Eastland House gained local notoriety as 'the Winston Churchill House' during Churchill's North American tour of 1900 to 1901. The future British prime minister, after his address in Peterborough on January 1, 1901, stayed at the home of Mr. and Mrs. H. J. Grasette who were the owners at that time.

Constructed with stone from the local quarry, the house is an excellent example of the Neo-classical style with its symmetrical facade and large windows. The elliptical transom and sidelights, and square post verandah are also noteworthy Neo-classical details.

The heritage value of this property lies in its history and architecture. It is an excellent example of large and elaborate homes occupied by Peterborough’s wealthier citizens as indicated by its owners. It was built for H. C. Rogers, Peterborough’s postmaster. In 1903, it was sold to William Conway, the manager of Grafton & Co. clothing store, whose family lived there for more than twenty years until it was bought in the late 1920s by Henry R. H. Kenner, the principal of the Peterborough Collegiate and Vocational Institute.

In terms of architecture, this house is a strong example of styles preferred by the more prosperous classes. This house is exemplary of the Queen Anne style with its large, irregular but balanced massing; half-timbered gables; wrap-around verandah; composite columns; and brackets underneath the verandah roof.

This buff brick, double detached villa has good historical and architectural value. Built in 1885 for R. H. Green, a grocer, and E. B. Edwards, a barrister, the house is an excellent example of the housing occupied by the upper middle class in the late 19th century. It was designed by noted architect and City engineer John E. Belcher, who created a number of large, elegant houses for Peterborough’s affluent population in the late 19th and early 20th century. Better known for his public and/or commercial buildings, Belcher designed numerous buildings that contribute to Peterborough’s historical fabric, including the Market Hall and Clock Tower, and the Morrow Building.

The house at 385-387 Reid Street was transformed into apartments in the 1960s, and has had a long succession of occupants. Renovated and restored by a later owner, 385 Reid Street is now the private home and office space. 387 Reid Street remains rental units.

The John Douglas Cottage, built as a rental unit for the merchant craftsman class, is significant as one of the best examples of a Regency style brick cottage in Peterborough. Constructed in the 1860’s, it is the centre cottage of three very similar small Regency cottages built by John Thomas Douglas.

The John Douglas Cottage is the best-preserved example of these three cottages, having retained its original windows and sidelights, and a unique Tudor-esque stained glass transom. Over the years, the house has been occupied by merchants and skilled tradesmen, several of whom have worked at Peterborough industrial institutions such as Quaker Oats and General Electric.

St. Peter’s Elementary School has excellent cultural heritage value as an intact educational facility from the 1950s with strong ties to the local community and neighbourhood.

St. Peter’s Elementary School has historical value as an example of community support for Peterborough’s Catholic school board, as local fundraisers provided over $500,000 for the school’s construction.

Opened in 1952, St. Peter’s Elementary was an all boys school until 1956 when it merged with the local girls school, St. Mary’s. Designed to hold 300 students, it also provided a large double wood floor gymnasium for the use of both elementary students and St. Peter’s Secondary School students.

St. Peter’s Elementary School closed in 2003 due to a decline in enrollment. However, the school building remains an important and vital memory to the thousands of students who spent a large portion of their childhood within the walls. Its continues to be a landmark building in a neighbourhood of imposing structures, and is especially important in its relationship to the cluster of historic buildings still owned and operated by the Roman Catholic Church such as the Cathedral of St. Peter in Chains, St. Peter’s Rectory and Bishop’s Palace.

The architectural value of the former St. Peter’s Elementary School is as an intact representation of 1950s institutional architecture. Both interior and exterior features contribute to the buildings architectural significance. The auditorium entrance lobby and elaborate exterior east façade with pilasters and medallions are of especial note.

379 Reid Street has good cultural heritage value in its association with a prominent citizen of early 20th century Peterborough, and through its contribution to an intact streetscape of late 19th and early 20th century residences and landmarks.

379 Reid Street has historical value through its association with Joseph Duffus, the builder and first owner of the house. Joseph J. Duffus was born in Peterborough in 1876, and throughout his extensive career he was a businessman, builder and a decorated member of the military. He served as an alderman for Peterborough and was mayor in 1916-1917. He was the president of many important municipal and provincial organizations such as the Chamber of Commerce and the Plowmen’s Association. Duffus was elected to the House of Commons in 1935 as a Liberal candidate and served on the Senate from 1940 until his death in 1957.

Duffus was an astute businessman who owned the largest Model T dealership in Canada. He also had many real estate investments and rental properties across the City of Peterborough, and this investment house at 379 Reid Street was immediately let out to Fanny Redmond, who married John Torpey, a grandson of another John Torpey who was part of the Peter Robinson immigration. Since then, 379 Reid Street has had numerous owners and tenants, first as a single family home, and then, beginning in 1964, as several apartments.

The house has architectural value as a local variation of an Edwardian style house, and has many similarities to the pattern book houses of the early 20th century. 379 Reid Street is one of many Edwardian homes in the City of Peterborough and is one of the best preserved, having retained its original front and back verandahs, many original windows (including stained glass) and beveled glass front door. It is also a good example of double brick construction, a method that was quickly being replaced by framed structures.

The house has contextual value as a contributing structure to an intact neighbourhood of late 19th and early 20th century residences and landmarks. Located across the street from some of Peterborough’s best known historic landmarks, including the Cathedral of St. Peter-in-Chains, the Knights of Columbus Hall, and the former Trinity United Church, the house continues the stretch of 2 and 3 storey historic residences along the west side of Reid Street.

The property at 349 Reid Street holds heritage and cultural value as an excellent, intact example of an interpretation of the Italianate style, constructed in 1875 by James Stenson.  The central dormer on the third floor was added later. This building has all of its original exterior features, and retains Italianate features with its frontispiece with central Doric style columns and large sash windows on the first and second storeys. The building also has features of the Regency style, reflected in the high-pitched central dormer, which compliments the pitch and placement of the frontispiece of the main entrance.

349 Reid Street remained in the Stenson family from 1875 until 1937. James T. Stenson was a shoe merchant in Peterborough, his business was established as “James T. Stenson Shoe Company” before 1871.   In 1934 John T. Hornsby, an Architect, was commissioned to redesign the house to include separate apartments and living areas, which involved its conversion into a series of separate apartments on all floors, complete with completely selfsufficient living areas and kitchens. The plans included a main vestibule at the entrance and partition walls dividing each side of the house, removing many of its interior woodwork including arches, and the expansion of the upper roofline. The plans were never executed, and the home retains its original characteristics and scale.

When 349 Reid Street was sold in 1937, it was occupied by the owners and some tenants, and divided into at least 3 units within the house, while retaining most of its original interior features including mouldings, ceiling medallions and original central staircase. No partitions were ever introduced, and original archways remain intact.

The wooden drive shed located in the back west portion of the lot has heritage and cultural value with its original fenestration and wooden details. It is constructed in a composition that echoes that of the original home, but it is not clear when it was added to the property. The drive shed itself is a reflection of design aesthetics during the time period in which it was constructed, in many ways it shows a pride in craftsmanship was still very much alive at the time and great care was taken to build this shed to reflect and compliment the design of the original home. The woodwork on the eaves and bargeboard of the shed is a simple design, but the same circular pattern is used to accent the entire structure, seen in the wooden window and doors surrounds, which gives it a cohesive appearance.

416 Stewart Street has excellent architectural and cultural heritage value through its historical associations and well-preserved design and construction. The home was built on land originally owned by James Hall, a wealthy land owner whose name is prominent in Peterborough’s political and industrial history as owner of one of the first tanneries along Jackson Creek. Hall was Mayor of Peterborough in 1855 and a Member of Parliament from 1872-73.  

The building at 416 Stewart has architectural value in its unique features adopted from a variety of styles that were popular at the time. The Italianate style is echoed in the bay on the south elevation of the building and small, intricately carved balconies, supported by decorative brackets leading to various tenant entrances.

416 Stewart Street was divided into a number of apartments in the 1960s and has been rented to tenants over the years. The neighbourhood remains well kept, although most buildings are used as multi-residential rental units or for commercial purposes due to their size. The building at 416 Stewart is a landmark on the street and retains most of its original exterior features

181 Stewart Street has cultural heritage value or interest as a representative example of a simplified Queen Anne style house. Constructed in 1901, it is a good example of a popular housing type in Peterborough during the late nineteenth and early twentieth century which took its design cues from the Queen Anne style and adapted its key principles to a less ornate housing type. Key features of this style include the front facing gable, asymmetrical massing, and red brick construction. It has historical value as a house constructed for working class occupants with connections to Peterborough’s increasing industrial base and has the potential to yield additional information about the social, economic and architectural development of the city during this period. It forms part of an intact, historic neighbourhood comprised primarily of late nineteenth and early twentieth century homes.