Historic Walking Tour

1. Savoy Theatre: 747 2nd Ave East

Built in 1912, this theatre saw minstrel shows, Vaudeville and silent movies, with the first talking picture show in 1930.  In 1961, the Savoy was sold to Odeon Theatres. In the mid-1980s, the building was completely renovated to accommodate apartments above and storefronts at street level.

2. Dr. Alan Cameron House: 712 2nd Ave East

Dr. Alan Cameron, a graduate of the University of Glasgow, came to Owen Sound in 1854. He played a major role in the founding of the General & Marine Hospital, was Medical Officer of Health, and Chief Surgeon for the Canadian Pacific Railway. The house was built around 1870.

3. Dental Clinic: 704 2nd Ave East

Like its neighbour at 712, the Dental Clinic is an Italianate structure with a low pitched roof, decorative eves, and the highly ornamental window hoods so often found in this style.

4. Maughan Snider House: 111 7th St East

This house was built in 1848 for George and Jane Maughan Snider. They housed the Buchan family for two years while Buchan Manor (see #5) was built. Buchan's daughter, Mary, married Jane's younger brother, Grey County Sheriff Joseph Maughan. Of log construction, later veneered with brick, huge, unpeeled logs support the house.

5. Buchan Manor: 682 2nd Ave East

This Georgian style house was built in 1855 by Walter E. Buchan of Glasgow. The golden limestone walls are 27 inches thick. The ceilings are 13 feet high. Legend has it that an itinerant artist from the United States painted the Union Jack on the ceiling of the dining room, so it could be said the family always dined under the flag of the British Empire.

6. Poulett Place: 695 2nd Ave East

This Victorian Gothic Revival style house was built around 1875 by boot and shoe store owner James Frizell. It was named after Poulett Street, in turn named after Governor General Lord Sydenham (Charles Poulett Thomson), who presided over the first parliament of Canada. It was later occupied by the McLauchlans, owners of the McLauchlan Biscuit & Confectionery Company (see #10).

7. Mill Dam & Fish Ladder

In the 1840s, Surveyor Charles Rankin set aside 35 acres for a mill reserve on the Sydenham River. The first dam and a grist mill were built soon after by John Frost. Rainbow trout use the fish ladder in the spring, salmon in the fall, to by-pass the dam on their way up river to spawn. It was the first fish ladder to be built in Ontario. 
Note: During winter, the Mill Dam may not be kept snow free.

The Sydenham River rises in marl-bottomed Williams Lake, a kettle lake in the former Holland Township, now part of Chatsworth. It tumbles over the Niagara Escarpment at Inglis Falls. The river is named for Lord Sydenham, Governor-General of Upper Canada in 1841.

8. Wilcox/Bowman House: 606 2nd Ave West

Milliner and "fancy goods" merchant Buell Wilcox built this vernacular Ontario Gothic house in 1870. H.H. Bowman purchased the house in the early 1900s and constructed the addition. Bowman was the campaign manager for General Andrew McNaughton in the by-election of 1945 (see #13). An entrepreneur with many interests, Bowman had the first Ford automobile franchise in the City (see Downtown Tour, #19).

9. Cement Block House: 665 2nd Ave West

Thomas Dates built this house in 1909. A chemical engineer with the Sun Cement Company, Dates built it to demonstrate what could be done with cement blocks.

10. W.G. McLauchlan House: 680 2nd Ave West

James McLauchlan emigrated from Scotland in 1854. His biscuit and confectionery company, J.H. McLauchlan & Sons, based in Williamsford in 1869, then Owen Sound (in the 900 block of 3rd Ave East) in 1876, became one of Grey County's largest manufacturers and was sold to National Grocers in the 1940s. His son, William, built this stately English Tudor Revival residence in 1910; the family lived here until 1978.

11. Scott/Manley House: 712 2nd Ave West

Thomas Scott came to Owen Sound in 1850 and was a Mason, town councillor, harbour master, mayor and Conservative MPP.  At one time he owned all the land from 7th Street to the mill dam.  Scott's stone cottage was later enlarged by druggist Arthur Wood Manley (see Downtown Tour, #15).

12. Pettigrew/Urquhart House: 745 2nd Ave West

This lot is believed to have been the site of the first Black church in Owen Sound. Pettigrew built this "Ontario Cottage" circa 1855.  A stone cellar accommodated the kitchen and staff quarters.  Grocery merchant Donald P. Urquhart bought it in 1880, and it remained in his family until 1974.

13. Webster/Case House: 767 2nd Ave West

Built in 1910, this residence housed two of Owen Sound's mayors: William Webster (1918), and Garfield Case (1945).  In a 1945 by-election Liberal Prime Minister Mackenzie King chose North Grey as a riding for General Andrew McNaughton, Minister of National Defence. The conscription issue dominated the election. In a surprise outcome, Case, the Progressive Conservative candidate, defeated McNaughton (see #8).

14. Harrison Park: 75 2nd Ave East

(See West Side Tour #5, #9) In 1912 Owen Sound acquired the Park and continued its development. The Inn was built in 1915 using local stone. Destroyed by fire in 1985, the Inn was rebuilt, not as a copy of the original but in keeping with its historical character. The Park has been the location of the annual Emancipation Festival Picnic since 1862.  Through the symbolism of quilt patterns and interpretive plaques, the Black History Cairn is a memorial to those forced into slavery and their escape to freedom via the Underground Railroad.

15. Greenwood Cemetery: 190 1st St SW

Opened to the public in 1854, Greenwood Cemetery contains one of the oldest houses in Owen Sound, now used as an office, built in the late 1840s. A small red brick Gothic Revival Chapel and the 1927 Mausoleum are also of interest. The latter, covered in Indiana limestone and finished with Italian marble inside, has several beautiful Tiffany-style stained glass windows. A Cemetery Walking Tour is available.

1. Canadian Pacific Railway Station: 1198 1st Ave East

Rail service to Owen Sound began in 1873 and included grain elevators, freight sheds and a roundhouse, the foundations of which can still be seen at 13th Street. This modern station was built in 1946, part of a pilot program to modernize CPR facilities after World War II.  Passenger service ended in 1970, freight service in the mid-1990s. Vacant for many years, the City purchased the Station in 2010 and restoration is underway.

2. Station Hotel: 1199 1st Ave East

Built circa 1897 near the Canadian Pacific Railway yard, the Station Hotel served as a boarding house, hotel and as overflow waiting area. There was also a restaurant that served patrons from the main floor.

3. Beth Ezekiel Synagogue: 313 11th St East

Owen Sound has been home to a Jewish population for as long as there has been a town here. Regular services were held by 1904, first in homes, then in rented sites. In 1947, this Calvary Church was purchased and named in honour of Isaac Ezekiel Cadesky, a driving force in the establishment of the present synagogue.

4. Salvation Corners: Intersection of 10th St & 4th Ave East

This intersection has been dubbed "Salvation Corners" because of the four remarkable limestone churches that anchor this spot, just one block east of "Damnation Corners".

5. Church of the Nazarene: 386 10th St East

The Church of Christ Disciples was formed in 1842 and they built this church in 1889 in the style of an early English country church. In 1957 the Church of the Nazarene bought the building.

6. St. George's Anglican Church: 1049 4th Ave East

The Anglican congregation was established in Owen Sound in 1846. This church was built in 1881, patterned after St. Mary's Church in Bristol, England. The parish hall was built in 1898. An addition was built in 1968. A complete restoration of the steeple was undertaken in 2010-2011.

7. First Baptist Church: 990 4th Ave East

Owen Sound's first Baptist congregation was established in 1853. Their first building on this site was erected in 1879.  This stone church was built in 1903. 

8. Georgian Shores United Church: 997 4th Ave East

The first church on this site, called Division Street Presbyterian, was erected in 1857. The current church was built in 1886. The congregation joined the United Church of Canada in 1925. In 2012, Division Street United merged with Knox United to become Georgian Shores United.

9. MacLean Estate Bed & Breakfast: 404 9th St East

Dr. John A. Hershey built this house in 1899 for his family and his medical practice, and patients would enter through the 4th Ave East door. Dr. Hershey would also teach medical students at his practice, including the famous Dr. Norman Bethune. When Dr. Hershey died unexpectedly in 1921, his practice was taken over by Dr. George Robert Miller, who practiced until 1932. The building is now used as MacLean Estate Bed and Breakfast, with rooms named after each doctor.

10. Former Knox United Church: 890 4th Ave East

Knox Presbyterian formed in 1846. This structure was built in 1873 and enlarged in 1886. With Congregationalist Union, it became a United Church in 1925. In 2012, Knox United merged with Division Street United to become Georgian Shores United Church (see #8). The building is now home to Harmony Centre Owen Sound, whose motto is "preserving this place for our community to share, create, and perform".

11. The Manse: 895 4th Ave East

Built in the early 1870s, this home was used as a manse for Knox Presbyterian Church around 1900, and is now apartments. Originally Georgian in style, with simple design elements, two additions added the large tower, bay windows, and hipped roof.

12. Gambrel Roof House: 887 4th Ave East

Real estate and insurance agent William R. McColl owned this house in the early part of the 20th century. This house, along with several others in the neighbourhood, has an interesting double-gable gambrel roof which is a sign of a common builder.

13. Ryerson School: 795 5th Ave East

In 1868, Boyd St School was built at a cost of $1,905. The playground across the street was home to curling and skating rinks from 1888 to 1929. The school was enlarged several times, and in 1910 it was renamed Ryerson School. In 1990, it was converted into a 36-unit apartment building.

14. Craftsman House: 832 5th Ave East

Robert and Estelle Wright had this house built in 1923 by local contractor Telford & King. Wright was a pattern maker at the Owen Sound Iron Works, and later a foreman at Wm. Kennedy & Sons. An example of the Craftsman Style of architecture.

15. F.N. D'Orr LePan Cottage: 861 5th Ave East

16. Rixon House: 894 5th Ave East

Built in the late 1850s, this Georgian style home was used for church services until 1874 (traces of the entry door can still be seen on the north façade), then as a private school, a grammar school and a boarding house. Sold to the Rixons in 1888, it stayed in the family until 1973.

17. Butchart Estate: 919 5th Ave East

This Queen Anne Revival style house was built in 1891 for David and Martha Butchart, influential in the development of the Portland cement industry in Canada. David's brother, Robert P. Butchart and his wife Jenny, moved to British Columbia in 1902, forming the Vancouver Portland Cement Co. In 1921 Robert closed his quarry and Jenny developed the famed Butchart Gardens.

18. Row Housing: 938 to 1000 5th Ave East

Built in the late 1800s, this collection of three row housing groups shows mixture of styles, including Gothic Revival and Italianate, with a variety of architectural elements, such as gables, gingerbread trim and bay windows.

19. Registry Office: 1240 4th Ave East

The County of Grey Registry Office was built in 1855 by contractor John Frost, who later became Mayor of Owen Sound.  In 1923, an addition was constructed and in 1961, the building was used as municipal offices during construction of the new City Hall.

20. Maitland House: 1258 3rd Ave East

Originally built in 1874 as a Regency cottage with verandahs facing both 3rd Avenue East and the harbor, it was transformed into this East Coast Queen Anne Revival style in 1885 by Jim and Annie Maitland. Jim was in the lumber business and Annie was a granddaughter of Richard Carney, the first mayor of Owen Sound.

21. Grey County Jail: 1259 3rd Ave East

The Grey County Jail was built in 1853, a requirement for the new County's formation the next year. A total of three hangings took place in the Jail, the first on December 5, 1884; a 55-year-old blind man named "Cook Teets" was convicted of poisoning his wife, though later her mother confessed to the crime.

22. Old Grey County Court House: 1235 3rd Ave East

Built in 1853, this example of Canada West Classical Revival is constructed of rubble stone with golden quarried limestone overlaying the front façade. The large two-storey tower is a later addition, made to the south end in 1885.

23. Fire Hall: 1209 3rd Ave East

In 1850, the Village of Sydenham appointed 30 volunteers and purchased fire fighting equipment. In 1891, a new fleet of horse drawn equipment was acquired for the Fire Hall located next to the Town Hall (See Downtown Tour, #2). A by-law was passed in 1907 to hire 14 full time firefighters; in 1917, the number was increased to 28.

1. Canadian National Railway Station: 1155 1st Ave West

This station was built in 1932, replacing the Grand Trunk Station of 1894. Passenger service ended in 1970, freight service in 1986. The tracks were removed in 1995, except for this short strip. The station now houses the Marine & Rail Museum, and the City's Visitor Information Centre.

2. Kennedy Foundry: 1144 1st Ave West

This site was home to a machine shop and foundry begun in 1856 by Scottish immigrant William Kennedy. It reached its zenith during WWII as Black Clawson Kennedy, where propellers for Canadian-built ships were cast. It was one of a number of industries that employed Black workers.

3. Molock House: 242 11th St West

In 1856, Francis Ebenezer Molock (1835-1910) escaped from slavery in Maryland with the assistance of Harriet Tubman, the famous conductor on the Underground Railroad. He made his way to Owen Sound where he built this house during the 1870s with his wife, Mary. They raised a family of nine children here.

4. British Methodist Episcopal Church: 245 11th St West

In 1856, a British Methodist Episcopal congregation was established (see Mill Dam Tour #12). Members held the first Emancipation Picnic in 1862, and have done so every year since. Built in 1889 as Westside Methodist Church (see #6), this building was sold to the BME congregation in 1911.

5. F.W. Harrison House: 1050 4th Ave West

Home of the eldest son of pioneer lumberman John Harrison, Frederick William Harrison (1863-1916) and his wife, Amy M. Adair. In 1898 they re-fashioned the existing house in the Beaux-Arts style. He was elected Mayor in 1909 and was responsible for Harrison Park (See Mill Dam Tour #14) being transferred to the town of Owen Sound and the new street numbering system.

6. Central Westside United Church: 310 10th St West

Completed in 1911 at a cost of $28,000, Westside Methodist Church (See #4) was constructed of local materials. The cornerstone was laid by Vincent Massey on May 26, 1910. Designed to be seen diagonally from across the street, it was built with Renaissance proportions in the Akron Style. The congregation joined the United Church of Canada in 1925.

7. Billy Bishop Home & Museum: 948 3rd Ave West

Built in the Queen Anne Revival Style in 1884, this is the boyhood home of William Avery "Billy" Bishop, World War I flying ace and Victoria Cross recipient. A museum since 1987, it was named a National Historic Site in May 2002.

8. Former U.S. Consulate: 932 3rd Ave West

This Italian Villa style house was used as home and office for U.S. Consul Col. Seyfert early in the 20th century, evidence of Owen Sound's place in American shipping. It was built in 1890 for hardware merchant John Redfern and was later owned by police magistrate Alfred Creasor, and industrialist Colin Russel.

9. James Harrison House: 927 3rd Ave West

James and Rebecca Harrison purchased this 1890s house in 1905. James was the youngest son of John Harrison, whose Pleasure Grounds became Harrison Park (See Mill Dam Tour, Harrison Park) in 1912. James was also the secretary of the family business, John Harrison & Sons Co. Ltd. lumber mill.

10. Lemon House: 284 9th St West

Newlyweds Morley and Mary Lemon purchased this 1891 home in 1910; it remained in the family for the rest of the 20th century. Three generations of Lemons have sat on Owen Sound Council. The Lemon Bros. grocery business eventually became National Grocers.

11. Wilkinson House: 903 2nd Ave West

Built in 1912 by F.C. (Charles) Wilkinson, a shoe store owner, this Arts and Craft style house stayed in the family until the 21st century. Restored in 2002, care was taken to maintain the authenticity of the traditional façade and interior decorating.

12. Wright House: 935 2nd Ave West

The most outstanding quality of this 1912 building is the intricate three-storey tower on the north-west corner of the building. The mansard roof signals this as the Second Empire style, though it contains many High Victorian elements.

13. Queen Anne Revival House: 949 2nd Ave West

Built in 1895, this structure is in the Queen Anne Revival style, with characteristics such as the tower, verandah, irregular massing, stepped hip roof, gables and various types of sheathing on the façade.

14. Notter House: 219 10th St West

Built in 1868 by Richard Notter, city mayor in 1887-1888, this Second Empire structure has a mansard roof, typical of the style, with brackets, pointed dormers and ornate molding.

15. George Meir House: 1010 2nd Ave West

Originally from Dublin, Ireland, the Meirs moved to New York in 1840 and Owen Sound in 1856, where they established a grocery business. Son George (1847-1898) began construction of this double house in the late 1890s, but died before it was completed. His sisters lived in the house until 1925.

16. Drs. Dow & Pollock House: 1000 1st Ave West

This Queen Anne Revival style house was built by Dr. William George Dow in 1893-94, both for his family and his practice. Dr. Dow's niece, Grace, and her husband, Dr. Allan Pollock, purchased the house in 1937. It was used as a medical centre and residence until 1978, when Dr. Pollock resigned his practice.

17. Charles Rankin House: 996 1st Ave West

Appointed Deputy Provincial Surveyor in 1820, Charles Rankin surveyed most of Grey and Bruce counties, including the town site of what is now Owen Sound. He lived in this house from 1851 until his death in 1886. A private banker and a wealthy man, he lived simply, as evidenced in this plain dwelling, originally frame, and bricked over at a later time.

1. Legate Building: 790 2nd Ave East

This structure was built for William Legate in 1906, with shops below and apartments above. Legate established the Owen Sound Furniture House in 1914. 

2. City Hall: 808 2nd Ave East

The original Town Hall was built here in 1868 and it included an eight-sided wooden cupola with a dummy clock face which read 9:03 -- correct twice a day! This 'clock' was replaced in 1920 with a square tower and four-sided clock and chimes to commemorate the City's incorporation. Gutted by fire in 1961, the present City Hall was built in 1965. The space around City Hall is known as Hero's Square, featuring plaques honouring other prominent citizens, including the story of  John 'Daddy' Hall, veteran of the War of 1812, escaped slave and town crier.

3. Coulson British Hotel: 801 2nd Ave East

Three years after his arrival in 1854, J.P. Coulson opened Coulson's British Hotel, the village's first major hotel. It had 80 rooms, stables, dining rooms, a bar, and a women's parlour. It became the hub of his expanding empire, which included stage coach lines, mail and freight services.

4. Parker's Drugstore: 854-856 2nd Ave East

Originally the home of Parker's Drugstore, part of Upper Canada's (Ontario) first drugstore chain (Rexall), this building later became Owen Sound's first telegraph and telephone exchange, which was later taken over by Bell. The words "Parker's" and "Toiletries" are still visible above the entrance doorway.

5. Fulford Hardware: 874 2nd Ave East

Edgar Allan Fulford was born in Sydenham Township. He opened his first hardware store across from City Hall, and moved to this location in 1941. Original floors and fixtures help maintain this store's old-fashioned atmosphere. 

6. Coates & Best Building: 883 2nd Ave East

Built in 1912 as The Grand Opera House, it was purchased in the 1920s by John Griffin and renamed "Griffin's Theatre". With further renovations in 1948, it became an Odeon Theatre. The Owen Sound Little Theatre, formed in 1961, bought the building in 1986 and renovated it for their use. 

7. Roxy Theatre: 251 9th St East

Built in 1912 as The Grand Opera House, it was purchased in the 1920s by John Griffin and renamed "Griffin's Theatre". With further renovations in 1948, it became an Odeon Theatre. The Owen Sound Little Theatre, formed in 1961, bought the building in 1986 and renovated it for their use. 

 8. Old Post Office: 291 9th St East

Built in the Beaux-Arts style as a Post Office in 1910, the building was sold in 1958 and now contains commercial uses and apartments. The main floor is constructed of rock-faced limestone, the second of ashlar (smooth faced stone), and the third is lit by alternating pediment and curved-roof dormers.

9. Vernacular Commercial Building: 881 3rd Ave East

Built circa 1910, this building was first occupied by Laing & Gilchrist, druggists, with Imperial Optical and several doctors as tenants by mid-century.

10. Damnation Corners:  Intersection of 10th St & 3rd Ave East

Known as "Damnation Corners," four hotels once stood here, one on each corner. A block west, you will find "Salvation Corners", where four churches still stand.

11. Chicago Building:  279 10th St East

Typical of late 19th century commercial buildings, this structure is a mix of late Victorian revival styles. This building is now home of the Owen Sound Artists' Co-op, a gallery showcasing local artists.

12. Sloan Building: 229 10th St East

Irish-born John Sloan constructed this building around 1867, as a melodeon factory and sales outlet. He lived upstairs with his family until his death in about 1892. 

13. Seldon House: 1005 2nd Ave East

Built in 1887 as a hotel with 44 rooms, three parlours, a bar, dining room and commercial sample rooms, from 1904 to 1937 it was operated by daughters of Mrs. R.J. Doyle - a founder of the Women's Christian Temperance Union, and did not serve alcohol.  The exterior of the building was restored in the 1980s.

14. Superior Block: 1002 2nd Ave East

Built around 1880, this three-storey, six-sided building was originally named the "Superior Block."  It was later named the "Griffith Block" for John Charles Griffith, who came to Owen Sound in 1875 and established a tannery and a harness shop.

15. Commercial Heritage Buildings: 958/966 & 992 2nd Ave East

These heritage buildings are typical of 19th century small town Ontario main streets.  992 2nd Ave East, built circa 1868, has a strong association with the tradition of independent druggists. Arthur Woods Manley, a chemist, opened his business here in 1885. In the 1940s it was Cecil McLeod Drugs.

16. McKay Bros. Ltd. Store: 942 2nd Ave East

Built in 1905, this three-storey Beaux-Arts building originally housed Ryan Bros., a dry goods store. That same year the four McKay brothers arrived in Owen Sound and set up shop across the street.  Due to stiff competition, the Ryan's sold out to the McKay brothers in 1924 for $60,000. McKay Bros. operated until 1989. Today, you can still see the faint 'Ryan Bros' and more obvious 'McKay's Dry Goods' painted on the south side of the building.

17. Whole Foods Store: 941 2nd Ave East

Once home to Douglas & Taylor Jewellers, the ground level storefront of this Victorian era building was remodelled in the 1920s. 

18. F.N. D'Orr LePan Store: 132 9th St East

Irish immigrant Frederick Nicholas D'Orr LePan (see East Side Tour #15) purchased a lot on the northwest corner of 9th Street and 2nd Avenue East in 1848 for $150. He built a two-storey structure and opened a general store, which also sold wine and liquor. The store moved to this location in 1905 and was demolished in 2006. The new building here sports a replica boomtown front much like the one on the original LePan store.

19. Owen Sound Garage: 80 9th St East

Built in 1911 for Kilbourne Real Estate, this was soon the home of the Owen Sound Garage owned by H.H. Bowman (see Mill Dam Tour, #8), dealer in Ford and Oakland automobiles. Automotive-related services continued to be offered from this site into the late 1970s. It is being redeveloped in 2013 as The Sydenham, a condominium residence.

20. Women's Christian Temperance Union:  898 1st Ave West

This structure was built from limestone cut on site in 1865 for a Congregational Church, which had many members who were escaped slaves.  In 1882 it was purchased as a meeting hall for the WCTU, which got its start in Owen Sound. A Lutheran Church in 1943, then a Christian Science Society in 1963, it passed into private hands in 2006.

21. Tom Thomson Art Gallery:  824 1st Ave West

Established in 1967 as a memorial to iconic Canadian landscape artist Tom Thomson, the gallery houses a nationally significant collection of Thomson's works and artifacts.  Completely renovated in 1988, the gallery features exhibition halls, collection storage, an educational studio and atrium.

22. Owen Sound & North Grey Union Public Library: 824 1st Ave West

A Mechanics' Institute lending library had existed since 1855, but free public library service was not available until the present building was opened in 1914 with an Andrew Carnegie grant. The addition dates from 1972. The original building was restored in 2003.

23. Kennedy Terrace: 791-795 2nd Ave West

This site originally housed Heap's Furniture Factory, a board & batten building on a stone foundation, then a fanning mill factory. In 1900, after the factory burned down, local contractor J.C. Kennedy built this terrace on the original foundation.

24. Waterworks/Market Building: 110-114 8th St East

The Market Building was constructed in 1868 as a private waterworks and taken over by the town in 1890. It is believed that some of the earliest church services for Blacks, namely "Little Zion Church" were held at this location. The building became a farmers' market in 1935. The surrounding site has been in continual use as a market for over 160 years, open year-round every Saturday morning.