William Metheral owned a substantial portion of land at the southeast corner of Aylmer and Murray Streets. Over several decades, the Metheral family expanded along with their business, and the four buildings they erected have all survived into the 21st century. In my research, I have often come across this type of progressive Victorian family land holding. I know of several other examples in Peterborough; it’s a common North American model. The patriarch purchased or received a grant of a generous parcel of land. On it they established their homestead and business. The family grew, and the sons helped build the business, which prospered along with the growing community. They built a slightly larger home. The adult sons, in turn, built prestige property; larger, more luxurious, status type dwellings on the land of the family compound. In this case, two of William Metheral’s sons each lived in one of the units, and the two other homes were rented out, generating additional income....
Yet another house on a hill turned away from the street to face the view is the Robert Kingan House, built c. 1863. Directly across Brock Street from Hutchison House, this beauty is currently getting a face lift. Several months ago, a massive addition on the back was torn down in a matter of one day. In the past few weeks, the original look of the brickwork has been being restored by a company called The Brick Painters. I've watched them perform their magic on a few other properties in town, and they do a phenomenal job. This is not the usual sandblasting but instead a method of faux finish that restores the appearance of the brick without risking potential damage from common cleaning methods. You can't tell these bricks are painted! The whole house used to be that awful yellow you can still see on the back where the addition was removed. Just look at it now! I also love the look of the new entrance porch; contemporary Arts &...
The Masonic Lodge This Greek revival style home was built in 1847 by P. M. Grover. Robert and Charlotte Nicholls purchased the house in 1851. Charlotte Jane Nicholls became one of Peterborough's greatest philanthropists, donating many properties and buildings. The house was purchased by the Masons in 1950. Hutchison House Home to the Peterborough Historical Society, ( peterboroughhistoricalsociety.ca ) Hutchison House is a local icon. Built in 1837, it is one of the oldest known homes in town. This is a wonderful living museum, open most of the year. Eastland House A young Winston Churchill was an overnight guest here on January 1, 1901. This heritage stone house was built in 1848, and now houses the offices of an insurance company.
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