Time Walker

Tucked away in a small valley amidst a residential area stands the City of Peterborough's largest example of Beaux Arts architecture.   The first time I came upon it, I turned the corner and was struck by the sheer size and magnificence of this imposing structure; totally unexpected to be found among this quiet neighbourhood of largely Edwardian houses. The Peterborough Normal School opened on September 15, 1907 as one of four schools opened at the time in Ontario for the purpose of training teachers.  The building was later renamed Teachers College, a name that is now used for the neighbourhood where it is now an apartment complex.

Originally a country house built on 100 acres, Dixon House was situated well back from the road, facing south toward what is now Parkhill.  Encircling the house was a two storey, covered veranda, accessible by French doors on both floors.  My first blog post was entitled, "The Suburb Surrounds the Mansion", and the William Dixon House is another example.  The house was owned by the federal government between 1941-1975, and contained the Peterborough branch of Wartime Housing Limited.  The house now has a Park Street North address and sits amid a neighbourhood of prefab World War II era homes. Built in 1837, the same year as Hutchison House and Clonsilla, Dixon House is also made of local stone, which is still exposed on the north side of the building. The John E. Belcher House was built in the mid 1840s and originally faced south.  City Engineer and architect Belcher leased the house from his relative, lumber merchant Mossam Boyd. By 1890, Belcher...

Possibly the oldest house on Weller Street was built by Christopher Marshall circa 1855.  Sometimes it is still called the Weller House, but while Judge Charles Weller did own the house for less than twenty years, he never lived there.  It has been expanded but the original building is a 2-1/2 storey gable end house with classical revival returned eaves.  Originally a veranda ran the length of the front side. I love this gothic revival style house.  The thick barge board trim is seen in Peterborough on a few houses circa 1860-1870s, but I suspect this house is Edwardian.

This sidewalk tag brought back childhood memories.  I seem to recall most streets having this feature when I was small (and close to the ground where I would notice).  I wonder if it was a civic sidewalk construction mandate or simply a signature of the construction company who laid many of the sidewalks.  So few are left now I got a memory flash and decided to take a picture. One of my favourite houses in Peterborough is the Arts and Crafts cottage at the back of the old William Morrow estate. William George Morrow was a businessman and Mayor of Peterborough, 1910-11.  His will provided funds for the building of City Hall.  He built his home in 1890 on land adjacent to the home of his uncle, George Cox.  There is an old hand water pump in the back garden.