2

Ruth Van Gurp

10

9

Guides to Galt:A Brief HistoryofArchitecturalSpaces

OVERVIEW

In 1973, the City of Cambridge was formed whenthe city of Galt merged with the towns of Prestonand Hespeler and parts of the townships ofWaterloo and North Dumfries.

Each of these communities has its own rich andmulti-layered history; however, this bookletfocuses on the heart of downtown Galt--thatenchanting section of the city along the GrandRiver that has been officially designated as aheritage conservation district.

The purpose of this distributable ebook is to serveas an unofficial guide to the history ofarchitectural spaces within this district thatcontinue to provide valuable services to thecommunity.

Sponsored by Render & the University of Waterloo

1. School of Architecture

7 Melville St. South

In October of 2004, the University of Waterloochose downtown Galt as the location for its newSchool of Architecture.

Overlooking the Grand River, the three-level,85,000-square-foot facility accommodates about400 architecture students, faculty and staff. Itincludes a gallery built and operated by theCambridge Libraries and Galleries as well as a70-seat cafe. Both facilities are open to thegeneral public.

The building formerly was known as the RiversideSilk Mill, founded in 1915 by the brothers Donaldand E.M. McCormick. The Mill has an affluenthistory, pioneering the switch from natural tosynthetic fibres as well as introducing aprofit-sharing plan, and was a major contributorto the rich history of textile production in theregion.

Later it changed ownership several times, hostinga number of small retail and manufacturingconcerns, the last of which were Galt Knitting andTiger Brand.

2. Southworks Outlet Mall

64 Grand Avenue South

Southworks Outlet Mall is named after the SouthWorks of Babcock & Wilcox. Dumfries Foundrywas founded in 1844 by James Andrews andJames Crombie. In 1847 the foundry wasrelocated to the Grand Avenue site upon whichSouthworks is built.

By the mid 1850s the Crimean War had created anecessity for local manufacturing within Canada,which stimulated an industrial boom in the city ofGalt. The foundry itself changed hands twice, firstto Crombie alone and then to John Goldie andHugh McCulloch. It gained a reputation for itsengine building and became a majormanufacturing company with a broad line ofproducts.

In 1923 Goldie McCulloch Ltd. and Babcock &Wilcox merged and continued operation until thebuilding was sold in 1987. The old foundry wasrenovated to its current status; however, manytraces of antique machinery remain around theproperty and can be seen today.

Most of the development at Southworks has takenplace since 1996. Today there are more thantwenty-eight outlet stores open for business, plusa 30,000 square ft Antique Mall.

3. Fiddler's Green Irish Pub & RiverviewDining

12 1/2 Water St. South

The history of what is now known as FiddlersGreen Irish Pub and Riverview Dining is shroudedwith myth and mystery.

The building, situated at the heart of Galt andconsidered a historical landmark, once served asthe local post office. It was built in 1885, and wasdesigned by the well-known architect ThomasFuller, who also designed the first CanadianParliament Buildings in Ottawa.

According to an urban legend, the building ishaunted by the ghost of Emily, one of the originalemployees of the Post Office. As the story goes,her body was found hung from the rafters in theclock tower, the cause of either woeful suicide orvengeful murder. It is believed that she had beenin the midst of a passionate love affair with thepostmaster, William S. Turnbull, which for variouspossible reasons had come to end.

Legends aside, the building still offersopportunities for drinks and dining with aspectacular view of the Grand River.

4. Old City Hall

46 Dickson St.

In 1856, the decision was made to build a newtown hall. To make room, the former structurewas sold for $130.00 and was moved via rollersto Cambridge Street, where it was converted intohousing.

The new town hall was designed by architect H. B.Sinclair and was meant to reflect Galt's rapidgrowth, prosperity and influence in the region.However, not everyone was pleased with thedesign. Some condemned the Italianate design asinadequate and not at all reflective of Galt'sgrowing importance. However, the hall wascompleted in October of 1858. It was built ofgranite and white limestone. Blue granite wasused as a decorative feature. These localmaterials, typical of Galt, are what lead it to beknown as "The Granite City".

Marketing was held in the basement until 1887when the new market was built down the streetto ease the increase of traffic.

5. Mill Race Park

Located on the corner of Park Hill Road & WaterSt. North

Mill Race Park, formerly the site of the oldDickson Textile Mill, now fulfills a variety offunctions in the community.

The site's chief feature is an amphitheatre builtwithin the ruins, which overlooks the Grand River.It is host to a number of popular eventsthroughout the year, such as the annual Mill RaceFolk Festival, the Rock the Mill concert and youthfestival, and is a venue for a variety of localtalent.

The site also features an excavated "raceway" orcanal which once provided power to the mill,contains the official Canadian Heritage RiverDesignation Plaque denoting the historicalsignificance of the Grand River, functions as apicnic site, and is the only park within the citythat is reserved for wedding purposes.

6. Galt Collegiate Institute and VocationalSchool

200 Water St. North

Founded in 1852, GCI is the oldestcontinuously-operating educational institution inOntario, and has been designated as a historicallandmark.

Initially, it began as an all-boys boardinggrammar school in the old town hall underheadmaster William Tassie, and earned areputation for academic excellence. From its onsetit instructed many bright young men andentrepreneurs, including Joseph E. Seagram.

Today, Galt offers a complete academic andextra-curricular experience to a population of1200+ students in a wide-range of academic andvocational programs.

4

Guides to Galt: A Brief History of Architectural SpacesRuth Van Gurpcreated on: Wed Mar 5 15:54:27 2008

www.diffusion.org.ukDIFFUSION eBooks are designed to be freelyavailable to download, print out and share.

315

Guides to Galt:A Brief HistoryofArchitecturalSpaces

OVERVIEW

In 1973, the City of Cambridge was formed whenthe city of Galt merged with the towns of Prestonand Hespeler and parts of the townships ofWaterloo and North Dumfries.

Each of these communities has its own rich andmulti-layered history; however, this bookletfocuses on the heart of downtown Galt--thatenchanting section of the city along the GrandRiver that has been officially designated as aheritage conservation district.

The purpose of this distributable ebook is to serveas an unofficial guide to the history ofarchitectural spaces within this district thatcontinue to provide valuable services to thecommunity.

Sponsored by Render & the University of Waterloo

1. School of Architecture

7 Melville St. South

In October of 2004, the University of Waterloochose downtown Galt as the location for its newSchool of Architecture.

Overlooking the Grand River, the three-level,85,000-square-foot facility accommodates about400 architecture students, faculty and staff. Itincludes a gallery built and operated by theCambridge Libraries and Galleries as well as a70-seat cafe. Both facilities are open to thegeneral public.

The building formerly was known as the RiversideSilk Mill, founded in 1915 by the brothers Donaldand E.M. McCormick. The Mill has an affluenthistory, pioneering the switch from natural tosynthetic fibres as well as introducing aprofit-sharing plan, and was a major contributorto the rich history of textile production in theregion.

Later it changed ownership several times, hostinga number of small retail and manufacturingconcerns, the last of which were Galt Knitting andTiger Brand.

2. Southworks Outlet Mall

64 Grand Avenue South

Southworks Outlet Mall is named after the SouthWorks of Babcock & Wilcox. Dumfries Foundrywas founded in 1844 by James Andrews andJames Crombie. In 1847 the foundry wasrelocated to the Grand Avenue site upon whichSouthworks is built.

By the mid 1850s the Crimean War had created anecessity for local manufacturing within Canada,which stimulated an industrial boom in the city ofGalt. The foundry itself changed hands twice, firstto Crombie alone and then to John Goldie andHugh McCulloch. It gained a reputation for itsengine building and became a majormanufacturing company with a broad line ofproducts.

In 1923 Goldie McCulloch Ltd. and Babcock &Wilcox merged and continued operation until thebuilding was sold in 1987. The old foundry wasrenovated to its current status; however, manytraces of antique machinery remain around theproperty and can be seen today.

Most of the development at Southworks has takenplace since 1996. Today there are more thantwenty-eight outlet stores open for business, plusa 30,000 square ft Antique Mall.

3. Fiddler's Green Irish Pub & RiverviewDining

12 1/2 Water St. South

The history of what is now known as FiddlersGreen Irish Pub and Riverview Dining is shroudedwith myth and mystery.

The building, situated at the heart of Galt andconsidered a historical landmark, once served asthe local post office. It was built in 1885, and wasdesigned by the well-known architect ThomasFuller, who also designed the first CanadianParliament Buildings in Ottawa.

According to an urban legend, the building ishaunted by the ghost of Emily, one of the originalemployees of the Post Office. As the story goes,her body was found hung from the rafters in theclock tower, the cause of either woeful suicide orvengeful murder. It is believed that she had beenin the midst of a passionate love affair with thepostmaster, William S. Turnbull, which for variouspossible reasons had come to end.

Legends aside, the building still offersopportunities for drinks and dining with aspectacular view of the Grand River.

4. Old City Hall

46 Dickson St.

In 1856, the decision was made to build a newtown hall. To make room, the former structurewas sold for $130.00 and was moved via rollersto Cambridge Street, where it was converted intohousing.

The new town hall was designed by architect H. B.Sinclair and was meant to reflect Galt's rapidgrowth, prosperity and influence in the region.However, not everyone was pleased with thedesign. Some condemned the Italianate design asinadequate and not at all reflective of Galt'sgrowing importance. However, the hall wascompleted in October of 1858. It was built ofgranite and white limestone. Blue granite wasused as a decorative feature. These localmaterials, typical of Galt, are what lead it to beknown as "The Granite City".

Marketing was held in the basement until 1887when the new market was built down the streetto ease the increase of traffic.

5. Mill Race Park

Located on the corner of Park Hill Road & WaterSt. North

Mill Race Park, formerly the site of the oldDickson Textile Mill, now fulfills a variety offunctions in the community.

The site's chief feature is an amphitheatre builtwithin the ruins, which overlooks the Grand River.It is host to a number of popular eventsthroughout the year, such as the annual Mill RaceFolk Festival, the Rock the Mill concert and youthfestival, and is a venue for a variety of localtalent.

The site also features an excavated "raceway" orcanal which once provided power to the mill,contains the official Canadian Heritage RiverDesignation Plaque denoting the historicalsignificance of the Grand River, functions as apicnic site, and is the only park within the citythat is reserved for wedding purposes.

6. Galt Collegiate Institute and VocationalSchool

200 Water St. North

Founded in 1852, GCI is the oldestcontinuously-operating educational institution inOntario, and has been designated as a historicallandmark.

Initially, it began as an all-boys boardinggrammar school in the old town hall underheadmaster William Tassie, and earned areputation for academic excellence. From its onsetit instructed many bright young men andentrepreneurs, including Joseph E. Seagram.

Today, Galt offers a complete academic andextra-curricular experience to a population of1200+ students in a wide-range of academic andvocational programs.

6

5

14

13

Guides to Galt:A Brief HistoryofArchitecturalSpaces

OVERVIEW

In 1973, the City of Cambridge was formed whenthe city of Galt merged with the towns of Prestonand Hespeler and parts of the townships ofWaterloo and North Dumfries.

Each of these communities has its own rich andmulti-layered history; however, this bookletfocuses on the heart of downtown Galt--thatenchanting section of the city along the GrandRiver that has been officially designated as aheritage conservation district.

The purpose of this distributable ebook is to serveas an unofficial guide to the history ofarchitectural spaces within this district thatcontinue to provide valuable services to thecommunity.

Sponsored by Render & the University of Waterloo

1. School of Architecture

7 Melville St. South

In October of 2004, the University of Waterloochose downtown Galt as the location for its newSchool of Architecture.

Overlooking the Grand River, the three-level,85,000-square-foot facility accommodates about400 architecture students, faculty and staff. Itincludes a gallery built and operated by theCambridge Libraries and Galleries as well as a70-seat cafe. Both facilities are open to thegeneral public.

The building formerly was known as the RiversideSilk Mill, founded in 1915 by the brothers Donaldand E.M. McCormick. The Mill has an affluenthistory, pioneering the switch from natural tosynthetic fibres as well as introducing aprofit-sharing plan, and was a major contributorto the rich history of textile production in theregion.

Later it changed ownership several times, hostinga number of small retail and manufacturingconcerns, the last of which were Galt Knitting andTiger Brand.

2. Southworks Outlet Mall

64 Grand Avenue South

Southworks Outlet Mall is named after the SouthWorks of Babcock & Wilcox. Dumfries Foundrywas founded in 1844 by James Andrews andJames Crombie. In 1847 the foundry wasrelocated to the Grand Avenue site upon whichSouthworks is built.

By the mid 1850s the Crimean War had created anecessity for local manufacturing within Canada,which stimulated an industrial boom in the city ofGalt. The foundry itself changed hands twice, firstto Crombie alone and then to John Goldie andHugh McCulloch. It gained a reputation for itsengine building and became a majormanufacturing company with a broad line ofproducts.

In 1923 Goldie McCulloch Ltd. and Babcock &Wilcox merged and continued operation until thebuilding was sold in 1987. The old foundry wasrenovated to its current status; however, manytraces of antique machinery remain around theproperty and can be seen today.

Most of the development at Southworks has takenplace since 1996. Today there are more thantwenty-eight outlet stores open for business, plusa 30,000 square ft Antique Mall.

3. Fiddler's Green Irish Pub & RiverviewDining

12 1/2 Water St. South

The history of what is now known as FiddlersGreen Irish Pub and Riverview Dining is shroudedwith myth and mystery.

The building, situated at the heart of Galt andconsidered a historical landmark, once served asthe local post office. It was built in 1885, and wasdesigned by the well-known architect ThomasFuller, who also designed the first CanadianParliament Buildings in Ottawa.

According to an urban legend, the building ishaunted by the ghost of Emily, one of the originalemployees of the Post Office. As the story goes,her body was found hung from the rafters in theclock tower, the cause of either woeful suicide orvengeful murder. It is believed that she had beenin the midst of a passionate love affair with thepostmaster, William S. Turnbull, which for variouspossible reasons had come to end.

Legends aside, the building still offersopportunities for drinks and dining with aspectacular view of the Grand River.

4. Old City Hall

46 Dickson St.

In 1856, the decision was made to build a newtown hall. To make room, the former structurewas sold for $130.00 and was moved via rollersto Cambridge Street, where it was converted intohousing.

The new town hall was designed by architect H. B.Sinclair and was meant to reflect Galt's rapidgrowth, prosperity and influence in the region.However, not everyone was pleased with thedesign. Some condemned the Italianate design asinadequate and not at all reflective of Galt'sgrowing importance. However, the hall wascompleted in October of 1858. It was built ofgranite and white limestone. Blue granite wasused as a decorative feature. These localmaterials, typical of Galt, are what lead it to beknown as "The Granite City".

Marketing was held in the basement until 1887when the new market was built down the streetto ease the increase of traffic.

5. Mill Race Park

Located on the corner of Park Hill Road & WaterSt. North

Mill Race Park, formerly the site of the oldDickson Textile Mill, now fulfills a variety offunctions in the community.

The site's chief feature is an amphitheatre builtwithin the ruins, which overlooks the Grand River.It is host to a number of popular eventsthroughout the year, such as the annual Mill RaceFolk Festival, the Rock the Mill concert and youthfestival, and is a venue for a variety of localtalent.

The site also features an excavated "raceway" orcanal which once provided power to the mill,contains the official Canadian Heritage RiverDesignation Plaque denoting the historicalsignificance of the Grand River, functions as apicnic site, and is the only park within the citythat is reserved for wedding purposes.

6. Galt Collegiate Institute and VocationalSchool

200 Water St. North

Founded in 1852, GCI is the oldestcontinuously-operating educational institution inOntario, and has been designated as a historicallandmark.

Initially, it began as an all-boys boardinggrammar school in the old town hall underheadmaster William Tassie, and earned areputation for academic excellence. From its onsetit instructed many bright young men andentrepreneurs, including Joseph E. Seagram.

Today, Galt offers a complete academic andextra-curricular experience to a population of1200+ students in a wide-range of academic andvocational programs.

8

7

12

11

Guides to Galt:A Brief HistoryofArchitecturalSpaces

OVERVIEW

In 1973, the City of Cambridge was formed whenthe city of Galt merged with the towns of Prestonand Hespeler and parts of the townships ofWaterloo and North Dumfries.

Each of these communities has its own rich andmulti-layered history; however, this bookletfocuses on the heart of downtown Galt--thatenchanting section of the city along the GrandRiver that has been officially designated as aheritage conservation district.

The purpose of this distributable ebook is to serveas an unofficial guide to the history ofarchitectural spaces within this district thatcontinue to provide valuable services to thecommunity.

Sponsored by Render & the University of Waterloo

1. School of Architecture

7 Melville St. South

In October of 2004, the University of Waterloochose downtown Galt as the location for its newSchool of Architecture.

Overlooking the Grand River, the three-level,85,000-square-foot facility accommodates about400 architecture students, faculty and staff. Itincludes a gallery built and operated by theCambridge Libraries and Galleries as well as a70-seat cafe. Both facilities are open to thegeneral public.

The building formerly was known as the RiversideSilk Mill, founded in 1915 by the brothers Donaldand E.M. McCormick. The Mill has an affluenthistory, pioneering the switch from natural tosynthetic fibres as well as introducing aprofit-sharing plan, and was a major contributorto the rich history of textile production in theregion.

Later it changed ownership several times, hostinga number of small retail and manufacturingconcerns, the last of which were Galt Knitting andTiger Brand.

2. Southworks Outlet Mall

64 Grand Avenue South

Southworks Outlet Mall is named after the SouthWorks of Babcock & Wilcox. Dumfries Foundrywas founded in 1844 by James Andrews andJames Crombie. In 1847 the foundry wasrelocated to the Grand Avenue site upon whichSouthworks is built.

By the mid 1850s the Crimean War had created anecessity for local manufacturing within Canada,which stimulated an industrial boom in the city ofGalt. The foundry itself changed hands twice, firstto Crombie alone and then to John Goldie andHugh McCulloch. It gained a reputation for itsengine building and became a majormanufacturing company with a broad line ofproducts.

In 1923 Goldie McCulloch Ltd. and Babcock &Wilcox merged and continued operation until thebuilding was sold in 1987. The old foundry wasrenovated to its current status; however, manytraces of antique machinery remain around theproperty and can be seen today.

Most of the development at Southworks has takenplace since 1996. Today there are more thantwenty-eight outlet stores open for business, plusa 30,000 square ft Antique Mall.

3. Fiddler's Green Irish Pub & RiverviewDining

12 1/2 Water St. South

The history of what is now known as FiddlersGreen Irish Pub and Riverview Dining is shroudedwith myth and mystery.

The building, situated at the heart of Galt andconsidered a historical landmark, once served asthe local post office. It was built in 1885, and wasdesigned by the well-known architect ThomasFuller, who also designed the first CanadianParliament Buildings in Ottawa.

According to an urban legend, the building ishaunted by the ghost of Emily, one of the originalemployees of the Post Office. As the story goes,her body was found hung from the rafters in theclock tower, the cause of either woeful suicide orvengeful murder. It is believed that she had beenin the midst of a passionate love affair with thepostmaster, William S. Turnbull, which for variouspossible reasons had come to end.

Legends aside, the building still offersopportunities for drinks and dining with aspectacular view of the Grand River.

4. Old City Hall

46 Dickson St.

In 1856, the decision was made to build a newtown hall. To make room, the former structurewas sold for $130.00 and was moved via rollersto Cambridge Street, where it was converted intohousing.

The new town hall was designed by architect H. B.Sinclair and was meant to reflect Galt's rapidgrowth, prosperity and influence in the region.However, not everyone was pleased with thedesign. Some condemned the Italianate design asinadequate and not at all reflective of Galt'sgrowing importance. However, the hall wascompleted in October of 1858. It was built ofgranite and white limestone. Blue granite wasused as a decorative feature. These localmaterials, typical of Galt, are what lead it to beknown as "The Granite City".

Marketing was held in the basement until 1887when the new market was built down the streetto ease the increase of traffic.

5. Mill Race Park

Located on the corner of Park Hill Road & WaterSt. North

Mill Race Park, formerly the site of the oldDickson Textile Mill, now fulfills a variety offunctions in the community.

The site's chief feature is an amphitheatre builtwithin the ruins, which overlooks the Grand River.It is host to a number of popular eventsthroughout the year, such as the annual Mill RaceFolk Festival, the Rock the Mill concert and youthfestival, and is a venue for a variety of localtalent.

The site also features an excavated "raceway" orcanal which once provided power to the mill,contains the official Canadian Heritage RiverDesignation Plaque denoting the historicalsignificance of the Grand River, functions as apicnic site, and is the only park within the citythat is reserved for wedding purposes.

6. Galt Collegiate Institute and VocationalSchool

200 Water St. North

Founded in 1852, GCI is the oldestcontinuously-operating educational institution inOntario, and has been designated as a historicallandmark.

Initially, it began as an all-boys boardinggrammar school in the old town hall underheadmaster William Tassie, and earned areputation for academic excellence. From its onsetit instructed many bright young men andentrepreneurs, including Joseph E. Seagram.

Today, Galt offers a complete academic andextra-curricular experience to a population of1200+ students in a wide-range of academic andvocational programs.