Then and Now

House built in 1895 for John H. Bennett and his wife, Fannie Augusta Meeking; Bennett served as Barrie's mayor in the early 1900s

Lake-facing home near Poyntz Street was the home of Donald Ross, who was Barrie's mayor in 1905 and 1906

Highly respected Barrie businessman was struck by a jitney on Bradford Street in December 1922 and died 32 hours later

Lawn bowling locally helped make Barrie 'one of the sportiest towns in northern country'

Downtown merchant was a seasoned dry goods man, having had experience in the larger cities of England and Scotland

Allandale may not have the busy commercial centre it once did, but it's still a vibrant, historic neighbourhood within Barrie

'Our dinner sets are marvels – not only because the patterns are admiringly painted and perfectly burnt in, but also on account of their very low prices'

Over the years the store has changed hands, but the cigar store, founded in the 1890's, used to serve as a place to get a smoke, bath and shave

By 1897, Thomas Sidsworth employed eight people year-round and needed two wagons to supply his many customers

Several prominent Barrie people have lived in the home, including Mayor F.E.P Pepler from 1888 until the early 1900s