This ongoing series from Barrie Historical Archive curator Deb Exel shows old photos from the collection and one from the present day, as well as the story behind them.
The Grove is one of the oldest neighbourhoods in Barrie and includes many of the original residential streets. As such, The Grove has perhaps the best cross-section of mid- to late-19th and early 20th-century homes in the city. In this wonderful old neighbourhood, it’s easy see Gothic Revival, Edwardian and Georgian architecture or hybrids of these styles in the homes along the shady streets.
The Grove neighbourhood is bounded by Bayfield Street on the west, Grove Street on the north end (including North Street), Oak Street on the east, and a southern border that includes Penetang, Codrington, McDonald and Sophia streets.
In our feature photo, the view is to the northwest, looking over the roof tops, from the corner of Peel Street and James Street (which is now Codrington). It’s thrilling to see this old residential area as it looked almost 150 years ago… and to recognize some of the houses that are still standing today.
In the lower right foreground, the little Regency-style cottage (minus its front porch) is still there at the corner of Peel and Codrington streets. Looking to the left is Owen Street, the steep pitched roof of 77 Owen easily recognizable and farther up Owen Street, the unmistakable home of Thomas Kennedy, Lilac Villa. Several of the neighbouring homes are still standing as well.
Two of the Wellington Street ridge mansions can also be seen in the photo. Right of centre is Ardtrea, Thomas MacConkey’s magnificent home at 101 Clapperton St., and to the far left, Carnoevar, the impressive home of D’Alton McCarthy Jr. at 5 Wellington St.
It’s a fascinating photo to study… examining these streets and buildings as they once were, and marvelling at what has survived.
But this is only part of The Grove. This neighbourhood is brimming with history and heritage homes. All within a few blocks you can find architect Shearman Bird’s home ‘San Souci’, Captain Eustace Bird’s home, RockForest II (Cotter home), Statenborough, the Samuel McCutcheon house, and Mayor Radenhurst’s home … just to name a few.
