Previous Years
2010
Building ToursCanadian Canoe Museum
Peterborough sustained a world-renowned canoe building industry for over a century. The Canoe Museum celebrates the enduring significance of the canoe – one of Canada’s “seven wonders” – with displays of canoes, kayaks and related artifacts.
St. Peter-in-Chains
In spite of many renovations St. Peter-in-Chains retains much of its original Gothic style. Until 1908-09, it alone served the Catholic population of the Peterborough area. The nave portion of the church was erected in 1837-38. Built of stone quarried from Jackson Park, it followed the simple Gothic Revival style prevalent in the early 1800's. St. Peter's became a Cathedral in 1882.
Knights of Columbus Hall
The north half of this building was erected in 1865. When the building was expanded in 1890, the south half introduced Italianate details. The Sisters of Notre Dame ran a school here for many years, followed by the Sisters of St. Joseph. The Knights of Columbus are proud to showcase the building’s heritage and memorabilia.
Dixon House
This is one of the oldest houses in Peterborough. It was built for William Dixon in 1837 using stone from Jackson's Park Quarry. Dixon House is one of the few remaining stone houses in Peterborough. William Dixon emigrated with his parents to Smith Township in 1818 as one of the "Colony Settlers". He became District Magistrate and a Captain in the Militia.
Comstock Funeral Home
Established by Aaron Comstock over 150 years ago, the Comstock Funeral Home is one of Peterborough's oldest businesses. The company operated a furniture store (later Yolles) at 300 George St. N. and a funeral parlour at 305 Water St. for year before moving to the current location, the former Innes residence, in 1949.
John Howard Society
Built in 1877, this is one of Peterborough's largest houses in the bracketed Italianate style. It retains most of its original features. The home also shows French Second Empire influences in the design of the main facade. The building now serves as a centre for providing support and services to individuals in conflict or at risk of becoming in conflict with the law, as well as their families and victims of crime.
St. John's Anglican Church
St. John's is Peterborough's oldest surviving church. Noted for its 1882 additions and alterations by local architect, John Belcher, and the installation of the 13 bell "People's Chimes" carillon in 1911, this church was one of the first designated heritage sites in Peterborough. A more modern addition, which links the Church and Parish Hall, was designed by the notable Peterborough architecture firm Craig Zeidler.
Queen Mary School
The third of four "Royal Schools", this three-storey building opened in 1913. Queen Mary's prominent east-facing hilltop location, clean lines, and casting decorative elements clearly establish the important place of education in the growing community of "The Old West End".
Prince of Wales School
Prince of Wales was the last of the Royal Schools built to handle increasing student enrollment in Peterborough's boom years. It was a 20-room, fireproof building, built at a cost of $240 000. The school was built at the height of Beaux Arts architecture in Peterborough. It exhibits an eclectic mix of Classical elements, including the front portico and cornice line with decorative brick and the elaborate main door.
Moffat House Bed & Breakfast
The Walker family spared no expense when building in 1906, using wood panelling, stained glass, pocket doors, and so on. Drs. Rusty Magee and Agnes Moffat bought the property in 1943 and lived here for over 50 years. Their elegant tastes are reflected throughout the house. Four beautiful suites are available for guests. For more information read The History of Moffat House parts 1 and 2.
Publican House Brewery
The original building on this site, now a popular local brewery, was constructed in the mid-19th century. Jon Conquer and his staff have been making hand-crafted ales and lagers here since 2008. Some brews are named for local historical figures or acknowledge the items uncovered during renovations.
Walking Tours
"Down at the Plant" Walking Tour
With the development of hydroelectricity, Peterborough’s industry moved west from the Otonabee River to a four-block area anchored by Canadian General Electric. Doors Open participants were able to join CHEX Television’s Steve Guthrie on a one-hour tour of this early 20th century neighbourhood to learn what was “Made in Peterborough.”
Jackson Park Walking Tour
Archivist Andrew Elliott created a one-hour tour of this beloved park. From the streetcar turnaround to the restored Pagoda Bridge and then along Jackson Creek, Elliott's tour touched on early recreational pursuits, ending with brief glimpses into the architectural and settlement histories of Bonaccord, Park, and McDonnel streets.
Victoria Park Walking Tour
Jennifer Patterson and Barbara McIntosh, co-authors of "Historic Downtown Peterborough", guided a tour of this beautiful 19th century park. From 1836, Victoria Park was used as a fairgrounds and a cricket field. In 1861, the Peterborough Horticultural Society designed the flowerbeds and installed a fountain. There was a bandstand for concerts in the park until World War II.
"The View From Armour Hill" Walking Tour
Don Willcock of Trent Valley Archives highlighted some of the buildings and landscape features visible from the highest point in Peterborough. It was a great way to take in the fall colours and appreciate the past! Meanwhile, the adjacent Peterborough Museum and Archives welcomed visitors to its newly renovated facility.
Bike Tours
Heroes & Rails Bike Tour
Bruce Fitzpatrick guided a bike tour along Peterborough's historic rail trails to discover some fascinating places and people who have made our City great. The tour explored the bridges that spanned the rivers and canals that brought prosperity to the Peterborough area. Participants were entertained with tales of the history of rail and water transport in this region as they enjoyed a leisurely paced afternoon biking the rails and trails.
2009
Canadian Canoe Museum
The Peterborough area sustained a world-renowned canoe and boat-building industry for over a century. Since opening in 1997, the museum has explored the canoe’s enduring significance with its collection of over 600 canoes and kayaks and 1,000 related artifacts.
Harvey Cottage
This house, built circa 1855 to 1860, has retained its Regency character. Once covered in roughcast plaster, it’s now clad in wood siding. Originally a single-family home, it became a double dwelling in 1912. The front windows and entrances were rearranged and a stacked plank dividing wall created. Part of the wall has been opened for viewing.
George Street United Church
The only example of noted Toronto architect Henry Langley's work in Peterborough, this church is a fine example of Gothic revival style influenced designs of Englishman Gilbert Scott. The church was dedicated on Christmas Day in 1875, and the tower was erected in 1891. The church appears today much as it did then.
Harstone House
This grand house, designed by noted architect William Blackwell in the Queen Anne style, has many interesting exterior and interior features. Its significance is enhanced by the fact that it has undergone almost no alteration since its 1889 construction. The Harstone family lived here from 1907 to 1982, when the Red Cross bought the house.
Hay-Smit House
Built in 1907 as a single-family home, this house has striking plaster ceiling medallions, a tiled fireplace and stained-glass windows. In 1974, it was sold to the Sisters of St. Joseph and used as a boarding facility. Now used as office space, the interior remains largely the same as in 1907.
R.B. Rogers Residence
R.B. Rogers, who built Peterborough’s famous lift lock, lived in this house with his family from 1895 to 1916. An impressive structure built around 1884, the building has been renovated inside and out. The present owners are to be congratulated for their 1993 addition, which closely matches the original architecture.
Immaculate Conception Catholic Church
Although the basement was built in 1914, this church was not completed until 1933. Its Byzantine-style structure, with 33 stained glass windows and a side tower, is faced in grey Credit Valley stone with Indiana limestone trim. A Casavant pipe organ was installed in 1936. Renovations and painting were completed in the 1970s.
Mark Street United Church
The founding congregation built two earlier churches near this site, but the cornerstone of the present sanctuary was laid in 1928. The Christian Education Centre was dedicated in 1958. A further addition in 1995 improved accessibility. The Celtic Garden, dedicated in 2000, provides a place for rest, relaxation and meditation.
The congregation of Mark Street United put together a stunning art show for Doors Open Peterborough 2009.
Peterborough Lift Lock National Historic Site of Canada
This is the highest hydraulic lift lock in the world! Opened on July 9, 1904, it has had a visible and lasting impact on Peterborough’s landscape. The visitor centre offers exhibits and films about the lock. Special Doors Open tours showed the structure as it has rarely been seen by visitors.
During Doors Open Peterborough 2009 there was a miniature display of the Peterborough Lift Lock in the Visitor's Centre. This display was provided by the Riverview Miniature Village.
Peterborough Museum & Archives
Opened in 1967 as a centennial project, the museum’s mandate is to preserve the community’s heritage. Its artifact and archival collections, including Park and Roy Studio photographs, have continued to grow, yet display space remains the same. The Museum offered behind-the-scenes tours of the collection storage areas, conservation laboratory, the Fine Annex (highlighting children’s programming) and the Fleming Annex (highlighting Fleming College’s Museum Management & Curatorship program, taught on-site at the museum). With only a small percentage of the collection on display, this was an opportunity to get a glimpse of what lies below the ‘tip of the iceberg.’
Peterborough Theatre Guild
Since 1965, the Peterborough Theatre Guild has entertained thousands with live theatre. The original building, the former St. Luke’s Anglican Church, was gutted by fire in 1959. A local group raised funds to purchase the site, and after extensive renovations opened the Guildhall and staged its first play just a few years later.
Police Department Headquarters
The original building was erected in 1968, with major renovations taking place in 1988 and 2009. The most recent renovation included a complete retrofit of the entire inside of the building and adding 1,461 square feet and making more efficient use of space. In addition, with the purchase of the former Central school playground, the parking lot was expanded at the rear of the headquarters building. This renovation also included the move of the 911/communications centre from the main floor to the upper floor of headquarters, expansion of the computer server room and the establishment of locker rooms and a fitness room on the lower (basement) level. Gerr Construction General Contractors completed the project under direction of CM2R Project Management firm.
St. Luke's Anglican Church
The original St. Lukes, built on Rogers Street in 1877, burned in 1959. This modern church, dating from 1960, is constructed from Haydite block with a stone and concrete front, and features a stained-glass window. Brass and communion vessels were rescued from the earlier fire. A “renewed” 1908 Casavant pipe organ was played for Doors Open.
Trent Severn Waterway Archives
Although in daily use by staff for over 100 years, the archival holdings of the Trent-Severn Waterway National Historic Site of Canada were only recently installed in the site’s new facilities. Visitors were able to peek behind the scenes at thousands of original plans and documents, engineers’ correspondence and construction-era artifacts.
If you missed this opportunity to view the Trent-Severn Waterway Archives, don't worry. The archives are open to the public by appointment.
2008
Canadian Canoe Museum
As the birthplace of the modern canoe, the Peterborough area sustained a world-renown canoe and boat-building industry for over a century. Visit the Canadian Canoe Museum, and explore the canoe’s enduring significance to Canada. Opened in 1997, its collection features more than 600 canoes and kayaks, and 1,000 related artifacts.
Pig's Ear Tavern
Opened in 1865 by Dolphus Faucher, the Pig’s Ear is one of the longest continually running taverns in Peterborough. Originally four storeys, the top floor was seriously damaged in a fire in the 1930s and never rebuilt. Join proprietor John Punter at one of Peterborough’s most legendary pubs!
Showplace Performance Centre
Showplace Performance Centre is a not-for-profit organization that owns and manages a professional performing arts facility. Located in the heart of downtown Peterborough, in the old Odeon theatre building, Showplace features a professionally equipped auditorium with fantastic acoustics, comfortable seating for 647 and a spectacular stage.
Hutchison House
Built by the townspeople for one of Peterborough’s first doctors, Dr. John Hutchison, this is one of City’s oldest surviving houses. His cousin, Sir Sandford Fleming, also lived here in the mid 1840's. Hutchison House is now a living history museum owned and operated by the Peterborough Historical Society.
Sherbrooke Street Fire Station
Peterborough’s main fire hall contains a sophisticated communications centre, sleeping quarters, gymnasium, lecture room, and state of the art fire fighting equipment. The Department is also proud of its vintage fire engine and an intriguing collection of historical photographs, early helmets, uniforms, and equipment– all on permanent display.
Ridley Cottage/The Stone Schoolhouse
This small stone building was originally the home of Robert Ridley and his wife. It was converted to a schoolhouse in the late 19th century. Owned by the Roman Catholic Church, it is now used as meeting space.
Knights of Columbus Hall
The north half of this building was erected in 1865. Expanded in 1890, the south half introduced Italianate details. For many years, it was a school run by the Sisters of Notre Dame and later the Sisters of St. Joseph, and is now the home of the Knights of Columbus.
Youth Emergency Shelter
Thought to be the second brick house built in Peterborough, this building was home to a long line of Peterborough doctors, as well as a private school in the late 1800’s.
Hammond Hall
Part of Brock Street’s ‘Doctor’s Row’, Hammond Hall was originally the home and office of Dr. D.H. Burritt. Named for his successor, Dr. Hammond, the longest running tenant in the buildings’ history, it has recently been carefully renovated to become the new home of Carlson Wagonlit Travel/Stewart Tours.
St. Paul's Presbyterian Church
St. Paul’s congregation began in 1834, moving to its present location upon completion of this building in 1859. It was expanded to its present form in 1883-85; a modern addition was built in 1959. Neo-gothic architecture, a “graffiti gallery”, glowing stained glass windows, and soaring spaces await the visitor.
Art Gallery of Peterborough
John and Alfred McDonald constructed this home in 1880. It was refurbished by local businessman David Foster in the 1960s, and was officially opened as the Art Gallery of Peterborough in 1979 after the completion of a new wing and incorporation by provincial charter in 1974.
Peterborough County Courthouse
The Peterborough County Courthouse building holds a commanding position overlooking Victoria Park. Built of cut stone with a central portico, it is considered one of the finest examples of courthouse architecture in Ontario. It continues to house the Courthouse, County Council Chambers and administrative offices, and until recently, the County Jail.
2007
Canadian Canoe Museum
As the birthplace of the modern canoe, the Peterborough area sustained a world-renown canoe and boat-building industry for over a century. Visit the Canadian Canoe Museum, and explore the canoe’s enduring significance to Canada. Opened in 1997, its collection features more than 600 canoes and kayaks, and 1,000 related artifacts.
Sadleir House
Constructed in 1892 by builder J.C. Rutherford for his brother-in-law, James Kendry, an industrialist and well-known 19th century Peterborough politician. Other owners have included: James R. Stratton, owner/publisher of the Peterborough Examiner and MPP, and Richard Sheehy, a noted contractor. In 1963 the building was sold to Trent University and became the principal building of the Peter Robinson College.
The original house, with its turret on the northeast corner, is an extremely well preserved example of the ornate Queen Anne Revival style. It is illustrative of an era in Peterborough’s history when industry was flourishing, and wealthy politicians, industrialists and merchants sought physical manifestations of their success and power.
The rear coach house was built by the second owner of the house, James Stratton, to accommodate his hackney horses and carriages.
The original house and coach house are connected by a wing designed by noted Canadian architect Ron Thom at the time he was designing the main campus for Trent University. The wing was built in the 1960’s when Sadleir House became the main building for Trent University’s Peter Robinson College.
Kerr House
The oldest house of the Traill College properties, Kerr House was built in 1853 using stacked plank construction, a building technique common in Peterborough during its lumber boom in the mid 19th century. For many years, Peterborough produced more board feet of lumber than any other town in Ontario creating a great surplus, as only first grade timber was shipped out leaving culled boards with knots for home consumption. As the name implies, stacked plank construction is a method of stacking 1 x 10 inch undressed planks one on top of another until the desired height is achieved. The planks are dovetailed at the corners and secured with spikes. Every other plank is recessed one inch leaving indentations on both the exterior and interior surfaces that act as lath to hold the stucco sheathing.
In 1870, Edgecombe Pearse bought the house, and added the Gothic Revival addition at the north end of the house. Pearse was well known in 19th century Peterborough, as he served as the County Clerk and Treasurer for over 30 years. Pearse’s descendants lived in the house until 1967 when Lillian Pearse Kerr sold the property to Trent University.
Langton House
In 1857 Thomas Dumble, a surveyor who took part in the surveying of the Canada (New Brunswick) and Maine boundary, built his family home, Dromore, in Coburg. His son, David W. Dumble, used the Dromore as the model for his own home in Peterborough, built in 1868. David Dumble was a barrister with numerous real estate ventures in the City, and became Police Magistrate in 1882. He and his wife Mary raised their 10 children in the house, celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary there in 1912.
In 1931 the house and surrounding lots were acquired by the City of Peterborough for taxes, and in 1964 Trent University purchased the property. Like many of the buildings on the Traill Campus, Ron Thom was hired to adapt the building to meet the needs of the college, but much of the exterior remained intact. The Victorian Gothic details of the house include the steeply pitched gable roof, heavy bargeboard trim, and lancet windows.
Bradburn House
This historic building with modern additions was originally constructed in 1864 for W.S. Conger, a prominent early citizen of Peterborough. Mr. Conger was the first sheriff of the Colborne District, a vigorous advocate for the opening of the ‘back country’ and the development of the Trent Canal. He served on Peterborough’s first Town Council, becoming Mayor in 1856, and was one of the founders of Little Lake Cemetery. The house was sold to Thomas Bradburn in the early 1870’s, who moved his family into the house from their home above his shop on George Street. Bradburn eventually withdrew from the shop and turned to real estate; by the time of his death in 1900, Bradburn was the largest individual owner of property in Peterborough.
In 1909, Mrs. Bradburn sold the house to the City of Peterborough, who used it as St. Vincent’s Orphanage. Later it became the Balmoral Nursing Home, until it became part of the Traill Campus as student residences.
Crawford House
Only 2 families occupied this simple Victorian house before it was acquired by Trent University in 1965.
Built by William H. Moore, a barrister, in the early 1870’s, this house remained in the Moore family for over 50 years. It was then sold to Thomas C. Ephgrave, and remained the Ephgrave family home for almost 40 years.
When Trent purchased the property, architect Ron Thom remodeled the house for use as offices and residences. The intact carriage house to the rear has become a lecture hall. Trent University named the building in honour of Isabella Valency Crawford, one of Canada’s first great woman poets. Unfortunately, her talents were not recognized during her lifetime, and she died penniless in a Toronto boarding house.
Wallis Hall
The modern addition to the Traill College campus was constructed in 1968 and named in honour of Katherine E. Wallis, the noted sculptress and poet. Miss Wallis, born in 1861, was raised at the large family estate known as Merino, which still stands today and is designated as a heritage property under the Ontario Heritage Act. After leaving Peterborough, she studied art in Europe with the sculptor Auguste Rodin. Her work has received international renown, and she was the first Canadian woman to be elected Societaire of the prestigious Societe des Beaux Arts.
Wallis Hall is just one of many buildings designed for Trent University by the acclaimed architect Ron Thom. The influence of American architect Frank Lloyd Wright is evident in the building’s horizontal lines and use of wood and stone. It has served as a residence for Traill College, and also provides faculty offices and common rooms.
Scott House
Built in 1882 for Thomas Robinson, Scott House was designed by John A. Belcher. Belcher was Peterborough’s leading architect and engineer of the 19th century, and the house was designed in the Victorian Italianate style he used on many of the houses he built in the same era. The house was considered quite handsome and had the modern conveniences of running water and gas lighting. Unfortunately, the Robinson’s soon encountered financial difficulties and the house was taken over by the Ontario Bank, and then sold to Adam Hall, who was a prosperous manufacturer and dealer of wrought iron stoves and tin ware.
In 1916, the house was sold to the Margaret and G.A. MacDonald, who was the head of Quaker Oats in Peterborough.
In 1963 Trent University acquired the property and architect Ron Thom, who later also constructed Wallis Hall on the Traill Campus, adapted the building for college purposes. It is named after Jeanette Scott, the daughter of local pioneer miller, Adam Scott.
Pig’s Ear
Opened in 1865 by Dolphus Faucher as the St. Maurice Saloon, the Pig’s Ear is one of the longest continually running taverns in Peterborough. Known throughout the years as the St. Lawrence Hotel and then Windsor Hotel, as well as the Bucket of Blood, due to its proximity to Canada Packer’s.
The top storey of what was originally a four-storey building was seriously damaged in a fire in the 1930s, and never rebuilt.
The Pig’s Ear is known to some as the place where Hank Williams got so drunk before his only Peterborough appearance that he later fell off the stage at the old Brock Hall. The locals got so riled up that the RCMP had to give Williams an armed escort out of town. Current proprietor John Punter has many more stories to tell!
Pappas Billiards
Built in 1867 by George A. Cox, Pappas Billiards at 407 George Street North has a long history of commercial occupants. One of the earliest occupants of the building was Adam Hall’s Stove and Wrought Iron business, which occupied 407 George Street North for over thirty years in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. C.M. Moncur Drugs took over the store in 1911, and in the 1930’s the longest billiard hall in the City of Peterborough opened.
Pappas Billiards is an excellent representation of a 19th century commercial building. Details such as the elaborate hood moulding surrounding the 2nd and 3rd storey windows are essential elements of the Victorian heritage of the building. The building continues the facades of three-storey structures of 19th looking north on George Street.
The Long-Hooper Building (The Spill)
Built in 1862 for developer James T. Henthorne, 414 George was a confectionary shop for over 75 years, owned and operated by Harry Long from 1883 to 1906. In 1907 the business was taken over by Thomas Hooper, who ran an award winning confectionary and catering business until his death in 1961. Hooper’s business had the reputation as “the finest retail confectionery stores and grill rooms between Montreal and Toronto”, and he won first prize for his slab cake in an Ottawa competition in September 1927. His successful ‘Palm Room’ was a preferred site for catered banquets and events.
The brick building features a cornice with scroll-sawn brackets, and narrow windows with regular and segmental arches above them. The original white stamped ceiling with interwoven floral and geometric designs is visible inside 414 George Street.
Former TD Bank
Built circa 1862 after the fire that swept down George Street in 1861, this building was occupied by a variety of commercial tenants for the first thirty years of its lifespan, including a clothier and watchmaker. In 1891, the buildings’ most notable tenant, the Bank of Toronto moved into the 400 George Street storefront and remained there until 2000, changing its name in 1955 to the Toronto Dominion Bank.
Medical and dental offices were located in the second and third storey offices between 1925 and 1967, alongside insurance companies and barristers. The architectural firm of Blackwell and Craig was also located in the building in 1949. The firm, which is the longest continually running architectural firm in Canada, evolved into Craig, Zeidler and Strong in the 1960’s. Now known as the Zeidler Partner Architects, the firm moved to Toronto in the 1960’s, and has designed such notable structures as the Toronto Eaton Centre and Ontario Place.
Originally a 4 storey building, the striking French Second Empire details including the Mansard roof and corner tower were removed in the 1920’s. The remaining 3 storey building was pared down to the Classical revival style, with pilasters flanking the main entrance.
Old Examiner Building
419 George Street is one of the early homes of the Peterborough Examiner, which moved into the building between 1889 and 1893 when it was owned and operated by J.R. Stratton. Stratton went on to become MPP for Peterborough, during his years running the paper, ensuring that content was staunchly Liberal.
In the mid 1930’s the Examiner moved to offices at 400 Water Street. However, the printing equipment that remained in the building was taken over by the Peterborough Printing Company and put to use for job printing, book binding and catalogue making. The company changed its name in the early 1960’s to Maxwell Printers and Lithographers Ltd., and operated in the building until 1969. The building then sat vacant for several years.
419 George Street is the most intact 19th century commercial building on the block. It retains its cast iron storefront and window surrounds, as well as elaborate cornice line. These elaborate Victorian elements reflected the prosperity of the commercial enterprise housed within.
Owner Derek Green renovated the second and third storeys into loft style apartments, which were open to the public for tours during Doors Open.
Showplace
Showplace Performance Centre is a not-for-profit organization that owns and manages a professional performing arts facility. Located in the heart of downtown Peterborough, in the old Odeon theatre building, Showplace features a professionally equipped auditorium with fantastic acoustics, comfortable seating for 647 and a spectacular stage.
During Doors Open Peterborough 2007 there was a free concert at Showplace featuring the Ron Marenger Big Band!
