Perth in Lanark County, Ontario — Central Canada (North America)
Matheson, the Merchant
Perth Designated Heritage Site
— 1840 —
Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., September 29, 2023
1. Matheson, the Merchant Markers
[Photo caption reads] Exterior photo of Shaws circa 1940.
This high profile site was first home to Roderick Matheson's harness and saddle shop in 1818 until 1840 when he commissioned the building of this two storey cut stone and yellow brick structure as part of his commercial and residential complex on Gore and Foster Streets. Matheson, prominent in political and military life, managed his commercial, import and banking businesses from here. In those early years, merchandise was shipped from Britain up the St. Lawrence River to Montreal and then to Perth by barge via the Rideau and Tay Canals.
Shaws of Perth... Remarkable Longevity
In 1859, Henry D. Shaw of Smiths Falls married Flora, daughter of the Honourable Roderick Matheson and became part of the family run merchandising operation. One of the oldest family-owned and operated stores in Ontario, Shaws of Perth celebrated 150 years in 2009. Today the store sells clothing and kitchen ware.
Erected by Town of Perth.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Industry & Commerce. A significant historical year for this entry is 1840.
Location. 44° 54.076′ N, 76° 15.053′ W. Marker is in Perth, Ontario, in Lanark County. Marker
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Matheson House / La Maison Matheson (within shouting distance of this marker); The Balderson Theatre (within shouting distance of this marker); The Perth Courier (about 120 meters away, measured in a direct line); Kellock Block (about 120 meters away); William Morris (about 150 meters away); Reverend William Bell (about 150 meters away); St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church (about 150 meters away); Old Fire Hall (about 180 meters away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Perth.
Regarding Matheson, the Merchant. Shaw's of Perth closed in 2019 and was sold to a new owner in 2022, who retained the rights to the name, "Shaw's of Perth." Per a January 2022 Century 21 notice regarding the sale, the new owner "intends to create the 'Shaw’s of Perth Collective,' several individual retail spaces replicating the look and feel of an 'old, small town department store,' though they will be individually owned and operated." However, as of the posting of this entry to HMDb, the building still appeared empty and had a "For Sale" sign in the window.
Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., September 29, 2023
2. Matheson, the Merchant Markers and Building
Credits. This page was last revised on October 1, 2023. It was originally submitted on October 1, 2023, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania. This page has been viewed 45 times since then and 8 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on October 1, 2023, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.
