Port Perry in Durham Region, Ontario — Central Canada (North America)
The Willard Block
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, June 2, 2024
1. The Willard Block Marker
William Willard arrived in Port Perry in 1885 and erected this large block on the southeast corner of Queen and John St. the following summer.
When completed, Mr. Willard operated his general store in the west corner, while there were two stores to the east, and a market building to the south along Perry St. The upper floor was occupied by Dr. Sangster, dentist, and the Public Library.
In September 1895, the Willard Block was purchased by local businessman Richard Penhall, who owned it until his death.
Harold Archer purchased the Willard Block in 1928, then remodelled the building, creating a 50' frontage for his garage and a Pontiac dealership. He also sold White Rose gasoline from two "bowsers" (pumps) located on the sidewalk directly in front of the building. In 1956 Harold Archer's son, Robert, assumed ownership of the car dealership, and moved it to Water Street.
In 1958, the Liquor Control Board of Ontario purchased and remodelled the building, opening an outlet there in June.
The LCBO operated from this central location until it relocated in 1976. The current owner of this historic downtown building is Mary Hatsios.
Topics.
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Location. 44° 6.281′ N, 78° 56.646′ W. Marker is in Port Perry, Ontario, in Durham Region. It is at the intersection of Queen Street and Perry Street, on the left when traveling west on Queen Street. The marker is mounted at eye-level, directly on the northwest corner of the subject building, facing Queen Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 210 Queen Street, Port Perry ON L9L 1B9, Canada. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Greater Toronto, specifically on the Golden Horseshoe, in the York, Durham and Headwaters Area, and in the Toronto Metropolitan Area. It is also in Central Canada. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once a British colony, the Viceroyalty of New France, the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy, and Ruperts Land.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: William Hiscocks Block
2. Marker detail: The Willard Block circa 1886
Also see . . . Port Perry Timeline: 1890-1899. Excerpt:
March 1895(Submitted on November 25, 2024, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)Mr. William Willard's store was gutted by fire on Sunday (Mar. 24) and the stock considerably damaged by the fire and water.April 1895Workmen have been busy repairing the Willard store, which was damaged by fire, and in a week or two, Mr. Willard again expects to open out in business.September 1895The business block known as the Willard Block has lately been purchased by our esteemed townsman, Mr. R. Penhall. This is a fine property and the investment will doubtless prove a profitable one.
3. Marker detail: Willard Block circa 1930 Archer Motors
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner
4. Marker detail: Willard Block 1958 new LCBO Store
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, June 2, 2024
5. The Willard Block Marker
The marker is mounted on the right/west corner of the front faηade.
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, June 2, 2024
6. The Willard Block (northwest elevation)
Credits. This page was last revised on November 25, 2024. It was originally submitted on November 24, 2024, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 143 times since then and 26 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on November 25, 2024, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.
