Port Perry in Durham Region, Ontario — Central Canada (North America)
The Jessop Block
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, June 2, 2024
1. The Jessop Block Marker
This two-storey building at 235 Queen Street, is often referred to as the Jessop Block. It was constructed following a devastating fire in July 1884 which leveled Port Perry's entire commercial sector, including the original structure on the property.
Although its owner, Dr. Elisha Jessop, had moved from Port Perry before the fire, he had retained ownership of the property. He built the present building, which became known locally as the Jessop Block, in 1885.
Exactly when Dr. Jessop sold the building is unknown, but over the years it has accommodated many businesses, including W.G. Monet's General Store, the Royal Theatre and for a brief time a hospital on the second floor.
The building was purchased in 1920 by Samuel Farmer, who operated The Port Perry Star newspaper. The Farmer family sold the newspaper and building in 1963 to Per Hvidsten, who sold it to his son Peter in 1976. In 1991 the newspaper moved to a new location on Mary Street. Since then it has been home to a number of small retail businesses.
Note: Dr. Jessop opened an office to practice medicine in St. Catharines in 1887. Active in politics, he also served
this page online
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Communications • Disasters • Industry & Commerce. A significant historical year for this entry is 1885.
Location. 44° 6.275′ N, 78° 56.698′ W. Marker is in Port Perry, Ontario, in Durham Region. It is on Queen Street just west of Perry Street, on the right when traveling west. The marker is mounted at eye-level, directly on the subject building, at the left/west corner of the front facade. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 235 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
2. Marker detail: Jessop Block about 1900
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: The Courtice Block (within shouting distance of this marker); The Harrington Block (within shouting distance of this marker); Dr. Orr Graham (within shouting distance of this marker); John W. Davis Block (within shouting distance of this marker); Independent Order of Odd Fellows (within shouting distance of this marker); The Currie Block (within shouting distance of this marker); The Willard Block (within shouting distance of this marker); Wm. L. Parrish Block (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Port Perry.
Also see . . .
1. Samuel Farmer and the Port Perry Star.
Excerpt: In January 1920 the Port Perry Star moved its offices from the Blong Block at 191 Queen St. to the Jessop Block at 235 Queen St. and in October 1922 became the first business in town to install hydro and operate motors by electric power. Over the next 40 years Mr. Farmer saw The Star grow and flourish under his capable leadership. The Port Perry Star was described as a(Submitted on November 26, 2024, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)"labour of love" for Mr. Farmer and he was proud of the community and always strived for its best interests. Mr. Farmer successfully published The Star until his death on April 30, 1948 at which time his family took over the publication.
3. Marker detail: Port Perry Star Office 1935Geo. R. Davey, Bruce Beare, Iving Boyd and Samuel Farmer standing in front of the Port Perry Star in 1935.
2. Elisha Jessop (Wikipedia).
Excerpt: Born in Norfolk County, England, Jessop emigrated to Canada with his family in 1849. They settled in the small rural community of Reach, Canada West. He was educated in various rural schools before graduating from the Toronto Normal School in 1864. After working as a teacher in several smaller communities, Jessop entered the University of Toronto, graduating in 1870. He immediately enrolled in the university's medical school and graduated as a medical doctor in 1875.(Submitted on November 26, 2024, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)
4. Marker detail: Dr. Elisha Jessop
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, June 2, 2024
5. The Jessop Block Marker
The marker is on the left/west edge of the front facade.
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, June 2, 2024
6. The Jessop Block (front/south elevation)
Credits. This page was last revised on November 26, 2024. It was originally submitted on November 24, 2024, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 120 times since then and 18 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on November 26, 2024, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.
