212 St. Andrew Street W

212 St. Andrew Street W. . Built in 1872, this building was home to John Thomson and Son Furniture and Funeral Business. John Thomson was a local carpenter and cabinet maker by trade, and entered the funeral business when he was asked to make coffins as well., The picture clearly illustrates the duality of the Thomson business which provided both furnishings and funerals. Notice the awning in the picture which reads: "Furniture and Wall Paper", while an ornate funeral carriage stands stately in front of the building. John Thomson and Son was the largest furniture and picture framing business in the area and kept a large stock of superior furniture, upholstered goods, wallpaper, and window blinds; furnishing many of the best residences and buildings in Fergus and area., The glass enclosed horse-drawn hearse reveals the Funeral and Undertaking side of the business provided by John Thomson and Son. In 1874, the two horses draped in black fringe would draw the hearse in the funeral procession to the cemetery for a charge of $11.50, which included the cost of the coffin., This building with its stone foundation and board and batten siding is a good example of a typical false front commercial building from the late 1800s. The false front wall extends above the roof and the sides of the building to create a more impressive façade. This style of building was used to give a more prosperous and established appearance to commercial buildings. From the picture it can be seen that at some point the original façade was covered over by cedar shingles., Following a long history as a furniture warehouse and funeral parlour, this property was sold in 1910 and became The Fergus Pool Room where it enjoyed the reputation as the local "hang-out" for well over 50 years. At some point during this time period, the concrete block back section of the building was added, and more recently the building has returned to retail uses. Being located in the heart of downtown Fergus, 212 St. Andrew St West still enjoys a reputation as a community hub and gathering place.