Ridgeway in Fort Erie in Niagara Region, Ontario — Central Canada (North America)

356 Ridge Road

Downtown Ridgeway Business Improvement Area

Photographed by Kevin Westell, June 23, 2026

1. 356 Ridge Road - Marker

Inscription. This spacious home at 356 Ridge Road was built circa 1884 for Lt Col. James E. Morin, his wife Jeannette, and their family of 6 children. Morin was a bright young man who went to work for local businessman Eber Cutler at the age of 14, and soon became Cutler's manager and lifelong friend. He was in the 44th Battalion of the army, saw active duty during the Fenian raids, and was promoted to lieutenant-colonel in 1877. Morin served as M.P.P. for Welland County in the Ontario legislature from 1883-1890. He is also listed in historical directories in different years as a merchant, township clerk, and justice of the peace. The Morins moved to Welland in the 1890's and became very well known, but James Morin was still considered a favoured son in Ridgeway. Just after his death the October 14th 1902 issue of The People's Press printed that "A very large number of people gathered at the (Ridgeway train) station, where the remains of the late Lt.Col. J.E. Morin were brought for internment on Friday. The hearse containing the casket was followed to the cemetery by a large concourse of people, among which were the guard

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of honour consisting of commissioned officers of the 44th Regiment in full dress scarlet uniform, and the officers of the Welland County 2nd Dragoons in blue. A beautiful scroll of flowers with the word Ridgeway, in purple, was one of the evidences of the love and esteem in which the deceased was held among those who knew him best in his old home, Ridgeway."

The house was sold to Hugh and Harriet Sherk, founders of Sherk's Hardware in 1894. In the 1920s it was purchased by Dr. Roy Stackhouse for use as his home and office. Stackhouse was a popular local physician for many years and served at times as local coroner. A newspaper article at the Fort Erie Historical Museum shows him listed as a medical consultant in a murder inquest in 1928. After his death, his wife Mabel kept the house until the 50's when it was sold to the Kendricks, and then to Flora Baer Nelson who ran Maple Brae Nursing Home here from 1960 to 1982. Mabel stayed on as registered nurse for many years. It was purchased by Flora's daughter Donna Baer in 1995. Donna also operated Sweet Dreams Ice Creamery here from 1985 to 2003, which was taken over by Debbie

356 Ridge Road - Marker in context image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Kevin Westell, June 23, 2026

2. 356 Ridge Road - Marker in context

Photo faces north-east and east. Marker (centre) is just right of the double doors on the porch.

Wagner until 2009. Many other shops have been located here over the years for shorter periods of time.

Picture from Cathy Herbert Collection

Research & text by Ada Sherk

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Notable Buildings. A significant historical year for this entry is 1884.

Location. 42° 53.072′ N, 79° 3.105′ W. Marker is in Fort Erie, Ontario, in Niagara Region. It is in Ridgeway. It is on Ridge Road North, on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 356 Ridge Rd N, Fort Erie ON L2A 5M5, Canada. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is on the Golden Horseshoe

and in Niagara Canada.

It is also in Central Canada.

Globally, it is in North America,

on the Great Lakes,

in the Western Hemisphere,

in the Western World,

and in the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once a British colony,

the Viceroyalty of New France,

the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy,

and Rupert’s Land.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: 314 Ridge Road (about 120 meters away, measured

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in a direct line); 315 Ridge Road (about 120 meters away); Bertie Township Hall (about 120 meters away); 307 Ridge Road (about 150 meters away); 282 Ridge Road (about 240 meters away); Battle of Ridgeway / Bataille de Ridgeway (approx. 0.2 kilometers away); 264 Ridge Road (approx. 0.3 kilometers away); 264 Ridge Road North (approx. 0.3 kilometers away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Fort Erie.

Credits. This page was last revised on June 24, 2026. It was originally submitted on June 24, 2026, by Kevin Westell of St. Catharines, Ontario. This page has been viewed 17 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on June 24, 2026, by Kevin Westell of St. Catharines, Ontario.