Saint Marys in Perth County, Ontario — Central Canada (North America)

St. Marys Opera House

Photographed by Tim Boyd, June 21, 2026

1. St. Marys Opera House Marker

Inscription. The St. Marys Opera House was constructed in 1879-80 for the St. Marys Lodge of the Independent Order of Oddfellows. It was designed by Silas Weekes, a local architect and member of the lodge. James Elliott, the master mason, supplied stone from his local quarry and lime from his kiln. Originally the block housed three stores, a concert hall built for an audience of a thousand, and the Oddfellows temple. In the hall many travelling troupes performed and local cultural and political events were held. Here Sir John A. Macdonald spoke on his last campaign in 1891. The entire block was converted into a flour mill in 1919 and as such it functioned for fifty years. In 1987-8 it was saved from certain destruction and restored by the St. Marys Lions Club. It is a noble example of Gothic Revival building, and, with the two flanking structures, forms one of the finest surviving stone rows in the country.

Erected by Heritage St. Marys. (Marker Number 15.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Entertainment • Fraternal or Sororal Organizations • Industry & Commerce. A significant historical year for this entry is 1879.

Location. 43° 15.522′ N,

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81° 8.61′ W. Marker is in Saint Marys, Ontario, in Perth County. It is at the intersection of Water Street South and Queen Street East, on the right when traveling south on Water Street South. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 8 Perth County Line 9, Saint Marys ON N4X 1B8, Canada. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the Huron-Perth-Waterloo-Wellington Area

and in Southwestern Ontario.

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 Rupert’s Land.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: The Armouries (a few steps from this marker); Mill Wheel (within shouting distance of this marker); The Hutton-MacPherson Block (within shouting distance of this marker); Mill Race (about 90 meters away, measured in a direct line); John McDonald Block (about 90 meters away); Andrews Jeweller (about 150 meters

Photographed by Tim Boyd, June 21, 2026

2. St. Marys Opera House Marker

On the lower left corner of the building

away); Stonetown Insurance (about 180 meters away); The A. Workman Building (about 180 meters away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Saint Marys.

St. Marys Opera House c 1880 image. Click for full size.

3. St. Marys Opera House c 1880

Source: Library and Archives Canada (public domain)

St. Marys Opera House and surrounding buildings, 2026 image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Tim Boyd, June 21, 2026

4. St. Marys Opera House and surrounding buildings, 2026

Credits. This page was last revised on June 24, 2026. It was originally submitted on June 24, 2026, by Tim Boyd of Hamilton, Ontario. This page has been viewed 12 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on June 24, 2026, by Tim Boyd of Hamilton, Ontario. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.