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

John McDonald Block

Photographed by Tim Boyd, June 21, 2026

1. John McDonald Block Marker

Inscription. This fine limestone block was built by local retailer John McDonald sometime previous to 1859. It boasts one of the earliest and best preserved store fronts in the town.

In addition it is on or near the site of one of the first log stores erected in the town, back in 1843.

In the 1800's, the store was run, most notably, by G. B. Smith and later, for a time, by the White and May firm. In the early 1900's the store was known as Parson's Fair.

This could be the longest continually operated retail building in St. Marys.

Erected by Heritage St. Marys. (Marker Number 12.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Industry & Commerce. A significant historical year for this entry is 1859.

Location. 43° 15.567′ N, 81° 8.568′ W. Marker is in Saint Marys, Ontario, in Perth County. It is on Queen Street East 0.1 kilometers west of Wellington Street North, on the right when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 117 Queen Street E, Saint Marys ON N4X 1B8, Canada. Touch for directions.

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

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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 Hutton-MacPherson Block (within shouting distance of this marker); Andrews Jeweller (within shouting distance of this marker); The A. Workman Building (about 90 meters away, measured in a direct line); St. Marys Opera House (about 90 meters away); Robert Eaton Building (about 90 meters away); The Armouries (about 120 meters away); Mill Race (about 120 meters away); Mill Wheel (about 120 meters away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Saint Marys.

Photographed by Tim Boyd, June 21, 2026

2. John McDonald Block Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on June 26, 2026. It was originally submitted on June 25, 2026, by Tim Boyd of Hamilton, Ontario. This page has been viewed 7 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on June 25, 2026, by Tim Boyd of Hamilton, Ontario. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.