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Friday, November 22, 2024 5Brooklin Town Crier The Queen Street of today's Brooklin is almost unrecognizable from what it was 150 years ago. Some of the original homes have disappeared, replaced by more modern structures. This includes the author's own family home at 122 Queen Street, which was built in the 1940s. Initially it was surrounded by open fields until, like so many others from that era, new developments took over. But at 60 Queen Street, one house remains, preserving a piece of Brooklin's past. Designated in 1985 as a Heritage structure under the Ontario Heritage Act, the Alexander Campbell house is a throwback to the town's roots. Its history is complex, with educated guesses filling in some gaps. The property itself has changed hands many times, starting with early pioneers like Arthur McCormich in 1803, Amos Way and Robert Campbell in 1839, the latter two being the founders of Brooklin. In 1855, Robert Darlington, a Methodist Minister from Ireland, Brooklin's postmaster and the treasurer of Whitby Township, acquired the land where the house now stands. Darlington arrived in Brooklin in 1833. After marrying Sarah Hunter, he secured large tracts of land from her father, Dr. James Hunter, a government rebel who was involved with the reformers, led by William Lyon MacKenzie. New entrance On September 1, 1868, the property was sold to Emma Campbell, wife of mill operator Alexander Campbell. It seems that the one-storey frame house was not built until shortly after Campbell purchased the land, with its entrance initially facing north on James Street. The second floor was most likely added before being bricked over in the 1870s. The southern wing was built, relocating the entrance to face Queen Street. Ten years later, Campbell sold it to Andrew Mathewson, a relative of William Mathewson, a Scottish settler who owned Springfield Farm, a 100-acre property on the 7th concession. He sold the home in 1892 and it changed ownership a few more times before being purchased by John Innes in 1913. Innes was a notable figure in Brooklin during his time. He was known for being a progressive and forward- thinking individual, particularly when he added a modern touch. For instance, in 1916, he became the first homeowner in Brooklin to wire his house for electricity. Innes died a year later but the home was occupied by his wife and sons until, in 1946, Mrs. Innes sold the house to Cyril Davies, a Brooklin garage employee. Renovations Around 1971, Davies' daughter married Edwin Marshall, and the property was transferred to their name. It was during the Marshall ownership that drop ceilings were installed in the home. In 1977, the house was sold to Edward and Nancy Reek, who were significant in restoring both its interior and exterior. Their efforts contributed to the preservation of the home's historical character. On March 25, 1983, the house was sold to its current owner, John Paton. As development continues in Brooklin, historic homes like 60 Queen Street remain important links to the town's origins. Although a few early buildings have disappeared, the so-called Alexander Campbell house represents the original Village's rich history, thereby preserving a sense of Brooklin's early days for future generations. Queen Street's Old Jewel By Jennifer Hudgins