Description of Historic Place

105-107 Queen Street West is situated on the north side of Queen Street, between Robinson Street and the Thames River, in the Town of St. Marys. The two-storey limestone building was constructed in 1843, but significantly altered in 1910.

The property was designated, by the Town of St. Marys, in 1987, for its historical or architectural value or interest, under Part IV of the Ontario Heritage Act, By-law 29-1987.

Heritage Value

105-107 Queen Street West is located just west of the Thames River. The building illustrates the importance of the river in the growth and development of St. Marys. The proximity of Ingersoll's home, close to his business, which utilized the power from the flow of the river water, demonstrates how the river was significant to his grist and saw mills. The success of these ventures led to increased settlement and development of the town.

105-107 Queen Street West is associated with early St. Marys settler Thomas Ingersoll and serves as a testimony to the founding days of the Town of St. Marys. Ingersoll was one of the first permanent residents of St. Marys, originally residing in a log cabin before moving to 105-107 Queen Street West. Ingersoll, and his brother James, established saw and grist mills, at Little Falls in 1841.

105-107 Queen Street West is a fine example of the local St. Marys limestone vernacular and is one of the oldest residences in the area. The original portion of the house was built in 1843 using limestone quarried from the riverbed. The residence was significantly altered in 1910. The simple symmetrical facade displays a full length veranda and a second storey balcony. Also of note are the gables on the east and west elevations and the symmetrical chimney placement found on the east and west roof edges.

Source: Town of St. Marys, By-Law 29-1987.

Character-Defining Elements

Character defining elements that contribute to the heritage value of the 105-107 Queen Street West include its:
- construction of local limestone quarried from the nearby riverbed
- gables on the east and west elevation
- symmetrical facade
- symmetrical chimney placement
- second storey balcony
- veranda which spans the facade and east elevation
- proximity to the Thames River