Description of Historic Place

261 Widder Street East is situated on the northwest corner of Widder and James Streets, in the Town of St. Marys. The two-storey brick residence was constructed in circa 1880.

The property was designated, by the Town of St. Marys, in 1987, for its architectural value or interest, under Part IV of the Ontario Heritage Act, By-law 34-1987.

Heritage Value

The house is prominently situated on the corner of Widder and James Streets. It is highly visible on the large corner lot. The house was positioned centrally on the lot and well back from the street which adds to the sense of grandeur. A remarkable feature of the estate is the walled garden on the west side.

261 Widder Street East is associated with Frances McCracken, a prosperous flaxsmith, in St. Marys, in the late 19th century. McCracken constructed the residence in circa 1880, during the days of ongoing development, in St. Marys.

261 Widder Street East is a fine example of Italianate architecture. Typical of the Italianate style are the low hip roof, brick quoins, brackets, recessed front door and detailed fenestration. Most notable is the two-storey bay which features six double-hung windows, each with narrow louvered shutters.

Source: Town of St. Marys, By-Law 34-87.

Character-Defining Elements

Character defining elements that contribute to the heritage value of 261 Widder Street include its:
- prominent corner lot location
- central siting of the house on the lot
- large lot with the walled garden on western side
- buff-brick construction
- low hip roof
- two-storey bay
- recessed front door
- brackets
- Italianate fenestration
- brick quoins and brackets
- six double-hung windows including louvered shutters on the south elevation
- balcony on the second-storey