McMartin House c.1831

Photo by Alan L Brown - June 25, 2004

Photo by Anonymous

Plaque Location

The County of Lanark
The Town of Perth
On the NE corner of Gore Street East and Harvey Street

Plaque Text

The son of Loyalists from the Morrisburg area, Daniel McMartin (1798 - 1869) established a law practice in Perth in 1823. Well-educated and well-connected, he acquired prominent clients like timber baron Philemon Wright of Hull. McMartin chose a neoclassical design for his residence, then embellished it with unique stylistic features such as recessed arches and a cupola with flanking side lanterns. These are hallmarks of the Federal style of architecture that flourished in the eastern United States from 1780 to 1820. Recognized as a rare Ontario example of this architectural style, McMartin House was acquired by the Ontario Heritage Foundation in 1972, restored to its 1830s appearance, and adapted for community use.