Heritage Designation Brief Bonner Worth Mill: Administration Building 544 McDonnel Street Peterborough Architectural Conservation Advisory Committee June 2005
HERITAGE DESIGNATION STATUS SHEET Street Address: 544 McDonnel Street Roll Number: 030010106000000 PIN Number: 280860005 Short Legal Description: Names of Owners: Owners Mailing Address: Owners Concurrence: PT LTS 15, 16, 21, 22 PL 121; PT CAMBRIDGE ST PL 121 PETERBOROUGH AS CLOSED BY M38972 AS IN R569033; T/W R327972; PETERBOROUGH Dave and Michelle Johnston 389 Gifford Street, Ennismore, ON K0L 1T0 Yes PACAC Application Review Date: June 14, 2005 On Site Evaluation Date: May 31, 2005 Evaluation Category: Evaluators: Heritage Type: Designation Type: A Susan Schappert Built Structure Ontario Heritage Act Part IV Designation Brief Completion Date: June 3 2005 PACAC Application Approval Date: June 14 2005 Designation Brief Completed by: Susan Schappert, Research by Jon Oldham Submission Date: June 14 2005 Objections Noted: Comments:
"The short statement of the reason for the designation, including a description of the heritage attributes along with all other components of the Heritage Designation Report constitute the "Reasons for the Designation" required under the Ontario Heritage Act. The Heritage Designation Report is available for viewing in the City Clerk's office during regular business hours." SHORT STATEMENT OF REASONS FOR HERITAGE DESIGNATION Built in 1920 to serve as office and administration space for the Bonner Worth Mill properties, it is the architecturally most intact building of the remaining mill complex. As part of the extant Bonner Worth Mill buildings, it has important connections to labour, political and industrial history, as well as excellent architectural value. The Bonner Worth Mill properties were the site of one of Peterborough s most violent labour disputes, which itself had provincial and national repercussions. Labour organization began in Peterborough at both Bonner Worth and Auburn Woolen Mills, and the strike of 1937 was the first of its kind in Peterborough leading to violent confrontations and division within the community. Within the context of Ontario labour history, the Peterborough strike of 1937 resulted in an inquest into wages and working conditions, ordered by Premier Mitchell Hepburn. The inquest produced Special Order No. 1, which set minimum wages for men and women in the textile industries. This was the first legislation of its kind, and made under the provisions of the Minimum Wage Act of 1937. The strike had political ramifications as well. The day after Peterborough workers returned to work, Premier Hepburn called an early election. Riding on the success in Peterborough, Hepburn condemned the Congress of Industrial Organizations (CIO), and successfully portrayed them as communist
sympathizers. He won a landslide victory over Conservative candidate Earl Rowe. Within a national context, the involvement of the CIO struck fear into the hearts of Canadian industrialists. Although individuals involved in the Peterborough strike denounced any connection to the organization, both the media and the government played on public fears. Local papers announced the forthcoming involvement of textile workers across the nation, but such support never materialized. Linked with violence and communism, the CIO was viewed with suspicion across Canada. Examined within the framework of industrial activity in Peterborough, the Bonner Worth Mill properties are a testament to Peterborough s industrial success. Constructed during the peak of industrial expansion in early twentieth century Peterborough, the Bonner Worth Mills company (later Canadian Woolens, and then Dominion Woolens and Worsteds) flourished and contributed to the overseas war efforts during World War I. The buildings continued to be used for industrial purposes for many years after Dominion Woolens and Worsteds left Peterborough. The building s architectural value lies in its representation of an intact industrial administrative centre. Located between the two main factory buildings, the administrative building was designed by local architect William Blackwell, one of the most prominent architects in Peterborough history, and founder of Ontario s longest continually running architectural firm. William Blackwell s other notable projects within the City include: the YMCA building at George and Murray Streets, and the Nicholl s Hospital, now demolished. The building is also a good example of the Classical Revival style, as illustrated through the building s classical cornice and entablature, and pediment door surround with pilasters. The building s square and symmetrical form, as well as the lunettes over the ground floor French doors are also Classical elements.
CURRENT OWNER: Dave and Michelle Johnston ORIGINAL OWNER: Bonner Worth Mills ARCHITECT: William Blackwell DATE OF CONSTRUCTION: 1919-1920 BUILDER: Unknown Heritage Evaluation Criteria Note: Category A: The properties in this category are individually outstanding and have the broadest heritage significance in the City by virtue of architectural, historical, and environmental criteria along with overall integrity of design and construction. "Category A" properties generally hold provincial and/or national significance. CONTEXT- SITE AND SETTING: Situated on the north side of McDonnel Street, the Administration building for the Bonner Worth Mills is flanked on the east and west by the original factory buildings. To the south is an early 20 th century residential neighborhood, which includes factory worker housing, and to the southwest is the Peterborough Lawn Bowling Club. Jackson Creek runs through the eastern part of the Bonner Worth Mill property, as defined by the CNR right of way boundary line.
SUMMARY OF HERITAGE ATTRIBUTES TO BE DESIGNATED The Reasons for Designation include the following heritage attributes and apply to all elevations and the roof including all facades, entrances, windows, chimneys, and trim, together with construction materials of wood, brick, stone, plaster parging, metal and glazing, their related building techniques and landscape features: Exterior Elements: Red and buff coloured brick walls including all detailing: quoins, voussoirs, parapet and keystones Rubble limestone foundation Flat roof with elaborate cornice and fascia Classical entablature consisting of limestone frieze and ornamental metal work Original fenestration, including 8 over 8, 6 over 6, 2 over 2, French doors, sidelights, hardware, transoms and sills Wrought iron balconette railings at ground level French doors
Main entrance with two sets of double doors, marble tiled vestibule, exterior light fixtures, pediment and pilasters (including Administration letters), exterior transom, interior transom with lead caning and CW logo, and hardware Interior Elements: Quarter-sawn oak paneling including all window trim, surrounds, sills and original doors Leaded glazed interior door and flanking windows on ground floor
Coffered ceiling on the ground and upper levels Run-in-place plaster mouldings on the ground and upper level ceilings Vault doors on basement, ground and upper levels Crown moulding and baseboards Staircase balustrade and balusters connecting all floors Hardwood flooring underneath carpeting on ground level Original light fixtures (located in interior of vestibule, and ground level) Ornamental arch at main entrance hall on ground level