Wednesday, March 21, 2007

City Hall

GUELPH CITY HALL 1856





I was interested in seeing the old sculptures over the doors and windows. This is just one example.

This fine example of classical architecture was begun in 1856 following the incorporation of Guelph as a town. It was designed by William Thomas, architect of St. Lawrence Hall, Toronto, and other important buildings throughout the province and was completed in 1857.
Constructed of Guelph stone, it contained a market house, offices and an assembly hall in which many notable persons were entertained, including the Hon. John A. Macdonald, later Canada's first prime minister.
Alterations to the building were made in 1870, and a new hall was added in 1875.
Except for the clock tower which was removed in 1961, the front portion of the structure retains its original appearance.

9 comments:

Anonymous said...

I like the keystones too. I seldom see them carved like this one. Interesting.
720 pixels

The Wellspring said...

Wow! What a magnificient building :) It would be fun to see each window if they are all different. They don't build them like this anymore, do they?!?

~Lisa

Jeanette said...

Hi Pat just popped back in to say hi Hope your keeping well I hope you recieved my emails.
Interesting carvings on the building Take care

kuanyin333 said...

This is an imposing looking building!

photowannabe said...

Very majestic building. I am enjoying the information on a part of Canada I am totally unfamilar with. Thanks for the tour of your town.

Chuckeroon said...

Hi Pat! Passing through again!

Shammickite said...

Nice pic of an imposing building. One day I'll have to come to Guelph to check it out for myself!

Shammickite said...

Nice pic of an imposing building. One day I'll have to come to Guelph to check it out for myself!

Shammickite said...

uhoh it came though TWICE!!