Historical Smiths Falls

Sat. 13 June:  Historical Smiths Falls

Beautiful columns inside the Carnegie Library

Every town in Canada will have its historical buildings, but you need the right person to show you around, and to bring the local history alive.

Today we were fortunate on both counts.  As a result, on our stroll through the town, we learned about the history and the early leaders of Smiths Falls.  The pictures will tell the story. 

I don’t  suppose anyone would disagree with me if I said that Smiths Falls has seen better times, but dotted around town are some fine examples of a more prosperous age: from the first stone building erected in the town, a modest structure but still in use today, to  some large well-proportioned family homes in various popular architectural styles; the shell of a once busy town-centre hotel, with plans for conversion to apartments; the old Post Office, and the Town Hall with  the  first school next door with its bell-tower.

Then there is the beautiful Carnegie Library, standing on a street corner with its imposing columns, and steps leading up to the front door.  Andrew Carnegie himself visited this small library in 1906 and was apparently delighted with it.  The inside has been tastefully renovated. 

A common thread linking the town together is the Rideau Canal, and we enjoyed a stroll along its banks on our way to the old Canadian Northern railway station, now a museum. 

There’s a lot to admire about Smiths Falls.  I would encourage the reader to take the time to explore the town yourself.

Note:  single-click on the first picture above to scroll through the photos separately

Statistics:

Total Distance:      4.6 km (hike)

Height Gain:          Negligible

Time on Trail:       1 hr. 53 mins.

Start:                     1.25 pm

Return:                  3.17 pm

Temp:                   24 C

Weather:               Sunny, warm W breeze

The Ward House, at one time the grandest mansion in town...

Old railings around Ward House have survived (rare to see)

Lovely family home

The oldest stone building in Smiths Falls

The Rideau Canal

Striking modern architecture

The old Canadian Northern railway station - now a museum

Town Hall and adjacent school were early buildings

The Carnegie Library

Andrew Carnegie himself visited this library  (and loved it)

Substantial town houses

The United Church

Italianate architecture - the home of several doctors over  the years

Old Post Office and terrible 1960's version next door

The building of the Rideau Canal

Every town has its favourite old hotel - to become future apartments?

Attention to detail

The old Farmers Exchange Building in the town centre