Not One, But Two Fires

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The residents of Port Perry were shaken awake just after midnight on November 26, 1883, by panicked cries and a fiery glow spilling through their windows. A blaze had erupted downtown, consuming properties worth an estimated $125,000 to $150,000. Originating near the rear of the Port Perry House, at the corner of Queen and Water Streets (currently CIBC), the fire rapidly spread westward, fuelled by a fierce southeast wind. Within three hours, one-third of the businesses on the north side of Queen Street were reduced to ash.

Efforts by the fire brigade and locals to contain the inferno were futile. A narrow alley and the inward collapse of the Port Perry House wall, eventually prevented the fire from spreading further. In the morning, the destruction was staggering. Many of the town’s finest structures lay in smouldering ruins, leaving townsfolk to wonder about the community’s future.

Despite the devastation, several property owners quickly set plans in motion to rebuild. W.B. McGaw, whose Walker House was among the casualties, began clearing rubble immediately, and acquired additional land to expand his new construction. Others, like Mr. Blong of the Brunswick Hotel and Mr. Ruddy of the Port Perry House, also resolved to restore their establishments to an even grander scale.

Temporary quarters were established for displaced businesses, while reconstruction plans were drawn up. By spring, tenders for new brick buildings began appearing in local newspapers, and the downtown core buzzed with optimism as contractors laid the groundwork for a more resilient Queen Street.

Unfortunately, the revival was short-lived. On July 3, 1884, another fire erupted, this time on the south side of Queen Street, behind the Mansion House Hotel (the site of the former Post Office building). The flames, carried by strong winds, spread with devastating speed, engulfing most of the downtown area within an hour. Merchants scrambled to save goods, often unsuccessfully, as even rescued items succumbed to the heat. Thirty-three commercial buildings, factories, and homes were lost, with damages exceeding $350,000. Insurance coverage was minimal, leaving many financially ruined.

The devastating fires of 1883 and 1884 left lasting scars on Port Perry, yet they paved the way for Queen Street’s iconic Victorian architecture, which endures today. Through careful efforts by the heritage committee, this history remains preserved, lending charm and character to the town. These restored buildings stand as a testament to resilience, making Port Perry one of Canada’s most picturesque and cherished communities.