McKibbon Building - Merrickville - Ontario Heritage Properties on Waymarking.com

"By 1856, Merrickville, with its woolen mill, iron foundry and numerous manufacturing operations had surpassed its pioneer rural roots and had become a major industrial complex. It became an ideal candidate for the Mechanics Institute concept of adult education and in 1856 became the first Mechanics' Institute in the Counties of Leeds' and Grenville. According to Ruth McKenzie's "History of Leeds and Grenville," Institutes were later organized at Brockville, Prescott and Kemptvi1le. These are considered the forerunners of our modern extension courses and our public libraries. As in the British precedent, the Merrickville Mechanics Institute was financed by leading industrialists. A certificate reprinted in the Mirickville Chronicle of September 20, 1856 recording its formation reads "By-Laws of Merrickville Mechanics' Institute and Library Association". It was incorporated by an Act of Parliament on February 4th, 1857. The trustees were Aaron Mirick, John Muir J.C. Lonsdale, C.Leggo, M.D. and Samuel Langford. Twenty other members are listed with contributions “in English money” to the amount of twenty-three pounds.

The first formal location of the Merrickville Institute/Library was in a two story stone building on St Lawrence next to the Arron Merrick commercial block. You will recognize this building today as the charming Gad’s Hill Restaurant. In 1911, the Library was combined with the Merrickville post office and moved south on St Lawrence to the attractive polychrome brick building, the present location of “Country Bumpkins”.

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Additional information

"Gad's Hill Place Eating House is located in one of Merrickville's oldest buildings. The dining room is the original structure (C. 1830). The L-shaped area that houses the lounge, washrooms and kitchen was added in 1856. The building took on one of its most important roles in 1856 when it became the "Merrickville Mechanics Institute and Library Association". The Mechanics Institiutes were exlusively for the new education of adults beyond the basic Three R's and as the schools developed, particularly high schools, the Mechanics Institues became the forerunners of today's Public Library System. Among its many uses over its long history, the McKibbon Building has served as a youth drop-in centre, a gym, a luncheonette,a bakery and most recently an antique store. It will house Gad's Hill Place Eating House for many years to come and we welcome visitors to our house to enjoy its atmosphere and history."

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Link to Property in The Ontario Properties Database: [Web Link] Building or Property Type: Civic or Government Building County or Regional Municipality: Leeds and Grenville

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