1874 - County Registry Office - St. Thomas Ontario
Posted by: 
Keldar5
N 42° 46.498 W 081° 12.058
17T E 483559 N 4735845
Registry Office for town.
Waymark Code: WMRD0H
Location: Ontario, Canada
Date Posted: 06/11/2016
Views: 1
From the website: (http://www.elgin.ca/ElginCounty/CulturalServices/Archives/Courthouse%20Virtual%20Exhibit/Sample%20website%20training/RegistryOffice.html)
In early 1873, Elgin County Council met to discuss the growing need for a Registry Office building. A separate Registry Office was becoming the norm across the province, with buildings being built in the style designated by Provincial Chief Engineer and Architect, Kivas Tully about 1868. The designs included separate Registry Office, 2013rooms, high vaulted ceilings and iron fittings around the doors and windows, iron bars and shutters, iron doors between rooms and thick walls. This was to lower the risk of fire in the building or fire spreading and to protect the valuable documents held within.
On Wednesday, January 29, 1873, a special committee was appointed to investigate what a “fair portion” would be for the Town of St. Thomas to contribute to a new Registry Office. By the next day, a motion had been made, and amended to appoint a Building Committee to oversee improvements to the Gaol and the building of a Registry Office for the coming year. The Committee included J. Marlatt, Samuel Shepard, and T. M. Narin.
By February 1874, tenders had been received from contractors to build the Registry Office. The contract was awarded to Messrs. Ellison, with the intent that the work would be completed by the first day of October 1874, for the price of $6,770. In addition, a new Building Committee was chosen, including Warden John McCausland (Reeve of Malahide), T. M. Nairn (Reeve of Aylmer) and Samuel Day (Reeve of Yarmouth) to oversee the construction.
On November 10, 1874, Chairman of the Building Committee, John McCausland provided a report to Elgin County Council. The report gave details on alterations that were made to the original design for the purpose of safety, appeal and practicality. The overage in the cost of nearly $1000 was also explained in detail.
The next day, a report from the Special Committee was read and indicated the near completion of the building. The report suggested Registrar John McKay and staff needed to prepare for their move to the Registry Office for December 1st. Once the Registry Office staff was re-situated, the County Treasurer would move into their old offices, and the County Attorney into the former office of the Treasurer.
Year of construction: 1874
Full inscription:
County Registry Office 1874
Cross-listed waymark: Not listed
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