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Haggart House, 41 Mill Street The Haggart House was built in 1837 by the original owner, John Haggart Sr. Haggart emigrated from Scotland and is associated with Perth’s early milling history as well as the construction of the Rideau Canal. Haggart operated the adjacent four-mill complex on the Tay and was also responsible for building Chaffey’s Lock on the Rideau Canal. The Haggart House stands as one of the earliest houses built in the area and expresses Perth’s early economic development as it is situated in the town’s first industrial complex. The house was passed onto John G. Haggart Jr., who went on to become the Mayor of Perth and then a Member of Provincial Parliament, representing the riding of South Lanark for some 40 years. He also held the offices of post-master-general and minister of Railways and Canals under Sir John A. Macdonald. The Haggart House also functioned as a veteran’s hospital for the wounded during World War One. The Haggart House is a fine example of the Regency style, which originated during the 1811-1820 period when George, Prince of Wales, was the British Regent. The Regency style was popular in Canada between 1810 and 1840.
Photograph, c1910 from the archives of the Perth Museum
(Don Little collection) |