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Matheson House, home of the Perth Museum In 1840, Roderick Matheson had this fine home built for his family. Constructed of local sandstone, the house holds a commanding position in the town, and preserves the impression, character and orderliness of the 19th-century townscape of Perth. The Honourable Roderick Matheson, who served in the War of 1812, moved to Perth as a half-pay officer. He established the mercantile business now known as Shaw’s of Perth and was a judge and confederation senator. The family continued to live in the house until December 1929. Between 1931 and 1938, James Kinlock operated the Birkacre Tea Room and Hotel. In 1938 Mrs. Clifford Carr took over the tea room and changed the name to Vanity Fair Tea Room. The Royal Canadian Legion purchased the building for its use in 1947. In 1965 a new Legion Hall was built on Beckwith Street, by the Tay River. In 1966, the building was purchased by the town, designated as a national historic site and the plaque was installed in time for Centennial Year, 1967. In 1925, Archibald Campbell founded the Perth Museum, which was located in the McMillan Building, above the former library. In 1966 the museum moved to the present location. Four period rooms, a parlour, dining room, drawing room and a welcoming kitchen, have been carefully restored and furnished with items belonging to the original family, with other items donated by the generous people of Perth. The museum features a full calendar of exhibitions in the main gallery, and Perth’s historic past is highlighted in the third floor gallery. Outdoors is a charming, enclosed Scottish garden, containing plants and shrubs true to the era. A bake oven and Kitchen herb garden can be found in the courtyard, where demonstrations and events take place throughout the season. The museum is open to the public year round and welcomes your calls and interest.
Photograph, c1890, from the archives of the Perth
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