Category: 1840-1849

The Balfour Building

The home of the Whitby Dance Academy at 58 Baldwin Street was once known as the Balfour Building. Since its construction in 1878, it’s been a cornerstone of Brooklin’s history. Built for prominent merchant Robert Balfour (1848–1898), it became a central hub for local commerce, not only

58 Baldwin St N house
Balfour’s house next door

providing goods and services to the community but also playing a significant role in the economic development of Brooklin. At the time, it was the largest store in the village, showcasing impressive brick arches above the windows and doors that combined structural integrity with visual appeal. Immediately north of the store, Balfour built his two-story brick home which was demolished in 1995.

On September 8, 1881, the Whitby Chronicle reported: ‘The large and handsome new store of Mr. Balfour is completed and occupied. It has quite an imposing appearance.’ From its construction onward, the main floor was used as a dry goods and grocery store. In December, 1950, high winds damaged the brickwork, necessitating the complete removal and rebuilding of the third floor’s front facade.
 
Various owners
Balfour operated the store for only four years. From approximately 1884 to 1912, the business was subsequently run by various proprietors, including58 Baldwin St N store Thomas J. Holliday, William Holliday, William Lawrence, Fred Ormiston, artist and sign painter Harry Lade and his son, butcher Arthur Cook. Merchants Wes Piatti, and Fred Brown (Brown’s Marketeria) both occupied the building at separate times during the 1950s and early 1960s. Another business, Kennedy’s, was in operation there around the same time. In the mid-1960s, Mrs. Bibeau and her mother, who both lived on Way Street, operated a Stedmans store at the location, then Brooklin Pro Hardware, followed by The Video Image.
The building’s upper floors also had an interesting history. In 1884, it became home to the Beethoven Lodge of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows (IOOF), which used the space until 1954, when they constructed their own building on Bagot Street. Those floors also housed the Whitby Council Chambers and Municipal Office prior to 1920 and the Patterson sisters operated a dressmaking and millinery shop. Eventually the upstairs rooms were renovated into apartments.
 
Heritage District
 
The building is situated within the Brooklin Heritage Conservation District, established by Bylaws 6085-08 and 6086-08 and is recognized for its historical significance. It is listed in the Town of Whitby’s Municipal58 Baldwin St N Heritage Register, which includes both designated and non-designated properties of cultural heritage value. This district designation, enacted in 2008, aims to preserve the unique heritage character of Brooklin’s main street and surrounding areas. While the Balfour Building itself may not have an individual designation date, its inclusion in the Brooklin Heritage Conservation District provides it with heritage protection under the Ontario Heritage Act. Today, it reflects Brooklin’s deeply rooted commercial heritage with the architectural style and community spirit of the late 19th century.

The History of Brooklin’s Post Offices

The Town of Winchester decided to have a post office, but as there was already a Winchester in Eastern Ontario, “our” Winchester wasn’t able to have one. To fix this problem the residents held a public meeting on August 11, 1847 where they decided to change the town’s name to Brooklin.Brooklin post office 1964 Hunter-Darlington House 1853 55 Baldwin St Brooklin 1860
 
At this time the postal service in Canada was under the control of the British government. It was assumed that Brooklin and Columbus opened co-jointly in order to make the one route profitable. Mail first reached Whitby by stage coach on a route that ran from Toronto to Kingston, which was then delivered to Brooklin’s post office three times a week by the first carrier Mr. Thomas, who was paid the princely sum of 15 pounds a year for his troubles. The charge to customers for this delivery was paid at a fixed rate as postage stamps weren’t used until 1851.
 
In 1847 the first Brooklin Postmaster was E.J. Ware, who was followed by Reverend Robert Darlington in 1853. The Post Office in 1854 was the Hunter-Darlington House, at 42 Cassels Rd. This building has been designated under the Ontario Heritage Act and is possibly the oldest house in Brooklin. (see photo) The building housing Brooklin’s 2nd Post Office, located at 55 Baldwin St., was built in 1860
 
In 1881 Mr. R.T. Harrison became Postmaster, who was then followed by Mr. A. Somerville in 1888. From 1888 until 1928 it was operated in David W. MacDonald’s Store (see photo). G.W Rodd was Postmaster until 1929, followed by his son Stanley Rodd until 1968. The Goodberry store is in this location today. Roy. D. Connell in 1968, T.I. Riley until 1973, Milton E. Spears in 1973, Mrs. M. Peacock until 1974. R. Walker is the last recorded name.
On October 10, 1908, rural delivery began with A. Hannom as the first mail carrier, who was followed by M. Ross. In 1947 B. Hannam took over the route, then in 1962 Mr. and Mrs. Wilman delivered mail until 1978. By this time RR#1 Brooklin encompassed a 60 mile drive for the mail carrier who delivered to approximately 565 customers.
 
Brooklin’s 3rd Post Office was built in 1964 at 2 Price Street. Before Community boxes arrived residents would meet at the Post Office to chat and catch up on the news. Although Brooklin now has numerous postal codes, residents may still remember the first one, L0B 1C0.