112 Maria St. BlackburnNews.com photo by Dave Dentinger. 112 Maria St. BlackburnNews.com photo by Dave Dentinger.
Sarnia

Skilbeck Cottage Earmarked As A Heritage Landmark

Another house in Sarnia is earmarked as an historical heritage landmark.

City Council is proposing the property at 112 Maria St. be designated under the Heritage Act.

Sarnia Historical Society Editor Phil Egan says the home is commonly referred to as Skilbeck Cottage, built and named after Robert Skilbeck, one of Sarnia's first businessmen.

The Sarnia Fire Department traces its roots to the structure.

"There's a notation in Richard Emerick Vidal's diary, on September 16, 1840, that there was a fire in the kitchen of Robert Skilbeck's," says Egan. "And it goes on to say that as a result of the fire, the village decided to get together, have a meeting an form a hook and ladder company."

In 1847, Sarnia's first money-lending institution was run out of the back room of the brick house because there was no bank here until 1852.

The "Syndicate", as it was known, eventually was incorporated as "The Building and Investment Company", the oldest Trust Company in Canada. It later became known as Lambton Loan and Investment Company.

Residents have until October 18 to file objections to the designation to the city Clerk's office.

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