Sarnia Ontario Heritage Blog: November 2010

Historic Thom Block Given New Lease On Life As Gallery Lambton

The historic Thom Block on the southwest corner of Christina and Lochiel streets, better known as the "Saks" building, has been a landmark downtown since its erection in 1893 by Major John Strathearn Thom, a local photographer and artist. Thom's studio was on the upper floor while he rented the main floor as retail space. Over the years it has been occupied by the Dominion Bank, Manley's, Knowles Shoes, Saks and a flea-market among others. For the past 25+ years the building sat empty and neglected and was set for demolition a couple of times over the years. Luckily for Sarnia, demolition was avoided and early this year plans were announced to incorporate the all new Gallery Lambton into the shell of the Thom Block. Concern was raised regarding the beautiful antique staircase until assurance was given to save the staircase and incorporate it into the design. Everything but the east and north facades has been removed and soon the new steel structure will be erected. We are hoping that all goes according to plan as the new gallery must be completed by next spring to receive the federal monies available. Below are photos from my collection and photos I've taken of the work in progress.

From the collection of John Rochon

Sarnia Observer 12 January 1977 p1

Photo by John Rochon 1984

Photo by John Rochon 2010

ENDANGERED - 345 Christina Street North

This unassuming 19th-century house has been occupied for many years by a lawyers office. In 1900 it was the residence of James Spearman, 1st Chairman of the new Sarnia Public Library Board. His daughter Patricia, would go on to become the first Children's Librarian in Ontario. A demolition permit has been granted for this property and my requests to make a photo record of the interior have so far fallen on deaf ears. I will continue to try to gain admittance, so we can at least have a complete photographic record of the property.

Photo by John Rochon

Chief Wawanosh House Razed

The very aged frame house at 170 Christina Street South, believed by some to have been the residence of Chief Wawanosh, has been pulled down. Repeated requests on my part to get permission to photograph the interior before demolition fell on deaf ears and as a consequence we now have a photo record of the exterior only. Below are photos that I have taken of the house.

Photo by John Rochon

Last House on Front Street

The aged brick house at 158 Front Street South, the last remaining house on Front St., is due for demolition by the owners for parking space. This very solid building, which has stood there since c.1875 has been empty for some time, although it looks as if recent attempts to renovate it were halted once the decision was made to pull it down. The Sarnia Heritage Committee put forth the suggestion that the house be renovated to serve as a hostel for out-of-town family members visiting relatives at the Residence on the St. Clair, which is immediately south. Unfortunately, this suggestion was rejected, and demolition of the house could begin at any time. I am hoping that the owners will change their minds. They were kind enough to allow myself and a friend to go through the house to document it photographically and also allowed us to take old architectural files that had been stored in the attic of the house. Below are some of the photos I took while going through the house.