77 Brunswick Street
1976
77 Brunswick Street: The house was originally built in 1866 by Donald Bain McDonald, a Scottish-born builder who is listed in the 1861 Stratford directory as being a carpenter and joiner. The 1871 census shows him to be a man of substance, owning 200 acres of land and eight dwelling houses; his carpentry and building shop employed eight men over age 16. By 1979 facing certain death as a shabby neglected structure the building was faithfully restored in two year -1985 to 1987 by James Anderson, first Perth County archivist and museum curator (see Anderson Crescent).
Many working men’s families resided at 77 Brunswick St., but no longer than Creasy's who occupied the residence for 50 years. Fred and Alice Creasy married in Bournemouth England in 1901 and immigrated to Canada in 1913. In 1916 they moved to Stratford and 77 Brunswick St.
Mr. Creasy, a musician, celebrated his 90th birthday in 1965 while still living in the same house. He was a choir leader in the first congregational church and later sang in the Knox church choir. He arranged several Gilbert and Sullivan operetta‘s in the City Hall and took part in the Stratford Kiwanis music festival. Mrs. Creasy was one of Stratford‘s most benevolent and beloved women as secretary of the welfare bureau, she helped with the collection and distribution of clothing and furniture in the community. source: Reflections Article Stratford-Perth Archives
* See a great story An Artist and His Cottage by Stratford District Historical Society
Alice and Fred Creasy on the porch.
This home is a designated heritage home, documented as the McDonald-Creasy House. The home is called now the "The Artists' Cottage". Gerard Brender à Brandis, is now (in 2024) the cottage owner, is a well-known wood engraver and creator of limited-edition handmade books. Gerard collaborated with his sister, Marianne Brandis, (see Water St.) to produce Under This Roof, a tribute to the house. (see Brunswick Street).
109 Brunswick Street
109 Brunswick Street 1979
Peter Rolph Shaver, one of the leading physicians in the area, was the Perth County coroner. He was born near Hamilton, Ont., on July 27, 1829. He built what is now Allison's Brunswick House B and B, at 109 Brunswick St. Dr. Shaver also had 13 children so, in 1878, he built the 19th century Italianate house next door.
After graduation, Dr. Shaver came directly to Stratford, where he practised for 25 years. It was noted in the Beacon-Herald's centennial edition in 1932 that Dr. Shaver always had a good reputation both for his skill and care of patients, and had made his profession his exclusive study, and a success.
A year or two after settling in Stratford, Dr. Shaver was appointed county coroner, and surgeon for the county jail. He was also a town councillor for a short time, but it was mentioned in the Beacon-Herald that he avoided civil offices as much as he could, consistent with his duties as a citizen, and the press of professional business. He desired to keep "read up" in medical science, as well as in the news of the day. Sources: Stratford and District Historical Society; Stratford Beacon-Herald, July 27, 1932, centenary edition.
For more on the history see Brunswick Street
173 Brunswick street
173 Brunswick Street
Mrs. W. J. Gillies
184 Brunswick Street
184 Brunswick Street, 1910 Photo: Vince Gratton
184 Brunswick Street
1903-1904 J.S. Square Gentleman , Mary Patterson Tenant, Widow, a family of four. Land and building cost $1400
1904 -1939 George Munro fitter, a family of four . Land and Building cost $1450 . Source: Stratford-Perth Archives box files
1910 Vernon Directory shows George V. Munro living at 184 Brunswick.