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Ferguson Way

This picture was taken by Stratford photographer, George Maitland, who has a street named after him. Stratford-Perth Archives.

Duncan Ferguson, Department Store

Duncan Ferguson was both a successful businessman and noted public servant and mayor.

Early Life. Ferguson was born on September 7, 1857 in Brussels, Ontario son of Duncan Ferguson senior. Young Duncan Ferguson went west for several years before coming to Stratford around 1882. He worked at Horne and Birch on Ontario Street (later Welsh's Grocery) as a junior clerk in the dry goods. Next he worked with R. J. Wilkinson and company, another dry goods store. Ferguson was young and ambitious. He moved to Toronto to work at McKowen's company dry goods. He soon met Frederick John Scarff another expat from Stratford in 1986 and they formed a partnership.

Stratford Business History. On that same year, 1886, they returned to Stratford and opened Scarff and Ferguson back home in a small store on Downie Street. A year later Scarff left for the Imperial Rattan Co. and Ferguson grew the business in that location. In October 1903 Ferguson bought an entire block from John Idington and expanded it into one of the largest department store in the area. The site of his business later became the T. Eaton Company just south of Ontario Street in the west side of Downie.

One-Stop Shopping. Christmas in 1916 gave him the opportunity to showcase his huge inventory of toys, fur apparel, winter accessories, Christmas cards and countless other gifts . During his campaign to be elected mayor, Ferguson placed large, illustrated daily advertisements in local newspapers to remind shoppers that Duncan Ferguson Company was their one-stop destination for seasonal necessities.

Savvy Businessman. He was ever the savvy businessman. He traveled frequently to Britain and Europe on buying trips. He was well known among manufactures and exporters. He loved to visit the old country markets and had numerous connections and friendships from these trips. His connections enabled him to obtain a wide inventory of products for his customers

Election Campaign 1916. On December 22, 1916, the city council nominations were announced. Alderman Dr. Joseph Dunsmore Monteith (see Monteith Ave.) challenged the incumbent Ferguson. Ferguson had been unanimously chosen by city council six months before to become mayor in a special meeting held August 11, 1916 following the death of Mayor Elijah Barnsdale on August 2.

Campaign Details 1916. In December Ferguson was starting his first campaign to become full-term mayor. Acclamation had seemed certain since council accomplishments in 1916 had seemed to be quite satisfactory. Acclamation, rather than an actual election, would also prevent unnecessary expense in the midst of the war. Such hopes were dashed when some council members triggered an election by not filing "declaration papers." Monteith subsequently presented his "qualification papers" to run for mayor. The race was on. Monteith won the annual election on January 1, 1917 by 228 votes . Ferguson could now turn his attention back to other concerns.

Retirement 1927. In 1927 Ferguson sold his business to Canadian Department Stores ltd. In 1928 bankruptcy led to Eaton’s takeover of the Canadian Department stores and eventually the chain became part of the T. Eaton company. Earlier in his business life, Ferguson had been president of Avon Knit on Erie St. when it was built in 1904. He remained as president until he retired from the position in 1930. Ferguson was involved in the Retail Merchants Association and was for many years its president. He had also been president of the Board of Trade and part of the Board of Trustees for the Stratford general Hospital of Trade. He was also a director of the McLagan furniture at the time of his death June 25, 1932

Home and Family. His funeral service was held at Knox Presbyterian Church, with Reverend George Roland officiating. He was survived by one son, Duncan, and a daughter, Mrs. Laurie Morine, both of Toronto. His widow Rhoda Lorraine Bowldy died in 1954. The family lived at 78 John Street Source: Stratford- Perth Archives; "Ferguson made mark in business," Reflections article by Lynda Greve, Stratford Beacon-Herald, Dec 8, 2012.

Duncan Ferguson ad in the Beacon 100 years ago as of this writing April 7, 2024 Stratford -Perth Archives Cindy Sinko

During Better Homes Week in 1924, as advertised by Duncan Ferguson, many of the furniture and electrical appliance dealers in Stratford, such as J. A. Duggan Ltd., Duncan Ferguson Co. Ltd., Down and Fleming, Hydro Shop, Peter and Sylvester, and R. White and Company, stayed open late for the benefit of those who could visit their stores and view the goods described on exhibit. Source: Cindy Sinko: "The age of the electrical dishwasher," Stratford Beacon Herald, April 5, 2024.

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