Brant architect left mark on Toronto Exhibition grounds

At the end of the summer it was often a ritual to visit the Toronto National Exhibition to explore the midway that was founded by Patty Conklin of Brantford. There is a group of buildings here that has a Town of Paris connection.

The Gouinlock Family

Walter Gouinlock, his wife Elizabeth and their son John came to Paris in 1846. Walter built a store and residence on Grand River Street North, which became known as the Gouinlock block. By 1871, there were 10 children in the family, one of whom was George W. Gouinlock.

Gouinlock, who was born in 1861, attended local schools and upon graduating, he trained as an architect in various cities including Hamilton, Chicago and Milwaukee. Upon returning to Toronto, he had a partnership with Francis S. Baker from 1888 to 1890.

George W. Gouinlock

George W. Gouinlock was chosen to design a group of 15 buildings in the Beaux-Arts Baroque style, as specified by the Toronto City Council. The entrances were to be emphasized as well as the physical relationship among them, including their style, materials, closeness and views between the buildings. They were to be surrounded by attractive landscape and open spaces at the front and rear of each building. Five buildings were constructed.

This building project changed the Toronto Exhibition grounds into a naturally recognized exhibition of industrial, manufacturing and agricultural development.

Buildings

The government building has an E-shaped plan, a glazed dome and flanking towers.

The horticulture building has a large central glazed dome.

The press building is two stores high with regular placed openings and classic detail.

The music building, which was originally the railway building, is a unique structure with three domed octagons representing the three railways that originally operated there.

The fire hall/police station is an arts and crafts style building built of wood and stucco with Tudor detailing and a square clock tower rising in the front.

When visiting the Exhibition grounds in Toronto, admire these buildings and think about who designed them and how they were constructed and placed.

Designation

The Gouinlock buildings at the Exhibition grounds were designated a natural historic site of Canada in 1988 because these five buildings are the largest and finest group of early 20th century exhibition buildings in Canada.

The Paris Gouinlock Fountain

During the week of August 14,1905, thousands of people came to join in the festivities for the Old Boys and Girls Reunion in Paris. Near the end of the week some of the Old Boys and Girls thought that the event should be marked in some lasting way. About $1,500 had been collected to build a memorial fountain, which was to be placed in front of the post office on Grand River Street North in front of what is now the drug store.

An old letter was found addressed to Old Boy James Adams from Secretary-Treasurer Hugh Finlayson dated February 6, 1910. At the top left-hand corner was a sketch of the plans for the fountain drawn by Old Boy George W. Gouinlock, Toronto.

Before people departed, a decision was made to use this sketch to build a memorial fountain to be placed in front of the post office on Grand River Street North where the drug store is today.

The fountain was constructed and graced the main street of Paris for 50 years. On the street side was a place for horses to get a drink. A fountain was installed on the back of the upper half of the monument where people could drink and near the bottom of this side was a place for small animals to drink.

About 1960, when Grand River Street was rebuilt, the fountain had to be moved but no other spot was found for it.

A few years later the Paris Business and the Professional Women’s group did replace the old fountain with a smaller one but it did not meet with success.

The Carnegie Library in Brantford

George Guinolock was one of four architects invited to submit a design for the new Carnegie Library on George Street in Brantford. In July, 1902, George’s plans were set aside.

Local historian Ruth Lefler has been awarded the Lt.-Gov.’s Heritage Award for Lifetime Achievement. She welcomes readers’ comments. Email her at [email protected].