Tidbits from Bridge Street

It was a hot afternoon in downtown Carleton Place, so I opted to sit in the outside shade while Sue second-handed it across the street. Being both hot and a tad lazy, I snapped several shots while sitting on the benches outside the post office.

I'm not sure that I knew we had a Masonic Temple in CP, but sure enough ...

Apparently, the structure is 104 years old, but the masons have been active here since 1843. I had assumed that the temple was a former use only, but it seems that it is still the temple for the St John's Lodge No 63, and there are approximately 100 members.

Beside the temple is Leslie (not LFSLIE, I'm sure) built in 1895.

From the walking tour pamphlet: "It has been home to cabinetmakers, furniture and undertaking businesses throughout its history. The eight-column colonnade supports an intricate entablature and remains a showpiece of Ontario architecture."

As I continued to point my camera upward at odd angles, I next snapped the clock tower of the old post office, which was build ~1891. From the pamphlet "The Building was designed by famed Ottawa Parliament Peace Tower architect, Thomas Fuller (1823- 1898), who designed 78 Post Offices for the Dominion of Canada from 1881-1896." The clock tower was added two years later in 1893.

Then there is St Andrew's Presbyterian Church, apparently built in 1887, just a few years prior to the other buildings.

"Fanciful towers and turrets add interest to the imposing St. Andrews Presbyterian Church, built in the Scottish Baronial style in 1887. Contrasting decorative courses, and window and door details are constructed of dark Beckwith limestone."

I have tried to attend a concert or two in this church, but the pews are not at all comfortable to a modern larger man with a bad back.

The best sighting of the day was to see this lovely lady lady walking toward me. But I won't say how old she is. :)