Location: 1089 Harper Road, Harpers Corner
Legal Description: Lot 20, Concession 6, Bathurst Ward
This property is recognized as being the centre of the greater Harper community for more than 90 years, beginning around 1877.
Now a private residence, the brick building and an associated shed situated on a 1.5 acre (0.61 hectare) lot, was known as the Harper General Store. Over the years, it sold food, dry goods and related products, and provided a range of services for the community, including a post office, gas pump and tinsmith. It also functioned as a meeting centre for community groups, a reception and dance hall, and even an auction room.
The main building features a red brick façade, with vernacular architectural features typical of the late Victorian era, including segmentally headed windows and contrasting quoins. The building consists of two distinct, joined structures. The eastern half constituted the original home, apparently built by 1890. The western half was perhaps built soon after, to house the store, the appearance of which is preserved in a well-known photo from circa 1900, titled “Butler’s Store.”
The interiors of both sections have retained their original mouldings and flooring, as well as some of the wainscotting and ceilings. A separate entrance, now closed, and staircase, conducted visitors to the second-floor meeting hall of the original store.
The associated shed south of the main building, a one-storey, frame structure, is said to have played a role as part of the original store, as well as housing a tinsmith.
The well-preserved buildings and the property’s history exemplify the important role played by the early general stores in Tay Valley Township, providing needed supplies, services, and community centres.