Location: 110 Walters Lane, Fallbrook
Legal Description: Lot 21, Concession 10, Bathurst Ward
This property is recognized for its role as a blacksmith shop and as a commercial and social centre for the Fallbrook community for 120 years, from its construction in 1865 by local mill owner, William Lees, to 1986, when its most famous owner, Walter Cameron, died.
The wood-frame blacksmith shop was founded by William Lees, on his Fallbrook property, to service his mills along the Fall and Mississippi Rivers. Several smithies operated the shop, until 1888, when it was acquired by James Cameron, who had learned his trade in Lachute, Quebec, and with the local McLaren Company, servicing area logging shanties. Under James, and later his son Walter, the blacksmith’s shop became an important service centre for the region’s milling and logging sectors.
The only substantial modification to the original blacksmith building occurred in 1896, when James Cameron moved the entrance 90 degrees, from Fallbrook Road to what is now known as Walter’s Lane. James also added the woodworking shop on the northwest side of the building. The structure and layout of the building, including the exterior siding, interior and flooring, have remained relatively unchanged since that time.
During the 75 years that Walter and Isobel Cameron owned the property, it was the social and economic focus for the hamlet and greater Fallbrook community. Isobel managed the adjacent general store, and Walter became widely known for his skills as a blacksmith, wood carver, and raconteur. In the early years, he also donned the hats of barber, dentist, and veterinarian. His wood carving tools were donated to Tay Valley Township in 2013 by a member of the Ottawa wood carvers’ association, in the presence of his son, Graham, and are on display at the Township municipal offices.