Moran Hooker Building

197 Water St. W., Prescott, ON

 

In the 1830s, Prescott was rapidly developing the lucrative forwarding trade centred on Water Street along the banks of the St. Lawrence.  This large stone structure was built in two sections between 1840 and 1844, one being owned by John Moran, gentleman, and the other by Alfred Hooker, forwarder and merchant. The two buildings were soon part of a substantial complex related to the forwarding trade that lined Water Street, then Prescott's main street and business centre.  By the 1870s the forwarding trade had lost importance.  Water Street gave way to King Street as the main business area and the two buildings, the scene of so much colourful maritime activity, soon lost importance.  The buildings were used as Canada's first Lifesaver Candy factory, a glove factory and a pickle factory.  They were later used for storage primarily until the early 20th century.

The stone complex was constructed into the side of an embankment which runs parallel to the St. Lawrence River. It is 2 1/2 stories high on Water Street and 4 stories high on the St. Lawrence River side.  The rectangular shape of the building is surmounted by a medium pitch gable roof with parapet walls aat each end.  The walls range in thickness from twenty inches to twenty four inches and are laid with coarse rubble.  The stone front facade is evenly squared while the rear is of a more random nature.

In the 1980s, these fine buildings were restored. They serve as a reminder of Prescott's early glory days.

 

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