William McDonald House - Digital Archive

The Digital Archive and complementary Interactive Heritage Register Map are initiatives to provide historical information regarding properties included on the Township’s Heritage Register. The Digital Archive only includes properties which have consented to include their heritage property on this archive.

The lands we know today as the Township of Puslinch have been home to
Indigenous peoples since time immemorial. We acknowledge that we are on the
traditional territory of the Hatiwendaronk, as well as the treaty lands and traditional
territory of the Anishinaabe and Haudenosaunee.

With increasing encroachment by non-Indigenous settlers in the Township of Puslinch, the Anishinaabe and Haudenosaunee could not continue their traditional lifestyle and settled in their villages along the Credit River and in the Grand River Valley. These Indigenous nations uphold their Treaty Rights within our jurisdiction.

Today, the Township of Puslinch remains home to Indigenous peoples from across Turtle Island. We are grateful to have the opportunity to share and respect Mother Earth and are committed to building constructive and cooperative relationships with Indigenous nations.

William McDonald House

4095 Sideroad 25 S. Concession 1, Front Lot 26 Puslinch, ON
Photo of William McDonald House

Biographical Info

The William McDonald House was built around 1880 of natural fieldstone. The unusual two-storey Neoclassic residence had its origins as a shoemaker shop and roadhouse, with the dining and pub area turned into the living room. The William McDonald House has a large entranceway, covered porch, and commercial windows. There is a fieldstone fence which lines the yard. The William McDonald House is located behind the Knox Presbyterian Church in Crieff.

The name “Gartland” was given to the residence when Colonel J.B. McLean purchased the building for his gardener and his wife, Mr. and Mrs. Frank Gartland.

The property is historically associated with Colonel J.B. McLean, as well as commerce in Crieff and Puslinch.

 

Gartland House 2022- Ext.

William McDonald House - Exterior

Categories: Decade Built – 1880s, Decade Plaqued – 2000s, Georgian/Neoclassical Style, Materials – Stone, Two-storeys