Remember This? An early family's lasting legacy

Starting this week, SooToday will feature a weekly piece of the city's past coutesy the Sault Ste. Marie Public Library, starting with the history of a well-known downtown block.

From the Sault Ste. Marie Public Library archive:

John Dawson bought two lots in the original Gouin subdivision for $150 each in 1876. 

In 1898 he built the Dawson Block (shown in circa 1910 photo) on the northeast corner of Queen and East Streets. 

Built of local red sandstone which had been quarried during the construction of the Sault Ste. Marie locks, it was originally constructed as a 3 story building with a Mansard roof. 

Over the years, its appearance was altered with the removal of the Mansard roof prior to 1912 and then a fire on February 13th, 1953 forced the removal of the entire third floor leaving the current 2 story building that we see today. 

The main level was home to the Dawson family’s grocery store while the upper floors contained apartments and the Oddfellow’s Hall.  

John Dawson immigrated to Canada in 1869, eventually making his home in Sault Ste. Marie. 

Until his death on August 22, 1915, he was active in local politics and promoting economic growth in Sault Ste. Marie. 

He acquired his insurance license in 1892 and became the first London Life agent in the Sault and established the John Dawson Real Estate and Insurance business which in later years became the basis for Dawson & Keenan Insurance.    

Find out more of what the Public Library has to offer at www.ssmpl.ca and look for more Remember This? columns here.