Middleville–The Vertical Board House–Another Beaver Medallion

 

Clipped from The Ottawa Journal,  18 Sep 1971, Sat,  Page 30

 

Did you know that Middleville was originally named for its location? It is the central location of Lanark County sitting comfortably on a bluff overlooking the valley and the road to the west that heads on out to Hopetown. The town was settled in the 1820s and was a busy hub offering a tannery, a blacksmith, and of course a cheese factory. What town didn’t have a cheese factory?

Legend goes that shoemakers Thomas McGee and his loyal assistant Peter Turiff travelled through the rural areas taking orders for shoes from those who didn’t frequent towns too often.

 

Photo from Middleville & District Museum

 

In 1860 Archie Affleck built what is called “The Vertical Board” house just past the General Store leading to the schoolhouse which is now called The Middleville Museum. But you knew that right?:) The central hall has hand painted simulated marble and similar to the McTavish home in Beckwith it too has an interior ceiling medallion of a hand painted beaver. This medallion must have been the thing to have in those days.

William Angus, his brother, and two spinster sisters also lived in the home for a number of years until the Rankin family bought it. William Rankin a wagon maker left the property to his son Archie and his daughter Jean. To the left off the entrance hall the room facing the front porch was originally a doctor’s office and then Archie Rankin’s office who was the Township clerk and always at the hub of township affairs.

Donald Sommerville bought the house in 1963 after Jean Rankin’s death and were antique dealers. Know what the Sommervilles are famous for? Check the next blog.

 

Karen Blackburn Chenier That’s my Uncle Donald and Aunt Rose’s house! Lots of memories from visiting there.

 

About that Beaver medallion

The House on a Beckwith Hill–The McTavish House and Ceiling Medallions

Update to the: The House on a Beckwith Hill–The McTavish House and Ceiling Medallions

 

 

Friday October the 13th– 6:30.. meet in front of the old Leland Hotel on Bridge Street in Carleton Place (Scott Reid’s office) and enjoy a one hour walk with stories of murder mayhem and BOO!.. Some tales might not be appropriate for young ears. FREE!!