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HISTORY GOES ON SALE Built following the tragic fire One of Port Perry’s most recognizable and historically sig- a ” nificant commercial buildings, the 125 year old “Blong Block” is of 1885, the “Blong Block’ back on the market to the highest bidder. stands the test of time The “Blong Block”, which today is still probably better know as “Settlement House” block, is the magnificent Victorian-styled building which stretches 90 feet along Queen Street, creating five individual storefronts. The attractive red and yellow brick structure, built in 1885, is the centrepiece of Port Perry’s commercial sector and has captured eyes and turned cameras its way for as many years as it has existed. For those who may not know its history — this premier loca- tion on Queen Street began its commercial history in 1850 when Hiram Bigelow bought this property for his twin sons Joseph and Joel Bigelow, who built a general store on the site in 1851 and then purchased the adjoining lot. Joel left his brother in order to estab- lish his own store in Whitby and in 1868, Joseph tore the original building down and erected a huge three storey depart- ment store which he named the “Royal Arcade.” Bigelow sold his Queen Street building to Jonathan Blong in 1877 and used the proceeds to build the largest and most pa- latial home in Port Perry at 178 Cochrane Street. Blong Block with wagons out front about 1900. Please turn to page 10 Jonathan Blong FOCUS - NOVEMBER 2012 9 ‘11.NOVEMBER.56 final indd 9 12-10-22 8:16AM