PAGE 16, WHITBY FREE PRESS, HERITAGE SUPPLEMENT, SEPTEMBER 9,1987 Rousseau's - a Wbitb tradition Rousseau Heritage House was established in 1929 but its history in Whitby dates back to the 1850's before Whitby was incorporated as a town by Walter Harper, a builder. His son Major,~ became one of Canada's most noted designer of woodworking machinery. The younger Harper served as mayor of Whitby in 1879 and 1880. He designed and built all the machinery used to make mouldings and trim for the Ontario County House, which is now the Whitby Centennial Building. A brass plaque bearing the name Major Harper and Son is mounted on the main building of Rousseau Heritage House today. This plaque itself was taken from an original old piece 'of woodworking mac- chinery desgined for the old saw mill at TyrQne, Ont. Harper's son Ernest was also mayor in 1918, 1920 and 1921. Rousseau's has, now involved three generations of the Rousseau/Polson family living and working at this location. Chris Gillis, Peggy Polson's husband, has recently joined the business. The thriving business has now expanded to three buildings and to the gazebo in summer. The main store, originally the Harper Machine Shop, was acquired by Louis Rousseau (Mar- cella Polson's father). In this building he operated a drapery and upholstery business. Hugh and Marcella Polson pur- chased the property in 1963 after the death of Louis Rousseau and added antiques, reproduction fur- niture and accessories. Working with the architectural deficiencies in the main store, due to numerous additions and changes through the years, Polson's have created a showplace. The elegant atmosphere of the 18th and.l9th centuries are shown in the main .store. Gallery after gallery of fine handcrafted pieces from some of America's most prominent manufacturers are han- dsomely displayed. Gleaming cherry and mahogany refl'ect polished brass and fine porcelain. Luxurious brocades, charming chintzes and traditional fabrics cover sofas and chairs of all descriptions. Accessories from around the world complement every roóm setting. The Carriage House, once housing the fine horses and carriages of the Harper family, now contains the drapery and in- terior design department. In this unusual building it is possible to design all aspects of a home from the floor plan and color scheme to the choosing of wallpapers, carpets upholstery and drapery fabrics. The professional staff ensure that a home or office reflects the per- sonality and lifestyle of its owners. The Country Gallery was once the coachhouse behind the Murdock home located on the Bank of Nova' Scotia site and saved from the wreckers by Hugh and Marcella Polson. Moved and restored, incor- porating the original staircase, panelling doors and railings from the -Murdock home itself, this building is now serving its second century as the display centre for country casual furniture and ac- cessories. It features pine, oak and maple pieces that are traditionally designed but reflect today's need for comfort and convenience. The ever changing and expan- ding company has recently become Canada's first "Harden Gallery" and is housed in the main store Harden has been a leading manufacturer of traditional fur- niture for over 100 years. The ability to combine traditional values and progressive attitude has spelled success for Marcella, Hugh, daughters Peggy, Cathy, son-in-law Chris Gillis and the staff who work with them. Serving a market which stretches from Port Hope and Peterborough to Toronto and Markham, the word- of-mouth advertising of generations of customers helps keep Rousseau Heritage House a strong and viable organization. MAIN BUILDING of Rousseau Heritage House on Mary St. Whitby used to be a machine shop. It is only one of three early Whitby building which have been saved andconverted to new retail uses. Free Press photo MORE DESIGNATED BUILDINGS Robert Pardon House 1921 207 Byron Street North, Whitby This house incorporates pieces of stone masonry and other elements which were saved following the demolition of Perry's Castle, the Italianate mansion of John Ham Perry which stood on the site of Kinsmen Park. The Centennial Building, 1853 416 Centre Street South, Whitby Designed by prominent Toronto architects, Cumberland and Storm, this original Ontario County courthouse was the first designated heritage building in the Town. Donald McKay House, 1874 401 Centre Street South, Whitby Home to a family of county treasurers, this picturesque landmark displays many decorative Gothic revival features. 'I-OMM The Carnegie Library 1913 132 Dundas Street West, Whitby The County Old Girl's Association, descendants of the area pioneers, donated the land and the U.S. Carnegie Foundation donated the money for this beautiful Beaux Arts style library. The Arthur Archibald House 1928 513 Center Street South, Whitby Former Methodist Tabernacle, 1855 200 Centre Street North, Whitby This home was built by a Whitby carpenter and contractor who was responsible for several of the Town's heritage landmarks. Bricked over in the late 19th cen- tury, this home displays the ar- chitectural features of many ad- ditions over the years. This distinguished suburban design was the work of S.J. Spal, the ar- chitect of the Whitby Psychiatrie Hospital. After a decade of activity in the area, the local Methodist congregation built this broad gabled hall. It was converted to- private residences in 1877 following the construction of St. Mark's Church. g