Then: Allan House

William Allan arrived in Canada from Scotland circa 1790. He lived in a house at this Main Street location for many years. At various times he served as postmaster, customs collector, a major in the War of 1812, and the first president of the Bank of Upper Canada. The Allanburg community near the Welland Canal was named in his honour. William Allan arrived in Canada from Scotland circa 1790. He lived in this Main Street house for many years. At various times he served as postmaster, customs collector, a major in the War of 1812, and the first president of the Bank of Upper Canada. The Allanburg community near the Welland Canal was named in his honour.

After Allan's death in 1853, the Main Street home was purchased by Hiram Wilson, an anti-slavery abolitionist who worked directly with escaped and former slaves in southwestern Ontario. The house remained in Wilson's family for over a century.

Now: Vacant lot

In 1987, the owner requested a demolition permit. Alderman Mark Hopkins tried to prevent the house's destruction by suggesting the city purchase the property, or move the historic house. The city studied the situation, but due to the high costs and difficulty of relocation, they decided against purchasing the 190-year building. As of 2021, the property was vacant and awaiting redevelopment.

Dictionary of Canadian Biography, vol. 8. 1985. Allan, William. University of Toronto/Université Laval. http://www.biographi.ca/en/bio/allan_william_8E.html

Niagara Falls Public Library. 2017. Niagara Falls - Then & Now: A Photographic Journey Through The Years. Allan House.

Niagara Falls Then and Now
A collaborative project
Niagara Falls Museums - Niagara Falls Public Library - Dept. of Geography and Tourism Studies,Brock University.
Original newspaper series by Sherman Zavitz, Official Historian for the City of Niagara Falls from 1994 - 2019.

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