THE HEART OF THE CITY

McINNES & CO.

 80 King Street East
(pre 1890 address 37 King Street East)

CURRENT STATUS (1999)  1879 destroyed in fire

BUILDING INFORMATION
Date Built: 1856
Original Owner: Donald McInnes
Original Use: Dry goods
Subsequent Uses: N/A

ARCHITECTURE
Size: Four-storey
Design and Style: Renaissance Revival
Architect, Builder: Unknown
Construction Materials: Stone
Main Architectural Feature: N/A

The McInnes’ Building which housed the finest wholesale dry goods, was erected in 1856, on the corner of King and John Streets The building, based on the plans of a New York architect, was considered to be of both a handsome and ornamental style. The McInnes’ Building was always carried an abundant stock of dry goods. In 1865, additions were made to the original building. 

On August 1, 1879 a disastrous fire demolished the McInnes’ Block, completely destroying the wholesale warehouse. The fire was first noticed at 6 p.m. and in no time, flames were seen coming through the roof. Attempts were made to introduce two streams of water to the second floor, however there was not enough water pressure to accomplish the task. Within minutes, the building was engulfed in flames and the roof collapsed. The fire department worked fervently to ensure that the fire did not spread to nearby buildings. Damage was estimated at approximately $474,625.

The following morning it was discovered that the main gas pipe entering the building remained intact and was responsible for allowing large volumes of gas to escape into the atmosphere. Three gasmen: James Ivory, William Seymour, and John Knibbs had been instructed to enter the building and turn to gas meter off in order to prevent any leakage in the main. While at work, one of the building’s walls collapsed burying the men alive. Both jurors and fire investigators maintained that no one was responsible for the fatal accident.

The building was eventually demolished where the ruins would remain for three years. The Federal Government acquired the land with the intention of constructing a Post Office. In 1882 construction for the Post Office began and four years later, in 1886, it was complete.

REFERENCES:
Fires in Hamilton Scrapbook, Vol., VI. Special Collections. HPL.
Hamilton – Post Office Scrapbook. Special Collections. HPL.
Herald Scrapbook, Vol., VJI. Special Collections. HPL.
History of the Fire Department of Hamilton. Special Collections. HPL.
Our Heritage Scrapbook, Vol., VI. Special Collections. HPL.