Although it appears at first glance that the buildings sharing the Ermatinger Clergue heritage Site are strange bedfellows, they are, in fact both rooted in the first local industry- the fur trade. The base of the Clergue Block house is the remains of the North West Company post, the powder magazine, while the house is that built by the furtrader, Charles Oakes Ermatinger. They are the oldest stone structures in the community and the house is the oldest stone house west of Toronto. Their architectural value to the City of Sault Ste. Marie is immeasurable.