Agriculture Monthly

Historic 1889 farm implement factory still stands today

The Gibson Centre’s Historic Importance to the Alliston’s Agriculture Community and Now to the Arts Community

Looking at the beautiful artwork, comfy couches and artists working in residence, it’s important to remember that The Gibson Centre for Community, Arts & Culture began life as a key part of our agriculture community.

Built in 1889 by the Mercer Manufacturing Company as their farm implement factory, the building features Second Empire architectural style which is the same as the Canadian Parliament buildings in Ottawa.

“The building was originally purpose-built to produce equipment which made farming more efficient and productive,” says Jennifer Fortin, Executive Director of The Gibson Centre. “The company was noted for its revolutionary ‘Mercer Binder”. The binder was the first of its kind to not only gather the sheaves, but also bind them. In 1894 shares in the Mercer Manufacturing Co. were issued and sold for $10 each and could be purchased by local farmers.”

Two years later the company borrowed heavily to ship their revolutionary binder to Australia.

The shipment suffered salt-water damage causing rust, and the order was rejected. Unable to recover from their losses, the Mercer Manufacturing Company declared bankruptcy and closed.

The historic building later became a farmer’s Co-op, selling grains, farming equipment and implements to support the growing farming community.

“As a local Co-op and feed store, the building played a big role in helping our agricultural community grow and thrive,” states Fortin. “It was a landmark building due to its historical and architectural significance. It’s a local gem, and we are proud of the building’s restoration and repurpose in our community.”

According to The Gibson Centre website, “The Gibson family purchased the building in the early 1960’s for their developing transportation operation. The family knew when they acquired the location that underneath all the paint and feed supplies was an architecturally significant building. However, the building did not lend itself to their intended use, but the Gibson’s were compelled to maintain ownership of the property.”

In 2000, a group of community leaders presented the Gibson family with a use for the building to fill a need in the community. The proposal included providing for the restoration of the building. Leonard and Bing Gibson agreed on the condition that the building was to be a non-profit corporation. The cost to the group would be just $1 for the building and an acre of land. Soon after a board of directors and charitable status was gained under the name Gibson Cultural Centre Corporation. At the Canada Day celebrations on July 1, 2001, ownership was officially passed to the Gibson Cultural Centre Corporation, and the Centre opened its doors.

Located in the heart of New Tecumseth, the “makeover” restoration included keeping many of the building’s original features. Says Fortin. “All of the white pine that is only found in this area—the beams and the original refinished hardwood flooring, along with the original brick. was kept intact to keep the integrity of the original building. The original bell tower remains. The building has won many design awards for its restoration and preservation of a historic building repurposed for modern day use.”

Today the Gibson Cultural Centre boasts a large art gallery with changing exhibits (artwork is hung from the original beams along the 16-foot-high ceilings), a Café, artisanal gift shop, Mercer Pub, and an Artist-in-Residence Studio.

“Our mission is to provide opportunities for emerging artists and to make arts and culture accessible in our community,” adds Fortin. “We are proud of our culturally rich heritage building where we can host cultural activities to highlight the arts in an environment which promotes and encourages artistic pursuits. We are home to several community groups such as The Artists at the Gibson, The Nottawasaga Hand Weavers and Spinners and provide quality programming through the Gibson School of Arts.”

The building can also be rented for weddings, meetings and social gatherings. Still a popular gathering spot as it was when it was farm equipment shop and farm Co-op which helped farmers feed their flocks, today’s Gibson Centre now helps feed and nurture the artistic endeavours of the entire Alliston community.

Gibson Centre is located at 63 Tupper Street West in Alliston, www.gibsoncentre.com.