Cobourg History - Notable buildings

Notable Buildings

Original Post Office Building

Built sometime before 1856 on the corner of Division and King street, in that year Ebenezer Perry sold it to the Bank of Montreal. In 1881 it was "conveyed" to W. D. Burn who sold it to the Crown in December 1882. However, it housed the Post Office from 1856 until 1960 when it was demolished and replaced by a "modern" monstrosity. Note that the idea of pre-paid post (paid by using a postage stamp) was only established in Canada in 1849.

Mail distribution through the town started December 10, 1947 but there were Postmasters from ~1817 - although until 1849 rates were not fixed.

At right - the Post Office on July 1, 1927 - decorated for Canada Day. Photo courtesy National Archives.

The photo below shows the 48th Highlanders Band marching along King street - probably on an August day in approx. the early 1900s.

Cobourg Post Office building - 48th highlanders marching by

Click photos for larger versions.

Hotels

Arlington Hotel

Built in 1874 by William Chambliss, the Arlington was located on King Street at the north east end of Victoria park. It's rear lawn "extended to the water". This hotel features prominently in other articles on this site [use search to find them all] - but this photo was taken in 1915 which was after the height of its popularity.

Cedarmere Hotel Located at the foot of Ontario street and originally residence of the Hon. James Cockburn, it was later turned into a hotel. This photo was taken in 1910. The building was demolished in 1933.

	British Hotel Located at the corner of King and George (North East), this photo was taken in 1880

Columbian Hotel

Located on the East corner of McGill and King streets, the Columbian opened in 1893. It was in a prime location, virtually adjacent to the Arlington and at the north end of Victoria park. It was demolished in 1994. This photo was taken in 1911.

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