Historical society installs new sign to commemorate old Fergus business
James Russell and Sons opened on St. Andrew Street West in 1888
FERGUS – Visitors to downtown Fergus will notice a new sign that harkens back to older times on the exterior side wall of I Love Chocolate.
The building at 227 St. Andrew Street West was formerly the home of James Russell and Sons, a business that operated for 120 years, and its original lettering and signage had been preserved on the side wall.
But it had fallen into disrepair.
Wellington County Historical Society member Kathy Bouma noticed and convinced the society’s board of directors that it should be replaced, along with historic photos of downtown Fergus.
With grants from Wellington County and Centre Wellington and permissions in place from the building owner, the project was a go.
On Aug. 18 the historical society held a small ceremony to unveil the new signage.
“We hope the sign will recognize the important contribution (of James Russell and Sons) to the community,” said historical society president Nikki Logan.
James Russell and Sons opened in 1888 as a general store of sorts.
It sold groceries, crockery, clothing and home essentials and was important to the growth of the town and the survival of its inhabitants.
James passed the store to his sons Tap and Sandy in 1945, Sandy passed it to his son Doug, and Doug ran the store until 2008 when he decided to retire.
“In 1996, this was the go-to store,” Bouma said. “It was a sad day when it closed.”
But Aug. 18 was a happy day, with Doug Russell, his wife Robin and sister Chris Russell Taylor in attendance.
“The sign used to be at the front of the store,” Doug Russell recalled. It was moved to the side wall when the store expanded.
“Heritage is important to our community,” said Mayor Shawn Watters, who congratulated the historical society, Bouma and all the people who made the new sign possible.
“And telling these stories is also really important,” he continued.
“It’s been a while coming,” added Matthew Bennett-Monty, property manager for the building.
“It’s been a while coming but the results speak for themselves. This is the crown on the jewel.”
