These two stone commercial buildings on the south side of Queen's Square are collectively known as Hume's Block. They are the oldest surviving buildings in the square, outlasting landmarks like Scott's Opera House and the Queen's Hotel. The one on the right, with its unique 3rd storey balcony,was built for Richard Irwin in 1837, whose grocery store ended Absalom Shade's retail monopoly in the burgeoning town of Galt. It was later purchased by Gavin Hume, who added the second structure on the left in 1856, adding a hardware store to his grocery operation. Hume was also active in local politics, serving several terms on town council and as deputy reeve. The block has more recently served in several film and television productions including Designated Survivor and The Handmaid's Tale.
These two stone commercial buildings on the south side of Queen's Square are collectively known as Hume's Block. They are the oldest surviving buildings in the square, outlasting landmarks like Scott's Opera House and the Queen's Hotel.
The one on the right, with its unique 3rd storey balcony,was built for Richard Irwin in 1837, whose grocery store ended Absalom Shade's retail monopoly in the burgeoning town of Galt.
It was later purchased by Gavin Hume, who added the second structure on the left in 1856, adding a hardware store to his grocery operation.
Hume was also active in local politics, serving several terms on town council and as deputy reeve.
The block has more recently served in several film and television productions including Designated Survivor and The Handmaid's Tale.