The Historic Skilbeck Cottage
If you lived in Port Sarnia in the 1840s you probably didn’t have any cash in your pocket. These were the days before Confederation, and before the arrival of the railroad. Barter was the most common method of trade in a village that was still relatively isolated. If you wanted something at George Durand’s store, or needed the services of a tailor or a wagon-maker, you offered something in trade. The currency of the day might be flour, pork or potash. If you brought six animal skins to a tanner, you would only expect to take three of them home.
The Bank of Montreal, Canada’s oldest bank, began issuing its own bank notes in 1817. Although it stopped issuing them in 1841, quite a few remained in circulation through the 1840s. Few of these made their way to Port Sarnia, however, and the Bank of Montreal didn’t arrive in town until 1866. If you did have cash, it was likely to be U.S. silver coins or Eagle dollars, or Spanish, Portuguese, French or British currency – all of which were readily accepted. Trade had brought these foreign currencies into Canada, and they were universally accepted as legal tender. Figuring out the daily exchange rate between all of these foreign coins or notes was a nightmare, especially for businesses making capital expenditures.
This quaint brick cottage is one of Sarnia’s oldest surviving structures, built in 1844. In 1852, the Bank of Upper Canada opened a branch in Sarnia in the home of Alexander Vidal, who became its manager. Six years later, the government decided to reject the use of British currency, moving to a decimal system like that used in the United States. The government began to issue its own paper money, which circulated alongside the bills issued by the Bank of Montreal and other banks. When the Bank of Upper Canada failed in the 1860s due to reckless land speculation tied to the growth of railroads, the Bank of Montreal became Sarnia’s first permanent bank. It opened on October 1, 1866 above Moses Masuret’s Grocery Store on Front Street. Confederation and a national fiscal policy would come the following year.
The Skilbeck property has one additional claim to civic fame. In 1840,in what was then known as The Rapids and having less than 100 ratepayers, no fire service, either formal or informal, had yet been established. It was a fire here at the home of Robert Skilbeck, which provided the impetus for change. Sarnia founder Richard Emeric Vidal inscribed these words in his diary:
“Fire broke out at Skilbeck’s and consumed the kitchen. Had a public meeting to establish a hook and ladder company.”
The result of this meeting was the formation of the St. Clair No. 1 Volunteer Fire Brigade. It marked the birth of Sarnia Fire Rescue.
Want to Lean More? Register for a Tour!
Pedal Through the Past is a guided cycling tour that brings Sarnia’s history to life! Whether you’re a local or just visiting, this unique experience offers a fun and active way to explore the city’s landmarks, hidden stories, and rich heritage—on two wheels.
Each tour includes historical stops, expert storytelling from our local guide, and a chance to see Sarnia through a new lens. The ride is beginner-friendly, about 2 hours long, with an additional hour at the final stop to socialize and enjoy some light snacks and refreshments.
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