THEN AND NOW: Barrie Tannery's rise and decline reflects a changing local economy

The Barrie Tannery opened in 1901 and closed in 1979 This ongoing series from Barrie Historical Archive curator Deb Exel shows old photos from the collection and one from the present day, as well as the story behind them. The Barrie Tannery – 55 Bradford Street Barrie On Sept. 26, 1901, the Barrie Tanning Company threw open its doors to the Town council and public at large, giving access to their entire building. Interested citizens wishing to see the interior of the tannery were welcome to indulge their curiosity and explore the enormous new factory. Plans for this new tannery began the previous year. Located on Dunlop Street East, the Barrie Tanning Company was looking for property in order to quadruple their current operations. Business was good on Dunlop Street: so good, that the tannery needed to expand. They were already providing more employment than required by the Town bylaw, to give them municipal tax exemption status. The Barrie Tannery was good for the local industry and economy. Even with the building of the new factory, they kept old hands employed while steadily growing their workforce. The company also spent large sums in Barrie, hiring carpenters, builders, blacksmiths, mechanics, and purchasing from local merchants. The tannery was creating employment and income for other businesses besides their own. When their Dunlop Street factory was destroyed by fire, the Barrie Tanning Company immediately set to work building their new structure on Bradford Street. By 1919, the tannery was running 303 days per year and employing 52 men per day. Once Barrie was connected to the Hydro Electric Power Commission, cheap access to power fueled local industry - the Barrie Tanning Company planned to double their capacity through expansion. But by 1920, local industry had mostly died off … only the three big factories, Fisher Flour Mills, Underhill Shoes (built on the site of the burned tannery), and the Barrie Tanning Company remained. Things picked up in 1935 when Peter Sinclair (mayor of Barrie 1944-1946) took over as GM of Barrie Tanning Ltd. By the following year, 75 men were working 5.5 days a week at the tannery. But in 1951, economic conditions changed in the tanning industry and layoffs began. In 1979, Barrie Tanning Limited closed. Although most residents would not miss the unique 'fragrance' the tannery brought to the neighbourhood, the absence of the nearly 130 year old business was noticeable. That offer in 1901 to view the Barrie Tannery was good for one day only. After that, the building was closed to visitors and a strict 'No admission except on business' rule was enforced. Now, exactly 125 years later, on Sept. 26, Doors Open Barrie has arranged admittance and behind the scenes access to many local sites and businesses … good for one day only. As part of Doors Open Barrie, the Barrie Historical Archive is offering a Historic Walking Tour - Grand Designs: Building a Life in 19th Century Barrie. The County of Simcoe, and the face of Barrie, were forever changed by the 1869 arrival of one extraordinary family. Our tour invites walkers to retrace the footsteps of Shearman Bird and his wife, Amy 'Amoi' Chun Bird, a pioneering couple who crossed oceans to find sanctuary in our region. The early afternoon walking tour will highlight many of the significant places associated with the Bird family, including their private homes and the grand architectural marvels created by Shearman Bird. Beginning at Meridian Place, we will take an informative stroll through parts of Barrie's historic Downtown and Grove neighbourhoods before heading east to some higher elevations which offer stunning views of Kempenfelt Bay. This tour will appeal to all who have a fascination with the rich history of Barrie and wider Simcoe County. Ticket holders for the premiere of Amoi at the Five Points Theatre on the evening of Sept. 26, will surely enjoy the experience of visiting the actual settings of the events presented. Make a plan to spend Sept. 26 getting to know more about Barrie … the doors are open.