Information: An article written by Marion Hulet and Katherine Hebblethwaite (date unknown, perhaps a newspaper article). Found in the Historical Collection in the Galt Public Library by G. Webber, a granddaughter of Alfred. -Click on photo to enlarge it.Annie McPherson ran a home in Galt from approximately 1872 to 1883 when it was moved to Stratford. It was called 'Blair Athol' after a town in Scotland which she remembered fondly, and it was located at 210-212 Blair Road in Galt (Ontario).
Miss McPherson apparently visited Galt personally to find a suitable location for the home and to organize local residents to provide assistance. A ladies' association was formed to sew and help furnish the new home with donations from local homes.
An account of a visit to the home appeared in the July 5th, 1872 edition of the Reporter [Galt paper?] and the journalist remarks on the cleanliness and good but unstrained manners of the children and the tidy state of the house. There were storerooms full of bundles marked with each child's name and each bundle contained one year's supply of clothing, a bible and writing materials. The children were encouraged to keep in touch with the home after they were placed, so that the home officials were satisfied through the correspondence that the children were happily situated. It is also thought that each child received five pounds sterling in cash at the time of placement and was not bound to repay it. However, they were asked to make donations to the home to assist other children, when they were able to do so. The newspaper account also mentions some farmers calling at the home seeking children when the journalist was present, a large kitchen presided over by two young English women and a large back barn used as a playroom.
It is thought that the home lost its appeal for the local residents who had been involved in fund-raising events and this necessitated its removal to Stratford."
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