The History of the Butcher's Home

 Did you know that our listing 294 Flora Street was once the historic home of the Bennett family – a family who for four generations ran a successful butcher’s shop in Carleton Place? James E. Bennett opened his butcher shop called “Bennett’s Meat Market” in approximately 1884. For over 70 years it operated from the building on the corner of Bell St and Bridge Street (currently home to the Hing Wah Chinese restaurant). This spot was considered a prime location, with the North side of the Bridge being the busiest retail area in Carleton Place at the time. 

The Bennett's charming four-bedroom, two-bathroom home is full of century home charm. A gorgeous bay window, cozy porch, stain glass, mature perennial gardens, pocket door, etc. - it's no wonder they kept it in the family for so many years! The sunny yellow detached 2-car garage was once a stable, home to up to five carriage horses. These hardworking equines would deliver the meat from the shop to homes and restaurants across Carleton Place. It was said that the horse's knew the delivery routes better than the men who drove them.  One old horse, the story goes was so familiar with the routine of the business that when Findlay’s Foundry whistle blew at 12 noon, the horse headed for Flora Street with or without the driver.  “You better be on that cart when the whistle went, or the horse went home without you”, was the saying of the day. 

The Bennett’s had a reciprocal business relationship with many other small businesses in town. The local blacksmith (Cameron’s) would keep their horses shod in exchange for fresh meat to feed their family. 

We love that Carleton Place has always been a town where small business owners support each other. Just another reason to love our small town!