The Ermatinger Clergue National Historic Site offers a year-round cultural attraction for residents and visitors to Sault Ste. Marie. The Site consists of an interactive Heritage Discovery Centre and two of the oldest stone buildings, located northwest of Toronto – the Ermatinger Old Stone House and the Clergue Blockhouse.
Attraction Information
The Ermatinger Old Stone House has been fully restored to depict the domestic and professional life of Charles Oakes Ermatinger, as well as other respected residents who lived in the House between 1808 and 1896.
The house measures 35′ by 45′ with the original grounds/property spanning 252 acres.
The story of the Ermatinger family weaves into Canada’s history with regards to the early settlers, voyageurs, soldiers, writers, and artists. Prior to the completion of the transcontinental railway, Sault Ste. Marie was the gateway between the eastern settlement of Canada and the Western boundaries of exploration.
Charles Oakes Ermatinger was born in Montreal in 1776. He was of Swiss decent and was the son of the wealthy Lawrence Ermatinger and Jemima Oakes. Members of Charles’ extended family had been involved in the fur trade and naturally he followed suit.
The Ermatinger Clergue National Historic Site begins at the new Heritage Discovery Centre where you are introduced to the Stories Steeped in Stone, the War of 1812, and The Post Gift Shop.
Francis Hector Clergue has been recognized as a person of national historical significance. He was born on August 28, 1856 in Brewer, Maine.
Clergue arrived in Sault Ste. Marie in 1894 when he went to work for a group of Philadelphia financiers and investors. Clergue recognized the potential that the areas natural resources possessed and capitalized on it, developing multiple industries in Sault Ste. Marie and the surrounding area leaving a lasting impact on the community.
The lower stone story of the Blockhouse dates back to 1819, making it the second oldest stone building northwest of Toronto.
In 1894, American entrepreneur Francis Hector Clergue purchased the land and all its holdings including the abandoned powder magazine, which was the only viable building remaining on the old HBC property. Clergue liked the location of this property given its close proximity to his pulp and paper mill. Clergue added the finishing touches; by building a wall in the middle of the room to divide the magazine into two parts. The back room was used as a kitchen and the front was used for a reception area. Clergue pierced the walls and put windows in to allow natural light to enter the building. The upper storey is comprised of solid cedar logs that are of a thickness great enough to support the living quarters of a cantilevered architectural style.
The Post Gift Shop features a signature line from the Hudson Bay Company, Canadian souvenirs, maple products, and many other unique locally made items.
The Post is located in the Heritage Discovery Centre.
Fee includes taxes. Access2 Cards are accepted:
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Adult $15
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Senior $12
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Student $9
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Child 5+ $5
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Child 0-5 Free
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Family $40
Group rates and other rates available. For details, contact us at 705-759-5443 or old.stone.house@cityssm.on.ca.
The Ermatinger Clergue National Historic Site is open daily:
Monday to Sunday 9:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
For more information regarding events and programs, contact the Ermatinger Clergue National Historic Site at 705-759-5443 or email old.stone.house@cityssm.on.ca.
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Upcoming Events
Thinking of Volunteering?
Volunteers are vital to the Ermatinger Clergue National Historic Site, contributing to special events, education programs, and daily operations while preserving and interpreting its history. Since the Site’s inception, they have enhanced visitor experiences, increased community awareness, and brought diverse skills to roles ranging from tour guides to board members shaping policy.
Volunteer Positions
- Baking
- Collections Management
- Crafts/Sewing
- Exhibits
- Fundraising
- Gardening
- Housekeeping
- Research
- Seasonal Decorating
- Special Events
- Tour Guide – Education Programs
- Tour Guide – General Interpretation
- Tour Guide – Summer Kitchen
- Volunteer Co-ordination
Friends of ECNHS
The Friends of ECNHS is a non-profit, charitable group at who are incorporated through the affiliate membership with the Ontario Historical Society. Their charitable status is registered with CRA.
Membership benefits includes:
- Free admission for current members to the Site
- 10% off merchandise in the Gift Shop (except consignment items)
- Advance notice on events and ticketed events
- Monthly emails from the Curator on updates to the Ermatinger Clergue Site
Membership provides assistance both financially and human resources to support the services, events, education, programming, and the continuous restoration of the historic Site.
The Friends of ECNHS are the hosts for the annual Fall Rendezvous in September, and have been the host for other events & programs over the years since their formation in 2010.
Friends of ECNHS Membership Form
Personalized Bricks
The Walkway and Wall of History provides an opportunity to purchase an engraved brick as a gift or in memory of a loved one. This ongoing project supports the restoration and preservation of the Ermatinger Clergue National Historic Site.
