Then: Macklem House

The Macklems were a prominent family in Chippawa for more than a hundred years. James Macklem emigrated to North America from Ireland, settling in Chippawa in 1791 by way of Pennsylvania.

Within two years, he was operating a tavern, and was a partner in a stagecoach line.

Several generations and branches of the family lived at some point or another at the Macklem House, built in the 1830's. James not only lived there, but also operated a branch of the Bank of Upper Canada, out of the home.

James and his wife, the former Lydia Smith of Bertie, had four sons and a daughter. Each of the sons played a significant role in the business or professional life of Chippawa. During the 1830s, one son, Oliver, established a large industrial complex in the village. It was made up of the "Chippawa Foundry and Steam Engine Manufactory". He also owned a "Stove Manufactory" - "the largest in the province," as an early advertisement proclaimed. He also had a tannery.

During its heyday, the house was the scene of many great social events. Because of its design and large size, many mistook the Macklem house for a hotel. However, by the late 1880s, the residence was vacant, and remained that way for many years. In its final years, the dilapidated property became known as the "Rat Trap".

Now: B-Jays Restaurant

Eventually demolished, the property then became the site of a repair garage operated by Hardy Gerber. The garage had several subsequent owners before it was also removed.

By 2021, the property was being used as a parking lot, and patio space, for "B-Jays Restaurant".

Niagara Falls Museums, 2020. A Family Outing: The Macklem Family.

Niagara Falls Public Library. 2017. Niagara Falls - Then & Now: A Photographic Journey Through The Years. [Macklem House/ B-Jay's Restaurant].

Niagara Falls Then and Now
A collaborative project
Niagara Falls Museums - Niagara Falls Public Library - Dept. of Geography and Tourism Studies,Brock University.
Original newspaper series by Sherman Zavitz, Official Historian for the City of Niagara Falls from 1994 - 2019.

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Copyright for all content remains with original creators.