The McKibbon Building

Merrickville's Gad's Hill Place

McKIBBON BUILDING

Gad's Hill Place Eating House is located in one of Merrickville's oldest buildings. The dining room is the original structure (C. 1830). The L-shaped area that houses the lounge, washrooms and kitchen was added in 1856. The building took on one of its most important roles in 1856 when it became the "Merrickville Mechanics Institute and Library Association." The Mechanics Institutes were exclusively for the new education of adults beyond the basic Three R's and as the schools developed, particularly high schools, the Mechanics Institutes became the forerunners of today 's Public Library System. The Merrickville Institute was the first of its kind in the United Counties of  Leeds and Grenville. Among its many uses over its long history, the McKibbon Building has served as a youth drop-in centre, a gym, a luncheonette, a bakery and most recently an antique store. It will house Gad's Hill Place Eating House for many years to come and we welcome visitors to our house to enjoy its atmosphere and history.