George E. Ford Block

George E. Ford Block is designated a Local Historic Place for two reasons. First, it is one of only a few remaining wooden commercial building in Sackville when business was initiated at this site in 1894. Secondly, Ford’s Hall, situated on the second floor, played an important role in the incorporation of the Town of Sackville on January 12, 1903.

The George E. Ford Block is a good representation of wooden commercial structures from the late 1800's in Sackville. The large pediment façade, the storefront and the building's overall symmetry reflect this early style. In 1894, local merchant George E. Ford acquired a five acre lot on which he constructed the block as a department store in three sections: tailoring, dry goods and groceries. The Ford family operated this business at this location until 1947.

A meeting of ratepayers was held in February 1902 at Ford’s Hall to discuss incorporation, but in a plebiscite, the motion was defeated. The newly formed Sackville Board of Trade, supporters of the concept, and both the local papers lobbied for incorporation. The debate continued for another year. A second plebiscite was held, again at Ford’s Hall, in January 1903, with a number of voters having been won over. Incorporation was carried by a majority of 30 votes. Council elections were held with the first Mayor, Senator Josiah Wood. The first meeting of the Sackville Town Council was held on March 28, 1903. The property received recognition from the Tantramar Historic Sites Committee of the Town of Sackville in 2001.