216 Main Street

Donald McLeod built Cheapside Block in 1892, and was the first occupant of the building. The North Side of the block, now The Currant, was originally Thos. Watson’s Harness Shop. Traces of his sign are still visible on the side of the building. 

In 1911, Michael Fenn purchased the space. Eventually Michael’s son, Graham “Mike” Fenn, took over the business. The demand for harnesses started dying out with the emergence of cars, so the business was revamped into a clothing store, which was called Parkhill Outfitting Store. 

When Mike Fenn passed, Mrs. Fenn took ownership. She eventually sold the building to her son-in-law Jack Prout, who ran the store for many years. 

The business remained empty for many years after Prout sold it. Angie Richter and James Hamilton purchased the building in 2005, renovated and renamed the store The Currant Organic General Store. The store has since closed down.