Skip to content
  1. Home
  2. Postcard Memories

John Box Horrell, Midlands first mayor (4 photos)

Horrell came from Wyebridge in 1879, and built on the southwest corner of King and Hugel where the CIBC branch now stands
René Hackstetter

On the southwest corner of King and Hugel, we find the CIBC branch.

“Modernized” beyond recognition, the old brick façade covered, and angled windows, hide an elegant brick building that once was the centre of town.

John Box Horrell came from Wyebridge in 1879, and built on the southwest corner of King and Hugel. Mr. Horrell was first reeve of the village in 1883 and when Midland became a Town, he was elected first mayor and served until 1897.

The Horrells, it was said, controlled a large part of the farmers’ trade throughout the district. Subsequently, this location became the W. D. Ross Store and is presently the CIBC as we know it today.

René Hackstetter, October 14, 2022.