The Fletcher Homestead

The Fletcher Homestead was built in 1849 by Alliston's first settlers, William and Sarah Fletcher. This cross-shaped frame house was built from the virgin pine to replace their original log shanty on the south bank of the Boyne River. Alliston was named for the Fletcher's native home in Yorkshire, England. Between this site and the river, Fletcher, with the help of his two sons, John and George, erected a water-powered sawmill in 1847, Alliston's first industry. By 1853 they had built two more mills on the Boyne. This homestead became a cultural center and visiting Indians were welcomed. It survived two fires which destroyed much of downtown Alliston, one in the winter of 1877, the second in 1891. It also housed the first Post Office, and William's second son, George, was appointed postmaster in 1867.

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