Long before One Banfield became a home, the land on which it stands was part of the story of Paris itself.
In the early 19th century, Hiram Capron arrived in the valley where the Nith River meets the Grand River and saw the potential for a thriving community. Capron became one of the principal founders of Paris, acquiring large tracts of land and developing the mills and raceways that helped establish the village as an important centre of industry and commerce.
It was from Hiram Capron that Charles Whitlaw and his wife, Celeste, purchased the land on which One Banfield now stands.
Charles Whitlaw was born in Montreal in 1823 and came to Paris in 1845. Within a few years, he had established himself as one of the community's prominent businessmen. He became involved in the milling and grain trade, eventually acquiring the New Paris Mills, which grew into one of the largest milling operations in the province.
As Whitlaw's business prospered, so did his role in the growing community. He served in municipal government, was active in the Congregational Church, and became known for his generosity and civic involvement. His influence extended well beyond his own business interests, making him one of the important figures in 19th-century Paris.
In 1854, at just 31 years of age, Whitlaw and Celeste purchased the property from Hiram Capron. At the time, the village was still small, and the lot occupied a particularly prominent position overlooking the Grand River, the business district and the homes of some of Paris's other leading families.
The land records show mortgages taken against the property in 1859 and 1860, believed to coincide with the construction of the elegant residence that stands today. By the 1861 census, the Whitlaw family was living in their new home.
The house became the Whitlaw family home during an important period in the growth of Paris. Charles and Celeste raised their family here, and the property remained connected to the Whitlaw family for many years.
Over the decades that followed, the house witnessed the continued transformation of Paris—from a developing mill town into the community we know today. Generations of owners have cared for the property, each leaving their own mark while preserving much of what makes the house remarkable.
Many of the architectural details that define One Banfield today speak to its 19th-century origins: its substantial masonry construction, original millwork, plaster details, fireplaces, hardwood floors and other elements that have survived for more than a century and a half.
The property has also continued to evolve. Gardens have matured around the house, additions and improvements have been made, and successive owners have undertaken significant efforts to preserve and restore its historic character.
For more than 160 years, One Banfield has been more than a house. It has been a place where families have grown, visitors have gathered, celebrations have taken place and generations of stories have unfolded.
Its history is inseparable from the history of Paris itself—from Hiram Capron and the founding of the village, to Charles
Whitlaw and the growth of the milling industry, and through the many families who have called this remarkable property home.
Today, we think of ourselves not as owners of One Banfield, but as its current keepers.
We are fortunate to care for a house with such a long history, and our hope is to preserve the character, stories and sense of place that have made it special for generations to come.
