The Bigelows

Joseph Bigelow and his twin brother, Joel, were born in 1829, west of Bradford. At 22, Joseph's life took a significant turn when his father, Hiram, learned of the passing of Peter Perry, a prominent figure in Port Perry known for his ambitious efforts. Sensing an opportunity, Hiram purchased land in Port Perry, encouraging his sons to seize the chance to build a future.

The brothers began their venture by constructing a modest general store on Queen Street (where Panorama is located today). At the time, Port Perry was primarily an industrial hub for Scugog, while social and commercial activities centred in nearby Prince Albert. Joseph and Joel’s store marked the beginnings of a shift in Port Perry’s role within the region.

Joseph’s personal life added an interesting twist to the story. While managing the store, he courted Elizabeth Paxton, the daughter of a Member of Parliament. Upon proposing marriage and receiving Elizabeth’s acceptance, a new challenge arose. Joel, who shared the small house beside the store with Joseph, needed to find new accommodations. Following the wedding, Joel moved to Whitby before relocating to Chicago, where he established and successfully operated the Bigelow Tea Company.

Joseph and Elizabeth remained in Port Perry, determined to grow their business. In 1863, they decided the time had come for a bold expansion. They demolished their original store and replaced it with an impressive three-storey structure named the Royal Arcade. This ambitious building housed a wide array of offerings, including clothing, medicines, hardware, a post office, and even a branch of the Royal Canadian Bank.

The Royal Arcade quickly became a thriving centre of commerce, contributing significantly to Port Perry’s development. Joseph's dedication and hard work earned him recognition, and he was appointed as the town’s first postmaster, a role that reflected his growing influence in the community.

Through vision and determination, Joseph Bigelow played a key role in shaping Port Perry’s identity. His contributions laid the groundwork for the town’s emergence as a vibrant centre of trade and business. The legacy of his efforts is still felt, a testament to the entrepreneurial spirit that drove him to succeed.