Early architecture records donated to Region of Waterloo Archives

Waterloo Region -- The Region of Waterloo Archives is thrilled to announce it has received a donation of significant original architectural drawings. The original hand drawings were created by Charles and Jonas Knechtel from the 1880s to 1940s and donated to the archives by Patricia Perrett (nee Knechtel).

These very rare drawings are an important part of our local architectural history and are now publicly accessible. They include well-known buildings such as St. Mary’s rectory in Kitchener, the laundry and bakeshop building for St. Agatha Orphanage and several private buildings. 

Jonas Knechtel (1842-1894) is reputed to be the only architect active in the Kitchener-Waterloo area in the late nineteenth century.  Charles Knechtel joined his father, Jonas, in 1886. Charles continued to work in the area until the 1940s.

The Region of Waterloo Archives preserves and provides access to the documentary history of the region. The Archives is open to researchers on weekdays between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m., preferably by appointment.

-30-

For more information please contact, Charlotte Woodley, Archivist, 519-575-3511, or email archives@regionofwaterloo.ca.