Now, and Then – Gentry Manor

Proudly perched at the corner of Park and Queen streets in Chatham, the property now known as Gentry Manor, has an extensive and diverse history.
The building has experienced many incarnations since its construction in 1876 as the Chrysler Ward School.
At the turn of the century, William Grey purchased the property for use as Grey & Sons Repair before later use as the Grey-Dort Social Club.
After the Grey-Dort automobile company ceased production, the building was inhabited by the YMCA, before becoming the familiar local landmark of many years, the Masonic Temple.
In l995, the Masons sold the property to Thomas Smith who restored the building to its former glory by creating Gentry Manor, which houses a hair salon, gift shop, clothing boutique and the exquisite Oasis Day Spa.
• Now and Then appears monthly in The Chatham Voice.