Lot 232 on Albert Street was originally a 1/4-acre lot, owned by Doctor John Hyde in 1857. Another ¼ acre was added in 1874 and the owner is listed as Samuel Aktins a shoemaker. James Wright, engine driver, is the owner in 1885. In 1890, the first building appears on the assessment record, valued at $700.00. Owned by Charlotte Wright, widow.  A larger building was constructed with a mortgage in 1897 when J.J. Dunsmore, coppersmith, purchased the property. The lot was divided into two lots creating 143 and 147 Albert Street. The house on 147 was built in 1915. 

 The house was built for James Orr and his family. James was born in Hamilton Township, Northumberland County (Cobourg), Ontario on April 1, 1861, to Father John (March 28, 1829, Tarbutton, Scotland- November 14,1909 Guelph, Ontario) and Mother Ann Davidson (May 14,1843, Hamilton County, Northumberland Township Ontario- January 12,1917, Guelph, Ontario).  James was the oldest son followed by Robert (1866), Alfred (1870), Agnes (1876) and Mable (1882). 

James, farmer, married, “Jennie” Jane Leathorn on January 3, 1889, in Waterloo, Ontario. Jennie was born May 19, 1866, in Wilmot Centre, Waterloo Region, Ontario to parents John (May 31,1829, England-January 5,1918, Wingham, Ontario) and Margaret McKerrie (November 29, 1829, Scotland-February 17, 1913, Wingham, Ontario.)  

In the 1891 Census, Jame’s occupation was veterinary surgeon.  In the late 1800’s, many farmers became veterinarians by combining practical livestock experience with formal training at emerging veterinary schools.  

On January 16, 1890, Lillian Eudora was born in New Hamburg to James and Jennie. Alice Gertrude followed on December 26, 1899, in Stratford, Ontario. The family lived on Ontario Street, Stratford (by Nile Street) in the 1900 City directories. 116 Albert Street was their address in 1907, moving again in 1913 to 4 Nile Street.  Moving into their new home at 147 Albert in 1915. 

James continued working as a vet surgeon. Around 1909, he opened a vet clinic at 26 Albert Street, where livery stable owner, JT Waddell, owned an established livery business. He continued his business of veterinary surgeon services until 1921, the year he passed. 

His daughter Lillian, married Robert Roy, (October 27, 1890, Stratford) at the home of her parents, on August 1, 1914. The couple moved to Detroit, Michigan, shortly after the wedding, then settled in South Bend, Indiana. They had one child that was stillborn in 1918.  Alice his youngest daughter never married.

James died on May 31, 1921.  After James death, Jennie moved to live with Lillian and her husband in Indiana, where Jennie died on April 1, 1936. Alice died in Stratford on November 1, 1964. All three are buried in Avondale Cemetery in Stratford. Lillian died on February 24, 1963, in South Bend, Indiana.