William Allan arrived in Canada from Scotland circa 1790. He lived in this Main Street house for many years. At various times he served as postmaster, customs collector, a major in the War of 1812, and the first president of the Bank of Upper Canada. The Allanburg community near the Welland Canal was named in his honour. After his death, the Main Street home was purchased by Hiram Wilson in 1853, and remained in his family for over a century.

In 1987, the owner requested a demolition permit. Alderman Mark Hopkins tried to prevent the house’s destruction by suggesting the city purchase the property, or move the historic house. The city studied the situation, but due to the high costs and difficulty of relocation, they decided against purchasing the 190-year building.

Today (2018), the house is gone and the property is an empty lot.