The building was considered very modern. It contained seven large office rooms on the second floor and two stores on the ground floor.The Barrett Block went through various reincarnations over the years including being known as The O'Connor Apartments.
This building was the location of the post office for a time prior to the move to the building on the corner of Main Street and Algoma East.
In October of 1909 work on the new Barrett Block, next to the Moore House was in progress. Work began after a brief delay while Mr. Walter J. Barrett was awaiting the arrival of fancy bricks from Milton.
He wanted nothing but the best to build his building which was located beside the Sinton Hotel. He was quoted as saying that "In appearance, there will be nothing in Algoma to touch it." It would add considerably to the appearance of Main Street, Thessalon.
The Burk & Hurst Bank operated here in early years. The post office was also in the building at one time along with the Saginaw Salt & Lumber Co.
Robert Manary and Gordon Delhenty had their barber shop in part of the basement of the building for many years. Jack Cruickshank also had his barber shop here.
There were quite a few offices in the building with residents changing regularly.
At the time of the fire in March of 1949 the building was occupied by Sutton Insurance & Real Estate, the Thessalon Branch of the Canadian Legion, the Department of Lands & Forrests, the C.P.R. Telegraph office, the Greyhounds Coach office, Barrister F. A. Clement, dentist Dr. Smith, Bob Manary's Barber Shop, the taxi stand and Adele's Beauty Shop.
Aferward the building held four apartments and two rooms that faced the street were empty but were being renovated. The basement still had a taxi stand.
In 2010, there is only an empty lot where once the Barrett Block, aka the O'Connor Apartments, stood.
