Constructed: Application for Water Service granted 27 May 1940 Style: Modern Vernacular
City Location: The original Government Town Site.
The land on which this home sits had been vacant from the time of Incorporation in 1897 until its sale. In 1939 Herbert Currie sold lots 5 and 6, assessed at $540.00 each, to George William Dill.
This home was constructed for George William Dill and his wife, Mildred. Mr. Dill was the Agent for the Mutual Life Assurance Company Limited. In 1940 the home was assessed at $4,000. George Dill was born and raised in Nelson and remained in the Queen City until shortly after his return from Overseas Duty in W.W. 2. The family then moved to Vancouver.
Mr. Dill sold the home to one Archie Aitken, the proprietor of the Acme Auto (Shop) Supply. Little is known about Mr. Aitken.
The next owner of note was local businessman, Thomas Shorthouse. Mr. Shorthouse purchased the home in 1951. A Civic leader, Thomas Shorthouse, was a City Councilman for five terms, 1946-1950 inclusive; and, served as Mayor for six terms, 1958 – 1963 inclusive.
Mr. Shorthouse was very active in the community and served as a member of the Police Commission, a charter member of the Kiwanis Club, a member of the hospital board and was instrumental in having the Vocational School located in Nelson. The list of his community involvements is extensive.
Agnes J. Shorthouse, wife of Thomas Shorthouse, died in the home on 14 October 1952. Mrs. Shorthouse, nee Culleton, had been born in Fernie B.C. in 1906. Mr. Shorthouse eventually remarried and relocated to Victoria, B.C., in 1966.
What do Interior Breweries and Thomas Shorthouse have in common? Mr. Shorthouse is credited with naming their popular Pilsener Beer- Kokanee! So next time you see that popular logo think of Nelson and Thomas Shorthouse!
Other owners of note have been T.S. O’Neill and Thomas Johnson and his wife, Patricia.
This home is a fine example that with proper care and attention to detail that the past can be preserved to the present day. Although this home is just 69 years old it is most likely that with continued care and attention it will remain to become one of the City’s finest heritage homes in 2040.
Before you go on your way take a moment to listen. If you are quiet enough you just may hear the shouts of joy on election night or the laughter at a Mayor’s Levee. This home already has many tales to tell.
This home was part of the 2009 Heritage Home Tour.
House photograph courtesy of the Shawn Lamb Archives, http://www.touchstonesnelson.ca/ ; Dill Obituary, The Nelson Daily News, 20 January 1968; Shorthouse Obituary, The Nelson Daily News, 17 January 1984. Interior Breweries letter courtesy of Sylvia Crooks, nee Shorthouse.
