804 Stanley Street

Style: Late Victorian with Queen Anne

Constructed: 1899

This house was constructed for William A. Macdonald, Q.C., for an estimated cost of $3500.00. Mr. MacDonald was a “Founding Father” of the City of Nelson having been a signatory to the 1897 Articles of Incorporation. The family moved to Nelson, circa 1896, from Manitoba. In 1913, Mr. MacDonald was appointed a Supreme Court Jurist sitting in Vancouver, B.C. He died in Vancouver on 01 October 1946 at the age of 86 years.

In 1902 Mr. MacDonald was the Crown Prosecutor in the Henry Rose Murder Trial. Henry Rose, found guilty of the murder of John Cole, was sentenced to death and has the auspicious honour of being the last man to be hanged in the City on November 21, 1902. An excellent website account by Rosemarie Parent can be found here: www.alhs-archives.com/articles/henryrose.html and a somewhat glamorized account here: www.kmcmag.com/features/KMC15_featureF.pdf

Upon the relocation of the MacDonald family to Vancouver the house was sold on 26 March 1909 to William Waldie, an area businessman and entrepreneur. The 1910 Assessment Rolls show an assessed value of $2700.00.

Mr. Waldie was the Principal owner of the Edgewood Lumber Company which was in the business of manufacturing rough and dressed lumber, shingles, lath, and assorted wood products. Mr. Waldie bought into the company in 1908 and was the principal owner through 1928. By May 1910 he had moved the operations from Edgewood, B.C. to what was originally Sproat’s Landing, near present day Castlegar. To provide wood for the Castlegar mill, known locally as “Waldie’s Mill,” the company bought and sold timber licenses. By January 1929, the corporate name had changed to William Waldie and Sons Ltd. The Mill closed its doors in 1961 and was razed by fire in 1963.

A history of the Mill may be viewed here:

www.basininstitute.org/home/album/castlegar_08.html

This Mill was not the precursor to “Celgar” as previously noted in the 2007 Heritage Home Tour brochure. "Celgar" purchased her interests (licenses) in 1952. Celgar was not located on the site of the Waldie Mill.

This home was part of the 2007 Heritage Home Tour.

The photograph of the "Invitation to a Hanging" is from Touchstones Nelson http://www.touchstonesnelson.ca/

1109 Hall Mines Road

Style: High Victorian - Gothic

Constructed: circa 1896

The area was originally known as “The Hoover Addition.”


This lovely home is very deceiving for at first glance you think it is a small cottage.  This home is a massive two storey structure with 8 bedrooms. To best get a glimpse of the sheer size drive down the street behind the house and look at the side view.

There are many features original to the home with additional rooms constructed by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Peace  in 1958.

Features:

• Stained Glass

• Great room and staircase

• Chapel and Confessional area (1958)

• Tin ceilings

• Mother Superior’s room (1958)

• Front Parlour and fireplace

• Hardwood floors

• Many original windows

• 8 Bedrooms - 7 from original home

• Much of the original home remains

• Numerous original chandeliers

The home was built by/for Robert Sheill circa 1896.  These lots were purchased prior to the Fall auction of 1896. In the 1898 City Assessment the house is valued at $1500.00. The Fire Insurance Map of 1899 shows a structure of 1 1/2 storeys.

In the 1899 - 1902 City Assessment Rolls Tom Henderson is shown as the tenant of Mr. Sheill; and, in 1903 he is listed as the owner.

On 22 August 1904 Mr. Henderson sold the home to Nettie Elizabeth Blackwood*, wife of Clarence Dudley Blackwood. A large construction project commenced bringing the total bedrooms to seven (7) with a full second floor and large verandah.

The Blackwood Family consisted of four (4) daughters and a son. The eldest child, Donald Cameron Blackwood, 17, (1899-1916) was killed in a hunting accident at South Slocan on 30 September 1916. Mr. Blackwood was the only immediate family member to attend the funeral as the others were too distraught.

Mr. Blackwood (1877-1940) was the Gold Commissioner and Mining Recorder. Upon his retirement he went into the Insurance and Real Estate business. Mr. Blackwood is known as the “Father of Lacrosse in British Columbia.”

 On 03 September 1940 Mr. Blackwood had a stroke and died shortly thereafter in the home. This was approximately two weeks after the body of his son in law, Dr. C.M. Bennett, MD, was located in Kootenay Lake (boating accident July 29, 1940). Mrs. Blackwood continued the Insurance and Real Estate business until her move to Victoria in 1958.

In the Fall of 1958 Mrs. Blackwood sold the home to the Sisters of St. Joseph of Peace to be used as their Residence/Convent and place of worship. Mrs. Blackwood (1880-1960)  died in Victoria on 20 March 1960.

The home remained under the care of the Sisters for approximately 20 years. The Sisters constructed a Chapel and Confessional on the north side of the home soon after they took up residency.

This charming home is still under the watchful eye of a caring Nun. When construction workers were employed in the home after a water pipe break, one young man lit a cigarette. A Nun appeared to him, in full Habit, and advised him smoking was not permitted in the house. He then went outside and remarked to his friend that he thought the Nuns were no longer associated with the house. He was told they were not and had not been for many years! Perhaps it is due to the watchful, caring eye of the Sister that this home has such a warm and comfortable feeling.

This home was part of the 2007 Heritage Home Tour.

This home now operates as a lovely B&B, with charming hosts:  http://www.simplybeandb.com/

* In 1873 women who owned property in British Columbia became the first in Canada to secure the right to vote in Municipal Elections.

The Obituary is from The Nelson Daily News, 04 September 1940; the picture of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Peace is from the The Nelson Daily News, 29 September 1958. Please click to enlarge.

812 Baker Street

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.

719 Latimer Street

The research on this particular piece of property was quite difficult as the street numbers fluctuated between 719 and 723 until 1936. In 1936 723 became 719 Latimer Street. It was at this time that the numbers were standardized in the City to allow for the home delivery of mail.

The lots were also realigned to conform to the City survey. As well, the street numbers assigned to the Insurance Maps prior to 1936 were added after the street numbers had been standardized adding to more confusion. In addition there were "fuzzy" memories which added to the mix. The initial Heritage Register researched the property, I researched the property three times, and then I researched two more times with Shawn Lamb, Archivist, to ensure accuracy.

On the Fire Insurance Map of 1899 a small wooden structure appears. The structure was a one storey, wooden building with a stove pipe. There is no designation for a roof, but I suspect it was of wood.

This structure was not in the 1899 Assessment Rolls for the City of Nelson (03 May 1899), but appears as of July 1899 on the Fire Insurance Map. The structure was erected between the 04 May 1899 and 31 July 1899.

On the 1900 Assessment Rolls the structure was assessed at $200.00. This building was likely a shed or a shack. In 1898 the property was owned by Dr. E.C. Arthur, M.D.(left, below). It appears to be property bought on speculation.

By 1901 the structure has disappeared. It likely burned down or was just removed. As Dr. Arthur was involved with the local fire company I would not be a bit surprized if it was used in a fire drill.

In 1913 the property was purchased from Dr. Arthur by William J. Murphy. There was no house on the property. A house was built on Lot 14 between the end of May 1914 and the date of the new assessment in 1915. The 1915 Directory for the City of Nelson shows the Murphy family at 723 Latimer Street.

In 1915 the assessed value of the house was $2500.00, while lot 13 was $330.00 and lot 14 $245.00. The house was built on lot 14. Please note that the lots on Silica Street and above are approximately one and one half lots in size. When the city was first surveyed the lots below Silica were more standardized, thus smaller. It does not appear that the Insurance Maps took this into consideration or perhaps, they too had the numbers added at a later date.

To add further confusion Nelson often changed the physical addresses of the houses on the corners of cross streets. One year they would be located on, for example, Latimer and the next year on Hendryx. This was common practice until the city formalized the city survey.

By 1919 the house and property are in the name of Lydia A. Murphy", wife of William J. Murphy.

William James Murphy died on September 17, 1919 at the age of 63 years. As Mr. Murphy died after a lengthy illness it is likely he died at the home.
 
Mrs. Murphy purchased Lot 15 in the interval between the 1924 and 1925 Assessments. The lot was owned by A. L. McCulloch, the City Engineer.
 

The Directories show the Murphy family living at #723 from 1915 until 1936. In 1936 the City standardized the street numbers to facilitate home mail delivery. In the 1937 Directory the Murphys now live at 719 Latimer and subsequent directories have then there well into the 1950s.  The book, Nelson: A Proposal for Urban Heritage Conservation lists the house on page 160 as Nelson Residential 1 C List.

 

Lydia A. Murphy died in Nelson on 30 May 1948 at the age of 85 years.
 
*In 1873 women who owned property in British Columbia became the first in Canada to secure the right to vote in Municipal Elections.

The 1899 City of Nelson Fire Insurance Map and the photograph of Dr. Edward Charles Arthur, M.D., circa 1900, are courtesy of the Shawn Lamb Archives, http://www.touchstonesnelson.ca/ ; Murphy Obituary, The Nelson Daily News, 01 June 1948.

The Truth about the Catacombs

No Blog about sections of the history and heritage values of the City of Nelson would be complete without first putting to rest the fabricated stories of a Nelson Underground!

Firstly, the name “catacombs” should have some sort of “qualifier” as it does not meet the definition of the word. The Oxford Dictionary:

cat•a•comb / ˈkatəˌkōm/ • n. (usu. catacombs) an underground cemetery consisting of a subterranean gallery with recesses for tombs, as constructed by the ancient Romans; an underground construction resembling or compared to such a cemetery.

Secondly, the “Catacombs” have nothing to do with Ward Creek or its diversion. This can be seen clearly in the picture taken from the 1899 Fire Insurance Map of Nelson below. Click on it to enlarge.

Follow the blue line - Ward Creek - as it crosses Ward Street just north of the alley (Herridge Lane) near the bus stop. It meanders several feet and then crosses under Baker, then at the Red Fish Grill and continues under the corner of the Hume Hotel, across Vernon Street and left alongside what was once the Land Titles Office. (Follow red dot to red dot north - top of photograph.) Ward Creek was filled in, in this part of the City. Contrary to rumour the catacombs have nothing to do with this filled in area.

The filled in area on the east of Ward Street would not affect the buildings constructed after 1899. They were all built knowing of the filled in area and some were built on top of it. The only building that would have been affected was the Madden Hotel on the SE corner of Ward and Baker – but nothing was ever reported. I suspect they just may have been far enough back from it.

The cribbed area is what everyone is calling the “catacombs.” The cribbed area is accessible on the west of Ward Street between the intersection of Baker and Ward to the intersection of Vernon and Ward. They are approximately as wide as the sidewalk above. 

The cribbed area is under the place on the map entitled "Planked Sidewalk." It allows access to the building supports in this section. These buildings were erected prior to the fill in. At Baker and Ward, there is one (1) storey underground (the Griffin Block where Wait's now sits) and it lessens as you go downhill. When you enter the business directly north of Wait's you go downstairs - this was originally the first floor of the Griffin Block and at street level. The descrepancy is due to the gradual increase in height of the road over the last 100 plus years and the topography of the area – all up hill.

There was a cave in on Ward Street beside the K.W.C. Block c. 1908 possibly due to the settling of the fill. The debris from the lot on which the K.W.C. now sits was dumped into the gorge area in 1900.  I believe there is no access.

You will find pockets of space near the rear of the Hume Hotel where the fill has settled over time. There is a concrete bridge area directly behind the Hume that covers what was once Ward Creek. This allows for continued level passage in the alley-no settling of the fill over time.

The majority of these stories are creations of newcomers to the City, who have completed next to no research. By spreading such nonsense they have done a disservice to the truly vibrant history of the City. There are no "complex series of tunnels" creating a Nelson underground, nor a tunnel running from the C.P.R. Depot to the foot of Gyro Park - pure fabrications.  If you want to know the truth about wild claims and stories that you hear check them out first at the Shawn Lamb Archives. Help us spend our time preserving Nelson's Historic Past, not correcting fabrications that could so easily be dispelled with a little research or by simply asking a question or two.

The 1899 Fire Insurance Map of Nelson is courtesy of the Shawn Lamb Archives http://www.touchstonesnelson.ca/  Please click on it to enlarge for easier viewing.

Nelson United Church

Constructed: 1909; rebuilt in 1916 and 1967

City Area: F. H. Latimer Survey - First Addition to the Town site 1891-1895.

In 1897 a wood frame Church was built on the present date site of what is now known as the Nelson United Church.

In 1908, Architect Thomas Hooper of Hooper and Watkins, Vancouver, was retained to draw the plans for a more permanent structure. The completed Church, known as Trinity Methodist was dedicated on 07 March 1909.

The architecture is one of Romanesque Revival with Gothic Revival features. The granite for the walls was quarried locally; the marble from Marblehead in the Lardeau; and, the cedar, used in the interior, was locally milled.

Although made of fine stone the Church was not immune to fire. On 15 January 1915 the Church was razed to her foundations. She rose once again on these same foundations and was ready for worship in 1916. On 17 April 1967 the Church was again destroyed by fire and rose from the ashes to be rededicated on 09 March 1969.

The original pipe organ, installed in 1923, as a memorial to those who lost their lives in W.W.1, was destroyed in the fire of 1967. A magnificent new organ was custom made for the newly rebuilt Church by the Keates Organ Company of Acton, Ontario. The tone of this organ is said to be reminiscent of those in the great Cathedrals of Europe. Today you will find few in her Congregation to disagree.

In 1925 the Congregations of the Presbyterian and Methodist Churches in Canada combined to form the United Church of Canada. As a result, St. Paul’s Presbyterian Church and the Trinity Methodist Churches became United Churches. Owing to their large Congregations both Churches continued to offer services.

In 1956 the Congregations of both Churches amalgamated to form St. Paul’s Trinity United Church. In 1958 Fairview United Church was created to offer services and did so until joining with the present Church in 1995. This combination formed what is known today as the Nelson United Church.

Today the Church stands as a proud memorial to a strong and vital Congregation that would not allow adversity to dim their faith.

The Church was part of the 2009 Heritage Home Tour.

The photograph of the Church is courtesy of the Nelson United Church, http://www.nelsonunitedchurch.ca/  Visit the website of the Church to learn of the remarkable story of the Trinity Bell http://www.nelsonunitedchurch.ca/history/The%20bell1.html

613 Hendryx Street

Constructed: c. 1895

Style: Wood frame cottage (Village Phase 1891-1895)

City Area: F. H. Latimer Survey- First Addition to the Town site 1891-1895.

This tiny cottage is evident on the 1899 Fire Insurance Map of Nelson, however it does not appear in the Assessment Records until 1912. A Plumbing Permit was issued on 25 May 1899 for the installation of a sink so why it was not assessed at the time is a mystery that may be never solved.

It is evident from the structure of the cottage that it was constructed in the very early days of Nelson, most likely in the first phase. It is possible that the cottage was constructed shortly after the road grids were established. At one time Hendryx Street was a through street from Silica to Victoria which would have made access much easier.

It is not known who constructed the cottage. In 1912 the property was divided from that of 803 Silica Street to stand on its own. The cottage was assessed at $1,000.00 at that time. The first owner of record is Mrs. Nettie Beer* as it was included in the 803 Silica Street property (1899).  Both portions were then sold to Mrs.W.F. Cochrane* who eventually sold to Ferdinand Barraud.

In 1915 Ferdinand Barraud is noted as the owner. The assessed value was $1,500.00. Mr. Barruad was employed with the C.P.R. He relocated to Revelstoke in the mid 1920s. While there he was involved with the Roman Catholic Church as the organist. He died on 28 March 1978 at the age of 87 years. His wife lived to the age of 107 years!

The next owner of note was W.W.1 Veteran, Percival James Goggin and his wife, Ida. Mr. Goggin was employed as a Chauffeur. In 1940 the assessed value of the home was $1,400.00. Mr. and Mrs. Goggin lived in the home for approximately 18 years. Mr. and Mrs. Goggin relocated to Burnaby in 1943. Mr. Goggin died as a result of a fall on 28 July 1960 at the age of 71 years. Mrs. Goggin died in Burnaby on 07 January 1988 at the age of 91 years.

In this home’s kitchen you will find the light fixtures from the original St. Joseph’s School; and, a Rood Screen from a local church in the dining area. This home is a fine example of how bits of the past can be incorporated with the present to create a warm and comfortable living environment.

This home was constructed at a time when Nelson was not much more than a shanty town located on the side of a mountain lake. The saloons and brothels vastly outnumbered the places of worship and a horse race down the main street was not uncommon. Now if the walls could talk…

This home was part of the 2009 Heritage Home Tour.

* In 1873 women who owned property in British Columbia became the first in Canada to secure the right to vote in Municipal Elections.

306 Silica Street

Style: Late Victorian

Constructed: 1897, quite possibly designed by Architect, A.E. Hodgins. The lots were likely purchased from F.C. Innes.

City Area: F. H. Latimer Survey - First Addition to the Town site 1891-1895.

This house was constructed for one of Nelson’s most colourful Mayors, Frank Fletcher (left, below). Mr. Fletcher was a member of the original City Council in 1897, again in 1899 and held her highest office for two terms, 1901 and 1902.

Prior to attaining Civic Office, Frank Fletcher, a Surveyor, is known for having drawn some of the earliest published maps of the West Kootenay. He was also the C.P.R. Land Agent.

The next owner of note was Norman C. Stibbs, an Alderman and long serving Mayor of the Queen City (1938-1946, 1950-1951 inclusive). The Norman Stibbs Airfield was named in his honour; and, in 1947 he was made a Freeman of the City.

Although many have crossed her threshold this house remains virtually unchanged from the date of completion. The leaded glass windows offer a rare glimpse of original light fixtures, wainscoting, plaster ceilings and mouldings, fireplaces and a staircase that will literally take your breath away.

Once you step onto the verandah let your mind cycle back in time. It is Dominion Day 1902, Edward is on the throne, the City is in a building boom and the Mayor is in his manor. If you listen closely you just may hear the laughter of the young people on the tennis court and drawing a deep breath will bring the refreshing scent of the Coronation apple trees.

As you enter the foyer you are taken aback by the splendour. To the right, you catch a glimpse of Mrs. Forin and Dr. Isabella Arthur in earnest conversation about Lake Street and a curfew for the Ladies of the Evening. Mrs. McKillop is sitting in a chair, by the window, sipping her Sherry and reflecting on a most pleasurable day.

To the left, the air is blue with the smoke of fine cigars, perhaps from Jasper Phair’s Tobacconist Shop. Leaning against the mantle Walter Beer is examining the strings of his tennis racquet. It has held him in good stead today. At the table Alexander Carrie is showing Jack Wilson the latest refinements to his office in the K.W.C. Building.

Lastly, your eyes travel to that most magnificent staircase and you wonder just what lies above.

Now give yourself a pinch. The air is clear, the guests have long gone and you are in one of Nelson’s finest heritage homes. As you turn to leave cast a quick glance back to the stairway. You just may catch sight of His Worship quietly surveying his citizenry and smiling at the prosperity of his Queen City.

This home was part of the 2009 Heritage Home Tour.

Interior features:

• wood panelled entrance hall
• grand staircase
• original light fixtures
• bells to summons the Chinese servants
• 5 fireplaces with hand painted inlaid tiles
• fir panelled dining room
• one of only a few true heritage homes used as a private residence in the province

Exterior grounds:

• English Chestnut Tree
• Coronation Pippin Apple Tree

The present owners state that they have "company" in their Silica Street home. On Christmas morning a "lady in white" visits and just as quickly disappears.  There is also a cat that wanders through and just like a cat acts like it owns the place!

Historic photograph of Frank Fletcher (1897) is courtesy of the Shawn Lamb Archives, http://www.touchstonesnelson.ca/; Fletcher Obituary, The Daily News, 12 Janaury 1913; Stibbs Obituary, The Nelson Daily News, 17 December 1972.

904 Victoria, 605 and 609 Cedar Streets

904 Victoria Street Plumbing Permit: under construction June 04, 1900

605 Cedar Street Plumbing Permit: under construction 28 May 1900

609 Cedar Street Plumbing Permit: under construction 11 April 1900

These three ladies were literally built months apart in the Spring of 1900; and, with the turn of the 21st Century have each seen their revitalization.

The first of the three, 904 Victoria Street, was constructed for businessman G.W. Taylor, as a rental. The assessed value in 1901 was $1,500.00, this home being the largest of the three. The first tenant was E.F. Gigot. A curiosity in the Plumbing Permit shows that the wash bowl in the bath was made of marble or was marble lined. This was a common feature in 1900, but one to create covetous eyes today. On August 23, 1907 the house was sold to C.P.R. Conductor, Joseph Turner and his wife, Minnie. The family remained in the home for approximately thirty five years. The house originally had a turret.

The second home, 605 Cedar Street, was constructed for local Blacksmith and Fireman Enon Fernando Crawford, as a rental. The assessed value in 1901 was $1,250.00. The first tenant was F.J. Crawford. The Plumbing Permit shows an enameled wash bowl in the bath with a steel clad tub. By 1910 Frank Seaman had acquired the ownership of the home; and, on 27 December 1911 he sold the same to Patrick Gallagher. The assessed value at the time of the sale was $2,500.00

The third home, 609 Cedar Street, was constructed for Lumberman Alexander George Lambert, as a rental. The first tenant was George Ferguson. The assessed value in 1901 was $1,250.00. The Plumbing Permit shows a marble or marble lined sink in the bath. On 05 December 1904 the house was sold to Mrs. J.A. Montgomery. Edith M. Montgomery owned the home until 1925 when she sold it to her newly married daughter, Jennie Kathleen and her husband, William Ludlow. The Ludlow family remained in the home for a minimum of forty- four years. They lost a son, Private Robert Ludlow, age 19 years, in Germany in 1945.

The Victorian Architecture, with a flourish of Queen Anne, of these modest, working class homes, attempted to mimic the more lavish homes of the day. These homes were built on speculation for the burgeoning real estate market of the early 1900s.

Although little remains of the original interior, the exterior of these homes are fine examples of what is old can be new again. The attention to detail in both the restoration of the wood work and the colour schemes plays a dominant role in their renewal and allows us a window to the working, middle class of early Nelson.

These homes were part of the 2009 Heritage Home Tour.

The historic photograph, circa 1910, is courtesy of the Shawn Lamb Archives http://www.touchstonesnelson.ca/

921 Silica Street

921 Silica Street

Style: Colonial Revival

This house is in the F. H. Latimer Survey- First Addition to the Town site 1891-1895.

Walter Manville Myers, a local Mining Engineer for A. H. Green and Company, and wife Nora, built this house in 1928. The Assessment Records of 1929 give a value of $5,000.00 for the house and $300.00 for lot 13 and $225.00 for each of lots 14 and 15. Prior to the construction of this house this section of Silica Street was owned by the Columbia and Kootenay Railway and Navigation Company.

Walter Manville Myers was a member of the Coroner’s Jury at the Inquest into the explosion on the Kettle Valley Rail Line at Farron, B.C., on October 29, 1924. This was the explosion that killed Peter, the Lordly, Verigin, the spiritual leader of the Doukhobors. This, more extensive phase of the official Inquest, was held at Nelson, B.C., while an earlier Inquest into the matter of Peter Verigin’s death, was held at Grand Forks, B.C., on the evening of October 29, 1924.

Mr. Myers, along with fellow Jurors, advised Coroner Henry Hector MacKenzie, that William J. Armstrong, Neil E. Murray, Mary Strelaeff and Henry J. Bishop “came to their death as a result of a discharge by some person or persons unknown either with intent or through ignorance.” This case remains one of Canada’s unsolved mysteries.

Another resident of note was Jean Pierre Rivers and his wife, Frances Marie. The Rivers were long standing residents. For over 25 year Mr. and Mrs. Rivers operated the restaurant in the Greyhound Bus Depot located, at the time, on Baker Street. This restaurant was well known in the City for its fine dining and excellent service.

Mrs. Rivers was known in the City for her volunteer work with the Canadian Cancer Society, the local Church and with community events. She was honoured in 1992 with a Governor General’s Award for her dedication, service and significant contributions to the community.

This house is an excellent example of how a house built on the eve of the Depression can be sensitively restored and transformed into a functional and comfortable living space in which to raise a young family.

Although this house is young by Nelson standards it has witnessed the City pull itself up by the bootstraps on more than one occasion and become the prosperous and unique place we call home today.

This home was part of the 2008 Heritage Home Tour.

To learn more about the death of Peter, The Lordly, Verigin please vist this site:
http://www.canadianmysteries.ca/sites/verigin/indexen.html ; Rivers Obituary, The Nelson Daily News, 27 July 1998.

1023 Stanley Street

Style: Late Victoria

This house is on the boundary of the Hoover Addition, District Lot 150 and the Government Town site, District Lot 95 (F. H. Latimer Survey- First Addition to the Town site 1891-1895).
Alexander Lawson McKillop, Mineral Assayer, built this house in 1899. According to the Assessment Records of 1900 the house was valued at $3,000.00 while lots 8 and 9 were valued at $300.00, lot 10 at $400.00 and lots 11 and 12 at $250.00 each. It appears no expense was spared to build an elegant and comfortable home with all the amenities of the day. By 1905 the property was registered in the name of Nellie McKillop*, the wife of Alexander Lawson McKillop.

Mr. McKillop (left) was a well known Nelson figure having served on City Council for a one year term in 1899. He also constructed the McKillop Building in 1897, the present day Baker Street site of Dr. Tim Allen’s Optometry practice.

An owner of note was William Francis Cochrane and wife, Helen*, who purchased the house in 1910. Mr. Cochrane was the son of Senator Matthew Cochrane, a Montreal Industrialist, turned Rancher. In 1881, due to a special relationship with the John A. MacDonald government, Senator Cochrane established the largest ranch in Canada. Young Mr. Cochrane became the Manager of the southern section of the ranch. After the death of his Father (1903) the ranch was sold in 1905 to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. According to his death registration Mr. Cochrane was a retired rancher from 1908 until his death in 1923. The town of Cochrane, Alberta is named for Senator Cochrane.


Another owner of note was mining engineer, Paul Lincoln. Mr. Lincoln was involved with the Noble Five Mine at Sandon, as an engineer under Sir James Dunsmuir. Upon the death of Sir James Dunsmuir Mr. Lincoln assumed the position of President and General Manager. The Noble Five was comprised of the original Noble Five, the Last Chance, and the Surprise properties at Cody, B.C.

This house is a fine example of how parts of the past can be incorporated into a multiple residential structure. Original hardwood floors, radiators, baseboards, trim and a Rumford fireplace are just some of the features that add a turn of the century feel to an otherwise more modern living space.

This home was part of the 2008 Heritage Home Tour.

* In 1873 women who owned property in British Columbia became the first in Canada to secure the right to vote in Municipal Elections.

The photograph of Alexander McKillop and the couple in heritage dress are courtesy of the Shawn Lamb Archives, http://www.touchstonesnelson.ca/ ; the photograph of William Cochrane is courtesy of the Glen Bow Archives, Calgary, Alberta.  The Obituary is from The Nelson Daily News, 27 April 1965 - click on it to enlage.

Alexander Carrie, Architect

Alexander Carrie was born in Yorkville, Ontario on November 14, 1863. As a young man he made his way westward to Winnipeg, to study construction and architecture, arriving in what was to become Nelson, B.C. on April 17, 1895. Little grass grew under his feet as he commenced employment on April 22, 1895.

On March 26, 1896 Mr. Carrie married Elizabeth "Lizzie" Elliot at Donald B.C. They settled in Nelson and raised their family. Mr. Carrie was not only a Pioneer, a family and businessman, but also a distinguished and contributing member of the City of Nelson. Today the Carrie descendants reside in Nelson, Western Canada and the United States of America.

A talented and prolific architect, Mr. Carrie's career spanned over 52 years in Nelson and the Kootenays. He designed and completed hundreds of structures, both commercial and residential in the region. He was chosen by architect, Francis Rattenbury, to be his architect Clerk of the Works for the Nelson Courthouse in 1906. A position of some distinction. Mr. Carrie designed the Nelson Power Plant at Bonnington Falls, officially named the "Alexander Carrie Hydro Plant," being dedicated by the City of Nelson on August 12, 1994.

"In recognition of his exceptional architectural career and in appreciation of his outstanding dedication to the Nelson community. Mayor William H. Ramsden and Nelson City Council hereby dedicate this building as the: Alexander Carrie Hydro Plant." 

The Alexander Carrie Hydro Plant as it appears today.

Mr. Carrie's last blueprint was completed on July 21, 1947. He died on July 29, 1947, bringing to a close one of the most prolific architectural careers the area has ever witnessed. His buildings have withstood the test of time. It is no stretch of the imagination to call him the area's most prolific architect.

This incomplete list of his structures contains 11 of the 26 buildings on the local Walking Tour - quite an accomplishment for one individual.

K.W.C. Block (only turret left on Baker St 488-498 Baker Street)
Lawrence Hardware Store (446 Baker Street)
Customs House (on Post Office) Supervising Architect
McCulloch Block (371-377 Baker Street)
Masonic Block (321-329 Baker Street)
Gilker Block (546 Baker Street - KC Restaurant])
Eagles Hall (639 - 641 Baker Street)
Tremont Block (King's Family Restaurant, 652 Baker Street)
City Garage (561 Josephine Street, now Nelson Home Furniture)
CPR manager's House (end of Baker Street, 420 Railway Street)
Kerr Apartments (514 Victoria Street)
C.W. Busk residence (now Kokanee Park)
Red Fish Grill (479 Baker Street)
YMCA, with swimming pool & bowling lanes  (Royal Canadian Legion)

 *Fundraising Photograph to the left, 1909.

McDonald Jam Factory (305 Vernon Street)

Bank of Commerce - supervising Architect (CIBC - 459 Baker Street)

Land Registry (403 Vernon Street)

Burn's Block with Arthur E. Hodgins (556 Baker Street)

Courthouse - Clerk of the Works - Architect, for Francis Rattenbury (320 Ward Street)

Hume Hotel - Supervising Architect (422 Vernon Street)

Nelson Congregational Church (702 Stanley Street)

St. Paul’s Trinity United Church (602 Silica Street])- rebuild

Presbyterian Church (He completed work begun in 1892, 602 Kootenay Street)

Nelson Baptist Church

Central School 

Trafalgar School

Hume School
Nelson Cenotaph 

Burden Green Building (The Express Offices)

Net Idea Building - A. Macdonald Warehouse, Front Street

City Municipal Offices, Kaslo, B.C.
Court House, Kaslo, B.C.
Willow Point Lodge
Edgemere, Queen's Bay

As the Commanding Officer of the Rocky Mountain Rangers

This short posting is by no means complete and does not do justice to Mr. Carrie.  This multi talented gentleman served the City of Nelson in so many capacities that I have yet to complete my research. As an example he was elected to the City Council in 1910 and served as their Municipal Works Officer.

His photograph hangs on the wall of City Hall.  As well, his daughter, Elizabeth, served on City Council for many years and her photograph hangs nearby.

Photograph of the 1910 City Council courtesy of the Shawn Lamb Archives, http://www.touchstonesnelson.ca/ ; family photographs courtesy of the Wallach Family.

Court House, Ward Street

Completed: 29 November 1908, dedicated 05 May 1909

Style: Combination Richardsonian Romanesque and Chateau Styles*

Architects: Francis Rattenbury and Alexander Carrie


"Oye, Oye. All those having business before the Supreme Court of British Columbia please come forward. God Save the Queen.”

This age old salutation, only recently discontinued, invited all the citizenry to cross her threshold not only in search of justice, but licensing, taxation and even veterinary services to name but a few. For over a century the Courts and Government offices contained herein have served the citizens of Nelson and the West Kootenay well.

This building was designed by Francis Rattenbury (left) in 1903. Local Architect, Alexander Carrie, was appointed by Mr. Rattenbury as his Clerk of the Works (on site Architect) in 1906. As well that year, John Kirkpatrick was appointed Clerk of the Works (retail) by the Provincial Government; and, local Contractor, W. G. Gillett, was awarded the construction contract.

The building was completed on 29 November 1908 (The Daily News, 29 November 1908); with, the first Court sitting, the postponed Fall Assize, commencing on 11 February 1909. This was followed by the opening of the County Court on 01 March 1909; and, the formal dedication of the building with the opening of the Spring Assize on 05 May 1909.

The Sheriff of the Kootenays was one Samuel Parker Tuck. He not only had the distinction of being the first Sheriff in the new facility, but was the first to call it home. Mr. Rattenbury had designed a caretaker’s apartment in the basement in which Sheriff Tuck resided. Sheriff Tuck died in service, in Kootenay Lake General Hospital, on 13 September 1916 at the age of 80 years. As Sheriff Tuck was not ready to retire it just may be that those footsteps heard so often are his as he makes his daily rounds!

On 04 February 1962 the Courthouse was fire bombed by the radical Sect, the Sons of Freedom. If it was not for the fast thinking of local taxi driver David “Buster” Wiggs the building would have been reduced to rubble. Five bombs were placed in the building with one having detonated charring the front doors and foyer. Mr. Wiggs extinguished two bombs with his bare hands and threw the third out of the building where it exploded on impact. He only suffered minor burns to his hands.

If the walls could talk what tales would they tell? Let your imagination run, this building has seen it all.

The Court House was part of the 2009 Heritage Home Tour.

*The architecture has been inaccurately described in the newest Nelson Walking Tour brochure and other, recent, publications.

The photograph of the Court House is courtesy of the Shawn Lamb Archives, http://www.touchstonesnelson.ca/ ; the photograph of Francis M. Rattenbury is courtesy of the open source at http://www.wikipedia.org/ ; Alexander Carrie appointment, The Canadian, 15 November 1906; Sheriff Tuck Obituary, The Daily News, Nelson, B.C. 14 September 1916.

416 Silica Street

Style: Late Victorian

This house is in the F. H. Latimer Survey- First Addition to the Town site 1891-1895.

Ralph Bradford and family, a local hotel keeper, built this house circa 1895. According to the Assessment Records of 1898 the house was valued at $250.00 with the lot assessed at $350.00. This was a simple house built for a working class family.

On October 21, 1907 Mary Elizabeth Benedict* purchased the house from a Mrs. Mott*. The assessed value was $1000.00 for the house and $600.00 for the lot. Mr. and Mrs. Benedict owned and operated a grocery store on the corner of Silica and Josephine Streets. After the death of his wife, in 1912, Charles Benedict moved to California.

Another resident of note was Alexander Gibson. Mr. Gibson was born in California, but by 1898 found himself in Rossland. B. C., working in the local mines. In 1910 he moved to Nelson and entered into a partnership with J.A. Smith and A.S. Hunden (B.C. Plumbing and Heating Company). Mr. Gibson was known throughout the Kootenays for his prowess as a baseball player. It was said his hobby was knocking in home runs!

Cast your eyes about and you will see high ceilings and heating grates, window and door frames, a banister and newel post, baseboards and even a hatch into a stone cellar that have been in situ for over a century. Near the front entry is the original electrical box from the time when the City considered using porch lights in place of street lights. The side walk stones have settled in place over the last 100 years.  

As you stand on the porch let your mind travel back to a time when Nelson was the newest City in the Empire and Queen Victoria was on the throne. To a time when a woman was considered flirtatious if one glimpsed a shapely ankle and a full course dinner could be purchased for 25 cents. This house was built in a time when the kitchen was the heart of the home and Sunday dinners were family gatherings. Now, if only the walls could talk.

This home was part of the 2008 Heritage Home Tour.

* In 1873 women who owned property in British Columbia became the first in Canada to secure the right to vote in Municipal Elections.

Indoor photograph coutesy of Margaret Stacey; Gibson Obituary, The Nelson Daily News, 10 August 1938.

Kirkpatrick, Wilson, Clements Block, Baker Street

“If you build it they will come,”1. and come by the thousands they have to Nelson’s historic downtown core. Although Nelson was not the backdrop for the Universal Pictures movie it certainly was a field of dreams, a tabula rasa, for the talented architects of the day.

One of these talented men and the most prolific, Alexander Carrie, designed a structure that has been the anchor of Baker Street since its completion in 1900. Stand anywhere on Baker Street and your eyes are drawn to that most distinctive turret at the very centre of our city. Unbeknown to many is the fact that at one time there were four turrets at this very cross street and only the Kirkpatrick Wilson Clements Block has withstood the test of time.

By 1900 the shantytown that became the City of Nelson was gaining in respectability. The Ward Creek gorge that bisected Baker Street had been filled in and the stage was set. With budding entrepreneurial spirit large stone and brick edifices were being constructed and the southwest corner of Baker and Ward Streets was not immune.

According to the Nelson Daily Miner the Bank of Montreal had cast covetous eyes on Lot 10 of Block 10. They had recently retained architect Francis Rattenbury to draw plans for a new bank and this corner was perfect. Mr. Rattenbury attended at Nelson and announced that he did not believe, with the proximity of Ward Creek, that foundations could be constructed that would adequately support his building. With that the Bank of Montreal “swapped Titles” with the owner of the lots of the present day site of the bank.

However, “swapped” is not quite accurate. The activity on this corner allows for a brief glimpse into land speculation in early Nelson.

On April 04, 1899 the Bank of Montreal sold Lot 10 to Frank Fletcher (left) and Arthur E. Hodgins (lower right) for the sum of $10,000. Frank Fletcher purchased the share of Arthur E. Hodgins on March 5, 1900 for the sum of $1,000 and on the same day sold Lot 10 to Austin Henry Clements for the sum of $10,500.00!

On June 25 1900 A. H. Clements purchased an equal share of Lot 9 from John Andrew Kirkpatrick (below Fletcher left) and Charles J. Wilson for the sum of $1.00. Prior to this sale the Title had changed hands ten times since 1891! On June 30, 1900 J.A. Kirkpatrick and C.J. Wilson purchased an equal share of Lot 10 from A.H. Clements for the sum of $1.00.


The K.W.C. partnership was now on equal footing, the land was secure and both lots were consolidated into one holding. As an interesting aside, Charles J. Wilson was the Great Uncle of the Actress, Margot Kidder.

Partners were added and deleted over the next few years until the building was purchased by A. (Annie) MacDonald in 1905. This company, A. MacDonald and Company of Winnipeg, eventually became Canada Safeway Limited. A. MacDonald continued to hold Title until November 12, 1929 when the building was sold to the K.W.C. Company. This Company retained ownership until the sale to the present owners in 1973.

The K.W.C. Block, to be built of pressed brick with marble trim, would be 3 stories in height and cover an area of 60 x 120 feet with a 30-foot frontage on Baker Street.

The corner store was to be occupied by the Canada Drug and Book Company, with the adjacent store, on Baker, the Kirkpatrick Wilson Company (Mercantile). The Ward Street frontage would house The Palm (Confectionary) and the West Kootenay Butcher Company. The main entrance would be on Baker Street. The estimated cost was $35,000.00!

On April 9, 1900 the work commenced. Just as today the use of local contractors was preferred and these were employed by Alexander Carrie. T.L. Bilderbeck was awarded the excavation contract; he estimated 3,700 yards of earth would have to be removed. Shackleton and Laidlaw supplied the masons. Their estimate for the foundations and Ward Street retaining wall was 1,000 yards of masonry. W.G. Gillette was awarded the general contracting; and the Lawrence Hardware Company would complete the steam heating, plumbing, gas fitting and sheet metal work. Pressed brick and terra cotta was to be supplied by Ernest Mansfield.

While the exterior of the building was nearing completion plans were made for the interior fittings. The Kirkpatrick Wilson Company would have fittings of the “latest model” of “native woods with mirrors placed at intervals.” The third floor had been leased by Mrs. F.J. Squire to furnish 28 rooms as “sleeping compartments” with “parlours” and “toilets.” Skylights and light wells were employed in the darker recesses.

The second floor consisted of offices occupied by: Galliher and Wilson (Lawyers), The Prospectors Exchange, Drs. Hall and Rose (M.D.), Dr. Morrison (D.D.S.), Charles Waterman (Auctioneer), Arlington Mines of Erie, B.C., Graeb and McIntyre (Brokers), Ashnola Smelter Limited and the Similkameen Valley Coal Company.

The K.W.C. Block was the largest business block in the city and according to The Tribune one of the finest in the Province. It was completed at a cost of $42,500.00! The KWC Block, is visible in the photograph (above), middle left back, circa 1908.
 
Many will remember Mann’s Drug Store. Edward Mann was the nephew of William Rutherford, Druggist. Mr. Rutherford was with the Canada Drug and Book Company until he opened his own store in this same location. This store evolved into Mann’s Drugs. A drug store had been a constant in this one location for over 70 years. Edward Mann was responsible for placing the clock in the turret.

When Nelson was in an economic downturn Baker Street evidenced the loss. The street looked forlorn and in need of a face lift. With the Downtown Revitalization Project of the mid 1980s came a breath of fresh air and the rebirth of the Queen City - as well as the K.W.C.!

The K.W.C. Block today is assessed at over $1 million. It retains retail stores on the first level and private apartments on the second and third floors. Due to the plans of architect Carrie (right), the fine workmanship of the local contractors, the natural resources of the West Kootenay and the care of the present owners, the K.W.C. Block has not only withstood the test of time, it will be here long after we have passed.

1. Kinsella, W.P. Shoeless Joe. New York: Random House Publishing Group, 1996.

The historic photographs are courtesy of the Shawn Lamb Archives http://www.touchstonesnelson.ca/ .The K.W.C. Block image is the header of this blog. The photograph of Alexander Carrie, circa 1912, is courtesy of the Wallach Family.