Style: Vernacular
Constructed: 1899
The 1899 Assessment Records show the house assessed at $500.00 and the lot at $300.00. The house appears to have been built on speculation by W.E. McCandlish.
According to his Obituary William Edgar McCandlish was born in 1850 in Ottawa, Ontario. He died on 21 December 1910 at his residence on Victoria Street, age 60 years. He left a wife, Eliza, and 10 children. A son, William Edgar Jr., married on 26 November 1902.
On the 1901 Census the house is assessed at $500.00 and the lot at $$300.00. The owner is A. Lochead. The residence consists of 8 rooms, 1 bath and 1 water closet. There may be an error in the number of rooms as the value of the house is not consistent with the size noted.
A Plumbing Permit was issued on 12 July 1900 (Final Inspection). This would allow for hook up to the City Sewage System (indoor plumbing). It appears Mr. Lochead increased the value of the house by adding the plumbing and other amenities.
On 26 November 1907 the property is sold to W.S. Pearcy. The house is valued at $700.00 while the lot remains the same. In 1910 renovations to the house are noted in the revised assessment value of $1500.00.
In 1912 the house belongs to C.W. Walton. Mr. Walton arrived in Nelson in 1911 and it appears shortly thereafter bought this house.
Do not let an exterior fool you. These old houses have many tales to tell! You just have to listen...
The photograph of the "Ladybird" is courtesy of the Shawn Lamb Archives http://www.touchstonesnelson.ca/