On The Edge

I was recently told by someone close to me that I tend to go a bit overboard with things but I am not on the edge of sanity. At least I don't think so! Today's entry has to do with the edge of Vancouver - two historical sites on Boundary Road which is the cut off between Burnaby and Vancouver.

In 1915 this Tudor Revival Manor was opened as a dormitory for destitute senior citizens. Prior to this being built seniors that needed homes were housed at the Old City Hospital.

Architects Perry and Fowler were responsible for the design of what was originally referred to as the Old People's Home.

When the Old People's Home opened in 1915, L.D. Taylor was the Mayor of Vancouver. A self made man, Taylor was very socially conscious and gave back to the less fortunate. He died in 1947, destitute and in 1948 this building was renamed Taylor Manor.



Even though this was a home for those who were penniless care was taken to make sure it looked gracious. The grounds around the manor are luxurious as well. These grounds were used originally as farming and garden operations for the Home. Fruit, vegetables, eggs and other farm produce was generated for the residents. The remainder of the lands adjacent to the Home were used by the Provincial Girls Industrial School.

Taylor Manor looks like both a English Manor home and an institution. Two sets of ramps are at the front of the building so that female residents and male residents can enter at either side.

Personally I felt that the front of the building was more ornate and resembled a country manor whereas the rear, which would have faced the gardens and maybe the girls' school, was more institution like.

So regal looking. When a visitor approaches along the sweeping, curved driveway it makes them feel as if they are visiting a wealthy family in the countryside of England.
 

While walking around back here I could hear a tapping noise. This building is empty by all appearances - the seniors moved to the neighbouring Adanac Park Lodge - so there should be no one around. But still the tapping persisted. A ghost? No, just water dripping from the eaves. I like the story of a restless spirit better though.

 
Even though nothing was written about changes done to the building obviously some things were. As you can see it is almost as if the one part of the building was added later and the white stucco was put on to cover the brick at some time or another.
 
I couldn't find out what is happening with Taylor Manor. Something good I hope. Perhaps an extension of the Adanac Park Lodge would be feasible. 
 

Adanac Park Lodge

 

For the next place I am going to feature I am staying on Boundary Road. I just walked eight blocks north. Uphill. What I do for this blog! LOL

 

Built in 1928 at the corner of Boundary Road and Triumph Street this is Beckett House. This house was built for James Beckett and his wife Appie. They lived in the house from construction in 1928 until they died - Appie in 1968 and James in 1981 - and the house stayed in the family until 1993. James was a postal worker.

This one and one half storey wood frame building is a simplistic yet alluring blend of Craftsman design features. Including the distinctive curved front porch roof. I was overjoyed to see how well taken care of this home is.

 

I hope you find the beauty around you.

TAGS:Vancouver, Karen Magill, Beckett House, Perry and Fowler,Boundary Road,Crafstman,History,Taylor Manor,J.D. Taylor,senior citizens,