Goldie Harris House

General Information

Type of Resource: Building
Common Name:
Address: 11620 No 4 Road
Neighbourhood (Planning Area Name): Gilmore
Construction Date: 1912
Current Owner: Private
Designated: No

Statement of Significance

Description of Site

The Goldie Harris house is an early South Arm home situated in a fairly isolated area among large agricultural fields on a quiet narrow road. The house, located close to the road, is a large two-storey structure, with vertical massing and a hipped roof, while the lot has a garden and a number of mature trees.

Statement of Values

The Goldie Harris House is valued for its historical association with pioneer and historical Thomas Kidd. The house was owned by Goldwin Herschel Harris whose wife was the eldest daughter of Thomas Kidd. Thomas Kidd later lived and wrote in the house until his death. The house is a landmark in the area, and is a good example of an early prosperous farmhouse, surrounded by gardens, orchards and agricultural fields. The property is significant for its retention of its agricultural function, appearance and setting. The house is part of the distinct historical landscape setting of the South Arm Slough district.

Character Defining Elements

Key elements that define the heritage character of the site include: · The historical association of the house with pioneer Thomas Kidd · The design of the house as a two-storey, relatively large and imposing farmhouse, with strong vertical massing and decorative details such as a bell-cast hipped roof with a hipped dormer, two central brick chimneys, a wraparound verandah with hipped roof, and decorative brackets and spindle railings · The house as a landmark in the Slough District · Landscape features associated with the house, such as the enclosed front garden with mature trees, and orchards at the rear of the house. · The South Arm Slough District location of the house, as this was one of the earliest farming districts on Lulu Island, and retains much of its agricultural character today.

History

This house was owned and occupied for many years by Goldwin Herschel Harris, who was born in Ontario and settled in the South Arm district in 1894. His wife, Agnes Isabella, whom he married in 1904, was the eldest daughter of Thomas Kidd. Kidd was a prominent Richmond citizen, active in politics, and an early pioneer in the area. Goldie Harris was originally Kidd’s hired man; it is presumed that this 100-acre farm was given to the couple as a wedding gift. Goldie Harris died in 1947. Thomas Kidd later lived, and wrote, in the house until his death.

Architectural Significance

Architectural Style

Edwardian with Craftsman Influences

Building Type

Domestic

Design Features

The house is rectangular in plan, and has a concrete foundation and symmetrical massing. There is a hip roof addition to the rear. The house is capped with a bellcast hip roof with two central brick chimneys. There is a hip dormer in the roof. A hip roof covers the verandah, which wraps around two sides of the building; the verandah has been partially enclosed. There is balcony above the front entry. Both the verandah and the balcony have square supporting piers and decorative triangular scroll cut brackets. The remaining verandah section has a decorative turned spindle railing. The front door is original; the wooden front entry stairs and railing appear to be original. The windows are generally double hung wooden sash; the verandah enclosure has had newer windows installed. The cladding is horizontal clapboard siding with cornerboard detailing; wood lathe screening covers the lower portion of the house.

Construction Method

Wood frame construction.

Landscape Significance

Landscape Element

Agricultural Setting, Orchard Remnants and Mature Trees

Integrity

Alterations:A major alteration to the house is the enclosure of the original wraparound verandah.
Original Location: Yes
Lost: No

Condition

The house is appears to be in very good condition.

Documentation

Evaluated By: Denise Cook BLA, PBD (Public History)
Evaluation Date: Sunday, September 24, 2000

Inventory Sheets by Foundation Group Designs, January 1990 “Heritage Inventory Phase II” by Foundation Group Designs May 1989