This Old House in Guelph: It was home to a beloved local author.
Saved in:
| Title: | This Old House in Guelph: It was home to a beloved local author. |
|---|---|
| Authors: | Joy Struthers |
| Source: | Guelph Mercury (ON). 10/11/2025. |
| Abstract: | This old house has long been abandoned, and many people wonder why. Centrally located near downtown and Exhibition Park, 264 Woolwich St. is a beauty to behold. Just the factsHeritage Guelph said this house was built around 1858 and 1859. The two-storey house "provides a unique example of the richly-carved stone ornamentation characteristic of Italianate style in Guelph's mid-19th century architecture."It has examples of stonework by sculptor Matthew Bell, who had a hand in carvings on Guelph's original city hall, Moreton Hall at the Ontario Agricultural College, the former Bank of Montreal in St. George's Square and the Basilica of Our Lady Immaculate, according to the Dictionary of Architects.Matthew Bell is also known for the Bell-O'Donnell house at 96-98 Water St., Hudson House at 49 Albert St. and another home at 40 Albert St. in the Old University neighbourhood. He lived in these homes with his growing family, and they still have his distinctive carvings.Bell lived from 1820 to 1880, was born in England and came to Guelph in 1850. He operated a stone quarry, and he and his sons worked as building contractors. He died while work was ongoing at the basilica - he had joined Joseph Connolly in constructing the apsidal chapels there, but never got to see the church complete. He is buried in St. Joseph's Catholic Cemetery and his gravesite is marked with a stone he designed and carved himself.According to the City of Guelph, 264 Woolwich St. is designated as a heritage property, including the whole exterior, the carved stone, doors, windows and more. The stone parapet wall (now missing the cast-iron cresting) that runs parallel to the street is designated, but later additions to the house are not. The city said the interior of the house retains portions if its original detailing. The property is being monitored with the hope that one day it will be restored.Heritage Guelph said the home is remembered as being owned by Drs. John Llewellyn Little and Flora Millicent Gauld Little, parents of renowned children's author (Flora) Jean Little, who lived there herself from 1940 to 1974.The Guelph Arts Council said Dr. Flora Little was the first female doctor in Guelph.Jean Little was born in Taiwan in 1932 to her medical missionary parents, according to her obituary, and her family came to Guelph in 1940 by way of Toronto. She was legally blind all her life, but was an avid reader and writer who wrote her first book in her 20s.Little went on to write 59 more books for young people, win many awards and become a member of the Order of Canada in 1993. She was also a teacher and speaker and continued to write until her 88th birthday.She had lived in Guelph with her sister, Pat de Vries, and the two women raised de Vries' two grandchildren after her adopted daughter disappeared in Vancouver. It was later discovered the daughter, Sarah, was a victim of serial killer Robert Pickton.The Couling Architectural Inventory at the Guelph Public Library does not include the architect, contractor or original owner of the house at 262 Woolwich, but said the original use was a single-family dwelling.A letter was written to the Guelph Tribune in 2011 by Virginia Cowan, formerly of Guelph, who said her mother was raised in the house before Cowan's grandfather's death and then it was sold to the Little family.Information about Cowan, her mother or their family was not readily available online, but would be appreciated. Cowan said her father was Walter Cowan, son of William, who built their home at 24 Crestwood Place, which has since been demolished. A new home sits on that site. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER] |
| Database: | Newspaper Source Plus |
|
Full text is not displayed to guests.
Login for full access.
|
|
Be the first to leave a comment!
