The Charles R. Shaw House is a one and one-half storey plus basement wood-frame late Victorian era residence, located on the grounds of the Normanna Rest Home development in East Burnaby, near its original location on this site. Originally a modest vernacular Victorian structure, it has been enlarg…
The Charles R. Shaw House is a one and one-half storey plus basement wood-frame late Victorian era residence, located on the grounds of the Normanna Rest Home development in East Burnaby, near its original location on this site. Originally a modest vernacular Victorian structure, it has been enlarged and embellished through later additions.
Heritage Value
The Shaw House is one of the oldest surviving houses in Burnaby, and is valued as a representation of a typical vernacular pioneer house in Burnaby, and a rare survivor from the late Victorian era. The original portion of the house displays a simplicity of form and detail consistent with early local construction, while the later additions display a more sophisticated approach.
Originally built in 1891, this house is valued for its association with first owner, Charles R. Shaw (1834-1916) and Mary D. Shaw (1848-1897), one of Burnaby’s earliest settlers. Born in England, Shaw immigrated to Toronto in 1869, and relocated to New Westminster in 1889, where he worked as an employee of the Mechanic's Mill Company, an early woodworking plant. After moving to Burnaby, he was unanimously elected by acclamation as first reeve (mayor) of the new municipality in 1892. In 1894, Shaw sold his house and farm and moved his family to Kamloops due to his wife Mary's failing health. After Mary died in 1897, the Shaw family returned to Toronto.
The Shaw House is additionally valued for its association with a later owner, James Brookes (1884-1953), founder of James Brookes Woodworking Ltd., a mill that was a major employer in East Burnaby. Brookes bought and renovated the house in 1917. In 1927, he built a much larger house on the property (now demolished), and the original house was moved to the corner of the property to serve as a gardener's cottage for Brookes' estate. The additions made to the house at this time employed sash and milled products produced by the Brookes plant. Although altered, this Victorian era residence remains largely intact, with Brookes’s later additions.
Defining Elements
Key elements that define the heritage character of the Shaw House include its:
- modest vernacular residential form, scale and massing, as exemplified by its one and one-half storey plus basement height, front gabled roof, shed roofed verandah and asymmetrical plan
- asymmetrical front entrance
- cladding: horizontal wooden drop siding on the original portion of the house; cedar shingles on additions; decorative octagonal cedar shingles in the front gable; original decorated bargeboards at front, with cut-out details
- later renovations to the front verandah and side addition which resulted in a partially glazed porch entrance and addition with large window assemblies
- square verandah columns
- irregular fenestration: double-hung wooden-sash windows in a variety of configurations such as 6-over-1 and 4-over-1 windows in the original portion of the house, 12-over-1 windows, and one 24-over-1 window in the front addition
- small window at front entry
- fifteen-pane French front entry door
- internal red brick chimney with corbelled cap
Photograph of a British Columbia Electric Railway Company tramline track on Sixth Street and Twelfth Avenue. George Leaf's General Store, located at 7745 Sixth Street is visible on the left and Cliff's Car Factory located at 7730 Sixth Street is visible on the right. George Leaf's store burned down…
Photograph of a British Columbia Electric Railway Company tramline track on Sixth Street and Twelfth Avenue. George Leaf's General Store, located at 7745 Sixth Street is visible on the left and Cliff's Car Factory located at 7730 Sixth Street is visible on the right. George Leaf's store burned down in 1913. The Car factory was established in 1902 and sometime in the 1920s, it became James Brookes Woodworking Plant.
The D.C. Patterson House is a one and one-half storey plus basement wood-frame Edwardian era residence with a full-width front verandah and symmetrical saddlebag dormers. It is located adjacent to a ravine park and is part of the Winston Gate development.
The D.C. Patterson House is a one and one-half storey plus basement wood-frame Edwardian era residence with a full-width front verandah and symmetrical saddlebag dormers. It is located adjacent to a ravine park and is part of the Winston Gate development.
Heritage Value
This house is significant for its associations with the Patterson family, who were early Burnaby pioneers. Dugald Campbell Patterson (1860-1931) and Frances Mabel Patterson (1872-1960) arrived in 1894 and settled in the Central Park district. In 1910, they relocated to the Edmonds District and built this family residence on Edmonds Street near Kingsway. The Pattersons were community minded citizens who served Burnaby through their involvement with local municipal affairs and politics. Dugald Patterson served as a School Trustee in 1912-13 and was one of the first residents to lobby council to preserve the local ravines as parks. The family name is remembered and honoured by the naming of Patterson Avenue and the Patterson SkyTrain Station located in the Metrotown area.
Additionally, the D.C. Patterson House is significant as a fine example of a vernacular Edwardian era family house. The typical design of the Patterson House was taken from an Edwardian era pattern book, and demonstrates how standardized plans were commonly used by local owners and builders to expedite the construction process. This house has survived in an excellent state of preservation. Although moved from its original site, it remains as an intact representation of a middle-class Burnaby residence of the Edwardian era.
Defining Elements
Key elements that define the heritage character of the D.C. Patterson House include its:
- vernacular residential form, scale and massing as exemplified by its one and one-half storey plus basement height, front gabled roof with hipped return over front verandah, symmetrical saddlebag dormers and rectangular, side hall plan with an asymmetrical front entry
- typical Edwardian era construction features such as the deep boxed eaves, lapped wooden siding and cedar shingle roofing
- projecting front gable peak, clad in decorative random-coursed square shingles, with eave brackets under and a louvered attic vent
- projecting elements on the main floor including a square bay on the east side and a semi-octagonal bay to the west side
- full-width open front verandah with irregularly-spaced square columns
- closed balustrades with drainage scuppers on the front verandah and rear side porch
- regular fenestration, including double hung 1-over-1 wooden-sash windows with proportionately smaller upper sash, triple assembly of windows in the front gable, and leaded glass in main floor front window
- original front door with inset bevelled glass light
This portion of the interview pertains to John Burton's memories of first coming to Burnaby. He discusses his school years, his father's work and his own employment, including the two years he worked for his uncle at the Orangeville Sun in Ontario.
This portion of the interview pertains to John Burton's memories of first coming to Burnaby. He discusses his school years, his father's work and his own employment, including the two years he worked for his uncle at the Orangeville Sun in Ontario.
Recording is of an interview with John Burton conducted by Jim Wolf on March 4, 1987 in New Westminster. Major themes include New Westminster businesses and his grandfather's newspaper.
Biographical Notes
John Burton was born in 1912 in New Westminster. He went to Second Street School, then Edmonds, then Saint Anne's Convent, and St. Louis College and Connaught before graduating from Burnaby South School in 1930.
While at High School, John worked at Cowan's Music Store at 716 Columbia Street in New Westminster on Saturdays and after school.
John Burton's grandfather John Foley was the founder of the Orangeville Sun newspaper in Orangeville, Ontario, established in 1861. He ran the paper until his death in 1882, when his son, John Foley Jr. took over as editor and publisher at the age of sixteen. Two of his daughters were involved in the newspaper; Margaret Foley was a regular contributor to the paper, and John Burton's mother was a typesetter.
When John Burton was a teenager, he went to Orangeville to learn the trade from his uncle. Unfortunately, he was only there eighteen months when his uncle died December 21, 1932. The family was unable to hold on to the business and the paper amalgamated with the Orangeville Banner newspaper in 1933.
Interview was digitized in 2010 allowing it to be accessible on Heritage Burnaby. The digitization project was initiated by the Community Heritage Commission with support from City of Burnaby Council and the BC History Digitization Program of the Irving K. Barber Learning Centre, University of British Columbia. It was recognized by the Heritage Society of BC with an award in 2012.
Images
Audio Tracks
Track one of interview with John Burton by Jim Wolf
Track one of interview with John Burton by Jim Wolf
Photograph of seven members of the Ramsey family in the backyard of home at 12th Avenue and 4th Street. Identified are: standing (l to r): Eva Lillian Ramsey, Annie Ramsey (mother), and Queenie Ramsey. Seated (l to r): Dorothy Ramsey, Ernest Ramsey (twin to Dorothy), Gordon Ramsey and Jessie Ramse…
Photograph of seven members of the Ramsey family in the backyard of home at 12th Avenue and 4th Street. Identified are: standing (l to r): Eva Lillian Ramsey, Annie Ramsey (mother), and Queenie Ramsey. Seated (l to r): Dorothy Ramsey, Ernest Ramsey (twin to Dorothy), Gordon Ramsey and Jessie Ramsey.
Photograph of East Burnaby Methodist Church, dedicated in June, 1910, and located at the corner of Douglas Road (later Canada Way) and 12th Avenue. It was raised during the time Rev. William Beamish was minister, 1924-1930, and also became part of the United Church of Canada. On the left, the man…
Photograph of East Burnaby Methodist Church, dedicated in June, 1910, and located at the corner of Douglas Road (later Canada Way) and 12th Avenue. It was raised during the time Rev. William Beamish was minister, 1924-1930, and also became part of the United Church of Canada. On the left, the manse can be seen on the same lot. The church was torn down in 1956 and a new one built on another property.
Photograph of the first Silvanovicz family home at 2109 Willard Street (old street numbering system). Members of the Sivanovicz family are in front, left to right: Helen (daughter), Mary (mother), and Alex (son).
Photograph of the first Silvanovicz family home at 2109 Willard Street (old street numbering system). Members of the Sivanovicz family are in front, left to right: Helen (daughter), Mary (mother), and Alex (son).
1 photograph : b&w ; 17.5 x 23.5 cm (sight), in mat 29 x 33 cm
Scope and Content
Photograph of the East Burnaby Owls Lacrosse team and officials. The players are in the front three rows, in uniform and holding their lacrosse sticks. Most of the men standing in the back row are wearing suits. Standing in the back row are; J. Fox, J. G. Mill, Richard Bolton, D.P. Gray, team manag…
1 photograph : b&w ; 17.5 x 23.5 cm (sight), in mat 29 x 33 cm
Scope and Content
Photograph of the East Burnaby Owls Lacrosse team and officials. The players are in the front three rows, in uniform and holding their lacrosse sticks. Most of the men standing in the back row are wearing suits. Standing in the back row are; J. Fox, J. G. Mill, Richard Bolton, D.P. Gray, team manager George Leaf, Commissioner Hugh M. Fraser, Clifton G. Brown, Charles B. Brown, Dr. Sager, F. Copland and G.H. Moore. Second row: S. Shannon, Toebart, B. Cosh, Wynn, N. Beaton, A. Murray, J. Tuka, Shaflik, Jack Leaf (George Leaf's son), [unidentified] and H. McMillan. Third row: Bob McMillan, Whittles, C. Thomson, R. Turner, A. Williams, C. Middleton, J. Douglas, M. Bowes, G. Tuka, A. Wood and F. Douglas. Front Row: Bill Clark, J. Cowie, J. Odin, J. McLachlan, Doug McCallum, N. Pederson, H. Pederson and R. Douglas. This photograph was believed to be taken at the opening of the Twelfth Avenue and Wright Street Lacrosse box in 1936.
Type written note glued to verso of card mount reads: "Top row: J. Fox, J. G. Mill, R. Bolton, D.P. Gray, Geo. Leaf, Cmr. Fraser, C.G. Brown, C.B. Brown, Dr. Sager, F. Copland, G.H. Moore. Second row: S. Shannon, Toebart, B. Cosh, Wynn, N. Beaton, A. Murray, J. Tuka, Shaflik, J. Leaf, [unidentified] , H. McMillan. Third row: Bob McMillan, Whittles, C. Thomson, R. Turner, A. Williams, C. Middleton, J. Douglas, M. Bowes, G. Tuka, A Wood, F. Douglas Front Row: Bill Clark, J. Cowie, J. Odin, J. McLachlan, D. McCallum, N. Pederson, H. Pederson, R. Douglas"
Window mat and backing are glued together
Photographer's stamp on recto of mat reads: "The Stride Studios / New Westminster BC"
This photograph was believed to be taken at the opening of the Twelfth Avenue and Wright Street Lacrosse box in 1936.
1 photograph : b&w ; 2.9 x 4.9 cm print on contact sheet 20.3 x 26.6 cm
Scope and Content
Photograph of the forms for a house under construction at 12th Avenue and 1st Street. A woman is standing at the centre, and a man is at the back left.
1 photograph : b&w ; 2.9 x 4.9 cm print on contact sheet 20.3 x 26.6 cm
Description Level
Item
Record No.
370-788
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
No known restrictions
Accession Number
BHS1999-03
Scope and Content
Photograph of the forms for a house under construction at 12th Avenue and 1st Street. A woman is standing at the centre, and a man is at the back left.
Photograph of the Scotty and Elizabeth Walker family property at Twelfth Avenue in Burnaby. This photograph was taken looking towards the Lady of Mercy Church.
Photograph of the Scotty and Elizabeth Walker family property at Twelfth Avenue in Burnaby. This photograph was taken looking towards the Lady of Mercy Church.
Photograph of the Scotty and Elizabeth Walker family property at Twelfth Avenue in Burnaby. This photograph was taken looking towards the Lady of Mercy Church.
Photograph of the Scotty and Elizabeth Walker family property at Twelfth Avenue in Burnaby. This photograph was taken looking towards the Lady of Mercy Church.
Photograph of the Scotty and Elizabeth Walker family property at 12th Avenue in Burnaby. This photograph was taken looking towards billboards and a gas station on 12th Street.
Photograph of the Scotty and Elizabeth Walker family property at 12th Avenue in Burnaby. This photograph was taken looking towards billboards and a gas station on 12th Street.
Photograph of the Scotty and Elizabeth Walker family property at Twelfth Avenue in Burnaby flooded with rain that froze over. This photograph was taken looking towards Henley Street.
Photograph of the Scotty and Elizabeth Walker family property at Twelfth Avenue in Burnaby flooded with rain that froze over. This photograph was taken looking towards Henley Street.
Photograph of the Scotty and Elizabeth Walker family property at Twelfth Avenue in Burnaby flooded with rain that froze over. This photograph was taken looking towards Our Lady of Mercy Church.
Photograph of the Scotty and Elizabeth Walker family property at Twelfth Avenue in Burnaby flooded with rain that froze over. This photograph was taken looking towards Our Lady of Mercy Church.
Photograph of the Scotty and Elizabeth Walker family property at Twelfth Avenue in Burnaby flooded with rain that froze over. This photograph was taken looking towards Our Lady of Mercy Church.
Photograph of the Scotty and Elizabeth Walker family property at Twelfth Avenue in Burnaby flooded with rain that froze over. This photograph was taken looking towards Our Lady of Mercy Church.
Photograph of neighbours skating at the Scotty and Elizabeth Walker family property at Twelfth Avenue in Burnaby. The cleared land flooded with rain and then froze over.
Photograph of neighbours skating at the Scotty and Elizabeth Walker family property at Twelfth Avenue in Burnaby. The cleared land flooded with rain and then froze over.