The McGarry House

[JokerGirl]

I thought I would share this with everyone since it would at least be appreciated on here

These are photos of my family's house in Niagara Falls. It was sold, unfortunately, when my Great Aunt Esther died, though. It was turned into a B&B, but I'm not sure what it is these days. Havn't been to Niagara in 6 years. According to my cousin, who's been inside, they tore out a bunch of walls and such. It's really quite saddening. My Dad still wishes he had had a say in what happened to the house after Esther died. My parents did get the first pick of a lot of the furniture and such that was in it, though, so we've got a lot of that.

It was built in 1896, and is a Queen Anne's Revival style home. Three floors, with a large ball room on the 3rd. My family had practiced medicine out of it, including my Grandfather before he set up his own practice.

It'd be nice to one day get my hands back on it.

Here it is circa 1950



And again about 1980 when Esther died



And a "newer" photo I found online...

[angolito]

poor niagara falls is deteriorating at a rapid rate. the canadian side is flourishing, and the US side......... dying.

that is such a cool house. did you get to spend time in her when your great aunt was living?

what the hell did they do to the entry porch and the dormer window>

[JokerGirl]

This is on the Canadian side The American side has never really been much of anything, at least since I've been alive. The Canadian side is going to go to pot soon too. The casinos really aren't doing well.

Unfortunately, I've never been in it. My G-Aunt died a couple years before I was born.

Here's an X-mas family photo taken in the dining room - my G-father is in the very back right

I'm not sure what they did to it. My Dad could tell you what's been changed on the house better than I could.

[S Melissa]

Elegant home! No wonder you dream of having that house! Imagine having a ball room! They just don't build them like that anymore do they?

My husband just finished reading a book - named something like "Making Niagria" - the book was all about all the engineering that has taken place to control Niagria, about the towns on both sides, about the Indian deals (or lack thereof) by the government, and the amazing pollution that has its' grip on the falls. He found it fascinating. You might too.

Sarah, it looks to me like they painted the porch a different color - but it is still there. The dormer looks as tho they took off the "mansard" llike roof and put a gable pitched roof over it. If you look closely, behind the bushes and ivy the porch is there but is painted a dark red so it doesn't stand out. Can't really tell if they made any major changes to it other than paint.

[JokerGirl]

Our family is probably mentioned in that book at some point since we were one of the first settlers in the area on the Niagara Falls side, at least. I know we built the first Catholic church there.

I see what you mean about the dormer window. They definitely changed the style of the roof. I think they changed the side porch there too - they put rounded pillars around it instead of keeping the old square ones.

[Farmerdude1]

To joker girl, perhaps you would need to have a bit more facts on your ancestral home after your grandfather Howard and grand mother Bearl disposed of the property. Would it not be for my parents to have acquired it in the mid-80s, subject to the wreckers ball and in much disrepair. As for your cousins comments, and since you never entered the Grand Victorian with billiard room not ballroom on the third floor. The house has remained completely original (no alterations of any kind) and has been completely restored, mechanical upgrades from the ground up, it was a 30 year labour of love. As for the clinic/surgery entrance the picture taken was after replacement done to the portico and a coat of primer, as for the third floor dormer, all natural with storms removed!
By the way your grand parents did visit the estate on many occasions, before the passing of your grand father, Dr Howard!
By the way now your chance to buy it, it's for sale!!

[CountryGirl]

What a beautiful home. How nice farmerdude1 updated the information.
Farmerdude1, any pictures. We love pictures. Thank you for commenting.

Susan

[Farmerdude1]

Hi Susan!
Glad to hear you are so interested in my family home!
Here are a few pics, the home has been completely restored, and furnished to its original stately grandeur!
My parents, my siblings, spouses and off springs have always felt at home in this 6000 sq ft, 36 room mansion!
We have thus far many fond memories! Now, my parents empty nesters, are at the point of downsizing! She, the Grand old Dame is for sell!
Eric

[CountryGirl]

Farmerdude, What a beautiful and wonderful home. I'm sure restoring the mansion was a difficult task but done with
loving care. Thank you so much for sharing your pictures .

Susan