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.
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.
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.
Melissa
Canton, MI
1860 Italianate - Reuben Huston Home
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.
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!!
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
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 .
We appreciate that your family loved the Huron Street home as much as some of the later generations did. There were a lot of good memories created in that home, patients treated, and lives saved. I, for one, have some incredible memories of the third floor billiard room, with the small closet (where the safe was - and possibly is - still located).
It was, and still is, our understanding that when Dr. Howard & Beryl McGarry sold the home (to satisfy the estate of Esther McGarry, in compliance with Dr James McGarry III's instructions that she be allowed to live there until she was no longer), the home was unfortunately sold to another party BEFORE your family rescued it.
If we are mistaken in that understanding, feel free to correct us (yet again).
It was this third party to which JokerGirl referenced, prior to your family's love, that did not care for the property. There are stories that the King Edward Motel owners purchased the residence (which has since burned down) and would allow their staff to stay in the Huron Street home. I speculate it was during this time that certain items were removed, damaged etc.
Whether that information is accurate or inaccurate is of no consequence as you are 100% right, the end result was that the family's historic property was cared for through the remainder of the 80's, 90's and up to its sale in the years following your last post.
This Huron Street home was amongst the first medical provider families in the Niagara Falls region; I am glad that there is at least a little big of documentation, thanks to you and your family's care. There are many reviews online that the international hostel run from this property allowed people from all over the world to enjoy the turn of the century luxury that this home displayed.
It will be interesting to see what comes of the building with the newest owners. Needless to say, TheJokerGirl, myself and other descendants would have liked to have had the opportunity to pursue the property but unfortunately, that wasn't the case. At least we can admire it from the curb side, as we often do, as a nod to our lineage.
