Elmcroft
| Elmcroft | |
|---|---|
 1907 Postcard of Elmcroft | |
 | |
| Alternative names | The Frost Residence |
| General information | |
| Type | Manor |
| Architectural style | Queen Anne Revival |
| Location | Smiths Falls, Ontario |
| Address | Chambers Street |
| Completed | 1895 |
| Design and construction | |
| Main contractor | W. B. Taylor |
Elmcroft Mansion is a century house situated in Smiths Falls, Ontario built in 1895 by the mayor Francis Theodore Frost, who also served as a Canadian Member of Parliament and Senator. It is a example of Queen Anne Revival architecture.[1]
Architecture
The house, initially built by W. B. Taylor's construction team,[2] boasts two halls, a dining room, two staircases, a library and stables.[3] It used to also have a sweeping circular staircase in the front entrance, and a rotunda which led to the ballroom, but these were removed by later renovations.[4]
The Carriage House at 97 Chambers St is adjacent and was built for Frost's groundskeeper, 65 Chambers was built for Frost's brother Edwin and 69 Chambers was built for his cousin who founded the Rideau Record newspaper in 1887.[5]
History
Canadian Prime Minister Wilfrid Laurier visited the house, taking tea with the Frost family. The house was burgled in July 1907, when a thief carried off all the jewellery in the house.[6] Upon Frost's unexpected death inside the house in 1916,[7] his widow remained in the house for a decade before leaving it vacant.[8]
In 1938, the vacant house was purchased by J. Clark Ketchum (alternately named J. A. Ketchum), the founder of Rideau Beverages, who paid $1 for the property,[8] and removed the top storey citing water damage,[3] though others claim it was to reduce property taxes, leaving the house at 2,300 square feet per storey.[4][8][1]
Grounds
The property initially ran until Elmsly Street, but a later owner sold off the property's front lawns, on which other homes were subsequently built and Chambers Street built through the old property, obstructing the view of Elmcroft from passersby.[3][4] In 1987, owner Bill Murphy stirred controversy by announcing his plans to build 10 garden homes at the foot of the property.[10]
Recent history
The property was purchased by the Thom family for $200,000 in 2008,[8] who converted the house into a Bed and Breakfast, after insulating the basement, moving the garage to the other side of the house and relocating a porch back to its original site.[4]
The property has been featured as part of Doors Open in Lanark County.[11]
References
- ^ a b Smiths Falls urged to recognise Frost family legacy, March 15, 2017
- ^ "Who's who : a complete compendium containing facts and figures, in story and illustration, of the town of Smith Falls and its inhabitants, showing its present status and potential possibilities as an ideal place in which to live, thrive and be happy, and an unrivalled location for prospective manufacturing concerns to establish and prosper, pg. 47
- ^ a b c VirtualMuseum.ca, Community Memories, The Legacy of Frost & Wood: Outstanding in Their Field
- ^ a b c d Smiths Falls This Week, Passion, Elbow grease and steak sauce, Page 7
- ^ Smiths Falls Record News, Heritage committee wants Frost Row listed on registry, Page 33
- ^ The Globe, "FROST'S JEWELLERY: Smith's Falls Rather Surprised to...", Jul 10, 1907
- ^ Lillooet Prospector Sep 1, 1916, p. 4
- ^ a b c d Heritage homes receive accolades, Nov 5, 2009
- ^ Canadian Horticulturalist, March 1911 Edition
- ^ Fisher, Susan. Ottawa Citizen. "Residents say planned housing will ruin Smiths Falls landmark", Feb. 4, 1987. Section C
- ^ Cambridge Times, Travel Back in Time