Dedicated to Preserving Our Built Heritage Spring 2013 Volume 40, No. 21 Heritage News Now Hot Off the Press Charles Ogilvy Limited 1887-1986 By Ken Elder

Given the recent ‘disappearance’ of façades will be restored and replaced Ogilvy’s department store, Heritage when the building is incorporated into Ottawa is pleased to present this study by a planned expansion of the downtown Ken Elder, reminding us of what Ogilvy’s Rideau Centre shopping mall. The meant to Ottawa over almost a century. upper two storeys, later additions, will not be retained. Charles Ogilvy Limited, or “Ogilvy’s” , founded in 1887, was one of Ottawa’s Charles Ogilvy opened a dry goods high-end department stores for much shop at 92 Rideau Street near the of the 20th century. Ogilvy’s store on corner of Mosgrove Street on November This Heritage Ottawa publication Rideau Street remains, although it has 16, 1887. Charles Ogilvy himself, was launched on April 17 at a been vacant for a number of years. John Pittaway and one clerk comprised lecture by Shannon Ricketts. Designated under the Ontario Heritage the staff. The business prospered and Noffke was one of Ottawa’s Act in 2000, most of the building’s more stores were annexed along Rideau most influential and prolific Rideau Street and Nicholas Street Street from 1892 to 1900. Interior architects, whose work illustrates the evolution of mainstream architectural styles during the first half of the 20th century. If you were unable to attend the launch, please visit our website to order a copy. www.heritageottawa.org $10 for members; $15 for non-members. Demolition by Neglect – the Saga Continues City staff are considering an updated Property Standards By-law that will require owners of heritage buildings to maintain the heritage features of their buildings. More details in the Journal,May 12, 1906 Evening Ottawa The Illustration: President’s column, page 4. Architectural perspective of new dry goods building to be erected at the Corner of Rideau and Nicholas Streets by Mr. Charles Ogilvy. 1 Ogilvy’s contd. window- glass, the visible parts being be met with rich “golden oak” colour covered with bevelled plate glass fixtures fabricated by S. L. Kyle. The mirrors. The outside walls were built cost of the building was about $40,000. divisions were removed and a rear of buff pressed brick with Indiana extension of 25 feet added, giving to all sandstone trimmings, and inside walls In 1908 a limited company was formed and the firm emerged as Charles Heritage Ottawa is a non-profit the four stores, now thrown into one, a were lined with hollow terra-cotta organization dedicated to the total width and depth of 70 by 90 feet. brick. The floors were entirely fireproof, Ogilvy Limited. Within six years, the preservation of Ottawa’s built heritage. Departments were laid out in a modern using the fireproofing system of the volume of business had more than and convenient form, and business Clinton Fireproofing Company of doubled , and in 1913, Werner Ernst Linda Hoad quickly expanded. In due course, Clinton, Mass. The style of the build- Noffke (1878-1964) was commissioned Editor Ogilvy’s outgrew the accommodation ing was Classic, with simple Grecian to design an addition to the building Jan Soetermans at Rideau and Mosgrove Streets, and effects, harmonizing with the principal which would double its size by Graphic Designer in 1907, a three storey structure was design and imparting a solid yet extending back a further seven bays Tina & Company erected at 126-132 Rideau Street pleasing appearance. to Besserer Street. Construction Printing (corner of Rideau and Nicholas Streets) began August 1, 1914. Heritage Ottawa on land purchased from the Dolan The new store opened on August 6, 1907. The building was three-storeys The building was similar in height W. E. Noffke perspective of enlarged store premises of Charles Ogilvy Limited, 1917 Journal,May 10, 1917 Evening Ottawa The Illustration: 2 Daly Avenue estate. The new building occupied and detailing to the 1907 store. The Ottawa, Ontario K1N 6E2 one half of the block (five bays facing high plus a basement, but provision Tel: 613-230-8841 Rideau Street and seven bays facing was made in the walls and steelwork local department stores, such as Ogilvy’s, On December 28, 1969 the Ogilvy to carry three additional storeys. The Freiman’s, Murphy-Gamble and Annex on Rideau Street was the victim Fax: 613-564-4428 Nicholas Street). The architects for the Within six years, the volume of Email: [email protected] project were Northwood and Noffke. ground floor had a high ceiling with a Caplan’s, discouraged the expansion of a major fire which originated in Web: www.heritageottawa.org “mezzanine” floor between for offices. business had more than doubled , of national chains (including Eaton’s, the Guardsman restaurant next door. Leslie Maitland The new building, one of the first The first floor had a handsomely and in 1913, Werner Ernst Noffke Simpson’s, Simpsons-Sears and The The main store suffered extensive President steel and concrete edifices in Ottawa, furnished ladies’ parlour and toilet (1878-1964) was commissioned to Bay) into the National Capital Region smoke damage. The fire, the expansion David B. Flemming provided a striking contrast to the rooms, and the basement provided design an addition to the building until the 1950s. of national department store chains men’s lavatories and other requisites. into Ottawa and the harsh economic Past-President original store at 92 Rideau. Now, the which would double its size... whole front and side of the structure An Otis-Fensom elevator was installed Ogilvy’s purchased other properties climate of the 1980s, all proved David Jeanes to reach the several floors, and both it and opened other stores in the city disastrous for Ogilvy’s. Charles Ogilvy Vice-President Operations presented an unbroken and immense show window without the usual piers. and the stairways to the different levels suburbs. In 1954, a branch was opened Limited merged with the G. W. Robinson Katherine Charbonneau Instead of piers, an adequately strong were enclosed with fireproof encasement. contractors for the project were Shut- in Westboro, and in 1962 another Limited chain, based in Burlington, Vice-President Programs steel framework was placed back of the On entering the store, patrons would tleworth and Black. An important store was opened at the Billings Bridge Ontario on December 27, 1984, and Willam R. Price feature of the enlarged store was the Plaza in South Ottawa. In 1972, they operated under the Robinson-Ogilvy Secretary favourable lighting obtained from opened a branch in the Lincoln Fields banner for 20 months. Although (vacant) the three streets, Rideau, Besserer and Shopping Centre at Richmond Road Robinson-Ogilvy spent more than two Treasurer Nicholas, on all of which the store and Carling as a replacement for the million dollars renovating the Rideau (vacant) faced. Owing to circumstances brought Westboro branch store. Street store and upgrading the other Legal Consultant about by the war, the extension work two Ottawa stores, sales had slipped was not completed until 1917. Charles Ogilvy (1861-1950) was born Andrew Elliott in Edinburgh, Scotland in 1861 and because of competition from specialty Webmaster By 1931 all space in the building was emigrated to Canada with his family stores and Ogilvy’s image as an expensive Directors: being used, and in spite of the depression, in 1863. His father, James Ogilvy, es- place to shop. In September 1986, Jay Baltz, Richard Belliveau, an additional storey - designed by tablished a stationery store in Ottawa. Robinson-Ogilvy was sold to Comark Laurie Brady, Katherine Charbonneau, Ottawa architect, A. J. Hazelgrove - In 1885, Charles married Lily Allison Services Inc., a specialty fashion Linda Dicaire, Ken Elder, was added. In 1934, a fifth and final of Cornwallis, Nova Scotia. Charles retailer. The “Ogilvy” was dropped Ian Ferguson, Linda Hoad, from the store name, and the small Frank Oakes, Katherine Spencer-Ross, storey, also designed by Hazelgrove, Ogilvy was an ethical businessman, chain became known as “Robinson’s.” Carolyn Quinn. was completed, making Ogilvy’s the known for his honourable behaviour. largest department store in Ottawa. He was on the executive committee An era in Ottawa retailing was over. of the Union Mission for many years. Heritage Ottawa acknowledges the Ken Elder is a heritage architect and Ogilvy’s was a thriving retail enterprise, Elizabeth ‘Lily’ Ogilvy died at her financial support of the City of Ottawa and had over 300 employees by 1943. Heritage Ottawa Board member. and the Ontario Ministry of Culture home 488 Edison Avenue in Westboro It was famous for its “tartan boxes” on February 5, 1946 in her 87th year. His full-length article is available at: Postcard: K. Elder collection K. Elder Postcard: decorated with the Ogilvy hunting Charles Ogilvy died in 1950. He http://www.eeldersite.com/Charles_ tartan. The success of Ottawa’s several Postcard. Ogilvy’s Boys Clothing Department bequeathed the store to his employees. Ogilvy_Limited.pdf 2 3 invest in their protection. We know From the President that existing city grants for heritage A Sneak Peek at Our 2013 Walking Tours conservation work. By Leslie Maitland By Laurie Brady The BHSC also confirmed that the Spring is here, which means the 2013 Michel Prévost se déroulera en Please contact Heritage Ottawa by city is committed to updating the walking tour season is just around the français. A simultaneous Rideau Canal phone (613) 230-8841 or e-mail, ... I said if the demolition by neglect older Heritage Conservation District corner. It will be a mix of new tours tour will be offered in English as well [email protected], to offer your bylaw comes into action and is Studies. As some of you may know, and guides, plus favourites back by this year. assistance to keep the group together several of our cherished heritage enforced, that’s a good stick. popular demand - a total of thirteen en route. Training for new volunteers neighbourhoods were declared Guided walking tours are a great way A good carrot would be property to choose from, between June and will be held in mid-May. Members heritage conservation districts in the October. Interested in learning where to discover the social and architectural attending the Annual General Meet- tax breaks for owners of 1990s. Due to changes in legislation, Chief Theresa Spence held her hunger history of Ottawa’s neighbourhoods. ing will receive a copy of the Walking heritage properties who invest policy, and evolving approaches to strike last winter? Check out Mark Tours of Old Ottawa South, Rockcliffe Tour brochure, but it will be posted planning and heritage conservation, in their protection. Brandt’s Chaudière Islands Heritage Park, Lowertown East and West, Hin- in advance at heritageottawa.org/en/ these plans need to be updated if District: From Indigenous to Industrial tonburg, Clemow Avenue/The Glebe, walking_tour_series, and mailed to these neighbourhoods are going to face tour. Want to walk in the footsteps and Sandy Hill will be offered with all members. If you would like to lead of the Heritage Canada Foundation; the challenges of intensification and of royalty? TheCeremonial Route, by some new twists. Beaux-Arts Ottawa, a tour yourself next year, or have an a blue-ribbon board indeed! infill successfully. As an example of Richard Belliveau, will appeal to you. along with the tours by Mark Brandt idea for a new tour, we would like to this, Heritage Ottawa has had and Richard Belliveau will be new this On April 8th they had an opportunity Ever wondered about the greenery hear from you. Explore Ottawa’s finest input into the development of the year. Celebrate Archaeology Month in to hear staff ’s initial proposals concerning spilling from the top of the Rideau architecture on a guided tour – a great Centretown Community Design August with a special tour of LeBreton Demolition by Neglect. Proposed Centre and National Arts Centre? way to go. Plan, which Council will be voting Flats by archaeologist Hugh Daechsel. Since the last Newsletter in January, measures include: approaching the Then let David Jeanes show you on in May; this heritage conservation Details of all tours will be provided in heritage issues have kept us busy as province to limit the property tax around on the Roof Gardens Laurie Brady organized this year’s district, like Lowertown West, the 2013 brochure. you may have noticed from media reduction that property owners enjoy of the Rideau Centre/NAC tour. walking tours and is the Student/ Rockcliffe Park and others, are due stories. Top of our wish-list is that while their buildings are vacant; a Cherchez-vous une visite en français? Emerging Professional Director on for a revisit. Volunteers, as tour guides or assistants, City Council has vowed to move system of annual permits for vacant Le Canal Rideau interprété par make our walking tour program possible. the Heritage Ottawa Board. forward on demolition by neglect. buildings with a sliding scale that Heritage Ottawa will publish two Some embarrassing photographs in increases as permits are renewed; new books imminently. By the time the media didn’t hurt! Mayor Watson higher standards of maintenance in you receive this. Shannon Ricketts’ and Councillors have seized upon order to protect heritage features; W.E. Noffke, Ottawa’s Architectwill the problems presented by derelict enforced, ultimately, by the city’s have been launched at our April 17th buildings, and they have promised to power to enter a property, effect lecture. If you missed out on the enforce existing property standards by- repairs, and assess the costs to the lecture, you can still obtain a copy laws more rigorously, as well as develop property owner. Here’s a useful strategy: of the book; check our website to new standards for heritage buildings oblige owners to keep the heat on! order a copy at a reduced price for which have been allowed to fall into While the members of the BHSC Heritage Ottawa members. As well, neglect. You’ve all seen them: boarded liked what they heard from staff, they John McLeod’s Glebe Walking Tour up doors and broken windows, ugly indicated that they would be looking will be launched at our Annual hoardings around what were once for more options, and options with General Meeting in May, and it will handsome structures. teeth. A strategic report will be going be free to Heritage Ottawa members. to the Community and Protective Our Publications Committee is The new Built Heritage Sub-Committee Services Committee on April 18th. currently considering upcoming (BHSC), which replaced the Ottawa publications. Built Heritage Advisory Committee, This issue continues to draw media is now up and running. The four interest. Among the questions I was Hope to see you at the Annual councillors on the committee are asked after this meeting was, what General Meeting in May! Councillors Harder (Chair), Hobbs, other measures might work? I said Moffatt and Clark. Our new citizen if the demolition by neglect bylaw members of the BHSC are heritage comes into action and is enforced, Leslie Maitland Katherine Charbonneau Photo: President, Heritage Ottawa conservation architect Barry Padolsky that’s a good stick. A good carrot Heritage Ottawa’s Eighth Annual Phillips Memorial Lecture in Februrary was a great success. Charlotte Gray gave a (Vice-chair), Sandy Smallwood of would be property tax breaks for thought-provoking and entertaining lecture to an appreciative audience. Andrex Holdings, and Carolyn Quinn owners of heritage properties who Margaret Phillips (left) and Jennifer Phillips Beesley, two of the daughters of Bob and Mary Anne Phillips, with Charlotte Gray (centre).

4 5 • Healing First Annual Heritage Charette March 9-10, 2013 • Meeting of cultures Heritage Buildings Damaged by Fire By Linda Dicaire • In harmony with the elements Extensive renovations in 2008 reinstat- University of Ottawa and expert in • Empathetic integration ed the bell tower and reproduced other As part of the 8th Carleton Heritage • the linkage of nature to the built culture and heritage; John Cooke, • Passage through time heritage features. Symposium held on March 16 2013, environment; consulting engineer; Dr. Bruce Elliott, • In common: Land and Water with the theme “Herit@ge and Technology”, • the location of the islands between Professor , Dept. of History, Carleton the First Annual Heritage Charette was two rivers in the middle of the • Reincorporating historic activities

University; Lyette Fortin, Conservation of Ottawa City Photo: held one week before the symposium. Ottawa River and the First Nations • Connectivity Architect; Joseph Potvin, economist The Charette, directed by School of perspective of the two shores as one • Venue spaces & and Chair, Greenspace Alliance of Architecture Professor Mariana Esponda territory; Multicultural history Cheshire Cat Pub Canada’s Capital; Susan Ross, Con- Cascajares, challenged students and servation Architect, Public Works & • the antiquity of the site associated Fire destroyed The Cheshire Cat Pub, young professionals in multidisciplinary Day Two – Preparation of Government Services Canada Heritage with the receding of the Champlain located at 2193 Richardson Side Road teams to analyze and rethink Victoria Proposals Conservation Directorate; John Ward, sea, and with due regard to the First at the intersection of Carp Road on Island by examining its natural Preservation Development Advisor Nations’ ancestral occupancy of the Students then returned to their work- January 28, 2013. The building was features, industrial heritage, cultural and Vice-President, English Speaking territory being older than the shops to prepare their proposals. The constructed in 1883 as a school, and in Fire damaged the Fréchette and aboriginal significance. Committee, ICOMOS Canada. Egyptian pyramids. results of this intensive work were on 1989 it was converted into the popu- House at 87 MacKay St. in display at the symposium the following lar “Cheshire Cat” old English pub. Day One – Context, Site Donna Patrick, Professor and Director, Student teams were then invited to New Edinburgh on March 14. week. The winners of this juried In 2000 the building was designated Leslie Maitland Photo: Visit, Challenge and Themes School of Canadian Studies, Carleton present in a few words the overarching University also participated in this session. competition will be announced at the under Part IV of the Ontario Heritage The Fréchette House was built circa The event began with a several lectures theme of their concept. The Chair annual ICOMOS Canada Congress Act: “Although the building itself has 1877 and was home to the literary including a riveting historical account The chair and the panelists presented drew from personal experience and in- in May 2013, when prizes for the best undergone significant changes since couple Achille Fréchette and his from Heritage Ottawa Director and students with a broad range of ideas, vited students to consider this exercise proposals will be awarded by the its construction in 1883, it retains its wife Annie Howells. The owners had engineer David Jeanes, and another, considerations and objectives, including: as one of sharing that might inform ICOMOS Canada Martin Weaver original massing which is typical of one recently restored the house, a splendid richly illustrated with artistic represen- and enrich all schemes, citing the rewards • the need for layering a tangible and Memorial Fund. room school houses constructed at that example of a Gothic Revival villa tations, by Dr. Louise Boucher. Next of a collective approach - ‘Doing it intangible topography, for developing time. The building is a landmark and dating from circa 1877 and they plan followed a field trip to the Chaudière together’ - and the shortcomings of work- Linda Dicaire is a member of the Board a values-based holistic approach has been a focal point of the commu- to reinstate the home. Islands / Victoria Island, led by ing in a spirit of competition rather of Heritage Ottawa. where the importance of history and nity since its construction.” conservation architect Mark Brandt than one of collaboration. These are the heritage is acknowledged of Mark Thompson Brandt and extraordinary themes that emerged to the Associates Architects, and Ottawa • the recognition of the fiscal, political admiration and delight of the panelists: Heritage Ottawa Loses a Valued Friend and administrative decision-making University Professor Dr. Louise • Impermanency Boucher. The visit was enriched by context for the Chaudière islands Former Board Throughout his career Paul applied his • Education, intergenerational, Community Recognition Program the important contribution of member and restoration knowledge and interest as a • the communication of a main multi-cultural Award for Built Heritage. In 2012 Ron Bernard, an Algonquin of message and driving scenario; long-time volunteer with international, national Heritage Ottawa recommended Paul Pikwàkanagàn First Nation and president volunteer and local organizations. He served on for the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond • the effective use of of Omamiwinini Pimadjwowin - Paul Stumes the Board of Directors of Heritage Jubilee Medal and we were very proud waterways and The Algonquin Way Cultural Centre. passed away Ottawa (1988-2010) and was a regular to see him so honoured when his wife the celebration of peacefully after contributor to our Newsletter which Eva accepted the award on his behalf at Following the field trip, students the contact with a brief illness he helped to edit. He also served as a a presentation made in February 2013 returned to the workshops of the water; the enormity on Sunday April 21. He is survived member of the Ottawa Local Architec- at a special ceremony at the RA Centre. of the water basin; School of Architecture to develop their by his wife Eva. tural Conservation Advisory Committee the toxicity of soils conceptual framework with the assis- (LACAC) from 1992 until 2007. tance of professionals from a number and the reality of a Over a 30 year career Paul made of disciplines. Students then discussed brownfields site; significant contributions to restoration Throughout his career and during his their work with a panel of experts, the challenges of engineering, especially in the devel- retirement Paul mentored many young chaired by Linda Dicaire, Heritage re-naturalization, opment of epoxy reinforcement and heritage engineers and architects Ottawa Director, landscape architect the consideration stabilization methods for masonry instilling in them his knowledge and and Consultant in Cultural Resources of eco-systems, and wooden structures. He wrote enthusiasm for the field of heritage the enhancement

Management. On the panel were Dicaire Linda Photo: extensively on this and other techni- conservation. of the natural David McGuinty Office of MP Photo: Dr. Louise Boucher, Professor, Dept. cal matters during his years with Parks Paul was the recipient of the Ontario of Geography and Anthropology, environment; Conservation architect Mark Brandt addresses the students Canada and since his retirement. Eva Stumes accepts Queen’s Diamond while on a field trip to Victoria Island. Heritage Trust’s 2002 Heritage Jubilee Medal from MP David McGuinty

6 7 Heritage Awards Upcoming Events City of Ottawa 2013 Heritage Day Proclamation presented Heritage Ottawa Annual to Heritage Ottawa General Meeting

“Heritage Ottawa is an organization Thursday, May 30, 2013 that is one of the city’s most active See insert in this advocates for preservation of built Newsletter heritage. The organization promotes the development of Heritage Conser- Five Beers over Canada vation Districts within the city as a way Mayor Jim Watson, Leslie Maitland, with Ian Coutts of protecting entire neighbourhoods Councillor Mark Taylor rather than individual buildings and Final Lecture for the it brings history to life for residents is a grassroots initiative that connects 2012-2013 Season through its walking tours and lecture Heritage Ottawa with volunteers in Wednesday, June 12, 2013 series. Its Heritage Keepers Program each neighbourhood in Ottawa.” 7:00 pm Heart and Crown Pub 67 Clarence St. in the ByWard Market This entertaining illustrated lecture will provide an intoxicating history of Canadians’ love affair with beer. Photos: City of Ottawa City Photos:

Heritage Ottawa president, Leslie Maitland (right) and Janet Irwin, widow of the late Gordon Cullingham (left), present Dorothy-Jane Smith with a cheque for $1000 at this year’s Heritage Day reception at City Hall.

Gordon Cullingham Grant journalist, broadcaster, editor and Awarded heritage activist to encourage research on Ottawa’s built heritage. Heritage Ottawa awarded its 2013 Ms Smith’s proposal was selected Gordon Cullingham Research & from among six applicants for this Publication Grant of $1000 to year’s grant. Harvey McCue, (vice chair, Ontario Dorothy-Jane Smith, a graduate student Heritage Trust), Councillor Mark Taylor in History at Carleton University. The (chair, Community & Protective grant will enable Ms Smith to continue Ontario Heritage Trust 2012 Services Committee), Linda Russell, her research on the community Heritage Community Gail McEachern, Councillor mausoleum at Ottawa’s Beechwood Peter Clark (Rideau-Rockcliffe Ward) Cemetery, a unique building located in Recognition Program Award a Canadian National Historic Site. Heritage Ottawa congratulates McEachern, former Chair, Heritage The grant is awarded annually in Linda Russell, Chair of the Doors and Development Committee, honour of the late Gordon Cullingham, Open Advisory Council, and Gail New Edinburgh Community Alliance. 8