ROBERT Findlay

NEw AcquiSiTiONS The WestmountNEWSLETTEROFTHE WESTMOUNT HISTORICAL HistorianASSOCIATION

Books VOLUME 7 NUMBER 1 SEPTEMBER 2006 JORI SMITH; a celebration / une celebration, by Philip Stratford. Montreal: Concordia University, 1997. THE McCORD MUSEUM ARCHIVES / LES ARCHIVES DU MUSéE McCORD By Pamela Miller. Montreal: McCord Museum of Canadian History, 1992. Westmount Library – 1898 MONT ROYAL – VILLE MARIE: Early plans and views of Montreal / Vues et plans anciens de Montréal, by Conrad Westmount Graham. Montreal: McCord Museum of Canadian History, 1992. City Hall – 1922 WE WALKED VERY WARILY: A HISTORY OF WOMEN AT MCGILL, by Margaret Gillett. Montreal: Eden Press Women’s Publications, 1981.

Novels The Bequest and Other Stories, by Jerry Wexler. Montreal: Véhicule Press, 1984. The Man Who Loved Jane Austen: a novel, by Ray Smith. Erin, Ontario: The Porcupine’s Quill, 1999

Booklets Anne Kahane: dualities. 1999. McCord Museum of Canadian History. 1992 Montreal Public Libraries Network. 2005. Montreal: That’s Hockey. 1997. The Women’s Art Society of Montreal. 1985.

Plaque Robert & F.R. Findlay architect plaque. Donated by Helen Findlay Stanton Street Fire Station addition – 1923 Photographs Three photographs of ﬁreplaces in George Sumner house 15 Belvedere Road. Donated by the daughters of William D. Sumner: Elizabeth Ann Sumner Murray and S. Frances Sumner MacGregor. Findlay House 1895

Fall Lecture Series, 2006 Robert Findlay PreservingRestoration the Original of Older Character Homes of our Architecturalin Westmount Heritage Architect 1859-1951 photo: Notman Studio HavingThursday, a September Home Restored: 21, 2006 CharacteristicsThursday, November of Westmount’s 16. 2006 Architecture: Help from the Experts The Classical Idea, The Medieval Idea, The Modernist Idea. Speaker: Astri Prugger, designer and homeowner Finding help to decide what needs to be done and the Speaker: Bruce Anderson, architect order of things to be done in your home restoration. An illustrated talk explaining the numerous architectural styles occurring in Westmount buildings. WardleworthThursday, October House: 19, 2006 Understanding the Importance of Metcalfe Terrace EconomicThursday, December Demystyfication: 21, 2006 Renovating Old Homes at Less Cost Speaker: Glen Bydwell, architect A talk about how the history of the origins and Speaker: Edouard El Kaim, homeowner & antique dealer evolution of the Wardleworth house was used Bringing houses back as close as possible to their to shape its restoration. original state and keeping costs down. Murray Park First Victoria Shelter – 1936 Hall – 1899 All lectures will take place in the Westmount Public Library from 7 to 9 PM

– PAGE 12 The Westmount Historian FROM ThE ARchivES As this newsletter is dedicated to the architecture of which resulted in photographs, historical text and meas- The Westmount Historian Robert Findlay, it seemed appropriate to bring to your ured drawings of the house. NEWSLETTER OF THE WESTMOUNT PRESiDENT’SI am very pleased to be ableMESSAGE to bring you this attention a wonderful book on architecture, donated to the As mentioned earlier, many of the houses described in HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION special issue celebrating the achievements of Westmount architect Robert Findlay. The valuable Westmount Historical Association Archives by Professor this collection are located in Westmount. Metcalfe Terrace, January 2006 research undertaken by Caroline Breslaw and her Bruce Anderson, McGill University, School of Architecture. 168 Côte St. Antoine, one of four Regency-style houses was Volume 7 • Number 1 assistants adds to our knowledge of the work and It is a collection of measured drawings, photographs and built by Captain Moses Judah Hays, 1840-1844. Only two of character of the architect of our City Hall, Public short historical text describing fifty houses in and around the four houses remain to-day, #168 and #178 Côte St. EDITOR: Doreen Lindsay Library and Murray Park Shelter. These, plus many Montreal, many of which are located in Westmount. Antoine. A brick cottage, The Gate Lodge, 1847-61, is locat- private homes which he designed for prominent 50 HOUSES IN AN AROUND MONTREAL: AN ed on a triangle of land dividing Mountain Avenue and CONTRIBUTORS: Caroline Breslaw families, created much of what we have inherited ALBUM OF MEASURED DRAWINGS, by Bruce Ander - Rosemount Crescent and was quite possibly a gardener’s Barbara Covington as the image of our City. Westmount can be proud son, Geneviève Bégin, and Ariane Truong. Westmount, QC: or coachman’s house for the John Young, “Rosemount” Doreen Lindsay to claim him as our own. In 1898, just three years after moving into the Anderson Architects, [2005] estate. Rosemount Cottage, 1860-70, 451 Mountain Avenue, Jane Martin home he had designed for his family in this community, he was commis- Measured drawing has been part of the curriculum of the is another house that is located on the “Rosemount” estate sioned to design his first municipal building, the Westmount Public McGill University, School of Architecture since its begin- and is attached to two other houses on Rosemount Avenue, WESTMOUNT HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION Library. We have reproduced the 1901 watercolour he painted of his ning in 1896. Measured drawings are an accurate record, to which originally were the stables for the estate. Also on BOARD OF DIRECTORS Library building and his architect’s drawing of the front view of his own 2006 – 2007 house on Lansdowne Avenue. scale of what has been built, including both exterior and Mountain Avenue, #490, is the Daniel Wilson House, a Doreen Lindsay, president interior achitectural design elements, using hand measure- gothic-style house on one of Westmount’s steepest slopes. A chronological listing of the buildings designed by Mr. Findlay within Caroline Breslaw, vice-president ments. Measured drawings can be used to reconstruct Its stone walls and detailed wood carvings on the gable David Freeman, treasurer Westmount offers you the opportunity of following his stylistic ideas as Anne Barkman, recording secretary they developed from 1891 when he designed a house on Dorchester buildings, which have been canopies and porch, the Sylvie Plouffe, membership Boulevard near the southern escarpment of Westmount until 1938 when damaged or destroyed. view of the Lachine Rapids Barbara Covington, archivist he and his son Frank designed a house on Lexington Avenue further Initially, measured draw- from the second floor bal- Joan Clark ings were produced using cony, and the large bay win- Jane Martin north near the top the mountain. Ruth Allan-Rigby Enjoy learning more about Mr. Robert Findlay, architect and humanist. hand measurements, but at dows stretching from base- DOREEN LINDSAY the present time drawings ment to second floor, PAST PRESIDENTS are being produced using angled to take in the view Flora-Lee Wagner 2000-2003 special cameras and plot- of old Montreal are archi- Aline Gubbay 1994-2000 ters, and computer soft- tectural details of note. Mrs. Vogel 1986-1987 ware. Most of the drawings Robert Findlay built his Miss Harvie 1984-1986 Raymond Mainville saved architectural plans Dr. Hélène Saly 1981-1984 and a drawing of the Findlay family home in this book were hand own home in the form of Eleanor Earle 1979-1981 on Lansdowne Avenue. drawn using ruling pens semi-detached houses at Sally Hooff 1975-1979 For over forty years Mr. Raymond ly the drawing showing a wood barrel and India ink on smooth 419-421 Landsdowne, 1895. Alice Lighthall (Chair) 1944-1948 Mainville preserved the architectural to collect rainwater from the roof. hand-made watercolour These houses are Queen plans and a drawing made by Robert There are also five original architec- paper. Anne in style, with Tudor Findlay for his pair of semi-attached tural plans showing the front, side In 1990 Professor An der - and Gothic elements. The WESTMOUNT HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION town houses on Lansdowne Avenue. and rear elevations, the ground floor, P. O. Box 198 Victoria Station son introduced a new elec- houses are built of red brick Then on Thursday evening, April 20, first floor, basement and attic. Some Westmount, Quebec tive course to the McGill and red sandstone quoins, H3Z 2Y6 this year he presented them to the are signed in neat architectural letter- 514 925-1404 West mount Historical Association. ing by Robert Findlay. Architecture program, entitled “ History of Domestic dormers and half-timbered and stucco on the upper façade, Architecture in Quebec” The course included lectures and with an intricate wrought iron balcony on the second floor E-MAIL: We thank our long time member [email protected] Jacqueline Varin-Holm for making the seminars on the history of Quebec’s domestic architecture, level, wooden Gothic-style entrance porches, topped off by connection. She knew the plans were visits to houses of special architectural interest in many a slate mansard roof. WEBSITE: www.westmounthistorical.org in the possession of Mr. Mainville and styles, French Canadian, British Colonial, Victorian, Beaux These are but a few of the Westmount houses drawn, told him about our series of lectures Arts and Arts and Crafts. It is interesting to note that an photographed and described in this fascinating book. ISSN: on the life and work of the architect. invaluable sourcebook , “The Old Architecture of Quebec”, Drawings from both the Traquair and the Anderson 1496-4066 The more southerly house #419 was published in 1947 by Professor Ramesay Traquair, the third books are housed in the John Bland Canadian Architecture the Findlay family home. director of McGill’s School of Architecture, includes meas- Collection, Blackader Lauderman Library of Architecture GRAPHIC DESIGN: Mr. Mainville rescued the roll of ured drawings done by his students, who studied both and Art at McGill University. Studio Melrose papers stuffed behind a pipe in a cor- 310 Victoria Avenue, #105 domestic and institutional buildings in Quebec, dating ner of the basement when he lived in BARBARA COVINGTON 514 488-7366 from the 17th century. Professor Anderson’s students chose [email protected] the house between 1962 and 1985. He Raymond Mainville presenting Findlay drawing ARCHIVIST, JULY 2006. was intrigued by their detail, especial- to Caroline Breslaw, coordinator of the Findlay a house to draw, followed by several visits to the house, lecture series.

– PAGE 2PAGE 11 – The Westmount Historian The Westmount Historian wESTMOuNT MuNiciPAL BuiLDiNGS ThE ROBERT FiNDLAy PROjEcT Westmount’s municipal buildings are important not only in 1898. As it was being built, 300 mount Public Library for their style, their materials, their architect but also their residents petitioned for a Community Centre, Both were relationship with the city’s development. In 1895 when the built in honour of Queen Victoria’s Jubilee of 1897. This first Town of Côte St. Antoine changed its name to “West- opened in 1899 at a cost of $25,000 and in - victoria hall mount” in order to better describe its geographical site on cluded a large room for public meetings, small rooms for the west side of the mountain and its increasing English specialized groups, a gymnasium, swimming pool, a dance floor, a bowling alley and a billiard room. It was complete- ly destroyed by fire in 1924.

Municipal buildings around original Town hall on Stanton Street westmount city hall, 1922 Detail of Scotty dog, on Citizens liked the idea of a local architect photo: WHA archives weather vane designing the first building to be constructed specifically as a new City Hall. Previously space had been photo: WHA archives Murray Park Shelter, 1936 used in a building on Stanton Street which was shared with speaking population, Robert Findlay was moving into the the Fire and Police departments. Robert Findlay and his son Robert Findlay Family (left to right): Frank Findlay, Audrey, home he had designed for his family on Lansdowne Frank designed a Tudor style building constructed of Robert Findlay, Jane-Amelia (wife), Arthur, Edythe. photo: WHA archive Avenue. The previously rural com- Montreal limestone with Indiana munity began to urbanize with the limestone trim and a central tower. This spring the Westmount Historical Association decid- influx of more people. By 1890 there The inside included a wood paneled ed to honour architect Robert Findlay. Findlay has enriched were 1850 people living here. council chamber as well as office the City of Westmount and the lives of its citizens through space for city councilors and munic- his vision for its municipal buildings and more than thirty Municipal building’s ipal departments. The cost of the private homes, built in an eclectic range of architectural in westmount Park building was $145,900.00, including styles. Findlay accommodated the tastes and needs of his City Council decided to concen- architect’s fees. In 1965 the interior clients, designing with integrity and paying great attention trate municipal community build- underwent a renovation and these to detail and fine workmanship. His Westmount buildings photo: Frank Findlay, WHA archives ings on the northwest corner of 16 features can no longer be seen. can be seen from Dorchester Boulevard up to Surrey Robert Findlay acres of newly acquired parkland. Gardens. The Côte St. Antoine Improvement Fire Station #1 Addition, 1923 The 2006 Spring Lecture Series featured Robert Findlay Findlay’s home for 23 years, has contributed the original Committee, which had formed in photo: WHA archives The following year, the Findlays and his work in Westmount. This fall, on Saturday, drawings, plans, and elevations of 419 Lansdowne and has 1890, proposed to develop a public Original Victoria Hall opened 1899 were asked to enlarge the Fire September 30, we will be leading guided walking tours of lent us deeds of the property. Architect Bruce Anderson park out of this area where forests, ravines and springs Station on Stanton Street. They added a second floor and Findlay’s Westmount for the Montreal Architectural helped us to understand Findlay’s domestic architecture. made it difficult to farm or construct houses. two arches to the three already on the ground floor for fire Heritage Campaign. The routes for the two walks will The speakers in our four lectures have provided us with a Westmount chose Robert Findlay to design the trucks. west - include Findlay’s municipal buildings and a selection of great deal of insight and information about Findlay’s work. private residences designed by Robert Findlay, often with There has been a team effort in the Westmount Historical Murray Park Shelter, 1936 his son Frank. Association to realize this project. President Doreen In 1936 the Findlay firm was asked to design a Public Many people were involved in research for this project. Lindsay, tour guides Jane Martin, Ruth Allan-Rigby, Shelter for a new park that the city was developing above Exciting discoveries have been made and original plans Margarita Schultz, Barbara Covington, Monique Frezza, Côte St. Antoine Road, on land which it had bought have been unearthed. We have concentrated our efforts on Jacqueline Varin-Holm, and myself are committed to mak- from the Murray Estate An amusing detail from Findlay’s . Robert Findlay’s work in Westmount. He was also an ing Robert Findlay’s important contribution to Westmount personal life can be seen in the drawing of his Scotty dog important architect beyond our borders, designing many better known. which was part of the weather vane on the slate roof. buildings in the Golden Square Mile and rural Quebec – the CAROLINE BRESLAW West Island, the Laurentians, and the Lower St. Lawrence. DOREEN LINDSAY The support of Robert Findlay’s two surviving grand- Robert Findlay’s architectural plans and photographs are B children has been invaluable. Helen and Henry Findlay in the John Bland Canadian Architecture Collection, Black - ased on talk by Claudine Deom, March 16, 2006 have lent family photos, letters, and artifacts and have ader Lauderman Library of Architecture and Art at McGill photo: WHA archives shared personal memories. Raymond Mainville, owner of University – www.archives.mcgill.ca Fire Station addition by Findlay firm in 1923

– PAGE 10 PAGE 3– The Westmount Historian The Westmount Historian ROBERT FiNDLAy’S LiFE (1859-1951) “OAKLANDS” 15 BELvEDERE ROAD, 1906 Every Sunday he and his wife walked to Melville Pres- “Oaklands” is the large red brick byterian Church (later known as St. Andrew’s) on Côte St. house situated on a one and a half acre Antoine Road. site in the curve of Belvedere Road Over the years, Findlay was hired by the City of West - near the top of Westmount Summit. It mount to design its main municipal buildings. In 1898 he was designed in 1906 by architects was commissioned to plan the Westmount Public Library. Robert Findlay and John McGregor for The adjacent Children’s Library followed in 1910, and an import businessman George Sumner. extension was added in 1924. In 1899 Findlay was chosen as The house can first be seen on the 1907 architect of Victoria Hall, the city’s community center. It Pinsonneault map. Belvedere Road was built of red brick in the Queen Anne style* of the was not on the Rand McNally 1898 Library, with towers, large windows, and arches. This map, but is shown on the 1903 Goad build ing burned down in 1924. Map. When Robert Findlay’s son Frank returned from archi- In 1928 Sam Bronfman bought the tecture studies at the University of Pennsylvania in 1913, he house and land from the Sumner joined his father, working as a partner except for the war estate. His brother Allan bought the years. Their practice was known as Robert & F.R. Findlay, house to the east for his family and Architects. It was located at 1188 Phillips Place for more together they bought the Coristine than 25 years. house in between the two properties so In 1922 Robert and Frank Findlay designed the new it could be demolished and replaced Westmount City Hall in greystone in a neo-Tudor style. by a garden. The following year Sam They made an extension to Fire Station #1 on Stanton had enlargements and modifications “Oaklands,” 15 Belvedere Road, Westmount, hand coloured Christmas card, 1918 for Avenue in 1923. In 1936 they were responsible for the done to 15 Belvedere Road by archi- photo: WHA archives Mr. George Sumner and Miss Sumner Murray Park Shelter. Robert Findlay also designed more tects Hutchison and Wood. In 1931 a than 30 residences in Westmount. second story was added above the garage as a residence for 2006 In 1938 Robert Findlay the chauffeur. The stone wall was rebuilt. A terrace was photo: Findlay family album city of westmount Annual Report 1923 Robert Findlay home, 419 Lansdowne Avenue was awarded the 1st added and formal gardens were developed to be used for “The new City Hall which is situated on a large Robert Findlay was born in 1859 in Inverness, Scotland. Medal of Merit by the entertaining. Additional enlargements and modifications open space in the heart of the City and surrounded by He began to train as an architect at the age of 17 with John Quebec As socia tion were made in 1938, 1939, 1949, 1954, 1971 and 1973. The Public Buildings, was completed during the year. The Rhind in Inverness, then worked as an assistant of John of Architects for main entrance to the house opens towards a dining room building which is of the Tudor type, constructed of Burnet in Glascow. In 1885 he moved to Montreal where he outstanding con- which lies straight ahead with a living room to the right. Montreal Limestone with Indiana lime stone trim- served as on site architect for Alexander Dunlop of St. tribution to archi- Both rooms have large windows providing views of the mings, is one story in height and covers an area of 150 James Methodist Church on St. Catherine Street. tecture. He had Saint Lawrence River. Findlay’s attention to detail is evi- feet by 85 feet in the greatest dimentions, while the In 1887 Findlay won a competition for his design of the been a founding dent in the integrated wood paneling, which still exists in heavy towerin front rises to the height of 65 feet. head office of the Sun Life Assurance Co. on Notre Dame member in 1890. the dining room and Mr. Bronfman’s study. The design and finish of the building has been well Street West. This launched his career. Commissions poured Robert Findlay re - The Bronfman family has owned the estate for seventy- carried out. The offices, Council and Committee in, mainly for the city residences of affluent Montrealers in tired when he was 82, five years. The current owner is Stephan Bronfman, grand- rooms are large and airy and the working space laid the Golden Square Mile and Westmount, and country although he continued to son of Sam Bronfman. At the present time, the house is out so as to give the greatest degree of efficiency. The homes for the same clients in the Laurentians, the Lower St. work at home. He died in undergoing a restoration/renovation by the architectural cost of the building including the Architect’s fees was Lawrence, and the West Island. His first work in West - Montreal on February 5, 1951 at the age of 91 and was firm Architem-Wolff Shapiro Kuskowski. They are under- $145,900.00” mount was the home of Robertson Macaulay, President of buried in Mount Royal Cemetery with a tombstone taking an ecological overview to evaluate the sustainable the Sun Life Assurance Co., on Dorchester Boulevard. designed by his son Frank. development of site features, water and energy conserva- city of westmount Annual Report 1936 “In Murray Park the old Murray House was taken Findlay married Jane Amelia Fleming of Edinburgh in CAROLINE BRESLAW tion and materials. down and the location regraded and planted. A very 1887. They had four children – Frank, Arthur, Edythe, and “Oaklands” is a Westmount Class 1* residence because of handsome pavilion of cut stone was erected and pro- Audrey. In 1895 the young family moved from 343 Olivier the fine quality of the original architecture by Findlay, the vides rooms for skaters to change boots, lavatory Avenue in Westmount to their own house at 419 Lans - Queen Anne extensive social history and its impressive site on one and a *The style was informal, irregular and asym- accommodation, and shelter from the weather. Its downe Avenue. Findlay designed the semi-detached half acres of land in the middle of the city. metrical. It was the most elaborate and eccentric of all the upper floor provides an attractive sitting-out shelter, 3-story red brick house with red sandstone trim. The Victorian house styles, fashionable in the 1880’s and 1890’s. DOREEN LINDSAY and the building is surmounted by a clock tower hav- architect lived in this home, except for the years when his The Industrial Revolution made factory made precut archi- ing a two-dial electric clock.” tectural parts available and pattern books were circulated. eldest son Frank was away in the States, until his death. Based on a talk by Andrea Wolff & Lyse Tremblay, May 18,

– PAGE 4 PAGE 9 – The Westmount Historian The Westmount Historian wESTMOuNT PuBLic LiBRARy, 1898 ThE ROBERT FiNDLAy hOuSE, 1895 inscription and tiles it had a built-in curved side- with scenes from board and wood paneling. A Alice in Won der - door from the dining room land. This addition opened onto a butler’s pantry cost $20,000. with a servant’s bell. Off the In 1924 a second kitchen were a larder with ice- extension was de - box and a scullery with sink and sign ed by Findlay. It built-in drainboard. featured a bay win- The central staircase allowed dow to the left of light to pour down to the main the main entrance. floor. The ceilings were higher Additional reading on the second floor than on the rooms and a mezza- ground floor. The family gath- nine were add ed. ered in the double front room on Over the years, fur- the second floor in the evenings ther additions and and for special occasions. This alterations were space consisted of a large draw- made to the original ing room with a fireplace and a building by other smaller sitting room with a architects, obscur- piano and French doors which ing Findlay’s de - opened onto the gallery. The sign. master bedroom, the bathroom, In 1995 the archi- and a small bedroom were at the tecture firm of Four - back of the house. nier, Gersovitz & The four children’s bedrooms Moss was mandat- Pen and ink drawing of #419/421 Lansdowne Avenue by Robert Findlay were on the top floor. There was ed by the City of a divided bathroom, a feature of Watercolour of Westmount Public Library by Robert Findlay, 1901. Inset, detail of relief. Westmount to re - Robert Findlay lived at 419 Lansdowne Avenue for fifty- British homes. A unique lightwell extended from the roof to In 1897 the City of Westmount decided to celebrate store the Findlay Wing of the West mount Public Li brary. two years. He acquired the property in 1895 from Alex - the main floor, providing light to the middle section of the Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee by building a public Referring to original plans, drawings, photographs, and ander Ramesay for $1890 and designed a pair of semi- house. There was also a skylight above the top floor land- library and reading room in Westmount Park. It was to be newspaper articles, they carried out a restoration in the detached houses on the lot. The southern one, #419, remain - ing. paid for with $13,000 owed to the City by a contractor. spirit of the original. Col umns were uncovered or copied ed his family home until his death. Findlay designed his home large enough to accommo- Robert Findlay was appointed project architect. Findlay and were marbleized, stenciling was done at the top of the The three-story house was built of red brick with red date his family and to provide work space.The fireplaces, had designed the headquarters for the Sun Life Assurance walls and the wood paneled ceilings were revealed. The sandstone detail and a slate roof. It was designed in the lightwell, and staircase are noteworthy features which still Company on Notre Dame Street West and the home of its walls were divided as they had been in Findlay’s day with Queen Anne style with a mixture of Tudor1 (bay and oriel2 exist today. President, Robertson Macaulay, at 4100 Dorchester darker colours on the dado at the base, a filler of wallpaper windows, half-timbering of the dormers) and Gothic CAROLINE BRESLAW Boulevard. He himself lived across from the park. above, and a frieze* band that was either stenciled or high- elements (tracery on the front door windows, quatrefoils3 Findlay’s design of the Library was influenced by ly decorated in the upper section. The Children’s Library on the porch, the quatrefoil pattern on the big gable). The American architect H.H. Richardson, whose work features has become the Westmount Room, the venue for many open front porch, the ornate wrought iron balcony, and the 1Tudor solid masonry massing, large arches, sloped roofs, big win- community activities, such as the lectures of the oriel window are especially noteworthy. revival homes have a decidedly medieval flavor with dows, and towers. When the Westmount Public Library Westmount Historical Association. The floor plan of the interior was similar to that of upper heavy chimneys and decorative half–timbering opened in 1898, it was the first municipal public library in 2 oriel CAROLINE BRESLAW middle class homes in Britain – the children’s bedrooms An window is a projecting bay window supported the Province of Quebec. It was built of red brick and sand- were on the top floor, the living room was on the middle from below with a corbel or bracket. stone with a slate roof and an arched entrance facing the Based on a talk by Rosanne Moss on Feb.16, 2006 floor, and a reception room was located on the main floor. Oriel windows are always sited on upper floors, while bays recently acquired park. It featured separate reading rooms The house was heated by a hot water radiator system using occur at all levels. for men and women with a double-sided fireplace. a coal furnace. There were also four unique fireplaces. *A frieze 3 quatrefoil In 1910 Findlay was commissioned to design a Children’s is a horizontal band which runs above doorways Plaster cornices were a feature in all the public rooms. A pattern consists of four equal lobes, like a four Library, attached to the first building. This had its own and windows or below the cornice. In Findlay’s home, the reception room at the front of the petaled flower. entrance facing Sherbrooke Street. Its fireplace had a stone It may be decorated with designs or carvings. house served as a business office. The dining room behind It is common in Moorish and Gothic architecture.

– PAGE 8PAGE 5– The Westmount Historian The Westmount Historian ROBERT FiNDLAy – 1859-1951 ROBERT FiNDLAy – BuiLDiNGS iN wESTMOuNT 1859: born in Inverness, Scotland 4100 Dorchester Boulevard O. 1876-1881: apprenticed as architect to John Rhind in Inverness 1. 1891 16 . 419/421 Lansdowne Avenue 1881-1885 worked with John James Burnet in Glasgow, Scotland 2 1895 1885: moved to Montreal 3282 Cedar Avenue 24 27 3. 1895 29 1885-1890: worked with several architects including Alexander Dunlop 12 Aberdeen Avenue 17 23 – worked as “on site” architect for St. James Methodist Church on Ste. Catherine Street 4. 1896 1887: won competition for design of Sun Life Assurance Co. 42-56 Chesterfield Avenue 21 5. 1898 22 on Notre Dame Street West. Only 28 years old. 444/446 Prince Albert – married Jane Amelia Fleming of Edinburgh, Scotland 6. 1898 Westmount Library 1889-1890: opened firm of 7. 1898 Wright & Findlay Côte St-Antoine, for one year 15 Belvedere Road – office at 3012 Ste-catherine, 8. 1906 1890: founding member of the Province of Quebec Association of Architects 558 Roslyn Avenue (sat on the Council of the Association from 1896-97) 9. 1907 3303 Cedar Avenue 1891-92- firm of ...... HOME ADDRESS 10. 1909 8 Robert Findlay, architect 26 – ...... 425 Roslyn Avenue office in New york Life Building, 11 Place d’Armes 47 Olivier Ave. côte St-Antoine 11. 1910 25 13 14 1892-94: ...... 9 19 15 office in Sun Life Building, 1766 Nôtre Dame Street 47 Olivier Ave. côte St-Antoine 3228 Cedar Avenue 1894-95: ...... 12. 1911 10 office at 1766 Nôtre Dame Street 343 Olivier Ave. cote St-Antoine 498 Mt Pleasant Ave. 3 20 12 1895: designed own home in Westmount...... 13. 1911 4 419 Lansdowne Ave. westmount 1 Braeside Place and moved there with wife and four children 14. 1912 1895-96: 4334 Westmount Ave. 28 13 office at 260 St. james - until 1908 15. 1914 11 1898: designed Westmount Public Library 5 * 46 Surrey Gardens 6 1899: designed original Victoria Hall 16. 1917 459 Upper Lansdowne 2 1906-07: firm of Findlay & McGregor, architects and valuators 17. 1920 18 1907-08: firm of Westmount City Hall 7 Robert Findlay, architect & valuator 18. 1922 1908: ...... (1908-13) office at 10 Phillips Place - until 1917 515 clarke Ave. * Fire Station addition firm of ...... while son Frank studied at 1923 Robert Findlay, architect and valuator 15 Stanton Street 1910: designed Children’s Library with separate entrance ...... U. of Pennsylvania 65 Forden Avenue as an addition to original Westmount Library 19. 1924 1913: son Frank joined firm...... 3246 Cedar Avenue 419 Lansdowne Ave. westmount 20. 1928 1916: appointed to Westmount Council’s newly-formed 732 Lexington Ave. architectural advisory committee (served until 1919) 21. 1929 730 Lexington Ave. 1917: 22. 1929 office at 416 Phillips Place – until 1928 21 Shorncliffe Ave. 1 1922: designed Westmount City Hall 23. 1930 – firm of 757 Lexington Ave. Robert & F.R. Findlay architects 24. 1931 1923: designed addition to #1 Fire Station on Stanton Street Murray Park Pavilion 1924: designed extention to Westmount Public Library. 25. 1936 1928: 4363 Westmount Ave. office at 1188 Phillips Place - until 1940 26. 1933 1933: a member of the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada 32 Shorncliffe Avenue 27. 1933 (won an honourable mention for Residential Buildings) 1 Murray Avenue 1936: designed Murray Park Shelter 28. 1933 GuiDED wALKiNG TOuRS OF FiNDLAy BuiLDiNGS 758 Lexington Ave. Saturday, September 30, 2006 at 1:00 and 1:30 pm 1938: awarded the first Medal of Merit for outstanding 29. 1938 contribution to architecture by the Quebec Association Tour 1 begins at Westmount Public Library, 4574 Sherbrooke St. W. Tour 2 begins at Pavilion in King George Park (Murray Park) of Architects at their Annual General Meeting on Jan. 22 *détruit / destroyed 1940: for one year – Victoria Hall Admission is free, but space is limited and reservations are required. office at 1255 university, 1899 – 1924 Sign-up for the walking tours (in French or English) begins September 22 1941: Robert Findlay retired – 601 Clarke Avenue 1951: died in Montreal on February 5 at age of 91 1900 – ???? 514-989-5226 – Calvary Church 1912 – 1961 2006 MONTREAL ARCHITECTURAL HERITAGE CAMPAIGN RESEARCHED BY JANE MARTIN * bold type indicates office and home address based on Lovell’s Directory

– PAGE 6PAGE 7 – The Westmount Historian The Westmount Historian ROBERT FiNDLAy – 1859-1951 ROBERT FiNDLAy – BuiLDiNGS iN wESTMOuNT 1859: born in Inverness, Scotland 4100 Dorchester Boulevard O. 1876-1881: apprenticed as architect to John Rhind in Inverness 1. 1891 16 . 419/421 Lansdowne Avenue 1881-1885 worked with John James Burnet in Glasgow, Scotland 2 1895 1885: moved to Montreal 3282 Cedar Avenue 24 27 3. 1895 29 1885-1890: worked with several architects including Alexander Dunlop 12 Aberdeen Avenue 17 23 – worked as “on site” architect for St. James Methodist Church on Ste. Catherine Street 4. 1896 1887: won competition for design of Sun Life Assurance Co. 42-56 Chesterfield Avenue 21 5. 1898 22 on Notre Dame Street West. Only 28 years old. 444/446 Prince Albert – married Jane Amelia Fleming of Edinburgh, Scotland 6. 1898 Westmount Library 1889-1890: opened firm of 7. 1898 Wright & Findlay Côte St-Antoine, for one year 15 Belvedere Road – office at 3012 Ste-catherine, 8. 1906 1890: founding member of the Province of Quebec Association of Architects 558 Roslyn Avenue (sat on the Council of the Association from 1896-97) 9. 1907 3303 Cedar Avenue 1891-92- firm of ...... HOME ADDRESS 10. 1909 8 Robert Findlay, architect 26 – ...... 425 Roslyn Avenue office in New york Life Building, 11 Place d’Armes 47 Olivier Ave. côte St-Antoine 11. 1910 25 13 14 1892-94: ...... 9 19 15 office in Sun Life Building, 1766 Nôtre Dame Street 47 Olivier Ave. côte St-Antoine 3228 Cedar Avenue 1894-95: ...... 12. 1911 10 office at 1766 Nôtre Dame Street 343 Olivier Ave. cote St-Antoine 498 Mt Pleasant Ave. 3 20 12 1895: designed own home in Westmount...... 13. 1911 4 419 Lansdowne Ave. westmount 1 Braeside Place and moved there with wife and four children 14. 1912 1895-96: 4334 Westmount Ave. 28 13 office at 260 St. james - until 1908 15. 1914 11 1898: designed Westmount Public Library 5 * 46 Surrey Gardens 6 1899: designed original Victoria Hall 16. 1917 459 Upper Lansdowne 2 1906-07: firm of Findlay & McGregor, architects and valuators 17. 1920 18 1907-08: firm of Westmount City Hall 7 Robert Findlay, architect & valuator 18. 1922 1908: ...... (1908-13) office at 10 Phillips Place - until 1917 515 clarke Ave. * Fire Station addition firm of ...... while son Frank studied at 1923 Robert Findlay, architect and valuator 15 Stanton Street 1910: designed Children’s Library with separate entrance ...... U. of Pennsylvania 65 Forden Avenue as an addition to original Westmount Library 19. 1924 1913: son Frank joined firm...... 3246 Cedar Avenue 419 Lansdowne Ave. westmount 20. 1928 1916: appointed to Westmount Council’s newly-formed 732 Lexington Ave. architectural advisory committee (served until 1919) 21. 1929 730 Lexington Ave. 1917: 22. 1929 office at 416 Phillips Place – until 1928 21 Shorncliffe Ave. 1 1922: designed Westmount City Hall 23. 1930 – firm of 757 Lexington Ave. Robert & F.R. Findlay architects 24. 1931 1923: designed addition to #1 Fire Station on Stanton Street Murray Park Pavilion 1924: designed extention to Westmount Public Library. 25. 1936 1928: 4363 Westmount Ave. office at 1188 Phillips Place - until 1940 26. 1933 1933: a member of the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada 32 Shorncliffe Avenue 27. 1933 (won an honourable mention for Residential Buildings) 1 Murray Avenue 1936: designed Murray Park Shelter 28. 1933 GuiDED wALKiNG TOuRS OF FiNDLAy BuiLDiNGS 758 Lexington Ave. Saturday, September 30, 2006 at 1:00 and 1:30 pm 1938: awarded the first Medal of Merit for outstanding 29. 1938 contribution to architecture by the Quebec Association Tour 1 begins at Westmount Public Library, 4574 Sherbrooke St. W. Tour 2 begins at Pavilion in King George Park (Murray Park) of Architects at their Annual General Meeting on Jan. 22 *détruit / destroyed 1940: for one year – Victoria Hall Admission is free, but space is limited and reservations are required. office at 1255 university, 1899 – 1924 Sign-up for the walking tours (in French or English) begins September 22 1941: Robert Findlay retired – 601 Clarke Avenue 1951: died in Montreal on February 5 at age of 91 1900 – ???? 514-989-5226 – Calvary Church 1912 – 1961 2006 MONTREAL ARCHITECTURAL HERITAGE CAMPAIGN RESEARCHED BY JANE MARTIN * bold type indicates office and home address based on Lovell’s Directory

– PAGE 6PAGE 7 – The Westmount Historian The Westmount Historian wESTMOuNT PuBLic LiBRARy, 1898 ThE ROBERT FiNDLAy hOuSE, 1895 inscription and tiles it had a built-in curved side- with scenes from board and wood paneling. A Alice in Won der - door from the dining room land. This addition opened onto a butler’s pantry cost $20,000. with a servant’s bell. Off the In 1924 a second kitchen were a larder with ice- extension was de - box and a scullery with sink and sign ed by Findlay. It built-in drainboard. featured a bay win- The central staircase allowed dow to the left of light to pour down to the main the main entrance. floor. The ceilings were higher Additional reading on the second floor than on the rooms and a mezza- ground floor. The family gath- nine were add ed. ered in the double front room on Over the years, fur- the second floor in the evenings ther additions and and for special occasions. This alterations were space consisted of a large draw- made to the original ing room with a fireplace and a building by other smaller sitting room with a architects, obscur- piano and French doors which ing Findlay’s de - opened onto the gallery. The sign. master bedroom, the bathroom, In 1995 the archi- and a small bedroom were at the tecture firm of Four - back of the house. nier, Gersovitz & The four children’s bedrooms Moss was mandat- Pen and ink drawing of #419/421 Lansdowne Avenue by Robert Findlay were on the top floor. There was ed by the City of a divided bathroom, a feature of Watercolour of Westmount Public Library by Robert Findlay, 1901. Inset, detail of relief. Westmount to re - Robert Findlay lived at 419 Lansdowne Avenue for fifty- British homes. A unique lightwell extended from the roof to In 1897 the City of Westmount decided to celebrate store the Findlay Wing of the West mount Public Li brary. two years. He acquired the property in 1895 from Alex - the main floor, providing light to the middle section of the Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee by building a public Referring to original plans, drawings, photographs, and ander Ramesay for $1890 and designed a pair of semi- house. There was also a skylight above the top floor land- library and reading room in Westmount Park. It was to be newspaper articles, they carried out a restoration in the detached houses on the lot. The southern one, #419, remain - ing. paid for with $13,000 owed to the City by a contractor. spirit of the original. Col umns were uncovered or copied ed his family home until his death. Findlay designed his home large enough to accommo- Robert Findlay was appointed project architect. Findlay and were marbleized, stenciling was done at the top of the The three-story house was built of red brick with red date his family and to provide work space.The fireplaces, had designed the headquarters for the Sun Life Assurance walls and the wood paneled ceilings were revealed. The sandstone detail and a slate roof. It was designed in the lightwell, and staircase are noteworthy features which still Company on Notre Dame Street West and the home of its walls were divided as they had been in Findlay’s day with Queen Anne style with a mixture of Tudor1 (bay and oriel2 exist today. President, Robertson Macaulay, at 4100 Dorchester darker colours on the dado at the base, a filler of wallpaper windows, half-timbering of the dormers) and Gothic CAROLINE BRESLAW Boulevard. He himself lived across from the park. above, and a frieze* band that was either stenciled or high- elements (tracery on the front door windows, quatrefoils3 Findlay’s design of the Library was influenced by ly decorated in the upper section. The Children’s Library on the porch, the quatrefoil pattern on the big gable). The American architect H.H. Richardson, whose work features has become the Westmount Room, the venue for many open front porch, the ornate wrought iron balcony, and the 1Tudor solid masonry massing, large arches, sloped roofs, big win- community activities, such as the lectures of the oriel window are especially noteworthy. revival homes have a decidedly medieval flavor with dows, and towers. When the Westmount Public Library Westmount Historical Association. The floor plan of the interior was similar to that of upper heavy chimneys and decorative half–timbering opened in 1898, it was the first municipal public library in 2 oriel CAROLINE BRESLAW middle class homes in Britain – the children’s bedrooms An window is a projecting bay window supported the Province of Quebec. It was built of red brick and sand- were on the top floor, the living room was on the middle from below with a corbel or bracket. stone with a slate roof and an arched entrance facing the Based on a talk by Rosanne Moss on Feb.16, 2006 floor, and a reception room was located on the main floor. Oriel windows are always sited on upper floors, while bays recently acquired park. It featured separate reading rooms The house was heated by a hot water radiator system using occur at all levels. for men and women with a double-sided fireplace. a coal furnace. There were also four unique fireplaces. *A frieze 3 quatrefoil In 1910 Findlay was commissioned to design a Children’s is a horizontal band which runs above doorways Plaster cornices were a feature in all the public rooms. A pattern consists of four equal lobes, like a four Library, attached to the first building. This had its own and windows or below the cornice. In Findlay’s home, the reception room at the front of the petaled flower. entrance facing Sherbrooke Street. Its fireplace had a stone It may be decorated with designs or carvings. house served as a business office. The dining room behind It is common in Moorish and Gothic architecture.

– PAGE 8PAGE 5– The Westmount Historian The Westmount Historian ROBERT FiNDLAy’S LiFE (1859-1951) “OAKLANDS” 15 BELvEDERE ROAD, 1906 Every Sunday he and his wife walked to Melville Pres- “Oaklands” is the large red brick byterian Church (later known as St. Andrew’s) on Côte St. house situated on a one and a half acre Antoine Road. site in the curve of Belvedere Road Over the years, Findlay was hired by the City of West - near the top of Westmount Summit. It mount to design its main municipal buildings. In 1898 he was designed in 1906 by architects was commissioned to plan the Westmount Public Library. Robert Findlay and John McGregor for The adjacent Children’s Library followed in 1910, and an import businessman George Sumner. extension was added in 1924. In 1899 Findlay was chosen as The house can first be seen on the 1907 architect of Victoria Hall, the city’s community center. It Pinsonneault map. Belvedere Road was built of red brick in the Queen Anne style* of the was not on the Rand McNally 1898 Library, with towers, large windows, and arches. This map, but is shown on the 1903 Goad build ing burned down in 1924. Map. When Robert Findlay’s son Frank returned from archi- In 1928 Sam Bronfman bought the tecture studies at the University of Pennsylvania in 1913, he house and land from the Sumner joined his father, working as a partner except for the war estate. His brother Allan bought the years. Their practice was known as Robert & F.R. Findlay, house to the east for his family and Architects. It was located at 1188 Phillips Place for more together they bought the Coristine than 25 years. house in between the two properties so In 1922 Robert and Frank Findlay designed the new it could be demolished and replaced Westmount City Hall in greystone in a neo-Tudor style. by a garden. The following year Sam They made an extension to Fire Station #1 on Stanton had enlargements and modifications “Oaklands,” 15 Belvedere Road, Westmount, hand coloured Christmas card, 1918 for Avenue in 1923. In 1936 they were responsible for the done to 15 Belvedere Road by archi- photo: WHA archives Mr. George Sumner and Miss Sumner Murray Park Shelter. Robert Findlay also designed more tects Hutchison and Wood. In 1931 a than 30 residences in Westmount. second story was added above the garage as a residence for 2006 In 1938 Robert Findlay the chauffeur. The stone wall was rebuilt. A terrace was photo: Findlay family album city of westmount Annual Report 1923 Robert Findlay home, 419 Lansdowne Avenue was awarded the 1st added and formal gardens were developed to be used for “The new City Hall which is situated on a large Robert Findlay was born in 1859 in Inverness, Scotland. Medal of Merit by the entertaining. Additional enlargements and modifications open space in the heart of the City and surrounded by He began to train as an architect at the age of 17 with John Quebec As socia tion were made in 1938, 1939, 1949, 1954, 1971 and 1973. The Public Buildings, was completed during the year. The Rhind in Inverness, then worked as an assistant of John of Architects for main entrance to the house opens towards a dining room building which is of the Tudor type, constructed of Burnet in Glascow. In 1885 he moved to Montreal where he outstanding con- which lies straight ahead with a living room to the right. Montreal Limestone with Indiana lime stone trim- served as on site architect for Alexander Dunlop of St. tribution to archi- Both rooms have large windows providing views of the mings, is one story in height and covers an area of 150 James Methodist Church on St. Catherine Street. tecture. He had Saint Lawrence River. Findlay’s attention to detail is evi- feet by 85 feet in the greatest dimentions, while the In 1887 Findlay won a competition for his design of the been a founding dent in the integrated wood paneling, which still exists in heavy towerin front rises to the height of 65 feet. head office of the Sun Life Assurance Co. on Notre Dame member in 1890. the dining room and Mr. Bronfman’s study. The design and finish of the building has been well Street West. This launched his career. Commissions poured Robert Findlay re - The Bronfman family has owned the estate for seventy- carried out. The offices, Council and Committee in, mainly for the city residences of affluent Montrealers in tired when he was 82, five years. The current owner is Stephan Bronfman, grand- rooms are large and airy and the working space laid the Golden Square Mile and Westmount, and country although he continued to son of Sam Bronfman. At the present time, the house is out so as to give the greatest degree of efficiency. The homes for the same clients in the Laurentians, the Lower St. work at home. He died in undergoing a restoration/renovation by the architectural cost of the building including the Architect’s fees was Lawrence, and the West Island. His first work in West - Montreal on February 5, 1951 at the age of 91 and was firm Architem-Wolff Shapiro Kuskowski. They are under- $145,900.00” mount was the home of Robertson Macaulay, President of buried in Mount Royal Cemetery with a tombstone taking an ecological overview to evaluate the sustainable the Sun Life Assurance Co., on Dorchester Boulevard. designed by his son Frank. development of site features, water and energy conserva- city of westmount Annual Report 1936 “In Murray Park the old Murray House was taken Findlay married Jane Amelia Fleming of Edinburgh in CAROLINE BRESLAW tion and materials. down and the location regraded and planted. A very 1887. They had four children – Frank, Arthur, Edythe, and “Oaklands” is a Westmount Class 1* residence because of handsome pavilion of cut stone was erected and pro- Audrey. In 1895 the young family moved from 343 Olivier the fine quality of the original architecture by Findlay, the vides rooms for skaters to change boots, lavatory Avenue in Westmount to their own house at 419 Lans - Queen Anne extensive social history and its impressive site on one and a *The style was informal, irregular and asym- accommodation, and shelter from the weather. Its downe Avenue. Findlay designed the semi-detached half acres of land in the middle of the city. metrical. It was the most elaborate and eccentric of all the upper floor provides an attractive sitting-out shelter, 3-story red brick house with red sandstone trim. The Victorian house styles, fashionable in the 1880’s and 1890’s. DOREEN LINDSAY and the building is surmounted by a clock tower hav- architect lived in this home, except for the years when his The Industrial Revolution made factory made precut archi- ing a two-dial electric clock.” tectural parts available and pattern books were circulated. eldest son Frank was away in the States, until his death. Based on a talk by Andrea Wolff & Lyse Tremblay, May 18,

– PAGE 4 PAGE 9 – The Westmount Historian The Westmount Historian wESTMOuNT MuNiciPAL BuiLDiNGS ThE ROBERT FiNDLAy PROjEcT Westmount’s municipal buildings are important not only in 1898. As it was being built, 300 mount Public Library for their style, their materials, their architect but also their residents petitioned for a Community Centre, Both were relationship with the city’s development. In 1895 when the built in honour of Queen Victoria’s Jubilee of 1897. This first Town of Côte St. Antoine changed its name to “West- opened in 1899 at a cost of $25,000 and in - victoria hall mount” in order to better describe its geographical site on cluded a large room for public meetings, small rooms for the west side of the mountain and its increasing English specialized groups, a gymnasium, swimming pool, a dance floor, a bowling alley and a billiard room. It was complete- ly destroyed by fire in 1924.

Municipal buildings around original Town hall on Stanton Street

westmount city hall, 1922 Detail of Scotty dog, on Citizens liked the idea of a local architect photo: WHA archives weather vane designing the first building to be constructed specifically as a new City Hall. Previously space had been photo: WHA archives Murray Park Shelter, 1936 used in a building on Stanton Street which was shared with speaking population, Robert Findlay was moving into the the Fire and Police departments. Robert Findlay and his son Robert Findlay Family (left to right): Frank Findlay, Audrey, home he had designed for his family on Lansdowne Frank designed a Tudor style building constructed of Robert Findlay, Jane-Amelia (wife), Arthur, Edythe. photo: WHA archive Avenue. The previously rural com- Montreal limestone with Indiana munity began to urbanize with the limestone trim and a central tower. This spring the Westmount Historical Association decid- influx of more people. By 1890 there The inside included a wood paneled ed to honour architect Robert Findlay. Findlay has enriched were 1850 people living here. council chamber as well as office the City of Westmount and the lives of its citizens through space for city councilors and munic- his vision for its municipal buildings and more than thirty Municipal building’s ipal departments. The cost of the private homes, built in an eclectic range of architectural in westmount Park building was $145,900.00, including styles. Findlay accommodated the tastes and needs of his City Council decided to concen- architect’s fees. In 1965 the interior clients, designing with integrity and paying great attention trate municipal community build- underwent a renovation and these to detail and fine workmanship. His Westmount buildings photo: Frank Findlay, WHA archives ings on the northwest corner of 16 features can no longer be seen. can be seen from Dorchester Boulevard up to Surrey Robert Findlay acres of newly acquired parkland. Gardens. The Côte St. Antoine Improvement Fire Station #1 Addition, 1923 The 2006 Spring Lecture Series featured Robert Findlay Findlay’s home for 23 years, has contributed the original Committee, which had formed in photo: WHA archives The following year, the Findlays and his work in Westmount. This fall, on Saturday, drawings, plans, and elevations of 419 Lansdowne and has 1890, proposed to develop a public Original Victoria Hall opened 1899 were asked to enlarge the Fire September 30, we will be leading guided walking tours of lent us deeds of the property. Architect Bruce Anderson park out of this area where forests, ravines and springs Station on Stanton Street. They added a second floor and Findlay’s Westmount for the Montreal Architectural helped us to understand Findlay’s domestic architecture. made it difficult to farm or construct houses. two arches to the three already on the ground floor for fire Heritage Campaign. The routes for the two walks will The speakers in our four lectures have provided us with a Westmount chose Robert Findlay to design the trucks. west - include Findlay’s municipal buildings and a selection of great deal of insight and information about Findlay’s work. private residences designed by Robert Findlay, often with There has been a team effort in the Westmount Historical Murray Park Shelter, 1936 his son Frank. Association to realize this project. President Doreen In 1936 the Findlay firm was asked to design a Public Many people were involved in research for this project. Lindsay, tour guides Jane Martin, Ruth Allan-Rigby, Shelter for a new park that the city was developing above Exciting discoveries have been made and original plans Margarita Schultz, Barbara Covington, Monique Frezza, Côte St. Antoine Road, on land which it had bought have been unearthed. We have concentrated our efforts on Jacqueline Varin-Holm, and myself are committed to mak- from the Murray Estate An amusing detail from Findlay’s . Robert Findlay’s work in Westmount. He was also an ing Robert Findlay’s important contribution to Westmount personal life can be seen in the drawing of his Scotty dog important architect beyond our borders, designing many better known. which was part of the weather vane on the slate roof. buildings in the Golden Square Mile and rural Quebec – the CAROLINE BRESLAW West Island, the Laurentians, and the Lower St. Lawrence. DOREEN LINDSAY The support of Robert Findlay’s two surviving grand- Robert Findlay’s architectural plans and photographs are B children has been invaluable. Helen and Henry Findlay in the John Bland Canadian Architecture Collection, Black - ased on talk by Claudine Deom, March 16, 2006 have lent family photos, letters, and artifacts and have ader Lauderman Library of Architecture and Art at McGill

photo: WHA archives shared personal memories. Raymond Mainville, owner of University – www.archives.mcgill.ca Fire Station addition by Findlay firm in 1923

– PAGE 10 PAGE 3– The Westmount Historian The Westmount Historian FROM ThE ARchivES As this newsletter is dedicated to the architecture of which resulted in photographs, historical text and meas- The Westmount Historian Robert Findlay, it seemed appropriate to bring to your ured drawings of the house. NEWSLETTER OF THE WESTMOUNT PRESiDENT’SI am very pleased to be ableMESSAGE to bring you this attention a wonderful book on architecture, donated to the As mentioned earlier, many of the houses described in HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION special issue celebrating the achievements of Westmount architect Robert Findlay. The valuable Westmount Historical Association Archives by Professor this collection are located in Westmount. Metcalfe Terrace, January 2006 research undertaken by Caroline Breslaw and her Bruce Anderson, McGill University, School of Architecture. 168 Côte St. Antoine, one of four Regency-style houses was Volume 7 • Number 1 assistants adds to our knowledge of the work and It is a collection of measured drawings, photographs and built by Captain Moses Judah Hays, 1840-1844. Only two of character of the architect of our City Hall, Public short historical text describing fifty houses in and around the four houses remain to-day, #168 and #178 Côte St. EDITOR: Doreen Lindsay Library and Murray Park Shelter. These, plus many Montreal, many of which are located in Westmount. Antoine. A brick cottage, The Gate Lodge, 1847-61, is locat- private homes which he designed for prominent 50 HOUSES IN AN AROUND MONTREAL: AN ed on a triangle of land dividing Mountain Avenue and CONTRIBUTORS: Caroline Breslaw families, created much of what we have inherited ALBUM OF MEASURED DRAWINGS, by Bruce Ander - Rosemount Crescent and was quite possibly a gardener’s Barbara Covington as the image of our City. Westmount can be proud son, Geneviève Bégin, and Ariane Truong. Westmount, QC: or coachman’s house for the John Young, “Rosemount” Doreen Lindsay to claim him as our own. In 1898, just three years after moving into the Anderson Architects, [2005] estate. Rosemount Cottage, 1860-70, 451 Mountain Avenue, Jane Martin home he had designed for his family in this community, he was commis- Measured drawing has been part of the curriculum of the is another house that is located on the “Rosemount” estate sioned to design his first municipal building, the Westmount Public McGill University, School of Architecture since its begin- and is attached to two other houses on Rosemount Avenue, WESTMOUNT HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION Library. We have reproduced the 1901 watercolour he painted of his ning in 1896. Measured drawings are an accurate record, to which originally were the stables for the estate. Also on BOARD OF DIRECTORS Library building and his architect’s drawing of the front view of his own 2006 – 2007 house on Lansdowne Avenue. scale of what has been built, including both exterior and Mountain Avenue, #490, is the Daniel Wilson House, a Doreen Lindsay, president interior achitectural design elements, using hand measure- gothic-style house on one of Westmount’s steepest slopes. A chronological listing of the buildings designed by Mr. Findlay within Caroline Breslaw, vice-president ments. Measured drawings can be used to reconstruct Its stone walls and detailed wood carvings on the gable David Freeman, treasurer Westmount offers you the opportunity of following his stylistic ideas as Anne Barkman, recording secretary they developed from 1891 when he designed a house on Dorchester buildings, which have been canopies and porch, the Sylvie Plouffe, membership Boulevard near the southern escarpment of Westmount until 1938 when damaged or destroyed. view of the Lachine Rapids Barbara Covington, archivist he and his son Frank designed a house on Lexington Avenue further Initially, measured draw- from the second floor bal- Joan Clark ings were produced using cony, and the large bay win- Jane Martin north near the top the mountain. Ruth Allan-Rigby Enjoy learning more about Mr. Robert Findlay, architect and humanist. hand measurements, but at dows stretching from base- DOREEN LINDSAY the present time drawings ment to second floor, PAST PRESIDENTS are being produced using angled to take in the view Flora-Lee Wagner 2000-2003 special cameras and plot- of old Montreal are archi- Aline Gubbay 1994-2000 ters, and computer soft- tectural details of note. Mrs. Vogel 1986-1987 ware. Most of the drawings Robert Findlay built his Miss Harvie 1984-1986 Raymond Mainville saved architectural plans Dr. Hélène Saly 1981-1984 and a drawing of the Findlay family home in this book were hand own home in the form of Eleanor Earle 1979-1981 on Lansdowne Avenue. drawn using ruling pens semi-detached houses at Sally Hooff 1975-1979 For over forty years Mr. Raymond ly the drawing showing a wood barrel and India ink on smooth 419-421 Landsdowne, 1895. Alice Lighthall (Chair) 1944-1948 Mainville preserved the architectural to collect rainwater from the roof. hand-made watercolour These houses are Queen plans and a drawing made by Robert There are also five original architec- paper. Anne in style, with Tudor Findlay for his pair of semi-attached tural plans showing the front, side In 1990 Professor An der - and Gothic elements. The WESTMOUNT HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION town houses on Lansdowne Avenue. and rear elevations, the ground floor, P. O. Box 198 Victoria Station son introduced a new elec- houses are built of red brick Then on Thursday evening, April 20, first floor, basement and attic. Some Westmount, Quebec tive course to the McGill and red sandstone quoins, H3Z 2Y6 this year he presented them to the are signed in neat architectural letter- 514 925-1404 West mount Historical Association. ing by Robert Findlay. Architecture program, entitled “ History of Domestic dormers and half-timbered and stucco on the upper façade, Architecture in Quebec” The course included lectures and with an intricate wrought iron balcony on the second floor E-MAIL: We thank our long time member [email protected] Jacqueline Varin-Holm for making the seminars on the history of Quebec’s domestic architecture, level, wooden Gothic-style entrance porches, topped off by connection. She knew the plans were visits to houses of special architectural interest in many a slate mansard roof. WEBSITE: www.westmounthistorical.org in the possession of Mr. Mainville and styles, French Canadian, British Colonial, Victorian, Beaux These are but a few of the Westmount houses drawn, told him about our series of lectures Arts and Arts and Crafts. It is interesting to note that an photographed and described in this fascinating book. ISSN: on the life and work of the architect. invaluable sourcebook , “The Old Architecture of Quebec”, Drawings from both the Traquair and the Anderson 1496-4066 The more southerly house #419 was published in 1947 by Professor Ramesay Traquair, the third books are housed in the John Bland Canadian Architecture the Findlay family home. director of McGill’s School of Architecture, includes meas- Collection, Blackader Lauderman Library of Architecture GRAPHIC DESIGN: Mr. Mainville rescued the roll of ured drawings done by his students, who studied both and Art at McGill University. Studio Melrose papers stuffed behind a pipe in a cor- 310 Victoria Avenue, #105 domestic and institutional buildings in Quebec, dating ner of the basement when he lived in BARBARA COVINGTON 514 488-7366 from the 17th century. Professor Anderson’s students chose [email protected] the house between 1962 and 1985. He Raymond Mainville presenting Findlay drawing ARCHIVIST, JULY 2006. was intrigued by their detail, especial- to Caroline Breslaw, coordinator of the Findlay a house to draw, followed by several visits to the house, lecture series.

– PAGE 2PAGE 11 – The Westmount Historian The Westmount Historian NEw AcquiSiTiONS The WestmountNEWSLETTEROFTHE WESTMOUNT HISTORICAL HistorianASSOCIATION

Novels The Bequest and Other Stories, by Jerry Wexler. Montreal: Véhicule Press, 1984. The Man Who Loved Jane Austen: a novel, by Ray Smith. Erin, Ontario: The Porcupine’s Quill, 1999

Booklets Anne Kahane: dualities. 1999. McCord Museum of Canadian History. 1992 Montreal Public Libraries Network. 2005. Montreal: That’s Hockey. 1997. The Women’s Art Society of Montreal. 1985.

– PAGE 12 The Westmount Historian