Marygrove - DEMOLISHED
Lake Joseph, MuskokaOntario
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Current Owner: |
Sisters of St. Joseph | |
| History: |
Marygrove, formerly Glen Home Hotel, Lake Joseph
The main resort structure of Marygrove (formerly Glen Home Hotel) was a property of cultural heritage value and interest for historical or associative, for contextual, and for design reasons. The property demonstrated a rare example in this district of a highly respected Canadian architectural firm; demonstrated a high degree of technical achievement and craftsmanship; presents a unique example of the Streamline Moderne architectural style in Muskoka; and had strong associations with an activity and person that have made a significant contribution to the community. Historical or Associative Value Originally known as the Glen Home Hotel, the main hotel structure was constructed in 1939 by Lambert Love, a Muskoka hotel pioneer. The tourism industry is a primary historical theme in the area’s development and the other hotel founded by Love – Elgin House – has been demolished. Structures that relate to pre-Second World War tourism are becoming increasingly rare. Lambert Love was a pioneer in the area’s tourism industry. He first moved to the Port Sandfield area in 1885 and established a sawmill. The family regularly took in boarders, so in 1900 they expanded their operation and opened Elgin House Hotel. The resort grew to become one of the hubs of activity on south Lake Joseph. Several families who went on to acquire or build cottages on the lakes came first to the area as hotel guests. Mr. Love’s first wife died and Lambert remarried. Leaving the management of Elgin House to his adult son Bert, Lambert Love moved his younger family moved across the channel to Glen Orchard in 1937 where they began planning a new resort to be called “Glen Home.” The Glen Home Hotel opened on the civic holiday weekend in 1939 and remained in operation until Labour Day, 1974. Paul Love took over its operation from his father. Like its predecessor across the channel, Glen Home was a highly popular resort. Motel units were later added to expand guest capacity. The property was sold in 1975 to a religious order and they have preserved its original integrity as they have used it for a private seasonal camp. Contextual Value Overlooking Lake Joseph, the structure had contextual value as a well preserved lakeside resort and a landmark as it commanded a landscaped stretch of shoreline. Design Value Marygrove demonstrated a rare example in this district of the work of Horwood & White, a highly respected Canadian architectural firm. The building was a unique example of the Streamline Moderne style, highly unusual for Muskoka, and it reflected the New York influence on the architectural firm’s work. The low-slung lines, horizontally streamlined fenestration, and flattened geometric ornament are all characteristic of this style which was more widely used in large urban centres during the 1930s. Also of note, Glen Home was the first area resort to incorporate private walk-out balconies for each guest room. Architects for the project were Horwood & White. J. C. B. Horwood, born in Newfoundland in 1864, received his architectural training with Langley, Langley and Burke in Toronto between 1882 and 1887, and then worked with Clinton and Russell in New York City from 1889 to 1894. Returning to Toronto in 1894, Horwood went into partnership with Edmund Burke. In 1908, Murray A. White joined the firm. Following Burke’s death in 1919, the firm’s name was changed to Horwood and White. J. C. B. Horwood was a founding member of the Arts and Letters Club of Toronto, as well as a member of the Toronto Society of Architects, the Toronto Architectural 18 Club and the Toronto Architectural Sketch Club. He was a proponent of developing a unique Canadian style of architecture and he argued for artistic freedom in the training of young architects. He was widely recognized as an expert on structural engineering, including foundations and drainage. In 1927, E. C. Horwood, son of J. C. B., also joined the firm. He had studied architecture at the University of Toronto while working in his father’s practice. He then completed his studies at the Ecole des Beaux-Arts in Paris and Fontainebleau School of Fine Arts between 1925 and 1927. Murray White died in 1935; J. C. B. Horwood died in 1938. The firm became known for the Chicago-style for commercial buildings in which they adopted steel-frame construction and fire-proof materials. Their projects spanned the country and included work for the Hudson Bay Company, various municipalities, churches, Canadian General Electric, Eaton’s, Grand and Toy, and Robert J. Simpson. Their work was internationally known, but very rare in Muskoka. Burke and Horwood designed the chapel at Elgin House. For the Glen Home building, the firm employed its hallmark structural steel techniques, retaining Dominion Bridge Company Limited as contractor. This degree of technical achievement is rare in Muskoka resorts of this era. The high degree of craftsmanship of local builder Carl Rogers was also evident throughout the building. Fir mill work, Art Deco décor, original plaster surfaces, windows, and the original staircase were examples of the fine workmanship. The exterior Streamline Moderne style is highly unusual for Muskoka and it reflected the international influence on the firm’s work. It is highly likely that E. C. Horwood, while studying in France, became exposed to the Art Deco/Moderne style through the Exposition Internationale des Arts Decoratifs et Industrials Modernes held in Paris in 1925. The Streamline Moderne style grew out of Art Deco and was very popular in the 1930s, reaching its zenith of popularity during the New York Worlds’ Fair of 1939-40. Streamline Moderne structures emphasize simple, often horizontal lines, and an unadorned look. Often, Art Deco motifs are incorporated in moderation, especially in interiors. White stucco with darker, contrasting horizontal trim, was often used instead of more expensive materials of earlier styles. It was most widely used in large urban centres during the 1930s, especially in Europe and America. The low-slung lines, horizontally streamlined fenestration, and flattened geometric ornament of Glen Home were all characteristic of the Streamline Moderne style. Dark, horizontal bands contrasted with the light, wood siding of the exterior. An octagonal turret on the north end of the building was originally topped by an Art Deco-influenced “wedding cake” ornament, later removed. Also of note, Glen Home was the first area resort to incorporate private walk-out balconies for each guest room. A private apartment for the owner’s family was designed for the lower level of the structure. The Horwood emphasis on foundations and structural steel are evident. |
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| Details: |
Additional coverage of the demolition:
http://www.muskokasun.com/muskokasun/article/105964 |
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