Gabriola Mansion & Sweeter Tomorrows

GABRIOLA MANSION in Vancouver is a solidly built work of art that was once home to founder of B.C. Sugar's Benjamin Rogers. I was compelled to not pass by without giving this faded beauty a second look recently.

The building designed by Samuel Maclure was constructed in 1900. Its sandstone exterior was quarried on Gabriola Island in B.C. The Rogers family moved to a newer prestigious area of the city and the mansion was sold when Rogers died in 1918. The roomy building became known as Angus Apartments for a time taking on the maiden name of Rogers' wife.

Nowadays the abandoned mansion stands forlorn on Davie Street in the West End of Vancouver in need of repair. Windows are boarded up and there are disturbing signs of graffiti on some outer walls.

The residence reflects Victorian and Edwardian styles of architecture.

It is rumored that there was once a rum-running tunnel in the house to a so-called entertainment establishment across the street that has since been torn down. The building has had several transformations.

Since the 70s it has been the site of various restaurants. A local told me the home was also a popular spot for movie makers over the years and most recently the building was being considered as a bed and breakfast.

Busy pedestrians, cars and buses go by without giving a moment's notice to the intricacies chiseled into the stone.

According to a touring company, there might be a ghost in the house. It seems despite wealth and privilege life was not always rosy. Although I hesitate to say it here since I could not find independent corroboration, it's been said that a son of Rogers committed suicide by jumping from an upper story window. Rogers had seven children and, if true, that son would have been one of four brothers.

Structures belonging to the mansion no longer occupy the entire block and the lone house is surrounded by a steady flow of traffic, modern buildings and fast food restaurants.

This monument to the lifestyles of the industrious and powerful is an infant compared to ancient structures around the globe. But in this relatively young part of the world the mansion was designated a heritage site so, thankfully, will not be demolished as other historic buildings have been in Vancouver. I was also glad to see security measures on site to protect against vandalism.

I was both charmed and puzzled by the state of the house as well as by a face hidden by a muddle of twigs. Do I see horns growing out of that head?

Next time I spoon Rogers Sugar into my tea I will give special thought to the character home and hope that it soon gets the care and attention, and perhaps the warmth of family and visitors, it so richly deserves.

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Copyright by Penelope Puddlisms

See more BC scenes at Musings of A Puddlist In B.C..