When Sharon Ranney tidies her century-old home, or undertakes a restoration project with her husband, John, her thoughts are never far from an often underrated founding father named Samuel Armstrong.
“My mind goes back to conversations I’ve had with Armstrong descendants we’ve had stay with us over the years – Samuel’s great granddaughter and great great granddaughter ,” says Sharon, as she flips through a thick folder of historical background information descendants gathered, recording the life and times of this lumber baron who played a key role in the formation of the Parry Sound District. “Samuel Armstrong was tremendous, but he didn’t get the recognition in Parry Sound that he deserved. McKellar gave him that recognition, and a number of their streets were named after Samuel’s family members.”
Sharon and John Ranney are the fifth family to own this distinctive home since the illustrious Mr. Armstrong had it built in 1907 at 43 Church Street at the corner of Rosetta Street.
The influence of this lumber baron is reflected throughout the home today, most notably in the quality of the original woodwork. From the 10-inch baseboards, the interior doors, and the solid staircase, to the rare knotless fir trim (found in area forests one hundred years ago), the distinctive original woodwork has been carefully restored.
Visitors on the staircase leading to the second floor are met by a photo of Samuel Armstrong and his young bride Catherine. As well, the sheer elegance of this stately five-bedroom manor is congruous with the impressive homes constructed for the upper class, well-to-do families of that era. One can almost hear the political discourse and social banter of influential guests in the formal dining room and parlour - or perhaps visualize Sheriff Armstrong, despite his failing eyesight due to glaucoma, seeking quiet refuge in the home’s library.
Over the years, owners – Armstrong, Dent, Pollard, Weening, and now the Ranneys have respected the character of the Armstrong house and offered TLC in preserving its heritage features. Some updating and expansion, however, was required over the years.
A new roof was added, electrical and plumbing improvements were made, and insulation was augmented, without disturbing the heritage character.
The Ranneys installed two gas fireplaces fitting with the existing decor and character, and other families installed new windows, built a balcony off one of the bedrooms and added two bathrooms (the original structure had one bathroom). The Pollard family added a stone fireplace in the library, and about 35 years ago, a cedar shingle and glass family room.
Later, a front porch was replaced in 1992, incorporating design elements of two previous porches on the site.
Ontario Heritage Act designation
In 1994, the house was designated as a Ontario Heritage home for both its historical and architectural significance.
Besides having historical value as the home of Samuel Armstrong, the sand-coloured brick used in the original house was locally made at the Composite Brick Works, once located on Isabella Street, across from the present location of the Parry Sound High School. The designation listing in 1994, describes 43 Church as one of less than 10 buildings constructed of this material still left standing in the Town of Parry Sound. In fact, Gibson Street School, once located on the site of William Beatty School, was also made using bricks from the Composite Brick Works.
Architecturally, the red pointing at 43 Church is especially distinctive, since it is one of the last remaining houses in town with this colour mortar. The octagonal corner towers with pyramidal ‘witch’s hat’ roofs with decorative finials add architectural value to this two story heritage home, as does the random course rubble foundation.
Other architectural features cited in designating this heritage property included the main roof which is hipped with bell cove (concave molded arches) at the eaves; the centre dormer which is a palladian window with arched fascia and a bell cove roof; the small dormer on the south slope of the roof which is similar to that of the facade; the large gable on the north face which has a semi-circular window with triple brick voussoirs and concrete sills; and the centre hall plan which has an entrance door below and a door onto the porch above, flanked by leaded glass and half windows.
The classical style of the verandah on the north side is also architecturally significant, with brick posts and turned wooden columns of tuscan design and lattice work below. Not noted in the heritage designation, yet significant, are four stained glass windows from the original structure.
Celebrating 100 years
In recognition of the Armstrong House’s one-hundredth birthday, Sharon and John hosted the Parry Sound Chamber of Commerce’s After Five event on September 5. She also anticipates her home, along with other century homes in Parry Sound, will be part of the many centennial celebrations being held in 2008 for both the Parry Sound CPR train trestle and the Parry Sound Station Gallery.
So, why celebrate a home’s 100 birthday?
“Because it’s still there,” is Sharon’s immediate response. “So many older homes were torn down and rebuilt.”
She sees heritage buildings as being so much a part of the community’s history, so she’s saddened when structures such as the two distinctive banks once located at the four corners (James and Seguin) of downtown Parry Sound have been torn down to make way for modern banking establishments.
“You lose so much history of the town,” she explains. “I think with Canada being such a young country, we’re now valuing our history more and realizing that it’s so vitally important.”
People crave knowlege about their roots, she finds. So do visitors. As the operator of this bed and breakfast establishment, Sharon is frequently asked about the history of the town, and why it was developed. Through existing heritage buildings, people can still see a piece of the community’s history, learn from it and appreciate its value.
That’s reason to celebrate, she believes.
For Sharon and John, unravelling the thread of history in the Armstrong home has been a fascinating experience.
“First you’re interested in the history of the home,” Sharon says. “I think there’s so much to learn about the era, what was happening back then, and why the home was so exquisitely built. Then you go to the person who had it built, and you start learning about Samuel Armstrong and why he was able to do what he did and then you find he was such a tremendous asset.”
She learned that Samuel Armstrong was born in Ireland and came to Canada in 1848, with his family at the age of four. His cousins, the Beattys (which included Parry Sound town father William Beatty), had already moved to this country. Samuel was educated in Toronto, and the family eventually settled in the Parry Sound district. In 1870, he married Catherine Taylor.
Samuel Armstrong was postmaster for the village of McKellar from 1871 to 1886 and served as reeve from 1873 to 1887. He operated a general store and grist sawmill and was also involved in the timber trade and the construction of railways and roads.
In 1886, the government appointed him Justice of the Peace. Later, in December of that year, he successfully ran for a seat in the Legislative Assembly of Ontario, becoming the first MPP to represent this new district. From 1886 to 1890, he represented Parry Sound as an Independent Liberal member.
In 1895, Samuel became sheriff of Parry Sound and moved into the town with his family. He shut down his business, the S & J Armstrong company, which was faltering with substantial debts. Records show that while still sheriff, he purchased the property at 43 Church Street in 1906. He died in 1921, at the age of 77 and is buried in the Hillcrest Cemetery.
The Parry Sound North Star reported that upon his death, the entire town shut down for most of the day, indicating the huge impact his life had on the town.
As Sharon gathered historical accounts, she also learned about Samuel Armstrong’s personality, particularly his generous nature.
“He helped so many people, loaning them money from his lumber business to build their homes, and then they never paid him back because the war happened and people didn’t have the money, and buying changed, so he forgave the loans for the lumber,” she says, noting that her research indicates he was owed $75,000 – a substantial sum at that time.
The Ranneys have also had some fun learning about former occupants of this century home. A small button discovered under the table in the dining room, was apparently used by the second owners, the Dents. John Ranney traced the wiring from the button into the kitchen.
“I guess, when it was time to serve the dessert, or second or third course of dinner, she (the lady of the house) would tap her foot and in would come the maid because she’d see a light come on in the kitchen,” says Sharon.
The Armstrong house is one of a cluster of half a dozen homes in the Church Street neighbourhood hovering around the 100 year mark. Sharon sees homes in this neighbourhood, as having potential in downtown development.
“I think people crave a historic downtown,” she says, reflecting on older photos she’s seen portraying Church and Gibson Streets, with huge trees adding inviting ambiance. “I think that if we do it right – because the downtown does needs to be revamped – it can be developed in such a way that it’s bringing our heritage back to Parry Sound.
“So if we can create a warm heritage atmosphere downtown, we will start recognizing the importance of the history of our town.”
“I’ve always liked the phrase: ‘You have to know where you are at to know where you’re going,” she says. “I think that’s so important.”
Victoria Manor: Armstrong home turns 100
Victoria Manor Armstrong home turns 100
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