 |
 |
200 Oak Street
- Plan 73, Lot 31 to 33, By-law No. 80-1
This large imposing Victorian structure at the corner of Oak and Third streets was originally owned by Frank F. Telfer, a leading businessman and ex-mayor of Collingwood. He purchased the property in 1891, and by 1893 the Bryan Brothers Manufacturing Company, a local firm, had completed the construction of the Telfer home. In 1925 the Telfer family sold the house, and the “Gowans Home for Missionaries’ Children” was established by the Interior Sudan Mission.
This 10,380 square foot Victorian home, the largest and tallest in Collingwood, displays a variety of architectural features. The 3 storey structure is of double brick construction laid in a stretcher bond fashion and rests on a cut stone foundation. The three main exterior walls are accented by a repeating Greek style pattern running the full width of the walls below the eaves. The N.E. corner of the building is formed by a large round turret with a conical roof. The plethora of window shapes set above limestone sills include round, oriel, semicircular, oval as well as stained glass.
Well known for its size and grandeur, this house is truly one of Collingwood’s outstanding buildings which serves to remind us of Collingwood’s illustrious past. The fact that its front façade appearance has changed little since its construction makes it a valuable part of Collingwood’s architectural heritage.