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Geary House

133, St. Georges Crescent, Goderich, Town of, Ontario, N7A, Canada

Formally Recognized: 1981/09/09

Of note is the intricate detail of the front entrance way and balcony.; Kayla Jonas, 2008.
Southwest Corner, Geary House, 2008
Of note is the bay window on the west elevation.; Kayla Jonas, 2008.
Northwest Corner, Geary House, 2008
Of note is the sharply-pitched gable roof, with  intricate bargeboard.; Kayla Jonas, 2008.
West Elevation, Geary House, 2008

Other Name(s)

Geary House
Griffin House
133 St. Georges Crescent

Links and documents

Construction Date(s)

Listed on the Canadian Register: 2009/10/21

Statement of Significance

Description of Historic Place

The Geary House, located at 133 St. Georges Crescent, is situated on the east side of St. Georges Crescent, west of the intersection of Waterloo Street North and St Georges Crescent, in the Town of Goderich. The property consists of a two-storey, white faux-stone residence that was constructed in circa 1863.

The property was designated by the town of Goderich in 1981 for its historical or architectural value under Part IV of the Ontario Heritage Act (By-law 50 of 1981).

Heritage Value

The Geary House is significant for its association with William Geary, who was a local contractor and stage coach operator. He originally purchased the property from Edward Griffin. Geary cleared a good deal of the land around Goderich, including the area of the old Gaol. He was married to Elizabeth, one of the seven daughters of William Bennett Rich, an early employee of the Canada Company.

Constructed in circa 1863, the Geary House is a fine example of a Gothic Revival style with an asymmetrical floor plan, a style that was popular from 1850 through 1880 in Goderich. In the case of the Geary home, the floor plan is in a T formation. Timber construction is sheathed with ashlar imitation stone block with intricate bargeboards at gable ends and a decorative cornice around the top of the bay window, adorned by a decorative railing.

Sources: Town of Goderich, By-law 50 of 1981.

Character-Defining Elements

Character defining elements that contribute to the heritage value of the Geary House include its:
- one-and-a-half storey timber construction, sheathed in ashlar stone block
- intricate bargeboard trim
- pointed arch openings and sharply pitched gables
- 2 over 2 windows
- side porch, including wood roof which forms a balcony
- bay window on western elevation
- main entrance including transom and side panel lights
- T pattern of three large square rooms
- square entrance, involving a finely detailed staircase

Recognition

Jurisdiction

Ontario

Recognition Authority

Local Governments (ON)

Recognition Statute

Ontario Heritage Act

Recognition Type

Municipal Heritage Designation (Part IV)

Recognition Date

1981/09/09

Historical Information

Significant Date(s)

1981/01/01 to 1981/01/01

Theme - Category and Type

Expressing Intellectual and Cultural Life
Architecture and Design

Function - Category and Type

Current

Historic

Residence
Single Dwelling

Architect / Designer

n/a

Builder

n/a

Additional Information

Location of Supporting Documentation

Town of Goderich Town Hall 57 West Street Goderich N7A2K5

Cross-Reference to Collection

Fed/Prov/Terr Identifier

HPON08-0028

Status

Published

Related Places

n/a

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