The Address Archive: Locust Mount

One of the assignments for digital history last week was to create a proposal for a digital archive meant to collect experiences. In response, I propose a website - Address Archive - which acts as an archive for collective experiences surrounding an address. Following the basic format of the 'History of Your House' database found in the City of Toronto Archives, Address Archive would go further, allowing individuals to upload photographs, written memories, and any other location-relevant material focused around a specific address. The Address Archive site would also be searchable, allowing visitors to enter an address and view all previously uploaded information regarding that location. Historic homes would especially benefit from such an archive since their experiences often predate recent memory. Take the case of Locust Mount:

At London's 661 Talbot Street, sits Locust Mount. This landmark home was build in 1858 by former London mayor Elijah Leonard. Leonard can be described as one of the city's founders, setting up a foundry in 1838 and playing an integral role in bringing the railroad to the city. Also a founder of the Huron and Erie Savings and Loan Co. (which later became Canada Trust), Leonard acted as a senator until his death in 1890. After being vacated by the Leonard family, Locust Mount experienced a number of reinventions; a private girl's school, condominiums, and most recently a fraternity, have all called 661 Talbot Street home. A devastating fire in 2000 left the house vacated and open to the elements causing rapid deterioration. Since 2001, Locust Mount has been threatened with demolition by its owner, Drewlo Holdings, who would like to build condominiums in its place (though it seems this fate may now be avoided).

If in the future Locust Mount is restored, photographs and possible original blueprints - which could be found in the Address Archive - would prove an invaluable source for renovators. If perhaps, more realistically, the house is either demolished or altered beyond recognition, archival memories of the once grand home would become a much cherished source, commemorating a vanished landmark.

No matter how visitors and contributors plan to use it, I believe the Address Archive would be a fascinating source for both historians and the broader community.

Images From:
1 - Urban Exploration London. "Locust Mount." http://uel.minimanga.com/locustm/index.html
2 - London Fire Services. "London Fire Services Action Shots."http://www.fire.londo%20n.ca/Action_Shots.htm