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, Dre
wlo 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
2 comments:
Grace,
I think this is a really cool idea. I can picture it being something that people find really exciting not only to check out the history of where they are living but to post information on. This could appeal to both young and old. Students (who are continually moving around), buyers or even people doing renos. I can even imagine the layout of the website. You could do some really cool stuff like have virtual tours through particular parts of a city that change periodically. I think you need to get on this one!!!!!
I never knew this house had so much history! I remember walking by it wondering why it was vacant. I always though - if I was to invest in buying a huge house and renting it out that would be an awesome investnment. And now it's never going to be available :( It's like a fantasy gone, so sad
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