ARCHITECTURE:
This front-gabled, 1½-storey Edwardian Vernacular Arts & Crafts house has gabled wall dormers on each side. Front-facing steps on the R front lead to a projecting, gable-roofed, inset porch. The porch roof is supported by sturdy square posts on tapered stone piers. There are cantilevered, hip-roofed box bays on front and sides. All the gables have truncated finials and knee brackets, and the eaves have exposed rafter tails. The front gables are clad in roughcast and half-timbering, the upper floor and front step balustrade are shingled, and the main body and porch have bevelled siding. The one chimney is brick.
ORIGINAL OCCUPANTS:
1912-50: Charles Edward Pearson (b. SWE 1871-1939) married Laura (née Schlawin, b. Oakdale, MN, USA 1875-1950) in St. Paul, MN and came here c.1905. Charles worked for Shawnigan Lake Lumber Co for 27 years, then established Victoria Retail Lumber Yard. At his death, Laura and sons Herbert Edward (b. Perham, MN 1902-1991) and Milford Joseph (b. Victoria c.1906-1943) took over the business. Laura later formed a partnership with Lyle Leon Pelland (b. Koochiching Co, MN, USA 1907-1986), and operated the business until her death.
1940-8, 50-52: Laura’s daughter Irene Lilian (b. Ramsey, MN 1904-?), husband William Farris Keck (b. Corbin, KY, USA 1893-1972) and their twins lived with Laura; William was a CNR brakeman, then worked at Shepherd’s Dairy.
OTHER OCCUPANTS:
Duplexed: 1949-52: Truck driver Herbert Nix (b. Victoria 1923-1998) married Shirley Mae (née Carpenter) in 1948.
1953-59: City clerk, then assistant personnel manager Norman Leo Kowalyk (b. The Pas, MB 1932-1978) and Olga J. (née Leschuk, b. Prince Albert, SK 1920-?).
1960-2002: Arthur “John” Hillyer (b. AB 1918-1983) and Helen Louise (née Armbruster, b. Stony Plain, AB 1922-2009) moved here in 1955. John was a custodian and self-employed upholsterer. Helen worked in her family’s lumber company before marriage. She was active in Hope Lutheran Church, and very active in the Girl Guide movement, ran a Brownie Pack, and, at 83 in 2006, helped to organize Guide camps.
2002: Daughter Ann and partner Bruce Wilkin bought the house and strata-titled the property. In exchange for agreeing to heritage designation, they were permitted by the City to build two sympathetic townhouses at the rear of the property