ARCHITECTURE:
The earliest archival image shows a cross-axial two-storey, bellcast hip-roofed, Arts & Crafts house. The horizontal lines of the main roof, with its wide eaves and multiple modillions, and the wraparound verandah roof reference the Prairie School. The two cross-axial sleeping porches are above the two pedimented entry stairs in the verandah below. Thomas Hooper’s favourite Tuscan columns abound in twos, threes, and fours on granite piers. There are three massive granite chimneys. Today the verandah is enclosed and the perimeter walls on the upper storey have been extended to the former limits of the porches, doubling or tripling the house’s interior space. Many of the columns have been removed. In 1920 Percy Fox designed the interior fittings for the library. Ralph Berrill designed further alterations in 1928, and a chauffeur’s dwelling and garage in 1929. Later asbestos siding has been removed and original shingle and double-bevelled siding reinstated. However, the additions tacked on during its conversion to institutional use have severely altered it from the original residence designed by Thomas Hooper, and built by Edward Logan (b. ON 1855-1936)
ORIGINAL OCCUPANTS:
1910-46: This property was bought by the Spencers just after the 1910 subdivision of Craigdarroch Estate. The house was constructed in 1910 for a cost of $10,000 by John William “Will” Spencer (b. Victoria 1876-1946), fourth son of Emma and David Spencer, the retail empire mogul (1040 Moss St). Will entered his father’s business upon graduation from Victoria High School, and eventually became director and secretary-treasurer. He is credited with playing a large part in the expansion of David Spencer Ltd into a major retail chain. In 1909 he married Lillian Lemon (née Watts, b. ND, USA 1887-1977). Will pursued various business interests, as a director of the Victoria Daily Times, BC Power Corp, Excelsior Life Insurance Co, and Royal Trust Co. He served as president of Victoria Chamber of Commerce and Kiwanis Club. During WWII, Will was chairman of the Vancouver Island division of the National War Finance Committee, and supervised the Island’s Victory Loans. Lillian sold this house after Will’s death. David Spencer Ltd was sold to T. Eaton Co in 1948, Spencer’s 75th anniversary year.
Wilspencer Pl, beside Greater Victoria Art Gallery (1040 Moss St), was named for Will. Their daughter Myfanwy Watts Spencer (1916-2007) was one of Canada’s foremost portrait artists. Among her subjects were Pierre Trudeau, Yehudi Menuhin and Katherine Hepburn. She married Nikola “Niki” Pavelic (b. Zagreb, SER 1906-1996) in 1948.
OTHER OCCUPANTS:
1946-49: James McVeeters (b. IRL 1890-1975) and Violet (née Knight, b. IRL 1895-1955) lived here in 1946 when this house was converted into suites known as Joan Crescent Manor Apts. In WWI, James served as a Private in Irish RASC from 1915-17 then was discharged for sickness. They came to Canada c.1930, here in 1941, and first lived in 211 Mary St. James served in WWII from 1940-45 and Gertrude worked briefly for Countess de Charny Chocolates. He was then employed at both Spencer’s and Eaton’s, then became a gardener at Government House. They moved to 1249 Rockland Av.
1972: It was converted into Joan Crescent Manor Rest Home, and its number was changed from 975 to the present 1045 Joan Cr.