Heritage Report: Reasons for Heritage Designation

Andrew McCandless Plank House 1985 Bovaird Drive West

September 2012

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Profile of Subject Property

Municipal Address 1985 Bovaird Drive West

PIN Number 140933209

Roll Number 10-08-0-013-06600-0000

Legal Description CON 4 WHS PT LOT 10

Ward Number 6

Property Name Andrew McCandless Plank House

Current Owner City of Brampton

Owner Concurrence -

Current Zoning Agricultural

Current Use(s) Vacant

Construction Date Circa 1840

Notable Owners or Occupants

Ewing, Blackstock, McCandless, McClure families

Heritage Resources on Subject Property

Built Heritage / Cultural Heritage Landscape

Relevant Council Resolutions

-

Additional Information -

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1. Introduction

The Andrew McCandless Plank House at 1985 Bovaird Drive West, Brampton is worthy of designation under Part IV of the Ontario Heritage Act for its cultural heritage value or interest. The property meets the criteria for designation prescribed by the Province of Ontario under Ontario Heritage Act, Regulation 9/06 for the categories of design/physical value, historical/associative value, and contextual value.

2. Description of Property

The property known as 1985 Bovaird Dr W is located at Bovaird Dr and W Mississauga Rd, and contains a 1½ storey vernacular farmhouse built circa 1840 known as Andrew McCandless Plank House. The farm associated with the house extended south and east of the intersection. The historic house is located by the top of bank of a low wetland, and is surrounded by mature vegetation including a conifer windbreak.

3. Statement of Cultural Heritage Value or Interest

Design/Physical Value:

The cultural heritage value of the Andrew McCandless Plank House is related to its design or physical value as a rare, vernacular, early 19th century plank structure. The house is best described as a 1½ storey, three bay Georgian farmhouse with a simple side-gable roof. The structure consists of a main house measuring 24’ by 18’6” with a kitchen tail measuring 22’ by 16’6”. It sits on a rubble stone foundation with a top course of dressed stone. The house exhibits a unique building technique known as horizontal plank or “plank-on-plank” construction. The 2x4 planks were laid flat with half-inch spacing between each. The spacing allowed for stucco on the exterior and plaster on the interior, with the spaces providing the “key” for the stucco/plaster. The house was carefully, if simply detailed, with corner boards, likely a base board, likely a frieze board, and eave boards. The front facade is characterized by a central door flanked by 2-over­2 sash windows. There are two brick chimneys with evidence of corbelled brick at the tops. The stucco was removed and horizontal strapping applied. There is evidence of aluminum siding, however, the horizontal strapping may have had vertical board-and­batten siding at some point.

This horizontal or “plank-on-plank”method of construction can be found in early Ontario settlements. In his book Building with Wood, John Rempel explains that plank-on-plank houses feature walls constructed of wooden planks stacked either vertically or horizontally. Rempel states that the planks are typically stacked directly on one another

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with an alternating ½ inch offset on each side that formed the key for plaster or stucco. The methodology seen at the McCandless Plank House and LeFlar Plank House (accidentally demolished) in Brampton may, therefore, be unique for this style of construction. Rempel goes on to describe that the exterior is typically clad in board sheeting, roughcast plaster, or clapboard. Interiors are usually papered, or lath and plastered.

The method of plank construction can be appreciated for the extensive amount of materials and labour it required. The method called for a large amount of lumber and processed lumber, as well as great quantities of nails compared to traditional log construction. It also required extensive labour since each plank layer added minimal height to the structure walls. Such work was extremely time-consuming and costly. The availability of planks from local sawmills partially reduced associated costs.

In his article Houses Without Frames: The Uncommon Technique of Plank Construction, Stephen B. Jordan explains that this building method is rare because it requires no true frame. Vertical plank construction stood the planks vertically, while horizontal construction stacked the planks on top of one another like cards. Both methods could easily support a house without the use of a frame. It depended on an abundant source of labour and inexpensive nails. Planks were nailed on top of one another to form a dense, solid wall. Overlapping boards at corners tied the walls together and provided additional stability. While the horizontal plank construction method required larger amounts of lumber compared to its vertical plank counterpart, it provided the thickest wall and thus a greater degree of insulation. Since an experienced carpenter was not needed to create a complex frame, the plank-on-plank method was ideal for a novice house builder. Each plank could be easily lifted and installed in place by one man and a helper.

Historical/Associative Value:

The cultural heritage value also lies in its association with the early settlement of Chinguacousy Township. The house is particularly associated with early owners William Blackstock, the Ewing family, and the McCandless family. The earliest tax assessment roll available for Chinguacousy Township is 1827. It indicates that a total of 27,211 acres were taken up at this time. Only six settlers had managed to build a respectable house by that point; three square timber houses and three frame houses were recorded in this early period.

The Crown lease for the property at Lot 10, Concession 4, WHS, Chinguacousy Township was issued to William Blackstock on November 28, 1829. He owned the

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property until his death in 1831. Blackstock may have erected the current dwelling on the west 100 acres between 1829 and his death in February 1831. The plank dwelling is an excellent example of a type of early construction prevalent during the settlement period of Chinguacousy Township. On March 3, 1831, Blackstock’s widow, Sarah, subleased the west hundred acres of the lot to James Ewing. James Ewing divided the 100 west hundred acres to Robert Ewing. Both James and Robert were local farmers. In 1836, another portion of the lot was subleased to John Ewing. The Upper Canada Land Records record a Clergy Reserve sale of the northwest quarter of Lot 10 to John Ewing on April 13, 1847.

The 1859 Tremaine’s map for Chinguacousy Township plots a John McCandless on 75 acres of Lot 10. John is believed to be the son of John and Elizabeth McCandless who came to Chinguacousy Township from County Armagh, Ireland around 1827. John McCandless married Mary Jane Learmont on March 24, 1858. An 1861 census for Chinguacousy lists John, a farmer, wife Mary, and two daughters on 75 acres of Lot 10. They occupied a log, one-story dwelling. The type of construction may have been unknown or discernible to the census enumerator due to wall cladding.

On December 1, 1862, 50 acres of the lot was sold to Andrew McCandless. He acquired the north 24 acres from John McCandless in 1869. The 1871 census identifies Andrew, age 46, as a farmer. He lived in the household with wife Margaret and their five kids. The 1877 Peel County Atlas plots McCandless on 75 acres of the northwest half of Lot 10. A dwelling, barn, and orchard are also depicted on the lot.

On March 1, 1878, Andrew and Margaret McCandless sold 75 acres of the northwest half of Lot 10 to Stephen Smithers for $4,700. Five years later, Smithers and wife Jemima sold it to John McClure. The parcel was passed down to several members of the McClure family until 1969. The lot is currently owned by the City of Brampton.

Contextual Value:

The property holds contextual value as it reflects, maintains, and supports the rural character of the former Chinguacousy Township. The house is situated on a rise with a low wetland creek, a tributary of the Credit River to the west. It sits on the edge of “top of bank” of this protected wetland. A grove of coniferous trees line the front of house. The composition of the house and landscape is exemplary of early farmsteads, even though a barn once located at the south of the house has been removed. Furthermore, its location on the southeast corner of Mississauga Road and Bovaird Drive West has made the Andrew McCandless farmhouse a local landmark.

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4. Description of Heritage Attributes

Unless otherwise indicated, the reason for designation apply generally to all exterior elevations, facades, foundation, roof and roof trim, all doors, windows, other structural openings and associated trim, all architectural detailing, construction materials of wood, stone, brick, plaster parging, metal and glazing and related building techniques, fencing, all trees, shrubs, hedgerows, other vegetation and the grounds and vistas generally.

To ensure that the cultural heritage value of this property is conserved, certain heritage attributes that contribute to its value have been identified specifically and they include: A potential construction date of circa1840, making it one of the earliest buildings

in Brampton Rare horizontal plank, or “plank-on-plank” construction Georgian form Side gable roof Three-bay front facade 2-over-2 sash windows Corner boards, eave boards and eave returns Kitchen tail Two brick chimneys with corbelled brick at the tops Stone foundation Association with the Ewing, Blackstock, and McCandless families, early settlers

and farmers in Chinguacousy Township Association with the McClure family of Brampton, a notable early settlement

family with ties to several nearby lots Its situation on the landscape, with the coniferous windbreak around it, as an

intact example of the farmsteads that once characterized the landscapes of Brampton

Its location at a major intersection (Mississauga Rd and Bovaird Dr W), where it has long been a landmark

Trees and vegetation on the top of nearby bank

5. Alteration History and Heritage Integrity

5.1 Alteration History

The following are the known alterations to the subject property: Ground floor window on west elevation appears to have been moved from the

centre to off-centre Cladding

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Gradual alteration of kitchen tail Minor changes and additions to interior layout

5.2 Recommended Restoration Measures

The following recommendations for future restoration and conservation are included for information purposes only. They are provided for the benefit of present and future property owners. These recommendations are non-binding, and property owners are under no obligation to restore any lost or missing attributes or features.

Remove vertical strapping Restore and repair existing windows and reinstall, repaint and caulk Repair baseboard, frieze board and corner boards New stucco on wire lath Removal of existing roofing and assess damage to roof structure Install new roof sheathing New wood shingles on new strapping Repair and restore eave and eave details New galvanized metal eaves troughs and down spouts Install new 4-panel doors in existing or restored frames Provide new sprayed insulation to roof areas Restore and repair existing plank flooring Restore existing stair Create new washroom, kitchenette, and basement Enable modern electrical servicing, plumbing, and heating

6. Archaeological Potential

Archaeological Assessment of subject lands was carried out as of January 31, 2012. Background research indicates that the general context of 1985 Bovaird Drive West has potential for archeological resources of Native origins based on proximity to a source of potable water in the past. Research also suggests that Euro-Canadian archaeological resources may be discovered based on proximity to a historic roadway. In the Stage 1 and 2 Assessment of the property, no archeological resources were encountered. However, the existence of the plank house suggests that archeological deposits related to the historic occupation of the property may be discovered upon further inspection. A Stage 3 Site Specific Assessment is recommended to determine if there are deeply buried significant archaeological deposits.

7. Policy Framework

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In the context of land use planning, the Province of Ontario has declared that the wise use and management of Ontario’s cultural heritage resources is a key provincial interest.

A set of Provincial Policy Statements (PPS) provides planning policy direction on matters of provincial interest in Ontario. These statements set the policy framework for regulating the development and use of land. The current set of policies was last reviewed in 2005. At that time, the cultural heritage policies were strengthened considerably.

The relevant heritage policy statement is PPS 2.6.1, which states that “significant built heritage resources and significant cultural heritage landscapes shall be conserved”.

PPS 2.6.1 is tied to Section 3 of the Ontario Planning Act which stipulates that land use planning decisions by municipalities “shall be consistent with” the Provincial Policy Statements.

The policy is also integrated with the Ontario Heritage Act. This piece of legislation grants municipalities powers to preserve locally significant cultural heritage resources through heritage designation. Decisions as to whether a property should be designated heritage or not is based solely on its inherent cultural heritage value or interest.

City Council prefers to designate heritage properties with the support of property owners. However, Council will designate a property proactively, without the concurrence of a property owner as required. These principles are reflected in Brampton’s Official Plan, which states:

4.9.1.3: All significant heritage resources shall be designated as being of cultural heritage value or interest in accordance with the Ontario Heritage Act to help ensure effective protection and their continuing maintenance, conservation and restoration.

4.9.1.5: Priority will be given to designating all heritage cemeteries and all Class A heritage resources in the Cultural Heritage Resources Register under the Ontario Heritage Act.

4.9.1.6: The City will give immediate consideration to the designation of any heritage resource under the Ontario Heritage Act if that resource is threatened with demolition, significant alterations or other potentially adverse impacts.

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These principles are also guided by recognized best practices in the field of heritage conservation.

8. References

AMICK Consulting Ltd. Stage 1-2 Archaeological Assessment, McCandless Farm, 1985 Bovaird Drive West, Part of Lot 10, Concession 4 W. June, 2012.

Carter, Phillip H. and Oberst, Paul. Heritage Impact Statement: McCandless Plank House, 1985 Bovaird Drive West, Brampton, Ontario. September, 2012.

Jordan, Stephen B. House without Frames: The Uncommon Technique of Plank Construction. Old House Journal, May-June 1993.

Murdoch, Su. Heritage Background Report, Plank Dwelling, 1985 Bovaird Drive West, Brampton, Ontario. May 2012.

Noble, Allen. Traditional Buildings: A Global Survey of Structural Forms and Cultural Functions. I. B. Tauris, 2007.

Pope, J. H. Illustrated Historical Atlas of the County of Peel, 1877.Walker & Miles, Reprint Edition, 2000.

Tremaine, G.R. and G.M. Tremaine's Map of the County of Peel, Canada West. T,1859.

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9. Appendix

Figure 1: 1985 Bovaird Drive West on the southeast corner of Mississauga Rd and Bovaird Dr W

Coniferous windbreak

Farmhouse

Figure 2: Aerial image of showing the farmhouse, mature landscape features, rural composition and setback

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Figure 3: Tremaine’s Map of Chinguacousy Township showing John McCandless on 75 acres of Lot 10

Figure 4: Map of Chinguacousy Township South from the Walker & Miles Illustrated Historical Atlas of the County of Peel, 1877. The McCandless Farm site is highlighted in the upper left corner.

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Figure 5: North-east elevation showing main structure and rear kitchen tail

Figure 6: Symmetrical Georgian-style front façade

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Figure 7: Dressed stone on top course of the foundation

Figure 8: Brick chimney with corbelling

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Figure 9: Horizontal strapping on exterior

Figures 10: Northwest corner detail showing stacked plank wall and beaded cornerboard

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Figure 11: Evidence of stucco keys still in place between various stacked planks

Figure 12: Mature conifers lining the front facade of the house

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Figure 13: View of property from Bovaird Dr W

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Figure 14: Measured drawing of ground floor plan (Prepared by Philip Carter and Paul Oberst)

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Figure 15: Measured drawing of second floor plan (Prepared by Philip Carter and Paul Oberst)

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Figure 16: North elevation ((Prepared by Philip Carter and Paul Oberst)

Figure 17: West elevation (Prepared by Philip Carter and Paul Oberst)

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Figure 18: South elevation (Prepared by Philip Carter and Paul Oberst)

Figure 19: East elevation (Prepared by Philip Carter and Paul Oberst)

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Figure 20: Preliminary draft site plan

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Figure 21: Diagram of horizontal or plank-on-plank construction (Old House Journal)

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