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Beyond Ladner's LandingTwo Heritage Walks South Slough Road Stanley Street Victoria Street Interesting neighbourhoods and charming homes More historical photographs |
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Beyond Ladner's LandingTwo Heritage Walks South Slough Road Stanley Street Victoria Street Interesting neighbourhoods and charming homes More historical photographs |
| "The Handford
house at 5038
47A Avenue is the third house in this heritage row. Its completion
in 1912 was reported in the local newspaper, which also stated
that the "house which is of two storeys and basement, is
being put up by James Leonard, of Ladner." Leonard, who
lived on G. B. Main Road, built many homes and other buildings
in Ladner, although his reputation has been eclipsed by that
of his competitor, J. B. Elliot. R. L. Handford, known as "Frank" for some reason, was a man of various careers. He had owned farmland in East Delta prior to World War One, probably on the Smith Road. In this period he was also one of the "poundkeepers" for the municipality, as well as the "road and dog tax collector." After the family moved into the village, Handford appears to have gone into the business of buying and selling horses. This may explain how he came to be the proprietor of a livery stable in 1918. At some time between 1919 and 1922 this property was transferred to his wife, Gertrude. She died in December 1927, leaving behind four children. One son had been killed in World War One. Since Mrs. Handford died without a will, the estate eventually ended up in the hands of the Public Administrator. In settlement of the estate the house was sold to provide for those children who were still minors. In 1929 it was purchased by Mrs. J. Jordan who immediately rented it to Mr. and Mrs. Wolf and family. The house continued to be occupied by various tenants until the Fergusons bought it in the 1940s. The stucco, of course, is not original, but, as in other cases where it has been added, no one has claimed responsibility. From 1989 this house was occupied by Fraser Interior Sales Ltd., later Heritage House Interiors. The house has once again become a family residence, after the business moved to 48th Avenue in 1995." |
