Gurd Mansion

[johnny5]

Sarnia's grandest and largest (32 rooms and a ballroom on the 3rd floor) house was erected on the site of Durand's log store (Sarnia's 1st) in 1875 by local barrister and one time mayor, Robert S. Gurd. The opulent house was resplendent with imported marble and exotic woods. As the Gurd's died out or moved away, it became increasingly difficult to keep the sprawling mansion, and it was eventually converted into 8 apartments. In 1964 the grand old edifice was sold and pulled down to make way for the present bank building on the southwest corner of Christina St. and London Rd. I am told that the two large stone beavers which guarded the front entrance now reside somewhere in King City, ON.

Attachments:

[Jessie Gurd Griffith]

I just wanted to set the record straight about the Gurd Mansion from a post I just now saw from 2010. The third floor was not a ballroom...simply four bedrooms intended for the staff. My mother's family owned the house so please consider this reliable information.

[Claire Barron]

This is a message for Jessie Gurd Griffith. I have been going through our family tree and we are related. We are both related to F.W. Barron.
Thanks,
Claire