The Gamman House – 306 Cyr Ave.
This small workers home at 306 Cyr Ave. is named Gamman House after Nathaniel and Mary Ann Gamman who built it in 1875 and together raised 5 children there between 1875 and 1921.
Architecture
The Gamman House is a modest one-and-a-half story building in a grand Second Empire style with a typical mansard-roof. This style of roof allowed for better use of the second story. The home is of wood frame cottage construction. It is a small home at 328 square feet (or 99.96 Meters). The home is on a large lot 65 x 100 feet (19.5 x 30 meters).
Working together with the WHC the building was designated in 2004 under Part IV of the Ontario Heritage Act “as a property of cultural heritage significance.” During this research the WHC discovered that the building was a decade older than St Marguerite’s Anglican Church, which was believed to be the oldest surviving Vanier building.
The designation report by City of Ottawa stated that, “the house is significant as a remnant of Janeville, and as an unusual remaining example of a small mansard-roofed structure.” It noted that; “The building's heritage attributes include the wood siding, mansard roof, decorative wood details such as the pilasters and porch details, the finials, dentils and brackets.” The large side yard is an important example of the 1870s era and contributes to its character it is also preserved in the designation.
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There was a fire some 3 decades ago that burned a rear part of the home that was not rebuilt. Fire insurance maps indicate that there were several additions and out buildings that have been demolished over time.
The City of Ottawa is the owner of the building and the Workers’ Heritage Centre is renting it under a service agreement to operate a museum dedicated to working class history.
Full city designation report is here.