Boyd House

Boyd House is a one-and-a-half storey wood frame house located on the east side of Vaughan Street in North Quesnel, BC. The historic place includes the building and the parcel of land it occupies.

The Boyd House has historic value for its association with its original owners and occupants who were contributing members of the community. Built in the 1930s, the house is named for Walter Boyd and is located in North Quesnel which is an older residential neighbourhood in the city. Walter is the youngest son of pioneers, John and Janet Boyd, who owned the homestead 'Cottonwood House'. Walter worked as an apprentice carpenter with contractor Harry Joyce until 1915 when he enlisted in the Canadian Expeditionary Force during WWI. When Walter returned to Quesnel he continued in the carpentry trade and built many houses in the city. The Boyd family is recognized for their contribution to the development of the community with a street named in their honour.

The house is also valued for its connection to William and Audrey Fawcett. In 1945, Walter sold this house to the Fawcetts. William had a career in public service. He served in WWI and was wounded in duty. In 1926, William came to Canada from Ireland. He arrived in Quesnel in 1942 via Edmonton and Williams Lake and was involved in many community organizations, such as his contributions serving four terms on the Village Commission and one term on the Hospital Board. For more than ten years, William was the Returning Officer for the district. William was also the Magistrate, District Coroner, and Civil Defence Coordinator. The Fawcett family is recognized for their contribution to the development of the community with a street named in their honour.

The character-defining elements of Boyd House include its:

- one-and-a-half single storey wood frame;

- large four pane dormer addition on the facade;

- an oversized three pane picture window and projecting entrance with pediment on the facade;

- a T-shaped form with an asymmetrical facade.