Harold Schurman House

The heritage value of this home lies in its association with the Schurman family. It was built in 1928-29 for Harold B. Schurman, the son of M.F. Schurman of the M.F. Schurman Co. Ltd, a lumber, hardware and construction firm founded in nearby Kensington in 1896. Building on his father’s success, under H.B.’s direction the company became one of the largest integrated construction firms in the Atlantic Provinces. Harold and his wife Leila were local philanthropists and benefactors of the Prince County Hospital.

The community of Summerside also values the house because of its connection to Dr. J.K. Beer and his family. This well-known local physician purchased the house from the Schurmans in 1953. He was one of the co-founders of the Summerside Medical Centre, a surgeon at the Prince County Hospital and practiced medicine in the community from 1952-1984. He is fondly remembered by the citizens of Summerside.

Further heritage value lies in the home’s construction. It is an excellent example of the Foursquare architectural style and has undergone remarkably few alterations over the years. The tastes of the original homeowners are reflected in the embellishments and features they chose to add to its simplistic design.