Thomas and Elizabeth Turnbull House

The Thomas & Elizabeth Turnbull Residence is significant as an example of Brow of the Hill’s earliest residential development, and was the first house to be constructed on Ninth Avenue.

The house is additionally significant for its associations with Scottish-born Thomas Turnbull (1860-1939) and his wife, Elizabeth (Lizzie) French Turnbull (née Stoddart, 1866-1958). Thomas was an accomplished carpenter and building contractor who built many fine homes and commercial buildings in the New Westminster area. Thomas embarked upon his impressive contracting career in 1885, which included the construction of numerous buildings throughout New Westminster and the Fraser Valley, many of which have survived to the present day. Turnbull acted as the City Building Inspector for more than ten years, until the position was abolished in 1923. His community involvement included acting as one of the first directors of the New Westminster Labour Temple, supporting trade unions, sitting on the Board of Trustees of the Carnegie Library, and joining the Knights of the Pythias, Lodge No. 6, upon its formation in 1889. Lizzie was also recognized as an honorary member of the Native Daughters of BC, and for her work with The Women’s Missionary Society of St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church.

This house is also valuable as an example of late Victorian-era cottage architecture. Utilitarian in form and layout, the house nevertheless displays decorative embellishments that demonstrate pride in ownership. The evolving technology of the era, such as steam-driven band saws, enabled the use of elaborate scroll-cut decorations. Some of the unique exterior features include a Scottish flag design incorporated into the verandah railings. The restored interior features high ceilings, a ceiling plaster medallion, original fir floors, and period doors, hardware and fixtures.