Lifetime Achievement Award
Presented to Mr. Lyndon Watkins of Schmidtville, NS.
Lyndon Watkins of Schmidtville, NS
Mr. Lyndon Watkins was presented with a Lifetime Achievement Award on April 25th when Heritage Trust of Nova Scotia hosted its Annual Dinner in the elegant Georgian Room of the Lord Nelson Hotel. The Award was given in recognition of and appreciation for the many contributions he has made to the conservation of heritage buildings in NS. The highlight of the evening was Mr. Watkins’ presentation in which he described the trials and tribulations he has encountered in following his passion for old buildings.
Mr. Watkins came to Nova Scotia from England in the 1960s, having been recruited by the Chronicle Herald, and continued with his planned career as a Canadian journalist and embarked on an unplanned career as a restorer of heritage buildings. He credits his grandfather, Mr. Charles Henry Blackwell, a Welsh builder and collector of old houses and barns, with instilling in him the ability to look at old buildings and see their potential rather than their derelict state.
His first project was an abandoned farm house in Cheverie, Hants Co. After restoring the house to a pleasantly habitable state he lived there three or four days out of the week and enjoyed entertaining his friends there. Sadly, some of the locals louts vandalized and looted the house to such an extent that Mr. Watkins did not have the heart to do it again.
However, once bitten…. His next project, at 1329 Dresden Row in Halifax, was originally a 1 ½ storey Georgian cottage with Scottish dormer, later converted to a 2 storey Victorian townhouse. This home was not only in disrepair but fire damaged as well and came to be known as Bleak House. A first inspection had him ready to flee in horror but encouraged by friends, he succumbed and presented a very low offer to purchase. Despite initial dismay at the acceptance of his offer, he proceeded with the restoration. This began his love affair with the historic neighbourhood of Schmidtville. Bounded by Clyde, Queen, Morris and Brenton Streets, Schmidtville is one of the most historic neighbourhoods in Halifax. It is named after the first family to live on the lands, German-born Christian Schmidt and his wife Elizabeth née Pedley.
His pièce de résistance is the conservation of the earliest group of structures built on the Schmidt land, two pairs of Georgian mirror-image cottages, 1314-1316 and 1318-1320 Birmingham Street. They were originally built for the four adult daughters of Christian and Elizabeth Schmidt. Although their exact age is unknown, 1814 coins were found under a floorboard. This unique enclave has been meticulously restored one building at a time. The pair of cottages at the rear of the lot have become what Mr. Watkins says will be his last home. Although only one room deep and not grand architecturally he has created a home that is a charming blend of the original elements and elegant decor.
The purchase of the home at 1312 Birmingham Street created a private courtyard between the three structures where his enthusiasm for gardening can be seen. This 2 ½ storey home is aptly referred to as ‘the Thin House,” having an unusually narrow front façade in proportion to its depth.
Mr. Watkins has had no formal training in restorations nor huge sums of money to bring in experts but rather has learned along the way, taking his time and letting the houses reveal their secrets to him gradually. Conserving old houses has been a labour of love for him with an emphasis on the labour.
Georgian Cottages at 1314-1316 and 1318-1320 Birmingham Street after restoration.
To ensure these unique heritage properties will be preserved, Mr. Watkins has created a foundation which will maintain the homes after his passing.
In addition to his work preserving heritage buildings, Mr. Watkins has also been an active member of the Friends of the Public Gardens and the Friends of Schmidtville. The Friends of Schmidtville association is working to have HRM officially designate the neighbourhood as a Heritage Conservation District.
The HRM committee of Heritage Trust has been actively engaged in supporting this initiative. For the grand finale of the Annual Dinner program, Dr. Elizabeth Pacey introduced a brochure entitled Houses and Stories of Schmidtville. The brochure published by Heritage Trust, with text by Elizabeth Pacey, research by Irene Fennell, and photography and graphic design by Arthur Carter, provides a sampling of buildings in this historic community. Beautiful photos exemplifying varied architectural styles and tales of their owners serve to whet the appetite for more information and, it is hoped, increase awareness that Schmidtville represents an important part of Halifax’s built and cultural heritage and needs to be protected for future generations.
