BUILDINGS ASSOCIATED WITH FREEMASONS IN GREATER VICTORIA
1402 Stadacona Avenue / 1480 Fort Street was designed and built in 1907 by David Herbert Bale (1867-1945), who used it as his office and residence. The house is on the City of Victoria Heritage Registry.
Although it displays the address 1480 Fort Street above the Fort Street entrance it is legally registered as 1402 Stadacona Avenue.
David Herbert Bale named the house “ARGOS” and that name is still visible at the Fort Street entrance.
A Brief History of Argos, 1402 Stadacona Avenue
1402 Stadacona Avenue was built in 1907 by designer/builder David Herbert Bale (1867-1945). David H. Bale designed houses and operated a construction company which built houses Bale designed.
David Bale built this house as his own residence and as a show home for his designs. Some of the original 1907 stained glass windows are still in place. They are believed to have been made by Henry Fox of the Victoria Glass Works.
David Bale lived here until his death in 1945.
In 1946 the house became the Stadacona Guest House. Between 1954-1970 it was the Stadacona Rest Home, a facility for elderly women.
By 1999, the house had become somewhat rundown. The owners started a three year renovation which earned them awards from the Hallmark Society and Heritage B.C.
Here are links to some historic photographs of 1402 Stadacona Avenue:
- City of Victoria Archives photo M05283 – 1959
- City of Victoria Archives photo M05582 – 1960
- City of Victoria Archives photo M05584 – 1960
- City of Victoria Archives photo M05286 – circa 1960
- City of Victoria Archives photo M05287 – circa 1965
- City of Victoria Archives photo M05285 – circa 1965
Here are some links to more information about 1402 Stadacona Avenue:
- Victoria Heritage Foundation
- Hallmark Society, photos of restoration 1999-2002
- Victoria Online Sightseeing Tours
Other house built by David Herbert Bale include:
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