Blacksmith's House

This is a two story Victorian home built in 1890. There is a metal covered small framed wooden barn at the back that is a Blacksmith's Forge. There was an article stating that the Palermo (this area of Oakville) Blacksmith had died in the 60's & that the forge has sat there unused since. I've done some investigating & there was an Allen Dickenson that came to Canada from England in 1924 & he purchased the property in 1941. He is listed as a Blacksmith on his wedding Certificate from 1924 & he was the blacksmith on this property until his death in 1958 leaving his wife Nancy as a widow.

Around the same time there is another Blacksmith in Palermo, Wibert Bartman, he is the husband of Allen & Nancy's daughter, Jean Dickenson. Wilbert Bartman died in 1982 and it appears as though the Blacksmith Forge has not been used since his death. His wife, Jean was the last person to live in the house prior to being sold to developers.

The property has a brick house, wood barn is associated with the development of Palermo. It is listed as a Property of Cultural Heritage Value or Interest, but is not (yet) a Designated Heritage Property. Still, I'm not overly optimistic that the house or barn will survive the near future as Condo Vultures are lurking & I already see a sales trailer on an adjoining property.

Update: Aug 2014

The house will be saved & will be moved south of its position & become part of the new development. Last I heard is the Blacksmith shop will be demolished & some of the wood may be repurposed to be used as park benches.