George Stephen House (also known as the Mount Stephen Club building) is a historic mansion located in the Golden Square Mile in Montreal (Quebec), Canada.
This house was the residence of George Stephen, 1st Baron Mount Stephen, from 1883 to 1896, and then of his brother-in-law Robert Meighen and his successors from 1896 to 1925. From 1927 to 2011, this residence housed the Mount Stephen Club, a gentlemen's club that brought together Montreal's and international elite. In 2012, a luxury hotel project, called Le Mount Stephen, began to take shape, slated to occupy part of the residence. This project required the construction of a contemporary annex at the rear, which would house 90 rooms, shops, and an indoor parking garage with 96 spaces. The hotel's opening, originally scheduled for June 2015, was postponed to May 1, 2017.
Built between 1881 and 1883, this residence was designed by architect William Tutin Thomas in a combination of architectural styles characteristic of victorian architecture. It blends elements of the Italian Renaissance, Italian Baroque, and 17th-century English Baroque. The Italian Renaissance style, however, is the dominant style of the front façade. The interior, also designed by the same architect, is primarily decorated by the team of carpenter and joiner Archibald McIntyre, stained-glass artist John C. Spence, and the cabinetmaking and interior design firm Jacques & Hay of Toronto. Cabinetmaker James Thomson also produced some custom-made furniture for the residence.
This residence is also subject to certain protection measures. On October 14, 1971, the residence was declared a National Historic Site of Canada by the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada. It was also designated a heritage building by the Quebec Ministry of Culture and Communications on March 11, 1975. On December 10, 2004, the building was declared a "immeuble de valeur patrimoniale exceptionnelle" (building of exceptional heritage value) by the City of Montreal. The building was also declared to be located within the "aire de protection de l’édifice du club Mount Stephent" (Mount Stephen Club building protection zone) on April 11, 1978, and within the "Secteur de valeur patrimoniale exceptionnelle Guy-Drummond" (Guy-Drummond sector of exceptional heritage value) on December 10, 2004.
Site
The George Stephen House is located at 1430-1440 Drummond Street in the Golden Square Mile of the Ville-Marie borough of Montreal. It is approximately 2.7 km from Old Montreal. The site is served by the Peel metro station on the green line.
History
Before 1881: land purchase and conception
From 1858 to 1863, George Stephen and his wife, Annie Charlotte Kane, lived in a row house in Beaver Hall Square.[aa 1][aa 2][aa 3] On September 23, 1863, George Stephen acquired (in his wife's name, Annie Charlotte Kane) the land and residence of William Carter, then located at 213 De la Montagne Street.[AN-36098 1][f 1][aa 4][n 1] The residence was situated on a lot (lot 1525) approximately 44 meters (145 feet) wide by approximately 82 meters (270 feet) deep, bordering De la Montagne Street to the southwest and Drummond Street to the northeast.[f 1] On February 18, 1875, George Stephen attempted, unsuccessfully, to sell the portion of his land bordering Drummond Street, likely to obtain additional capital needed for the establishment of the Canadian Pacific Railway.[1]
Around 1880, George Stephen decided to build a new residence on a portion of his property bordering Drummond Street. He then commissioned architect William Tutin Thomas to design and build his future home.[f 1][2] Thomas conceived the house as an Italianate palazzo in the Renaissance Revival style or Italianate style. However, no information indicates why this style was chosen, nor whether it was a preference of the architect or the client. On the other hand, the architect is believed to have been inspired by the plans for William H. Vanderbilt's Fifth Avenuemansion in New York, which was then under construction (1880-1882).[3][4]William Tutin Thomas conceived this residence as a complete work of art, meaning he also designed all the interior decorations as well as all the furniture, which he had custom-made.[5]
F. Casey (possibly of the Wm. Rutherford & Co. (general contractor))[8][9][10]; J. H. Hutchison (masonry)[11]; Archibald McIntyre (cabinetmaking and interior woodwork), Robert Mitchell & Co. (plumbing, heating and gas lighting systems)[8]; Jacques & Hay (almost all of the furniture, wall hangings, curtains, etc.)[8]; James Thomson (part of the custom-made furniture)[8]; John Burns & Co. (stove)[12].
Between 1901 and 1903
Replacing the front boundary wall with a wrought iron fence[13][14]
1927
Replacement of the greenhouse's glass wall panels with stone walls and extension at the rear
Removal of 6 trees at the front of the property (Chinese elms) which were damaging the fence and the front yard[Permis 8]
2004
Au sous-sol et rez-de-chaussée: réaménagement partiel des locaux, réfection des fondations, installation de pieux, aucun travail extérieur[Permis 9]
2006
On the ground floor: interior redesign and addition of a central air conditioning system[15]. At the rear of the building: a two-level extension (basement and ground floor), the addition of meeting rooms, and the addition of a lean-to for roof access.[Permis 10][15]
2007
Construction of a 156 m2 café-terrace in the front courtyard[Permis 11]
2012
Partial dismantling of the west and north annexes of the building. The rear annex, comprising two levels: the basement, the kitchen, and the Elizabeth room (ground floor level), with a total building area of 609 m2. The north annex, comprising the changing room, has a floor area of 131 m2.[Permis 12]
2012-2016
Construction of a contemporary hotel at the rear, comprising 80 rooms, shops, and an underground parking garage with approximately 96 spaces.[16][Permis 13][Permis 14][note 1]
Construction Tidan (Entrepreneur), Nicolet, Chartrand, Knoll Ltd. (Structure), Pageau Morel et associés inc. (Mécanique/Électrique), Technorm (Sécurité du bâtiment et normes), Lemay (Design intérieur)[17]
2015
Unauthorized destruction of the three chimneys (1883), the wrought iron fence (1900-1903), and the wooden cornice on the North facade.[18].
(?) (Five architects were involved in the construction.)[18]
(?)
2016-2017
Installation of a reinforced concrete structure supporting the historic building, including 16 new pillars. Dismantling of the northern section of the east facade, replacement of the original red brick structure with concrete blocks, and reassembly of the facade. Reconstruction of the three chimneys and the wrought-iron fence. Other (miscellaneous).
(?) (Five architects were involved in the construction.)[18]
Firme NCK (Ingénierie civile/Structure)[18], St-Denis Thompson (Maçonnerie) et autres
Février 2017
Restoration of the wrought iron fence
(?)
Avril 2017
Restoration of the exterior staircases
St-Denis Thompson (Masonry)
2026
Restoration of the exterior staircases
St-Denis Thompson (Masonry)
Construction of George Stephen's new residence began in 1881. The superintendance of construction was entrusted to a certain "F. Casey" (possibly Félix Casey of the Wm. Rutherford & Co.), who may also have executed some of the woodwork, such as the building wood structure and windows.[8][9][10] J. H. Hutchison carried out the masonry work.[11][e 1][19] The interior woodwork (cabinetmaking, wood paneling and decor, etc.) was done by the team of carpenter and joiner Archibald McIntyre.[5] Robert Mitchell & Co. handled the plumbing, as well as the heating and gas lighting systems.[8] The Jacques & Hay firm of Toronto produced most of the furniture according to the designs of architect William Tutin Thomas.[20] Cabinetmaker James Thomson also contributed to the production of some furniture. George Stephen was able to closely observe the construction of his new residence from his home.[d 1]
Photograph taken in 1912 showing the original extent of George Stephen's estate.
On March 25, 1882, the newspaper The Daily Witness reported that construction of the house was "nearing completion."[21] However, work continued until the end of May 1883. Moreover, given the clay soil of the site, the foundations rested on five hundred wooden piles.[8] George Stephen and his wife, Annie Charlotte Kane, moved into their new residence in June 1883.[22] However, the interior decoration and furnishings, as well as the landscaping, were not yet finished. For example, the decorations in the main living room (paneling, fireplace, and wall hangings) were still not installed,[8] nor were some of the stained-glass windows, including those in the stairwell.[5] Outside, the stable was still not built.[8]
During the summer of 1883, stained-glass artist John C. Spence completed the installation of the stained-glass windows.[23] The decoration and furnishings of the main living room were also gradually completed during this period.[24] A new stable facing De la Montagne Street was built.[8] On September 6, 1883, George Stephen auctioned off all the furnishings from his previous residence at 339 De la Montagne Street.[25][26] Toward the end of 1883 or the beginning of 1884, George Stephen's former home and its outbuildings were demolished.[f 1] Consequently, the landscaping of the estate was likely completed during the summer of 1884.
Evolution of the Stephen's estate
Circa 1881
Circa 1890
Circa 1912
1883 to 1896: George Stephen, 1st Baron Mount Stephen
On September 25, 1883, George Stephen received the Governor General of Canada, John Campbell, Marquess of Lorne, and his wife, Princess Louise, for a visit of a few days.[29][30]
In addition to building a new residence in Montreal, George Stephen acquired a townhouse on Park Lane in London around October 1883.[31]
During the summer of 1884, George Stephen had a piano delivered, specially designed for his residence by the architect William Tutin Thomas and manufactured by the Decker Brothers company of New York.[32]
On September 15, 1884, George Stephen received Lord and Lady Lansdowne at his residence.[33] They stayed at George Stephen's house again on January 26, 1885.[34]
In March 1885, George Stephen's gardener, J. Stanford, won first prize from the Montreal Horticultural Society for the best-maintained greenhouses in the city.[35] He won first prize again in March 1886.[36]
In January 1886, George Stephen was created a baronet.[37]
In August 1886, a delegation from the United Caledonian Association of North America visited George Stephen's house, among other residences. Among the members of this delegation was the mayor of Philadelphia, William Burns Smith.[38]
In October 1886, George Stephen purchased the Métis River and seigneury from Judge U. J. Tessier for $CAD 20,000. He then commissioned his architect, William Tutin Thomas, to design a summer residence, called "Estevan Lodge", for him in Métis. The general construction contract was awarded to Simon Peters of Quebec City.[39][40][41][42]
On October 31, 1887, George Stephen hosted a "Millionaires' Luncheon," bringing together Calvin S. Bryce, J. H. Shaw, Col. Payne, H. L. Terril, and J. G. Moore.[43]
In August 1888, George Stephen announced his resignation as Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Canadian Pacific Railway. He explained his decision as follows: "From the moment I signed the contract with the federal government for the construction of the Canadian Pacific Railway and accepted the position of Chairman of the Company, I always intended to relinquish the operational management of the Company as soon as the task I had then undertaken was completed. This task was practically finished when the line was opened to traffic to the Pacific Ocean more than two years ago. [...] I agreed to remain in office for a certain time. However, my health has warned me: noting that the heavy and constant strain I have had to endure over the past eight years no longer allows me to perform the continuous and arduous duties of a workload [...]."[44] Despite his resignation, he remained one of the principal shareholders of the Canadian Pacific Railway.[44]
On October 13, 1888, George Stephen acquired lots 1524-12 to 1524-23 in the southeast of William Laurier's property for $CAD 49,000, thus expanding it "as far as the alley" near Saint Catherine Street.[AN-116483 1][45]
On April 24, 1889, after spending a few months in the United Kingdom, George Stephen and his wife returned to Canada.[46]
On May 5, 1890, the Stephens hosted a dinner in honor of the soprano Emma Albani, who was visiting Montreal.[47]
On June 2 and 3, 1890, George Stephen and his wife hosted the Duke and Duchess of Connaught and Strathearn at their residence during their visit to Montreal. On June 2, they hosted a dinner for 24 guests in their honor, and on June 3, more than 270 guests were invited to a ball held in their honor at the residence.[48][49][50][c 1] George Stephen was created a baron in 1891, taking the name "Mount Stephen."[51][52]
In April 1892, Lord Mount Stephen decided to put his Drummond Street residence up for sale, as he "now spends most of his time in England and Scotland and will probably be content with hotel accommodations during his visits to Montreal."[53][54]William Christopher Macdonald expressed interest for a time, but ultimately did not purchase it.[54] Some of the city's millionaires suggested turning it into a new private club, but the idea did not materialize.[55] In November 1893, some proposed making it the residence of the Governor General of Canada in Montreal, but again, the idea did not materialize.[56][57] In February 1896, newspapers announced that the residence had been "acquired" by Robert Meighen, general manager of the Lake of the Woods Milling Company and brother-in-law of George Stephen.[58][59][60][61] The nature of the transaction was not explained in the newspapers, however, as the property was not officially transferred to Robert Meighen until October 4, 1900.[AN-134267 1] In the meantime, Lord and Lady Mount Stephen moved to Brocket Hall in Herefordshire, England.[52]
Upon the death of Annie Charlotte Kane on April 10, 1896, the residence at 140 Drummond became the property of George Stephen.[AN-131156 1][AN-134267 1] Lord Mount Stephen died in 1921 and was buried in the small chapel at Brocket Hall, located near the entrance gate to the estate.[c 1] His tombstone reads: "Wise in his benefactions, of stainless integrity."[c 1]
1896 to 1925: Robert Meighen and Elsie Stephen
Robert Meighen
Elsie Stephen
In March 1896, Robert Meighen and Elsie Stephen moved into their new residence on Drummond Street. On April 15, 1896, they inaugurated their residence with a somber event: the funeral of Elsie Stephen and Lord Mount-Stephen's brother, John Stephen, who had settled in Guelph, Ontario.[62][aa 5][aa 6]
On November 11, 1898, Robert Meighen and Elsie Stephen hosted a debutante ball in honor of their daughter, Margaret Meighen. More than two hundred people were invited.[63][14]
On October 4, 1900, the residence officially became the property of Robert Meighen, who purchased it for $CAD 100,000.[AN-134267 1][64]
Between 1901 and 1903, Robert Meighen made some alterations to the residence. For example, he replaced the stone wall bordering the Drummond Street sidewalk with a wrought-iron fence punctuated by stone pilasters.[13][14] It is also possible that the raffia tapestries in the stairwell were installed during this same period.[65] Around 1905, Robert Meighen spent CAD 1,600 to have the sidewalk along his Drummond Street residence repaved.[66]
In 1907, Robert Meighen hosted Lord Northcote, former Governor-General of Australia, and his wife, Alice Stephen, known as Lady Northcote.[c 1][note 2]
To mark Quebec City's tercentenary in 1908, Meighen organized an open-air reception in honor of British Field Marshal and 1st Earl of Roberts, Frederick Roberts, and his wife, Nora Henrietta Bews, Countess of Roberts, during their visit to Montreal on July 31, 1908. Eight hundred people were invited to the reception.[67][68][69]
On July 13, 1911, Robert Meighen died at his residence from a heart condition.[70] Elsie Stephen died on July 12, 1917.[71] Upon Robert Meighen's death, the residence passed to their daughter, Margaret Meighen (later Margaret Harley).[72]
Their son, Colonel Frank Stephen Meighen, lived in the residence after his parents' death and continued the family's tradition of hospitality. In 1919, he hosted a ball there in honor of Edward Windsor, Prince of Wales.[c 1]
During the First World War, the introduction of income tax to finance the war effort and the Great Depression forced many homeowners to abandon their elegant houses in the Golden Square Mile. The Stephen-Meighen family was not spared and, in 1925, decided to put the residence up for sale,[73][f 1] along with all the surrounding land, which was subdivided.[72] As for the furnishings, they were, according to Robert Meighen's last wishes, distributed among his children.[AN-151528 1]
1926 to 2011: Mount Stephen Club
On July 16, 1926, Don Mar Realty Limited acquired the George Stephen House. This company then sold it on October 14, 1927,[AN-157679 1] to the Mount Stephen Club, a gentlemen's club founded in 1926 by Noah Timmins, J. H. Maher, and J. S. Dohan.[c 2] These gentlemen were the first to advocate for the preservation of the George Stephen House and did everything in their power to protect this elegant townhouse from demolition and to preserve its original interior features.[c 2][d 2] In fact, this objective was the key to the almost complete preservation of the residence until 2015. At that time, any additions, alterations, or modernization work on the former residence had to respect this preservation goal. Furthermore, they named the club "Mount Stephen" in honor of the residence's first owner, George Stephen.
The conversion of the residence into a private club, however, led the new owner to make some modifications. The most notable was the replacement in 1927 of the glass walls of the conservatory with cut stone walls.[e 1] That same year, the building's new purpose also prompted the club to make changes to the kitchens, some of the equipment, and the basement rooms. The club officially opened on December 12, 1927.[74]
Mount Stephen Club (circa 1934-1935)
In 1937, the exterior staircase was rebuilt on new foundations.[e 1][Permis 2] At that time, the small balcony supported by three elegant brackets decorated with flowers was removed.
Subsequently, the club undertook a series of expansions through the construction of annexes and interior modifications to better meet the needs of the club and its clientele.[e 2][Permis 3] In 1948, the club expanded the south side of the greenhouse. In 1953, the institution built an annex at the rear. It also carried out interior modifications from 1956 to 1958 and in 1962 (kitchens).[e 2][Permis 4][Permis 5][Permis 6][Permis 7]
On October 14, 1971, the residence was declared a National Historic Site of Canada by the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada.[75] It was also designated a heritage building by the Quebec Ministry of Culture and Communications on March 11, 1975.[76] On December 10, 2004, the building was declared a "immeuble de valeur patrimoniale exceptionnelle" (building of exceptional heritage value) by the City of Montreal.[REG-04-047 1][73] The building was also declared to be located within the "aire de protection de l’édifice du club Mount Stephent" (Mount Stephen Club building protection zone) on April 11, 1978, and within the "Secteur de valeur patrimoniale exceptionnelle Guy-Drummond" (Guy-Drummond sector of exceptional heritage value) on December 10, 2004.[73]
In 2004, the club undertook emergency repairs costing two million dollars to correct structural problems identified since 2001, caused by the construction of several skyscrapers with nearby underground parking garages. The Ministry of Culture and Communications also contributed $50,000 to the club for this project.[18]
In 2005, a hotel project emerged: the "Le Cristofe Alexandre" hotel. Designed by architect Karl Fischer, a twenty-one (21) story tower would have been erected at the corner of Drummond Street and De Maisonneuve Boulevard, adjacent to the George-Stephen House, but connected to it by a modern shared entrance. The hotel was originally scheduled to open in 2008. However, this project was cancelled.[77]
In 2006, the name "Club Mount Stephen" was acquired by the Tidan hotel and real estate group.[78] On May 26, 2006, this same group purchased the residence for $4 million from the former Club Mount Stephen, established in 1926.[RFQ 1] The latter legal entity was officially dissolved on June 4, 2010.[78] Starting in 2006, the club's new management sought to improve the facilities and services offered to its 400 members. First, they invested nearly $4 million, notably in adding a central air conditioning system, expanding some reception rooms, and adding new meeting rooms.[15][79] They also attempted to adopt a new marketing strategy to attract young Montrealers to membership.[80] Finally, they opened the club to the general public for musical dinners on Saturdays and musical brunches on Sundays.[80] Despite all attempts to revitalize the club, the Tidan Group failed to make the institution profitable, even though their past investments had increased revenues.[79] On December 23, 2011, management made the decision to permanently close the club, resulting in the loss of 70 full-time and part-time jobs.[15][81] The club's closure prompted Heritage Montreal to place the George-Stephen House under observation on its list of threatened Montreal landmarks in 2012.[82]
In 2012, a luxury hotel project, the Hotel Le Mount Stephen, began to take shape, partially occupying the former residence. This project required the construction of a contemporary annex at the rear, costing $25 million.[17] Designed by the firm Lemay / Leclerc Architects, this new eleven-story annex includes 80 guest rooms, reception and meeting rooms, a spa, a jacuzzi, a sauna, a massage and fitness room, a restaurant, boutiques, and an underground parking garage with nearly 96 spaces.[16]
That same year, this architectural firm received an award of excellence from the Canadian Architect Awards of Excellence for the design of the Mount Stephen Hotel building.[17] Construction of the hotel began in 2012 with the demolition of the west and north wings. Its opening was then scheduled for June 2015.[83]
On May 29, 2012, the Quebec Ministry of Culture and Communications approved the project without any warnings regarding potential structural problems should a skyscraper be built nearby. Furthermore, the hotel plans were approved by the Ministry on April 11, 2013.[18]
Construction of the hotel Le Mount Stephen
Destructions of annexes (November 2012)
Excavation work (May 2013)
Excavation work (August 2013)
Construction of the hotel building (February 2014)
On January 26, 2016, The Montreal Gazette revealed that the house was suffering from a "significant structural problem" that developed during the construction of the hotel located behind it. Several cracks had appeared on the east (front) and north facades, forcing the construction team to erect temporary support beams to prevent the facade from collapsing. The damage was so "serious" that Franz Knoll, a civil engineer hired by the hotel, announced that the east facade would have to be demolished and rebuilt once the structure was reinforced.[84]
According to Pieter Sijpkes of McGill University, measures should have been taken from the outset to reinforce the structure before proceeding with the excavation of the underground parking garage. He explains that Montreal is built on clay soil that subsides when it loses moisture. Therefore, when a construction crew excavates a site, they pump out water and, consequently, affect the soil's moisture levels.[84]
In addition, the newspaper reveals that the Quebec Ministry of Culture and Communications is suing the owners of the house[note 3] for having modified historical architectural elements of the building without authorization, such as the demolition of three chimneys (built in 1883), the destruction of the wrought iron fence (built between 1900 and 1903) or the covering of cut stones with cement.[84]
On March 22, 2016, The Montreal Gazette revealed that no building inspector from the Ville-Marie borough visited the George-Stephen house for 15 months during the construction of the hotel, that is, from August 19, 2014 to November 6, 2015.[85]
The latest inspection report, produced in November 2015, states that a new concrete wall and concrete columns were installed without authorization. Furthermore, the inspector was advised that the owners need to install 16 new pillars under the foundations to support the structure of the historic building.[85]
In December 2015, the same building inspector wrote that he and an architect had inspected the foundation pillars and numerous cracks. He noted that the construction crew had erected support beams on the east facade. Shortly thereafter, the structural engineering firm submitted its report recommending the dismantling of the east facade, a solution still under consideration as of March 2016.[85]
On April 14, 2016, The Montreal Gazette revealed that the Ville-Marie borough had finally granted a permit authorizing the dismantling and reconstruction of the east façade.[86] This operation lasted eight months, from April to November 2016. On this section of the façade, the structure, originally composed of red bricks, was replaced with concrete blocks. To conceal the reinforced concrete structure supporting the house, rusticated stone was added to the north portion of the east façade.
On May 3, 2016, The Montreal Gazette revealed that Quebec's Ministry of Culture and Communications had been aware for over 15 years of the potential structural problems with the historic building should a skyscraper be built nearby, according to documents obtained through access to information legislation.[18] Furthermore, these same documents revealed that it took ministry officials three weeks to follow up on a citizen's complaint about the destruction of historic architectural elements of the building.[18]
Furthermore, the newspaper reveals that it is not only the facade that must be dismantled, but also, inside the residence, the parquet floors, paneling and even the coffered ceilings, which have also "suffered significant damage".[18]
Structural problems: dismantling and reassembly of the facade
Support beams (January 2016)
Reinforced concrete structure under construction (July 2016)
New structure made of concrete blocks (August 2016)
Reassembly of the facade (September 2016)
On May 1, 2017, the Mount Stephen Hotel, partly occupying the George Stephen House, officially opened to the public.
Architecture
The grounds of the George Stephen house cover approximately 2,206 square meters. They are bordered by a wrought-iron fence to the north-east, the Drummond Medical Building to the south-east, Tudor Revival commercial buildings to the north-west (1448 Drummond Street/1230 De Maisonneuve Boulevard West), and a parking lot to the south-west.
Originally, this residence was part of an estate that included the house, a greenhouse, stables, and a garden.
Exterior
George Stephen House (2011)
Designed by architect William Tutin Thomas, the George Stephen House is built in a combination of architectural styles characteristic of Victorian architecture. It thus brings together the styles of the Italian Renaissance, Italian Baroque and 17th century English Baroque.[d 3]
The residence consists of a four-story rectangular main building, including a basement and an attic level.[76] The masonry, including the sculpted decoration, was executed by the firm of J. H. Hutchison.[11] The front façade, constructed of grey Montreal limestone,[d 3] features a central projection that divides the sculpted decoration in two, each side mirroring the other. This façade is primarily characterized by a double-flight staircase (flanked by two lampposts) that meets at the foot of the third flight, which leads to the main floor.[76] This staircase, rebuilt in 1937 on new foundations, no longer includes the small balcony at the junction of the first two flights, which was supported by three corbels decorated with flowers.[e 1][Permis 2] The staircase leads to the grand entrance, framed by a porch with columns and pilasters. The Ionic capitals of these columns are crowned with a molded abacus supported by four small scrolls and featuring a flower at its center. Their chines are adorned with egg-and-dart motifs, pearls, and pirouettes. The volutes, decorated with leaves, are tied together with garlands.
The double front door, thirteen centimeters thick, is made of Cuban mahogany and its handles are plated with twenty-two-carat gold.[76][c 2] It is surmounted by a glazed transom and a segmental arch. This arch, with its keystone represented by a blank escutcheon, is adorned with an interlaced molding.[g 1]
Detail of columns (2013)
The porch is surmounted by a balcony enclosed by a wrought-iron balustrade supported by stone pillars. The French window on the second floor, providing access to the balcony, is double-leaf and extended by a rectangular transom. On either side of this French window are successive pairs of columns and then pilasters in the Ionic order. Their capitals are crowned with a molded abacus supported by four small scrolls and featuring an acanthus leaf at its center. Their chines are adorned with egg-and-dart molding, pearls, and pirouettes. The volutes, embellished with acanthus leaves, are decorated with a cascade of grape or berry bunches. The base of the columns and pilasters appears to be decorated with mistletoe branches. These columns support an architrave surmounted by a frieze dominated by a molding of egg-and-dart motifs which supports a pediment with a low arch interrupted or broken in its center and where there is an urn.[76][f 2]
Detail of the balcony (on the left)
The basement, main floor, and second-floor windows on the facade are paired and symmetrically arranged on either side of the projection. In the basement, the windows are set into the chamfered stone plinth.[76] These windows are protected by wrought-iron grilles. They are also separated from the first-floor windows by a shelf supported by three irregularly sized brackets, where flowerpots or plants were once placed and protected by a wrought-iron railing.[a 1]
On the main floor, the windows are framed by Roman Doric pilasters adorned with sculpted elements from the Italian Renaissance style. These pilasters support semicircular arches that follow the shape of the windows and feature a false keystone at their center. These arches support a frieze surmounted by a modillion cornice, which in turn supports the Ionic columns that frame the second-floor windows. On the second floor, the columns flanking the windows display the same decoration as those surrounding the French doors leading to the balcony. They support a frieze surmounted by a modillion cornice. However, unlike those on the first floor, they frame windows extended by rectangular transoms.[76]
The front façade features a chamfered stone wall at the basement and main floor levels, while the second floor has a dressed stone wall. The front façade wall is further emphasized by chamfered stone quoins on the main floor and second floor. The façade is crowned by a floral frieze and then by a series of modillion cornices supporting a stone parapet adorned with decorative elements, which conceals the flat roof.[76]
As for the south-east wall, it features a circular oriel window extending the full height of the residence. A turret is also visible to the southwest of the wall.[f 3] This turret and the oriel window together frame a central section punctuated by a pair of rectangular windows topped with transoms.[f 3] This façade is much less ornate than the front one. On the main floor, an opening provides access to the former greenhouse, which was completely walled up in 1927.[Permis 1] A straight staircase was also installed that same year, providing direct access to the south wing from Drummond Street. A section of the front fence no longer exists to allow access.[76]
The northwest and southwest elevations are completely devoid of ornamentation. However, a two-story porch once stood at the rear, on the west wall.[a 1] Unlike the northwest, southwest, and northeast facades, the corbelled cornice on the west side has no parapet. The windows were originally covered with shutters during the summer.
Located in front of the building and bordering Drummond Street, the wrought iron fence is decorated with dragons, various flowers and a fleur-de-lis. It is supported by stone pillars.[76]
Detail of a lamppost (2013)
Central double-leaf door in Cuban mahogany (2013)
Wrought iron fence (2013)
The club's former private ladies' lounge, previously the greenhouse (2013)
The northwest (left) and southwest (right) walls (2013)
Missing item
Description
Date of disappearance
Illustration
Balcony
The main staircase had, at the junction of the first two flights, a balcony supported by three consoles decorated with flowers.
The interior of the residence occupies an area of 2,555 m2. The architect William Tutin Thomas conceived this residence as a total work of art, as he designed all the decorations as well as almost all of the furniture in the house which he had custom-built.[e 1]
The woodwork
The team of carpenter and joiner Archibald McIntyre executed all the interior woodwork, based on the designs of architect William Tutin Thomas. However, little information exists to identify the artisans who contributed to the ornamental wood carvings incorporated into the building. The types of wood used for the carved decoration include Cuban mahogany, Burley oak, maple, stiff pine, English and French walnut, cherry wood, and Ceylon satinwood.[8][20] The house's floors are oak decorated with walnut inlays.[f 4]
The furniture
To furnish the residence, architect William Tutin Thomas commissioned the Toronto-based cabinetmaking and interior design firm Jacques & Hay, which crafted nearly all the interior furniture according to the architect's designs.[8] Several types of wood were used, including rosewood, Canadian black walnut, mahogany, satinwood, cherry, bird's eye figure wood, and oak.[8][20]
Cabinetmaker James Thomson also created some furniture for the residence.[8][20]
Robert Mitchell & Co. installed all the wall sconces, ceiling lights, and radiator grilles, all of which were plated with 22-karat gold.[8][76][79] However, sources do not specify the manufacturer of the radiator grilles, or the light fixtures. The bronze chandelier in the northwest bedroom upstairs is a later addition. It was presented to the Mount Stephen Club by Stephen Vaughan, the American vice-consul in Berlin during World War II.[c 3]
No known source mentions the artisans of the Mexican onyx or Italian/Vienna marble pieces, including the fireplace mantels.[8] It is possible, however, that some of them came from the workshops of Robert Forsyth in Montreal.[87] As for the fireplace mantel in the main living room, made entirely of Mexican onyx, some sources from the Mount Stephen Club claim it was exhibited at the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition in Chicago,[c 4] but since it was already installed in the main living room in 1884, this assertion is unlikely.[image 2] If a similar model from the same manufacturer was exhibited at this exposition, it could have been made by S. Kabler & Co. of New York, R. G. Leding of Philadelphia, or the Eureka Onyx Company of Indianapolis, among others.[h 1][h 2]
Stained-glass windows
The house possesses a collection of stained glass windows from "Gibbs of London" (possibly Walter Gibbs & Sons) and Edmundson & Son of Manchester, based on designs by the artist Henry Holiday. These windows were ordered, adapted, and installed by the stained-glass artist John C. Spence of Montreal, who was given free rein in their creation, although collaboration with the architect and George Stephen is likely regarding the themes.
In the transoms of the windows in the main drawing room are allegorical figures representing poetry, music, embroidery, and literature by "Gibbs of London".[23] In the dining room, the stained glass depicts fish, meat, poultry, fruit, and birds.[23] In the conservatory, the stained glass features allegorical figures representing Pomona (fruit), Flora (flowers), and Ceres (grain).[23] The transom window in the hallway represents domestic industry.[23] In the stairwell, Shakespearean figures and scenes are depicted by Edmundson & Son of Manchester.[23] To the left of the composition are two Shakespearean scenes from the plays Henry IV and Henry V.[23] To the right are two Shakespearean scenes from the plays Twelfth Night and The Taming of the Shrew.[23] In the center are Shakespearean scenes from the play As You Like It.[23] The stained-glass windows in the stairwell ceiling illustrate the cardinal directions and the signs of the zodiac.[f 4] In the double doors and their side panels, which separate the vestibule from the entrance hall, the stained-glass windows depict allegorical figures representing the four seasons, crowned by the motto "True friendship's laws are by this rule exprest, Welcome the coming, speed the parting guest" from Homer's Odyssey.[23] This motto is surmounted by the monogram of George Stephen.[23] In the waiting room and private study, the two stained-glass windows depict the muses of music and poetry, as well as comedy and tragedy. Upstairs, the stained-glass windows in the transoms illustrate allegorical figures representing night, dawn, and each of the four seasons.[23]
Stained-glass windows depicting two Shakespearean scenes from the plays Henry IV and Henry V by Edmundson & Son of Manchester
Stained-glass windows depicting Shakespearean scenes from the play As You Like It by Edmundson & Son of Manchester
Stained glass windows in the transoms of the windows in the waiting room and private study on the main floor
In the waiting room and private study, the two stained-glass windows above the transoms depict the muses of music and poetry, as well as comedy and tragedy.[c 4]
In the stairwell, a series of paintings on raffia-woven canvases depicts, in the grotesque style, figures from Roman mythology, including Venus, Juno, and Minerva.[c 2][c 4] It is possible that their theme was inspired by tapestries from the Gobelins Manufactory, based on designs by Claude Audran III, depicting the twelve months of the year and intended for the Château de Meudon.[88] However, no known source mentions the artist of these tapestries or when they were installed. According to period photographs, these tapestries were installed between 1884 and 1927.[image 4][74] It is possible that they were installed between 1900 and 1906 by the Meighen family. Indeed, on one hand, they could be part of the alterations made by the Meighen family during this period: after Robert Meighen acquired the residence on October 4, 1900, he had the fence and sidewalk at the front of the property modified around 1903. Moreover, in 1906, Robert Meighen mentioned at a city hall committee meeting that he had "spent considerable sums to embellish the property."[66] On the other hand, the use of raffia thread in the decorative arts seems to have been particularly popular at the very beginning of the 20th century.[65][89][90] Finally, the grotesque style of these tapestries (drawn from French classicism and seemingly inspired by the style of Simon Vouet[SV 1]) contrasts with the rest of the interior decorations, which are in the Renaissance Revival style of the architect William Tutin Thomas.
Originally, the basement included several rooms: a kitchen, a larder, a butter room, a scullery, a servant's hall, a laundry room, a wine cellar, various storage areas (including a coal room under the greenhouse), a bathroom, several servants' bedrooms, a stairwell, and a corridor. One room also housed the residence's heating system.[a 2][8]
Ground floor
Originally, the main floor or ground floor included these rooms: a vestibule, an entrance hall, a monumental staircase, a private study or library, an antechamber or waiting Room, a breakfast room, a dining room, a drawing room and a greenhouse containing, among other things, a fountain.[c 2][c 4][c 3]
Entrance hall (1884)
Staircase (1884)
Dining room (1884)
Conservatory (1884)
Dining room's fire mantel (1884)
Drawing room (1884)
First floor
Originally, the main floor or ground floor included these rooms: a monumental staircase, a service staircase leading to the attic, a corridor, a master bedroom, two dressing rooms adjacent to the master bedroom, a sitting room, a guest room, a dressing room adjacent to the guest room, a corridor leading to the stairwell and a possible bathroom.[c 3][d 3]
Master bedroom (1884)
Guest's suite (1884)
Lady's private sitting room (1884)
Attic floor
Originally, the attic floor included these rooms: a butler's room, a housekeeper's room, rooms reserved for higher-class servants, a pantry, a lobby containing the electric call panel for the servants (via electric bells placed in all the main rooms of the house) and a service staircase leading from the floor to the attic.[16][8]
Garden
The extensive park or garden of the George-Stephen house was originally intended to enhance the residence. It once stretched as far west as Mountain Street and as far south as the alleyway. The garden was laid out in the English style. The park was once planted primarily with trees that provided shade for visitors. The park was also a place for entertainment and gatherings during the summer.[d 4][d 3]
↑Permit No.3000327867-13 mentions instead the construction of an 83-room hotel and 95 parking units.
↑Alice Stephen, known as Lady Northcote, was the adopted daughter of George Stephen. She married Lord Henry Northcote in 1873. (Source:Chris Cunneen (1988). "Henry Stafford Northcote (1846–1911)". Dictionary of Australian Biography. Sydney, Australia.: Melbourne University Press. Retrieved February 20, 2026.)
↑Jack Sofer, Meir (Mike) Yuval and their company 9166-9093 Quebec Inc.
↑"La splendide maison de M. Stephen". Le Sorelois (Newspaper) (in French). Vol.5, no.24 (Sorel: Cie d'imprimerie Richelieu, 1879-1966ed.). Sorel (QC), Canada. June 8, 1883. p.4.
↑"Une demeure". L'évènement (Newspaper) (in French). Vol.17, no.18 (Québec: [L'événement], 1867-1938ed.). Quebec City (QC), Canada. June 5, 1883. p.7.
123"Mr. George Stephen's House". The Montreal Star (Newspaper). Vol.15, no.135 (George T. Lanigan; Hugh Graham.ed.). Montreal (QC), Canada. June 9, 1883. p.4.
↑"Residence of Lord Mount Stephen". The Canadian Architect and Builder (Newspaper). Vol.XII, no.3. Montreal (QC), Canada. March 3, 1899. p.52.1.
123456789101112131415161718"A Millionaire's Mansion. The Grandeur Of A Railway Magnate's Residence". The Globe (Newspaper). Vol.40, no.144 (The Globe and Mail (1844-1936)ed.). Toronto (ON), Canada. June 16, 1883. p.7.
123"Mrs. Meighen's Ball". Beautiful Homes in Old Montreal. The Residence Mr. Robert Meighen. (Newspaper). Vol.35, no.289 (Graham & Co., proprietors, 1881-1951ed.). Montreal (QC), Canada. December 5, 1903. p.2.
1234Canadian Architect Awards of Excellence (December 1, 2012). "Mount Stephen Club. Lemay (LemayLab)". canadianarchitect.com/. Quebec City (QC), Canada.: Canadian Architect. Retrieved February 20, 2026.
↑"Stephen Mansion". The Daily Witness (Newspaper). Vol.21, no.70 (John Dougalled.). Montreal (QC), Canada. March 25, 1882. p.8.
↑"Personal". The Montreal daily star (Newspaper). Vol.15, no.128 (Graham & Co., proprietors, 1881-1951ed.). Montreal (QC), Canada. June 1, 1883. p.3.
123456789101112"The Stained Glass at Mr. Geo. Stephen's Mansion". The Montreal Gazette (Newspaper). Vol.112, no.141 (Postmedia Network Inc.ed.). Montreal (QC), Canada. June 13, 1883. p.3.
↑"Offices on St. James Street". Montreal Herald and Daily Commercial Gazette (Newspaper). Vol.75, no.182 (Robert Weired.). Montreal (QC), Canada. August 1, 1883. p.7.
↑"Auction Sales. By Thomas J" Potter". Montreal Herald and Daily Commercial Gazette (Newspaper). Vol.75, no.214 (Robert Weired.). Montreal (QC), Canada. September 7, 1883. p.5.
↑"Lord Carnarvon". The Montreal daily star (Newspaper). Vol.15, no.220 (Graham & Co., proprietors, 1881-1951ed.). Montreal (QC), Canada. September 18, 1883. p.4.
↑"Reception in honor of Lord Carnarvon". Morning chronicle and commercial and shipping gazette (Newspaper). Vol.37, no.13554 (Charles St. Michel, 1850-1888ed.). Montreal (QC), Canada. September 19, 1883. p.1.
↑"Arrival of the Gorverner-General and the Princess". Morning chronicle and commercial and shipping gazette (Newspaper). Vol.37, no.13560 (Charles St. Michel, 1850-1888ed.). Montreal (QC), Canada. September 26, 1883. p.2.
12"A Magnificent Instrument. The Piano Constructed for Mr. George Stephen". The Montreal daily star (Newspaper). Vol.16, no.148 (Graham & Co., proprietors, 1881-1951ed.). Montreal (QC), Canada. June 24, 1884. p.1.
↑"Their Excellencies Lord and Lady Lansdowne". Montreal Herald and Daily Commercial Gazette (Newspaper). Vol.76, no.221 (Robert Weired.). Montreal (QC), Canada. September 16, 1884. p.4.
↑"Arrival of Lord Lansdowne". The Montreal daily star (Newspaper). Vol.17, no.22 (Graham & Co., proprietors, 1881-1951ed.). Montreal (QC), Canada. January 27, 1885. p.4.
↑"Horticultural Society". The Montreal daily star (Newspaper). Vol.17, no.51 (Graham & Co., proprietors, 1881-1951ed.). Montreal (QC), Canada. March 2, 1885. p.4.
↑"Among the flowers. The Montreal Horticultural Society's Prizes for Private Conservatories and Window Gardens". The Montreal daily star (Newspaper). Vol.18, no.51 (Graham & Co., proprietors, 1881-1951ed.). Montreal (QC), Canada. March 2, 1886. p.3.
↑"Personals. (George Stephen's baronetcy)". Morning chronicle and commercial and shipping gazette (Newspaper). Vol.40, no.14277 (Charles St. Michel, 1850-1888ed.). Montreal (QC), Canada. January 21, 1886. p.2.
↑"Résidence princière (Métis)". L'électeur (Newspaper) (in French). Vol.7, no.84 (Québec: Co. d'impr. de Québec, 1880-1896ed.). Quebec City (QC), Canada. October 22, 1886. p.3.
↑"Sir George Stephens' House at Metis". Morning chronicle and commercial and shipping gazette (Newspaper). Vol.40, no.14524 (Charles St. Michel, 1850-1888ed.). Montreal (QC), Canada. October 25, 1886. p.2.
↑"Sir George's Summer House". The Daily Witness (Newspaper). Vol.27, no.250 (John Dougalled.). Montreal (QC), Canada. October 25, 1886. p.6.
↑"Sir George's New House. (Metis)". The Montreal daily star (Newspaper). Vol.18, no.252 (Graham & Co., proprietors, 1881-1951ed.). Montreal (QC), Canada. October 25, 1886. p.1.
↑"Personal. Lunch by Sir Geo. Stephen". The Montreal daily star (Newspaper). Vol.19, no.256 (Graham & Co., proprietors, 1881-1951ed.). Montreal (QC), Canada. November 1, 1887. p.8.
12"A Genuine Surprise. Sir George Stephen, Bart. confirms the Rumor that he has resigned the Presidency of the C.P.R.". The Montreal daily star (Newspaper). Vol.20, no.184 (Graham & Co., proprietors, 1881-1951ed.). Montreal (QC), Canada. August 7, 1888. p.4.
↑"Transactions". The Montreal daily star (Newspaper). Vol.20, no.239 (Graham & Co., proprietors, 1881-1951ed.). Montreal (QC), Canada. October 10, 1888. p.4.
↑"Sir George Stephen returns to the city from Europe". The Montreal daily star (Newspaper). Vol.21, no.96 (Graham & Co., proprietors, 1881-1951ed.). Montreal (QC), Canada. April 24, 1889. p.4.
↑"Mme Albanie est arrivée". L'électeur (Newspaper) (in French). Vol.10, no.245 (Québec: Co. d'impr. de Québec, 1880-1896ed.). Quebec City (QC), Canada. May 6, 1890. p.4.
↑"The Duke and Duchess of Connaught". The Daily Witness (Newspaper). Vol.31, no.81 (John Dougalled.). Montreal (QC), Canada. April 7, 1890. p.5.
↑"Le duc de Connaught à Montréal". Le Courrier du Canada: journal des intérêts canadiens (Newspaper) (in French). Vol.12, no.273 (Québec, 1857-1901ed.). Quebec City (QC), Canada. May 31, 1890. p.3.
↑"A Most Pleasant Impression". The Montreal daily star (Newspaper). Vol.22, no.130 (Graham & Co., proprietors, 1881-1951ed.). Montreal (QC), Canada. June 4, 1890. p.2.
↑"Canada's First Lord Arrives". The Montreal herald (Newspaper). Vol.84, no.200 (The Herald Companyed.). Montreal (QC), Canada. August 21, 1891. p.8.
12Alexander Reford (2005). "STEPHEN, GEORGE, 1st Baron MOUNT STEPHEN". Dictionary of Canadian Biography, vol. 15. Toronto (ON), Canada.: University of Toronto / Université Laval. Retrieved February 20, 2026.
12"Palatial Residences for Sale". The Montreal herald (Newspaper). Vol.85, no.95 (The Herald Companyed.). Montreal (QC), Canada. April 22, 1891. p.8.
↑"Proposed Millionaire's Club". The Montreal daily star (Newspaper). Vol.24, no.121 (Graham & Co., proprietors, 1881-1951ed.). Montreal (QC), Canada. May 23, 1892. p.6.
↑"A Vice-Regal Residence in Montreal". The Montreal daily star (Newspaper). Vol.25, no.267 (Graham & Co., proprietors, 1881-1951ed.). Montreal (QC), Canada. November 13, 1893. p.8.
↑"La Maison de Lord Stephens". La presse (Newspaper) (in French). Vol.12, no.99 ([La presse], 1884-2017ed.). Montreal (QC), Canada. February 28, 1896. p.1.
↑"Mount-Stephens Residence Sold". Montreal daily herald (Newspaper). Vol.89, no.51 (James N. Greenshields, 1892-1896ed.). Montreal (QC), Canada. February 28, 1896. p.3.
↑"Meighen Buys". The Montreal Herald (Newspaper). Vol.93, no.248 (The Herald Publishing Company, 1899-1914ed.). Montreal (QC), Canada. October 20, 1900. p.1.
12"Raffia Embroidery". The Daily Witness (Newspaper). Vol.45, no.255 (John Dougalled.). Montreal (QC), Canada. October 31, 1903. p.18.
↑"Lord Roberts". La patrie (Newspaper) (in French). Vol.30, no.125 (Montréal, 1879-1957ed.). Montreal (QC), Canada. July 20, 1908. p.8.
↑"Lord Roberts". The Standard. (Newspaper). Vol.4, no.31 (The Montreal Standard Publishing Company Limited, 1905-1951ed.). Montreal (QC), Canada. August 1, 1908. p.14.
↑"Lord Roberts". The Gazette (Newspaper). Vol.138, no.184. Montreal (QC), Canada. August 1, 1908. p.16.
12Alexander Reford (2005). "MEIGHEN, ROBERT". Dictionary of Canadian Biography, vol. 15. Toronto (ON), Canada.: University of Toronto / Université Laval. Retrieved February 20, 2026.
12"Robert Meighen Residence is Sold". The Gazette (Newspaper). Vol.155, no.121. Montreal (QC), Canada. May 21, 1926. p.14.
123Montreal City Hall. "George Stephen House". Grand répertoire du patrimoine bâti de Montréal. Retrieved May 23, 2013.
12"Famous Mansion is Reopened as Mount Stephen Club". The Montreal daily star (Newspaper). Vol.59, no.290 (Graham & Co., proprietors, 1881-1951ed.). Montreal (QC), Canada. December 7, 1927. p.8.
↑The Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada (December 1, 2012). "George Stephen House National Historic Site of Canada". historicplaces.ca/. Ottawa (ON), Canada.: Canadian Register of Historic Places (CRHP). Retrieved February 20, 2026.
1234567891011Gouvernement du Québec (2007). "Édifice du Mount Stephen Club". Répertoire du patrimoine culturel du Québec. Quebec City (QC), Canada.: Ministère de la Culture. Retrieved February 20, 2026.
12Photograph: Mount Stephen Club. Montreal City Archives. File: D03B-0233 à D03B-0243: Rue Guy, rue Drummond, rue Bishop. - Avril 1980. Cote: VM097-Y-02-D003B-0236
Gerald W. Armstrong (1959). The Mount Stephen Club, 1440 Drummond Street, Montreal, Quebec: a report on the former residence of Mr. George Stephen, later Lord Mount Stephen. Montreal (QC), Canada.: Student papers (McGill University. School of Architecture). p.122. GWA-1959.
List of notorial acts in chronological order of publication:
Doucet, J. (Notary) (September 23, 1863). Notorial Act en minute, Registry no. 36098: "William Carter to Annie Charlotte Kane: Deed of Sale (Lot 1525)". Montréal Ancien: Montréal-Ouest. Notaries Records, Judicial District of Montreal: Superior Court Funds, National Archives of Quebec. AN-36098.
Doucet, J. (Notary) (October 13, 1888). Notorial Act en minute, Registry no. 116483: "William Laurie to Annie Charlotte Kane: Deed of Sale (Lot 1524-12 to Lot 1524-23)". Notaries Records, Judicial District of Montreal: Montréal Ancien: Montréal-Ouest. Superior Court Funds, National Archives of Quebec. AN-116483.
Notorial Act en minute, Registry nos. 131156 and 131157: "Declaration of transmission: Annie Charlotte Kane to George Stephen". Notaries Records, Judicial District of Montreal: Montréal Ancien: Montréal-Ouest. Superior Court Funds, National Archives of Quebec. July 6, 1896. AN-131156.
Marler, William de M. (Notary) (October 4, 1900). Notorial Act en minute, Registry no. 134267: "George Stephen to Robert Meighen: Deed of Sale". Notaries Records, Judicial District of Montreal: Montréal Ancien: Montréal-Ouest. Superior Court Funds, National Archives of Quebec. AN-134267.
Marler, William de M. (Notary); Cholette, Edward (notary) (December 7, 1906). Notorial Act en minute, Registry no. 151528: "Will of Robert Meighen". Notaries Records, Judicial District of Montreal: Montréal Ancien: Montréal-Ouest. Superior Court Funds, National Archives of Quebec. AN-151528.
Reilly, E. H. (Notary) (October 14, 1927). Notorial Act en minute, Registry no. 157679: "GDon Mar Realty Limited to Mount Stephen Club : Deed of Sale". Notaries Records, Judicial District of Montreal: Superior Court Funds, National Archives of Quebec. AN-157679.
List of newspaper articles in chronological order of publication:
"Progress in Montreal. Drummond Street". Montreal Herald and Daily Commercial Gazette (Newspaper). Vol.49, no.165 (Robert Weired.). Montreal (QC), Canada. July 14, 1857. p.1.
"Building Operations". The Daily Witness (Newspaper). Vol.20, no.160 (John Dougalled.). Montreal (QC), Canada. July 23, 1881. p.8.
"Mr. George Stephen". Morning chronicle and commercial and shipping gazette (Newspaper). Vol.35, no.12946 (Charles St. Michel,1850-1888ed.). Montreal (QC), Canada. September 30, 1881. p.1.
"Stephen Mansion". The Daily Witness (Newspaper). Vol.21, no.70 (John Dougalled.). Montreal (QC), Canada. March 25, 1882. p.8.
"Personal". Montreal Herald and Daily Commercial Gazette (Newspaper). Vol.75, no.79 (Robert Weired.). Montreal (QC), Canada. April 3, 1883. p.3.
"Personal". The Montreal daily star (Newspaper). Vol.15, no.128 (Graham & Co., proprietors, 1881-1951ed.). Montreal (QC), Canada. June 1, 1883. p.3.
"Une demeure". L'évènement (Newspaper) (in French). Vol.17, no.18 (Québec: [L'événement], 1867-1938ed.). Quebec City (QC), Canada. June 5, 1883. p.7.
"Montreal. George Stephen's Mansion". The Regina Leader (Newspaper). Vol.1, no.15. Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada. June 7, 1883. p.1.
"La splendide maison de M. Stephen". Le Sorelois (Newspaper) (in French). Vol.5, no.24 (Sorel: Cie d'imprimerie Richelieu, 1879-1966ed.). Sorel (QC), Canada. June 8, 1883. p.4.
"Mr. George Stephen's House". The Montreal Star (Newspaper). Vol.15, no.135 (George T. Lanigan; Hugh Graham.ed.). Montreal (QC), Canada. June 9, 1883. p.4.
"Départs". L'évènement (Newspaper) (in French). Vol.17, no.23 (Québec: [L'événement], 1867-1938ed.). Quebec City (QC), Canada. June 11, 1883. p.7.
"The Stained Glass at Mr. Geo. Stephen's Mansion". The Montreal Gazette (Newspaper). Vol.112, no.141 (Postmedia Network Inc.ed.). Montreal (QC), Canada. June 13, 1883. p.3.
"A Millionaire's Mansion. The Grandeur Of A Railway Magnate's Residence". The Globe (Newspaper). Vol.40, no.144 (The Globe and Mail (1844-1936)ed.). Toronto (ON), Canada. June 16, 1883. p.7.
"Offices on St. James Street". Montreal Herald and Daily Commercial Gazette (Newspaper). Vol.75, no.182 (Robert Weired.). Montreal (QC), Canada. August 1, 1883. p.7.
"Auction Sales. By Thomas J" Potter". Montreal Herald and Daily Commercial Gazette (Newspaper). Vol.75, no.214 (Robert Weired.). Montreal (QC), Canada. September 7, 1883. p.5.
"Lord Carnarvon". The Montreal daily star (Newspaper). Vol.15, no.220 (Graham & Co., proprietors, 1881-1951ed.). Montreal (QC), Canada. September 18, 1883. p.4.
"Reception in honor of Lord Carnarvon". Morning chronicle and commercial and shipping gazette (Newspaper). Vol.37, no.13554 (Charles St. Michel, 1850-1888ed.). Montreal (QC), Canada. September 19, 1883. p.1.
"Arrival of the Gorverner-General and the Princess". Morning chronicle and commercial and shipping gazette (Newspaper). Vol.37, no.13560 (Charles St. Michel, 1850-1888ed.). Montreal (QC), Canada. September 26, 1883. p.2.
"A Millionaire's Mansion. A Railway Magnate's Palatial Residence. George Stephen's Home. One Million Dollars Invested in Luxury". The Brantford Daily Expositor (Newspaper). Vol.11, no.251. Brantford (ON), Canada. February 8, 1884. p.1.
"A Magnificent Instrument. The Piano Constructed for Mr. George Stephen". The Montreal daily star (Newspaper). Vol.16, no.148 (Graham & Co., proprietors, 1881-1951ed.). Montreal (QC), Canada. June 24, 1884. p.1.
"George Stephen House". Ottawa Daily Citizen (Newspaper). Vol.16, no.157. Ottawa (ON), Canada. July 5, 1884. p.2.
"A Pullman Caravansary". The Montreal daily star (Newspaper). Vol.16, no.164 (Graham & Co., proprietors, 1881-1951ed.). Montreal (QC), Canada. July 14, 1884. p.2.
"Their Excellencies Lord and Lady Lansdowne". Montreal Herald and Daily Commercial Gazette (Newspaper). Vol.76, no.221 (Robert Weired.). Montreal (QC), Canada. September 16, 1884. p.4.
"Arrival of Lord Lansdowne". The Montreal daily star (Newspaper). Vol.17, no.22 (Graham & Co., proprietors, 1881-1951ed.). Montreal (QC), Canada. January 27, 1885. p.4.
"Horticultural Society". The Montreal daily star (Newspaper). Vol.17, no.51 (Graham & Co., proprietors, 1881-1951ed.). Montreal (QC), Canada. March 2, 1885. p.4.
"Wm. Rutherford & Co. (Ad)". The Daily Witness (Newspaper). Vol.26, no.197 (John Dougalled.). Montreal (QC), Canada. August 19, 1885. p.3.
"Personals. (George Stephen's baronetcy)". Morning chronicle and commercial and shipping gazette (Newspaper). Vol.40, no.14277 (Charles St. Michel, 1850-1888ed.). Montreal (QC), Canada. January 21, 1886. p.2.
"Among the flowers. The Montreal Horticultural Society's Prizes for Private Conservatories and Window Gardens". The Montreal daily star (Newspaper). Vol.18, no.51 (Graham & Co., proprietors, 1881-1951ed.). Montreal (QC), Canada. March 2, 1886. p.3.
"Window Gardens". The Daily Witness (Newspaper). Vol.27, no.51 (John Dougalled.). Montreal (QC), Canada. March 3, 1886. p.2.
"Our Own Canadian Tweeds". The Daily Witness (Newspaper). Vol.27, no.53 (John Dougalled.). Montreal (QC), Canada. March 5, 1886. p.5.
"Résidence princière (Métis)". L'électeur (Newspaper) (in French). Vol.7, no.84 (Québec: Co. d'impr. de Québec, 1880-1896ed.). Quebec City (QC), Canada. October 22, 1886. p.3.
"Sir George Stephens' House at Metis". Morning chronicle and commercial and shipping gazette (Newspaper). Vol.40, no.14524 (Charles St. Michel, 1850-1888ed.). Montreal (QC), Canada. October 25, 1886. p.2.
"Sir George's Summer House". The Daily Witness (Newspaper). Vol.27, no.250 (John Dougalled.). Montreal (QC), Canada. October 25, 1886. p.6.
"Sir George's New House. (Metis)". The Montreal daily star (Newspaper). Vol.18, no.252 (Graham & Co., proprietors, 1881-1951ed.). Montreal (QC), Canada. October 25, 1886. p.1.
"Sir George Stephen's lovely residence". The Montreal daily star (Newspaper). Vol.19, no.194 (Graham & Co., proprietors, 1881-1951ed.). Montreal (QC), Canada. August 20, 1887. p.6.
"Personal. Lunch by Sir Geo. Stephen". The Montreal daily star (Newspaper). Vol.19, no.256 (Graham & Co., proprietors, 1881-1951ed.). Montreal (QC), Canada. November 1, 1887. p.8.
"To Build the Finest Residence in Canada". The Daily Times (Newspaper). April 27, 1889. p.2.
"A Genuine Surprise. Sir George Stephen, Bart. confirms the Rumor that he has resigned the Presidency of the C.P.R.". The Montreal daily star (Newspaper). Vol.20, no.184 (Graham & Co., proprietors, 1881-1951ed.). Montreal (QC), Canada. August 7, 1888. p.4.
"Transactions". The Montreal daily star (Newspaper). Vol.20, no.239 (Graham & Co., proprietors, 1881-1951ed.). Montreal (QC), Canada. October 10, 1888. p.4.
"Sir George Stephen returns to the city from Europe". The Montreal daily star (Newspaper). Vol.21, no.96 (Graham & Co., proprietors, 1881-1951ed.). Montreal (QC), Canada. April 24, 1889. p.4.
"The Duke and Duchess of Connaught". The Daily Witness (Newspaper). Vol.31, no.81 (John Dougalled.). Montreal (QC), Canada. April 7, 1890. p.5.
"Mme Albanie est arrivée". L'électeur (Newspaper) (in French). Vol.10, no.245 (Québec: Co. d'impr. de Québec, 1880-1896ed.). Quebec City (QC), Canada. May 6, 1890. p.4.
"Le duc de Connaught à Montréal". Le Courrier du Canada: journal des intérêts canadiens (Newspaper) (in French). Vol.12, no.273 (Québec, 1857-1901ed.). Quebec City (QC), Canada. May 31, 1890. p.3.
"A Most Pleasant Impression". The Montreal daily star (Newspaper). Vol.22, no.130 (Graham & Co., proprietors, 1881-1951ed.). Montreal (QC), Canada. June 4, 1890. p.2.
"Palatial Residences for Sale". The Montreal herald (Newspaper). Vol.85, no.95 (The Herald Companyed.). Montreal (QC), Canada. April 22, 1891. p.8.
"Proposed Millionaire's Club". The Montreal daily star (Newspaper). Vol.24, no.121 (Graham & Co., proprietors, 1881-1951ed.). Montreal (QC), Canada. May 23, 1892. p.6.
"Dernières dépêches. Nouvelles de Montréal. Émigration de millionnaires". L'électeur (Newspaper) (in French). Vol.12, no.250 (Québec: Co. d'impr. de Québec, 1880-1896ed.). Quebec City (QC), Canada. April 25, 1892. p.4.
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