Octagon homes were meant to change people's lives. Where have they gone? [LH]
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- Опубліковано 21 чер 2023
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Housing challenges are widespread today in Canada, but difficulty in accessing housing isn’t new. Starting in the 1850s, many people across the continent tried out a pseudoscientist’s new method of construction, promising to create better homes for less money. So what happened to all these homes today, and what does the story have to do with the shapes of people’s skulls?
In this episode of Living History, we’ll take a tour of Woodchester in Bracebridge, Ont., which one author labeled as the purest example of Orson Squire Fowler’s original octagon concept. We’ll hear from a historian about why the builder may have chosen Fowler’s design and see examples of octagonal buildings across the world (thanks, Michael!).
WATCH NEXT WEEK’S FOOTNOTES VIDEO FOR MORE ON THIS STORY!
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ABOUT THE SERIES:
Living History is a series of short documentaries about parts of our history that are still physically visible in some way, while also remaining relevant in the present day. Its first run will focus on stories in Ontario, with future goals of expanding across Canada and beyond. The first episode premiered on May 4, 2023, and there will be new videos (including Footnotes and other bonus content) every Thursday until December, 2023.
ABOUT THE CREATOR:
Warren Schlote is an award-winning multimedia storyteller based in Sudbury, Ont. He has extensive experience in daily news journalism and feature writing, largely through The Manitoulin Expositor and CBC News, but creating documentaries remains his passion. Please visit WarrenSchlote.ca to learn more about Warren.
So glad I found your channel.
this was on my bike commute to work for 4 years. such a cool thing to see every single day
We had a small, one-room log framed family cottage built in the 1950’s that was originally a one-room hunting cabin. I always wondered why it was a hexagon shape. It was amazingly functional and comfortable. Yes, the corners could be tricky, but were used for dressers and small bedside tables. Very sorry that it burnt down after over 50 years. Enjoyed your article. Have not found much info before about these differently shaped old structures.
Thanks for your comment, @Brucepooch1! Ever since I filmed this video I've become a bit enthralled with octagons and have even found a few by chance on satellite maps haha. Thanks for watching and spreading the word!
The Woodchester home is absolutely stunning! Another wonderful video and thanks so much for sharing my clip!
I'm grateful you were able to help me out with this one! Thanks very much, Shandi! Now everyone go visit smalltowncanada.ca!
I stayed in one of these octagon homes on Amherst island just outside of Bath Bath or Kingston, Ontario it seem to have been made of aluminum. If I recall correctly, we were told that it was made during the mass return of Canadian soldiers during the second world war and the dire need of housing and her new families. so apparently what the Government did was they dismantled Lancaster is in Halifax bombers and built the frames and skin into homes. How true this is or not I have no idea.
I'm building an octagon house. Interior is a cut down the middle with 2nd story balcony. Less is more.
Nicely done!
I watched his at approximately 4:50 pm I swear, it’s just taken me a long time to think of a comment, and here it is: I like the reference to CGP, and I’m glad you put your coat on when you got cold and I appreciate the photo creds to a fellow small town media creator - loving it like always
Heck yes, everyone should check out smalltowncanada.ca NOW! I'm a big fan of Shandi's work and I'm grateful she helped me out with some footage.
Brad, you kill me 😂 Thanks for all the love and support as always!
The octagon school house in Morton Ontario is about 10 miles from my place. A friend of mine used to own it. It needs to be restored.
I remember looking at that one on a map during my research phase. It's a shame to see it fall into disrepair, hopefully someone can revitalize it indeed. Thanks for sharing!
That cliffhanger at the end really has me fascinated on what is to come!!
Another interesting episode and awaiting on the next one :)
Thanks Requeza! The next part, coming your way in a few weeks, is a really neat tale that's a bit more Ontario-centric than this one; it's a phenomenon that doesn't seem to exist anywhere else in the world! But I'll leave you in suspense until then.
I’m loving your channel. Ty
Thank you very much, Linda! Please help spread the word, I need all the support I can get!
There are 2 octagon houses in Brampton, Ontario dating around 1890 and designed by William Bird.
The algorithm winds blew fair and I sailed into a very interesting place...
Interesting, and nicely done.
Many thanks, D'Arcy!
2 great examples in port hope Ontario
I just saw a photo of the train station the other day which had quite an octagonal wing to it as well! I'm hoping to get out to see that home in town this year sometime.
The Gore Bay marina building was built by my uncle, Brad Graham. Brad and many in my family learned their carpentry and house and large building skills from my grandfather Floyd Graham who built most of the early homes on Manitoulin Island. Great videos by the way!
Very interesting, thank you for sharing! I asked around with the folks at the Recorder and The Expositor about what they remembered from that build, but it had been so long that they didn't recall much! I appreciate you helping to close a bit of that gap.
awesome
Warren, these octagons are ruining my life 😂 because I am also on the look out for them!
Another excellent video, Warren!
Haha I'm so sorry to welcome you to the madness! Thanks for the comments and for following the series!