54 West Gate: Stories of Ralph Connor House spans the years from 1860 to 2004. A truly Canadian story about a magnificent house on the Assiniboine River in the historic neighbourhood of Armstrong’s Point in Winnipeg, Manitoba. The house has sheltered two families.
The Rev. Charles W. Gordon (pen name Ralph Connor) and his wife Helen and their seven children lived there first. The Ralph Connor novels financed the building of this home. Rev. Gordon was a social activist, Chaplain to the Canadian Forces in WW1, confidante of Prime Ministers and Presidents and influential in the formation of the United Church of Canada. He was granted the title of Person of National Significance in 1948 by the Canadian government.
After his death in 1937, the house was saved from demolition by the University Women’s Club of Winnipeg who has cared for it ever since. Members of the Heritage House Conservation Committee have researched extensively, compiled and written some of their stories for you.
There is something for everyone amongst your family and friends no matter where they live; especially those interested in architecture, social history, women’s issues, stories of laughter mixed with a few tears and our own unique corner in Canada’s heritage.