NIAGARA REGIONAL YOUTH HOME

Imposing shelter for teenagers a novelist’s dream come true.

[Welland Tribune, 3 February 1989]

By Brenda Stewart

Nothing captures the imaginations of Wellanders like the old building that now serves as the Niagara Regional Youth Home.

For years, people have viewed this historic home as either being romantic or haunted.

The imposing structure located on Prince Charles Drive has served as a farm house, an Anglican Manse, a stately home, and now a youth shelter.

Area historian recalls the history of the building.

“David Price was the original owner and he made the bricks himself,” says Hogue. “It was the first brick house in Welland. The bricks were made of Welland clay which was good stuff for bricks.”

After Price, the building was used as an Anglican Manse and then sold to the Martin family who proceeded to build the elaborate front section of the building. Hague says the family sold the building when Prince Charles Drive was extended.

“When the youth home was being fixed up,” recalls Hogue, “they put in a window and knocked some of the hand-made bricks out. I have a dozen or so and I donated some to the museum.”

According to Mike Chukil, director of the youth home, the building was purchased by the board of directors in 1974 and accepted for funding under the name of The Niagara Regional Youth Home in May 1977.

Since that time the building has undergone renovations.

“We currently have 14 bed spaces,” says Chukil.

The home has a total of 25 rooms in various shapes and sizes.

“Nothing is exactly square in this house,” says Chukil. “In this building we have odd-shaped rooms.”

Some of the third floor bedrooms, for example, have interesting gables and windows. One is even situated in what used to be a large walk-in doll house.

One of the second-floor rooms is attached to the solarium.

Since the home is co-ed, one floor is reserved for boys, the other for girls.

The exterior of the building is a romantic novelist’s dream. It hs large bay windows, turrets, a glass solarium, semi-circular doors, stained glass windows and onion dome trim.

The river location is as historically interesting as the building.

Chukil says remnants of broken bird baths have been found in the back yard, indicating what must have once been a large garden. He has even heard rumors that Price, the original owner, once traded with Indians along the river.

Although he says he enjoys the many unique features of the house, he adds it is costly to maintain.

“It’s not designed for efficient use of energy,” he says. “It’s a sturdy construction but it’s often in need of repairs.”

To date, the insulation in the attic and walls has been upgraded, as well as the radiators, plumbing, electrical system, walls and ceilings.

“They (the residents} all ask a lot of questions about it.

Niagara Regional Youth Home is licensed under the Child and Family Services act as a youth institution.

“The program for residential care includes counselling, case management, personized instruction, supervision support and shelter,” says Chukil.

Youths are provided with a bed, food and clothing. They construct musical instruments and camera cases for bands and photographers. The cases are made in a workshop located in the house.