301 Palmer Avenue - Dr. Charles Lusk

Dr. Lusk originally lived in the house on the corner of Trafalgar and Palmer

This house was built in 1910 by Dr Charles Lusk who lived next door on Trafalgar Road. In 1920 he sold 205 Trafalgar to the Wilkinson family and moved into this house. In 1925 it was occupied by the father of former mayor Harry Barrett and in 1944 it was purchased by the MacKenzie family. Dr MacKenzie died in 1963 but Mrs MacKenzie and their son lived here until 1976 when it was sold again. Many of the houses in this area have had very few owners over the years. This one has had only four.

Dr. Lusk was the first director of the Alert Bible Class at St. John's United Church. Lusk Hall at the church is named in Dr. Lusk's honour.

The interesting features of this building include the eave returns on both gables, the L shaped plan and the wrap around verandah. It represents a simplified design far removed from the overstated Victorian period. It was designated under part IV of the Heritage Act in 1984.