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While Simpsons fans may have a different connection to Burns Manor than Calgarians of a certain age, the fact remains that the former estate of prominent Calgarian and member of the so-called "Big Four," Senator Patrick Burns, was at one time the epitome of Western Canadian wealth and prestige. Built in 1903 by noted Canadian architect Francis M. Rattenbury of British Columbia Legislative Building and Empress Hotel fame, Burns Manor was designed in the Neo-Gothic style with strong hints of Arts and Crafts and Chateau influences, its sandstone exterior and heavy detailing work giving the home the appearance of an English manor house.
Built at a cost of $35,000, Burns Manor was completed between 1900 and 1903, in time for the 47-year-old Burns and his 27-year-old bride Eileen Ellis to move into it after an extended stay at the Alberta Hotel following their return from England where they were married in 1901. One of the "Big Four," Patrick Burns was a successful homesteader and cattle rancher (with lands encompassing an incredible 700,000 acres or 2,800 square kilometres), who eventually went on to found the Burns Meat Packing Company, before becoming one of the four wealthiest men in Calgary who are now remembered for founding the Calgary Stampede in 1912.
A founding member of Calgary's elite, Patrick "Pat" Burns, went on to become a Senator in 1931 at the invitation of personal friend and fellow millionaire, Prime Minister R. B. Bennett. He served in that position until 1936, just a year before he died at the age of 80.
Following his death, Burns Manor was left vacant for two years, before being leased to Mrs. L. Barber, who converted the 18-room home into a 20-unit rooming house. In 1941, the Department of Veterans Affairs took it over for use as a convalescent home, after which time it and the rest of the Burns estate was purchased by the Department of Pensions and Health to be converted into a new veteran's hospital.
Despite protestations on behalf of Burns Manor as a historic site, the house was torn down in 1956 to clear the way for the construction of Colonel Belcher Hospital, which was built on the former estate grounds. During the demolition, a widely reported salvage sale was held, with curious onlookers treated to their pick of oak handrails, mantle pieces, and antique lamps.
Demolished itself in 2006, the Colonel Belcher Hospital was replaced by the Sheldon M. Chumir Centre, the urgent care facility today sitting on the site of both the former veteran's hospital and Burns Manor. Located in the busy Beltline District on the periphery of downtown Calgary, today's Central Memorial Park, bookended by the Memorial Park Library and the Sheldon M. Chumir Centre, is a popular urban green space in the heart of the city. Careful observers can still find traces of the old estate here and there, though the remnants of the sandstone fence that once surrounded the house are now all that remains of Burns Manor.
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