From “Coleman’s Castle” to the House of Providence

The House of Providence was one of the most distinctive and imposing structures in the Valley. It had been built upon an enormous residence known as “Coleman’s Castle” originally constructed by wealthy merchant and former Dundas Mayor James Coleman. Coleman had made a fortune shipping goods on the Desjardins Canal and intended his residence to rival MacNab’s Dundurn Castle in Hamilton. However, shortly after its completion a series of disasters struck, including family tragedy, economic depression, and a massive fire on February 6th 1869. Coleman rebuilt the residence larger and finer than before at a loss of $33,000 only for a second fire to ravage the building in 1870. Convinced his endeavour was cursed, Coleman offered the property for sale and it was purchased in 1873 by the directors of the newly formed Wesleyan Institute – a college for the education of boys and young men. The directors reconstructed the building after the manner of a university but, unable to operate profitably, they sold the property again on February 15th 1879 to Rev. Father McNulty for the Sisters of St. Joseph who turned it into the House of Providence. With the House of Providence, the Sisters of St. Joseph of Hamilton provided a home for the elderly, orphaned, and disadvantaged. Such institutions were very important in a time before modern hospitals or old-age homes, and they operated primarily on Church funds and public donations.

The House of Providence Picnic

The annual House of Providence Picnic, held on July 1st ‘Dominion Day’, was a fundraising event that became the highlight of the Dundas social season for almost a century. The picnic was originally held in 1879 to raise funds for the purchase of the property but proved so popular that it was brought back year after year. Each year the House of Providence Picnic attracted a crowd of thousands from the surrounding area to eat, dance, watch entertainments, and compete for prizes. These picnics lasted until 1970 when the House of Providence was demolished following the construction of St. Joseph’s Villa on the property nearby.

The Building Expands

The building was expanded for its new purpose and from the beginning, the home was set up to be self-sufficient. A barn and silo were built, as well as stables for cattle and horses, and produce was grown on the surrounding fields. The former Coleman residence occupied the northeast corner, with a south wing and chapel added. Mother M.J. Sebastian was made superioress.

According to records, the first residents included elderly women placed there from St. Vincent’s Home in Hamilton, boys from St. Mary’s Orphanage, and asylum transfers. These residents, called “inmates”, were strictly segregated. Reports from an 1881 inspection listed 19 men, 46 women, and 73 boys. Eventually, the facility became a home exclusively for the elderly.

In 1882 a measles epidemic affected the home and some small children died. In that same year, Father McNulty, who had become a resident himself, died, and was buried on site.

Tragedy came again on October 4th 1900 when the building was completely gutted by fire. Accounts tell of how many of the original artifacts including early books, furniture, and paintings were consumed by the flames or smashed after being tossed out windows by bewildered residents who sought to save them. The structure was again rebuilt and reopened in 1902. Once again the annual picnic helped provide funds for the effort.

The House of Providence is Demolished and St. Joseph’s Villa is Built

By the 1960s, changes to the healthcare system meant that the old-fashioned facilities of the House of Providence were badly out of date. In 1967, as a part of the many projects put forward for the Canadian Centennial, plans were drawn for the construction of the new St. Joseph’s Villa on the property nearby. St. Joseph’s Villa, a much larger structure, was constructed to replace the House of Providence. It is immediately west of the old site and opened in November 1970 with 350 beds. It has since been enlarged. The House of Providence was demolished. St. Joseph’s Estates, a condominium complex, now occupies the site.