1930s Gimli heritage home renamed from Paulson to Barlow House
A 1930s-era heritage home in Gimli was renamed last week, and the family who’ve lived in and cared for it for 50 years were honoured with a sign signifying its importance in the community.
The formerly named Paulson House at 44 Fourth Avenue was renamed the Barlow House in honour of Bill Barlow and his family, who still live in the architecturally unique home.
The Rural Municipality of Gimli’s Municipal Heritage Advisory Committee (MHAC), which provides advice to Gimli council on matters related to local heritage sites and structures, had adopted a motion in 2022 during its Oct. 4 meeting to allow heritage cottages that have been under continuous ownership of a family for 50 years – even if there were original owners – to become eligible for name banners.
Gimli councillor Thora Palson, who sits on MHAC, said the renaming of the Paulson House is the first time a heritage home has been renamed under the motion.
“Having the ability to change the name of a heritage home to the family name that have been stewards of the home for 50 years recognizes its new history. The significance of the name means a lot, and the heritage committee felt that it was important to have this ability to honour the family who have cared for the property for a significant amount of time,” said Palson. “This is the first new sign that has been put up under this ability to change a heritage home name. It was a special moment for the Barlows to see the sign change from C. P. Paulson House to the Barlow House.”
The dwelling on Fourth Avenue had been built in 1931 for Christian P. Paulson, who served as the village mayor, and the home became known as the Paulson House. Governor-general Lord Tweedsmuir dined at the residence in 1936 while on a tour of the Interlake, according to the RM’s publication Heritage Tour of Old Town Gimli. The house has a gable-roofed portico [porch] at the main entrance and dormer windows [windows that project outwards on a sloping roof] at the front and back of the house. The interior features a maple floor, a brick fireplace and French doors.
Bill Barlow worked as an English and drama teacher at Gimli High School for 35 years. He ran successfully for local council and was re-elected several times as mayor and councillor for both the town of Gimli and the amalgamated town and municipality. He initiated the rehabilitation of the Gimli waterfront that included a boardwalk and the redevelopment of lots to accommodate the Lakeview Hotel. Barlow was committed to protecting the environment, serving as chair (2003-2010) of the Lake Winnipeg Stewardship Board which made recommendations to the provincial government on protecting the health of the lake. He has served/serves on local boards such as the Lake Winnipeg Research Consortium and the New Iceland Heritage Museum, as well as provincial boards such as the Manitoba Municipal Board.
Barlow, who is undergoing cancer treatment, was joined by his wife Jocelyn, their daughter Jacqueline, councillor Palson and Gimli mayor Kevin Chudd to celebrate the renaming of the home.
Andy Blicq, chair of the Municipal Heritage Advisory Committee, said he was contacted by the municipality regarding the name change and that he supported the initiative.
“Bill Barlow is one of our most distinguished citizens and he has a long, active record of community service, as well as interest in heritage matters in the municipality. He’s served on many boards, including the New Iceland Heritage Museum. It was felt that the renaming was an appropriate thing to do,” said Blicq. “It’s quite a significant house that dates from 1931. It’s one of Gimli’s beautiful older homes and it has a history in the community as it was owned by C.P. Paulson, who served as mayor.”
