Ghost Story of Gabriola House:
Nestled in Vancouver’s West End, Gabriola House stands as a hauntingly beautiful relic of a bygone era. Constructed in the early 1900s for industrial magnate Benjamin T. Rogers, founder of B.C. Sugar, this majestic mansion is an architectural marvel. Its grandeur is evident from its sandstone blocks sourced from Gabriola Island to the breathtaking stained glass windows and the stately interior staircase.
Beyond its structural magnificence, Gabriola House holds within its walls tales of mystery and intrigue that span over a century.
A Mansion of Many Tales
Legend speaks of an underground tunnel connecting the mansion to a nightclub at 1215 Bidwell Street, speculated to have been a conduit for bootlegging during the prohibition era. Although the nightclub, last known as Maxine’s Hideaway, had its own spectral resident – the madam of a bygone brothel – it’s vital to clarify that Rogers, the man of honor and principle, had no ties to such activities.
Over the decades, Gabriola House transformed from a luxurious residence to a 20-unit apartment known as Angus Apartments, named after Mary Rogers’ maiden name. By the mid-70s, it was repurposed as a fine dining establishment named Hy’s Mansion, and later, after renovations from a fire, Romano’s Macaroni Grill occupied its space. Now, although vacant and waiting for another transformation, it seems the house is not entirely empty.
Spectral Sightings
While the house has seen many changes, some things, or rather some entities, seem to remain constant. Diners at Hy’s Mansion reported witnessing cutlery inexplicably levitating, while employees at Romano’s Macaroni Grill encountered the chilling apparition of a young man, often seen atop the grand staircase, his blank gaze causing many a spine to tingle.
But perhaps the most eerie is the tale of an older gentleman, whose presence was sensed by an interior painter one fateful night. This ethereal figure stood near the grand staircase, silent and unmoving. When approached, he vanished without a trace.
Was this ghostly figure Benjamin Rogers? It seems unlikely, given his age at passing. However, with a property as storied as Gabriola House, it could be any of its past inhabitants or guests, still tethered to the mansion’s elegance.
A Living Legacy
Today, as developers plan its next chapter, Gabriola House stands as a testament to Vancouver’s rich history. To some, it’s an architectural marvel, and to others, it’s a portal to another time, where echoes of the past mingle with the present. One can only hope that its future residents appreciate not just its architectural beauty but also the rich tapestry of tales it holds within.