Ellis Block - Kamloops, BC
Posted by: Groundspeak Premium Member T0SHEA
N 50° 40.536 W 120° 19.926
10U E 688494 N 5617147
Quick Description: This 1914 brick and stone was the most elegant business block in the city when built. Time has not done much to tarnish its reputation for elegance. It was built by local contractors Johnston & Gill using bricks of their own making.
Location: British Columbia, Canada
Date Posted: 8/26/2014 8:13:23 PM
Waymark Code: WMMBGD
Views: 2
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Long Description:
Ellis Block

371 Victoria Street - 1914

This is one of Kamloops' finest downtown brick business blocks. It was built in 1914 by G. W. and R. Godman as an office and commercial building. A few years previous, the Ellis family had moved to Kamloops from San Francisco after the 1906 earthquake. The father, W. J. Ellis, opened a garage and machine shop on Lorne Street which remained in operation until 1982. One of the sons, W.O. Ellis, became a pharmacist and in 1917 formed a partnership with A. Galloway. They opened an office and pharmacy on the ground floor of the Godmans' block.

The Galloway-Ellis Drugstore continued in operation on this site under various owners until 1994. The name of the business block was changed to the Ellis Block in 1951 when W.O. Ellis bought the building.

This block was built by Kamloops contractors Johnston & Gill using their own signature bricks. It is a two-storey building with basement. On the east side, the main entrance is flanked by two large granite Doric columns. Step back to appreciate the brick frieze and ornamental parapet along the top edge of the building.
From the history plaque at the site
Ellis Block Ellis Block
Ellis Block Ellis Block
Type of Marker: Cultural

Type of Sign: Historic Site or Building Marker

Describe the parking that is available nearby: Street parking

What Agency placed the marker?: City of Kamloops
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