Thursday, April 21, 2011





A Canadian Baby House - a rare treasure - Oak Bay Manor


This house is from the late 1800's and was most likely made by a grandfather, father or manor carpenter. It was purchased in western Canada and shipped to California.


The contents have all been "gathered" and are appropriate for the age of the house with a few items being up-dated like the deco bedroom set, tin stove, etc.


The larger scale make it extra fun to play with and although large, Oak Bay Manor is one of my treasures.



The right of the kitchen shows off the lith'd tin container set, cast pots and griddle, state-of-the-art cook stove and the cheery Christmas mottos on the back walls that were lovingly applied by the house's original owner.

The floor tile also came with the house but is perhaps a more "modern" touch.

Click to enlarge.



Here is the left side of the kitchen and it looks like Cook is preparing a large fresh fish for dinner.

Notice the lovely blue and cream spice set of litho'd tin that includes an egg cabinet and oil can for the stove.

Cook was hired by the lady of the house after her ladyship tasted Cook's delicious gumbo and southern cooking while she was visiting a friend in Alabama. Cook was all too happy to come north with her to Canada.

Click to enlarge.


The small dining room boasts an antique figural table with four upholstered-seat chairs and a Royal Doulton granny who has stopped in to sell Cook some of her freshest wares.

Click to enlarge.


Another view of the front parlor or lounge.

Click to enlarge.


The lady of the house is getting ready to entertain. Her long-haired companion helps her get ready for guests.

Lovely old pieces grace this room along with some photos of royalty on the mantle.

Click to enlarge.


The children's bedroom is complete with nanny and a tin bath tub.

The fireplace is an old litho'd tin bank and the room still displays its original "stickers" or pictures on the walls that the little girl who first owned this house decorated with--kitties, a floral moon and a tuxedo'd cat with chop sticks steal center stage.

Click to enlarge picture.


The master bedroom has wonderful old papers and a lovely place for the lady of the house to sit and sew with her folding sewing basket at the ready and her pedal sewing machine to make the work go faster. It looks like she is a dressmaker by the dress form (with measuring tape in the base) in the back of the room!

Click to enlarge.



This is the last shot of the interior of the Canadian baby house. The art deco bedroom set, colored wax picture over the fireplace fit well with the period of the room. Click to enlarge.