Jenni Gehlbach’s sandstone quarries on Gabriola page has lots of interesting details; head over there to learn more abut this aspect of Gabriola’s history.

Gabriola, (at the northwest corner of Davie and Nicola), is the last of the community’s truly grand mansions. Built in 1900-1901 for industrialist Benjamin Tingley Rogers (founder of BC Sugar), it was designed by Samuel Maclure and was known as probably the most lavish private home ever constructed in B.C. Its superb stonework was quarried on Gabriola Island and the impressive stained glass windows were designed by the Bloomfield Brothers. The home was saved from demolition, rehabilitated in the mid-1970s and has since been a series of restaurants.

SeeTheWestEnd.com has a few photos of the Gabriola house, explaining:

Three views of Gabriola Mansion, a landmark on Davie Street since 1901. Originally built as a residence for the Rogers family, its sandstone exterior was quarried at B.C.’s Gabriola island. In 1977 it was converted to a restaurant, restoring “Gabriola’s” interior closer to its original form. It’s now home to Romano’s Macaroni Grill. Meticulously maintained, the exterior has not changed since it was designed in 1898/99 by architect Samuel McLure.

I remember hearing that Charles Bentall once lived in the Gabriola. Is that true?

More about the Gabriola Mansion

• EnglishBay.com – has another photo of the Gabriola mansion
• Vancouver History Tidbits: Abbott to Tatlow and Gabriola – blog posting from Miss604.com
• Gabriola Mansion – photo on flickr.com

More about Gabriola sandstone used in Vancouver buildings

• Gabriola and Holy Rosary Cathedral – Gabriolan.ca

Now, have you guessed what the Gabriola connection is? It’s the sandstone. Holy Rosary’s history page explains:

Holy Rosary Cathedral is built of sandstone from Gabriola Island on foun­dations of local granite.