Unique history of Riordan House
Riordan House is a noteworthy heritage site because of its architecture, the connection to a key period in the city’s development, its various owners, and its contractor.
Architecturally, it is described as a two and a half storey California Craftsmen Tudor Revival home, constructed during 1920 and 1921. Located on a prominent corner of Winnipeg Street and Eckhart Avenue illustrates the upscale neighbourhood of that era.
It is remarkably in near original condition given that it has stood for over a century, and thus provides an excellent example of what was the most important North American building style of the early 1900s, evolving from the philosophy of the Arts and Crafts movement.
Its interior reflects the social prominence and personality of Dave Riordan, its original owner, through its opulence and rich architectural detailing.
Riordan imported Nova Scotia fir, oak and maple for its finishing. Its construction and interior detailing demonstrate the extraordinary master carpentry skills of Oswell Etter. The 1908 design, taken from a Los Angeles plan book, was period appropriate with its Craftsman style being showcased through features on the exterior, including a deep verandah, ex-posed rafter tails, brick pilasters, and bay windows, and the house’s extensive interior woodwork and wooden window sashes.
Typical Craftsman characteristics are seen throughout. Built-ins include the dining room buffet, cupboards in the butler’s pantry, glass-doored cabinets in the living room and the library’s bookcases. Window seats are found in the dining room and east bedroom. Exposed wood grain wainscotting is featured in the dining room, and windows on both floors feature criss-crossed glazing bars. Wide mouldings around doors and windows are found throughout the house, and maple hardwood floors feature prominently.
The downstairs fireplace, with windows symmetrically located on both sides, is also characteristic.
The house is also notable for its association with the Prohibition Era: Dave Riordan, the owner/manager of Front Street’s BC Hotel, was a reputed bootlegger. The house’s association with Penticton’s hospitality industry didn’t stop there: during the 1980s, it was alternatively a teahouse and restaurant, then subsequently operated as a B&B between 1991 to 2006. Longterm owners include the Dr. Bill Wickett, and Ortiz families.
The Kettle Valley Railroad had been in operation for approximately five years when the house was built. The railway and associated buildings brought skilled tradesman, the ability to import quality building materials and an active economy. The mastermind behind Riordan House was Oswald Etter, who was involved in several notable Penticton landmarks of the era, including the waterfront KVR Station and Incola Hotel, both of which are gone.
However, other buildings constructed by Mr. Etter include the Empress Theatre on Front Street (now Lloyd Gallery), and Pelton House on Martin Street (currently Walter and Fred Hill Denturists). In addition to his impact on Penticton’s development during the 1911-1915 era, Mr. Etter left a lasting legacy through his partnerships in the local construction industry, including Etter and Pearson, later Etter and Killick, which later evolved to become Killick and Kenyon.