Anna Ada4 (York) Secord
photos courtesy of City of Edmonton Archives
From an unlabeled newspaper article: 
Richard Secord
photo courtesy of City of Edmonton Archives
| The home boasted a mansard roof, six chimneys and three balconies. The first floor contained a grand vestibule, a spacious dining room and drawing room, a lavish and turreted library, along with a sunny breakfast room, cloakroom, kitchen, pantry and a spacious conservatory. On the second floor were four bedrooms, two bathrooms, a service room and a large hallway. And on the third floor: servants quarters and storage areas. |
From a 10 Feb 1970 letter from Richard York5 Secord to J.C. Finaly, Director of Historical Development and Archives:
| Construction of the house began in 1907 and the house was occupied in 1908; the architect was H.D. Johnstone (his fee was $1,000 and he received a $50 bonus); the contractors were May and Sharpe (they were paid $29,590).
Drawing room woodwork was bleached mahogany; other downstairs woodwork was oak; floors were maple and oak; the verandah pillars were laminated with Louisiana cyprus wood. The furnishings included: furniture made to order in Grand Rapids MI ($4,825); crystal, china, curtains, statuary, linens and antiques imported from France and Italy; silverware, including some gold plated spoons; sterling silver teaset ($3,500) and punchbowl; and a Steinway Concert Grand piano ($5,000). The home was named Chateau Rochelle because of a long-ago association with La Rochelle, France. During the persecution of the French Huguenots, Ambroise Sicard (spelling later changed to Secord) (1631-1712) and his family sought refuge in England, then emigrated to America. They settled in Westchester County NY and with other refugees founded New Rochelle in 1689. |
Helena5, Imogene5, and Richard5 Secord
photo courtesy of City of Edmonton Archives
Click on the photo to see a larger version
Isabel5 Secord
photo on the left courtesy of City of Edmonton Archives