By Mary Spring
This week I took the time to drive through our old neighbourhood of 30 years, Lake Drive. I heard that a home was being demolished and I was anxious to watch what was happening. Sure enough, the “House of Stone” had vanished. From the road, all that I could see was the most stunning view of Fairy Lake.
My husband and I have always believed the Doug and Pat Stone had built their “House of Stone” on the most beautiful piece of property in Huntsville. The sunrises and the view of the moon were always spectacular.
I was saddened to see that the house was gone, but I am sure that the present owners will build a wonderful home on this lot and that their family will enjoy it for many years to come, just like our dear neighbours Doug and Pat Stone.
Our home was formerly owned by Agnes Eybers, and it was the original farmhouse in the area. Built in 1900, it was a beautiful stone structure with a large lot and gardens. In the early 1960s a subdivision was developed, thus creating the Lake Drive neighbourhood. We loved the area because we felt like we were out of town, but town was so accessible.
When we purchased our home on Lake Drive it included a small piece of property across the road, directly beside the “House of Stone”. The property had 60 feet of road frontage, was pie shaped, and it stopped 10 feet from Fairy Lake. We knew that we were not buying waterfront property when we purchased the home, but Doug Stone reminded us of that fact in his own gentle way. He was, after all, the former principal at Huntsville High School. Apparently Agnes Eybers had kindly allowed the neighbourhood children to swim in Fairy Lake for many years, even though her property was not actually on the water. Rumour has it that the small chunk of land was a popular spot as the children grew and became teenagers. Doug Stone was eager to share this piece of information with us and we were more than willing to respect his wishes. We ended up selling that small chunk of land and homes were built across the road.
The “House of Stone” on Lake Drive was formerly the home of Pat and Doug Stone
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- Agnes Eybers was the former owner of the original farmhouse at 36 Lake Drive
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- The farmhouse at 36 Lake Drive sat across the street from the “House of Stone”
Agnes Eybers (above left) was the former owner of the original farmhouse at 36 Lake Drive (right)
The “House of Stone”, as well as Doug and Pat, became friends to all of the neighbourhood children. There were always extra Halloween treats for the Lake Drive children as well as goodies at Christmas. Pat was a cat lover and she had colourful birds that talked. Our children were always excited to visit her kitchen. Her raspberry patch fed us all. Doug and Pat allowed the children to swim off of their dock each summer for years. He loved his garden and was always available to chat with everyone. He always waited at the bus stop with the children on the first day of school in September.
An early September morning on Lake Drive
Doug canvassed for the Cancer Foundation each April until he was no longer able to do so. I took over his route and it was a wonderful opportunity for me to visit with the Lake Drive folks even after I had moved away. We miss Doug and Pat Stone, as they were wonderful neighbours, and we will miss the “House of Stone” as well.
Our small town is changing. We will hold onto the memories of the past as the years go on.
Photos courtesy of Mary Spring
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Mary, thank you for sharing your story. Doing this keeps these great memories alive.
Geoff Stone
Thank you Mary, you and family are amazing. I am going to miss that house and everything that came with it. Very touching article. You were always available to help our family. You and Gord and Fran Mitchell were a huge help when my Dad was sick. I will never forget. Many thanks.
At HHS we used to call it the “Stone Age” when Doug was the principal, but to be honest, if it was to be the Stone Age, it was a great time when I look back on it. Doug was “no nonsense” but he had a heart of gold.
That is a wonderful write up Mary. Brings tears to my eyes to think of the house being gone. So many fond memories in that house with my dear friend Mrs. Stone (Pat). Thank you for sharing.
Santana?
Thank you for that Mary! I grew up at the base of Lakedrive and would often walk with Mr. Stone to HHS. We had some interesting conversations as we were both rather opinionated! DC was always cordial and truly seemed interested in my latest opinion. In one of the article’s pictures, I see Mr. and Mrs. Hutcheson’s white garage which sat in front of their lovely Georgian style home! I also recognize Donna Rae whom I met much later in the 90’s. Lovely memories!
What a great read, I live in the area and have since the mid 70’s and remember both very fondly from years ago. Mr Stone and his family and the fun we all had there on what we saw then as our own little swimming hole. I was one of those neighbourhood kids who Mrs Eybers let swim there all summer long and she let us eat all the apples off of her trees in the back yard as well haha. Thank you Mary, you brought back a big smile .
What wonderful memories!
Thanks Mary! I
Great memories. I will always remember Mr. Stone!
Thanks for the memories. Doug Stone taught my classmates and I English during the early 50’s .No nonsense in his classes (except for a few guys who tried and wished they hadn’t!)
Agnes Eybers was my Aunt! Loved her!?❤️
I have fond memories of Mr Stone being the principal of HHS but what stands out for me is his involvement in organizing the first Terry Fox Runs that take place in September. He gave generously of his time to many organizations after his retirement. ?
Thank you Mary for the memories. It sure is not the same Town we remember.