Newnham Street houses

(Gay Street was named for William Gay Butler, village founder, and was renamed Newnham Street in the mid 1970s to honor long time village public works head Harry Newnham) Varley Cottage: Owned by Albert & Louise Varley. Purchased by J.R. Johnston circa 1953 and given to W. J. (Dodie) Wilson for removal. Moved to Wilson property next to Willow Park in 1954 and became "Varley House". Torn down circa 1996 after the land was purchased by W.H. Johnston Jr. Original cottage site now site if Clyde Battjes home built in 1976. Tillietudlum: (Named for a castle in Scotland) Built for Mary Rowan Johnston by Robt. H. (Harry) Fort on 1/2 lot purchased from Harry Fort circa 1924. Still standing after several additions. Now owned by grandson of Mary Johnston, H. Kirke White. Boathouse: Purchased by J. R. Johnston in mid 1930s. Sold to Clyde Battjes by J.R Johnston estate circa 1972 and subsequently torn down. Vista Hermosa: One of three Varley rental cottages. Purchased by J. R. Johnston in mid-1930s, re-named "Jock-Anna", and underwent several significant remodelings. Moved to sight of former Varley Cottage at mouth of Moore's Creek in 1954. Moved to Ganges Township after purchase by Clyde Battjes circa 1972. Land purchased by George Demski in early 1990s. Osterhart Cottage: Osterhart family of Chicago purchased middle Varley rental unit in early 1930s? Subsequently owned, re-modeled and winterized by John Blumenfeld, and now owned by Mrs. George Demski. Sunnybrook: Varley rental cottage facing Moore's Creek, purchased and remodeled by J. R. Johnston in mid 1930's. Moved to Maple Street in Saugatuck after purchase by Clyde Battjes circa 1972. Taylor Cottage: Purchased from Mrs. Taylor by W.H. Johnston in mid 1930's. Had been extensively remodeled, and is now part of W.H. Johnston Jr. cottage which occupies both Taylor & Scott lots. Scott Cottage: Owned by William Scott family of Chicago and subsequently sold to William H. Johnston. South part of current W.H. Johnston Jr. cottage is on the footprint of the old Scott Cottage. White House (Yellow House): Two story uninsulated summer house, which had been vacant for several years, purchased by J.R Johnston in late 1930s for use as guest house by family relatives. Originally painted yellow, was change to white by Mr. Johnston. Purchased by Clyde Battjes circa 1972, and later demolished. Land purchased by H. Kirke White in 1990 to build his present home. Wilson Coal Yard: Several structures were on the property, which at one time had been the site of a basket factory. The office was converted into a residence in the early 1940s and was the home of Dodie & Gracie Wilson. A cottage facing the river was removed about the same time. Several sheds used for coal storage and by commercial fishermen were also removed. The entire property was purchased by W.H. Johnston Jr. in 1992. The remaining Wilson residence and Varley house were razed in 1995 and Mr. Johnston's present residence was built. (Prepared by Kirke White from recollections - June 2004)