3650 W 18th Ave

Built in 1914, this Craftsman-style home features a prominent cross-gabled roof, wide front porch and covered second storey porch. The architect and builder, F. Armstrong, designed several other homes around this time in Kitsilano and Kerrisdale, including 5368 Blenheim Street and 2316 Dunbar Street.

This house first appears in city directories as 3700 West 18th, under owner Frank H. Dobson, Principal of Model Public School. Model Public School (at Cambie Street and West 12th Avenue) was used for training teachers from 1906 to 1963. On June 20, 1973, a fire destroyed the school and all that remains is the stone wall fronting West 12th.

By 1920 this home was listed as its current address, 3650 West 18th, with Dobson still in residence. Dobson and his wife Bertha lived here until the 1930s. In the 40s and 50s Bertha and Dorothy Dobson continued to reside here.

Located just west of Dunbar Street and South of 16th Avenue in the Dunbar-Southlands neighbourhood, this area has seen significant change over the last several years with numerous pre-1940 homes being demolished. Indigenous people have inhabited the Dunbar-Southlands area since as early as 400 B.C. where the area’s proximity to the mouth of the Fraser River allowed easy access to fishing and hunting. Today, the Musqueam Reserve is located at the south end of the area bordering the water. Some residential development started in the early 20th century but this area grew in popularity in the 1920’s as streetcar routes on Dunbar and 41st Avenue were developed. Today, Dunbar Street continues to be the hub of this family-friendly community with boutique shops and restaurants.

Source

Heritage Vancouver Building Permits Database, VPL British Columbia City Directories 1860-1955, VanMap