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  • Halliday Homes

Who doesn’t love the convenience of customizing your home?

Prefabricated homes with add-ons were available in Canada since the early 20th century. In the earlier years, companies would package and ship the pre-cut and pre-fitted parts into kits for easy and quick assembly. During this time, it was primarily seen as a DIY gig with various customization options as advertised in catalogues!

Kit homes played an important role in providing housing for those involved in the war. Governments opted for prefab homes as they were used as temporary housing to meet the demands of the war efforts. Eventually, those homes were sold to veterans and their family and tried to address the housing shortage after the war.

Halliday Homes was located in Burlington and operated since 1910 with customers throughout Canada! They were able to capitalize and tap into a market of amateur builders who desired a home at a price commensurate with their income. During the mid-20th century, George William Earl “Bud’ Gordon co-spearheaded Halliday Homes Limited from 1964, further strengthening its legacy in Burlington. Gordon was heavily involved in the local Burlington community, serving as president and chairman in various organizations.

Artifacts

  • 1985_380_395a-c

    1985.380.395 A-C | January 25, 1954

    Halliday staff photo.

  • Halliday and Nicholson Birds Eye

    Burlington Historical Society | ca. 1954

    An aerial view of Maple Avenue, looking northwest, where companies such as Halliday Homes and Nicholson Lumber contributed to Burlington’s growing industrial community.

  • 1985_380_390a-p

    1985.380.390 a-p | January 16, 1962

  • 1985_380_388a-d

    1985.380.388 a-d | April 27, 1962

    One of the prefabricated home options available at Halliday Homes. This particular style is an ‘A’ frame with cedar siding. Prefabricated A-Frame kits were popularized in the early 1970s as they were easily customizable and affordable to clients.

  • 1985_380_386a-l

    1985.380.386 A-L | September 26, 1962

    One of the Halliday storefronts at Cottage Court.

  • Burlington Historical Society

    Burlington Historical Society | October 24, 1974

    The fire at Halliday Homes started in the late afternoon of October 24, 1974. Although the building was completely destroyed, the multi-million-dollar business managed to get back in operation within a few days! Eventually, the business was rebuilt on Dundas Street, near Appleby Line.

  • blueprint

    2022.7.3 a-f | ca. 1946

    An example of a prefabricated Halliday home that was bought by a Burlington resident. Six pages of blue prints describing the home that they bought.

  • 2022_7_5a

    2022.7.5 a-b | Sales Catalogue

    Halliday Simplex System Homes are modern homes built for a lifestyle of comfort and better living. These homes targeted families desiring a home at a price measurable with their income. Their affordability and simple instructions attracted many customers.