Accession Number

983.906a-b

Alternate Name

award

Description

a. One plain wooden frame painted black and a sheet of clear glass. b. One paper certificate with black and red text centered on cream-coloured paper. At the top left corner is a drawing of the house, "Roslyn", which is situated at 1135 Catherine Street in the VicWest district of Victoria, B.C. At the top right is a drawing of "Louis" the parrot (for which the award is named). The text reads: "The Hallmark Society Louis Award presented to The Society For The Preservation and Maintenance of Craigdarroch Castle for preserving Victoria's landmark residence". At the lower left of the certificate is seal of the Hallmark Society and to its right the signatures of the President, Stuart C.W. Stark and the Vice-President Thomas W. Mayne. At the lower right corner is the date, 17 February, 1980.

Narrative

The Hallmark Society's Louis Award is named for a parrot named Louis, who formerly resided in the home of Miss Victoria Jane Wilson. The house was popularly known as "The Parrot House" (see more detail by clicking the link at the bottom of this record).  

The award is given by The Hallmark Society to projects that they deem to be exceptional. "The work will demonstrate unusual attention to authenticity and structural integrity, serious financial commitment, also exemplary impact on a neighbourhood or region."¹

The award certificate was presented to Castle Society President James K. Nesbitt by The Hallmark Society's President Stuart Stark, at a special meeting held in Craigdarroch's main hall. An filmed excerpt of the ceremony can be seen on the DVD, "Victoria's Castle", produced and directed by Robin Adair. The award also included a basket of walnuts and brandy, which were favourites of the parrot, Louis. The Castle Society's report to members afterward stated that His Honor, Lieutenant Governor Henry Bell-Irving attended the ceremony and offered The Castle Society his "warmest congratulations and best wishes". ² 

1. https://hallmarkheritagesociety.ca/awards-form-full/  (last accessed March 15, 2023)
2. The Society for The Preservation and Maintenance of Craigdarroch Castle report to members, June 23, 1980.

History of Use

This certificate was presented to The Castle Society in February, 1980 and has been in its collection ever since then.

Date

February 17 1980

Dimensions

27.5 x 34.9 cm

Material

Paper; Glass; Wood; Paint