Historic Sites of Manitoba: Simpson House / Margaret Laurence House (312 First Avenue, Neepawa)

Built in 1894 for merchant John Simpson, this two-storey brick house on First Avenue in Neepawa was home to internationally-acclaimed author Margaret Laurence from 1935 to 1944. A provincially-designated historic site as of 1987, the house is now operated as a museum dedicated to Laurence’s literary career.

A commemorative plaque was placed on the grounds by the Manitoba Heritage Council (1988) and the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada (10 August 2018). The latter recognizes Margaret Laurence as a person of national historic significance.

Margaret Laurence House

Margaret Laurence House (August 2012)
Source: Gordon Goldsborough

Margaret Laurence House

Margaret Laurence House (February 2020)
Source: George Penner

Interior of Laurence House

Interior of Laurence House (August 2018)
Source: Rick Wishart

Unveiling of Laurence House plaque

Unveiling of Laurence House plaque (August 2018)
Source: Rick Wishart

Site Coordinates (lat/long): N50.23212, W99.46781
denoted by symbol on the map above

See also:

Memorable Manitobans: Jean Margaret "Peggy" Wemyss Laurence (1926-1987)

Memorable Manitobans: John “Jack” Simpson (1856-1953)

Historic Sites of Manitoba: Laurence House (265 Vivian Street, Neepawa)

Historic Sites of Manitoba: Provincially Designated Historic Sites

Historic Sites of Manitoba: Manitoba Plaques for Persons, Events and Sites of National Historic Significance

Historic Sites of Manitoba: Manitoba Plaques for Persons, Events and Sites of National Historic Significance

Sources:

Margaret Laurence House, 312 First Avenue, Neepawa, Manitoba Historic Resources Branch.

We thank George Penner and Rick Wishart for providing additional information used here.

This page was prepared by Gordon Goldsborough and S. Goldsborough.

Page revised: 30 March 2024

Historic Sites of Manitoba

This is a collection of historic sites in Manitoba compiled by the Manitoba Historical Society. The information is offered for historical interest only.

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