The Shell Survivor House (Maggie Schmidt-Mandel’s House) was repaired and redecorated by Ann Durkee and her husband David MacIsaac. It was originally rescued by Roanne and Ed Collier and Ed re-assembled the house.

The house was relocated by the Clock Tower on Water Street. Ann and David  put plexiglass in the windows (donated by Apple Glass), with a floor, so it is quite weather proof. It was redecorated as a Beach House, with some very personal and endearing touches. The house was locked to ensure that the inside contents were not removed, but it is was easy to see inside from the back window.

Thank you to all that helped this house to survive, and to the Tim Horton’s employee that said she would keep an eye on the house on her  3pm to 11pm shift and pass the word on to other employees and to the lady that went out to the beach and collected more shells for the house.

There was a dedication ceremony on August 7th.

Although many thought that Maggie Mandell’s Maudified house at the was demolished (or blown out to sea), this little house survived. Sure, it was damaged and in several pieces, but Ed and Roanne Collier went out the night of the storm and rescued the house. Since then, Ed has put the house back together, replacing a few broken pieces of wood. Right now, the outside is in pretty good shape and will receive some touch ups and more shells. Alas, the magnificent artwork inside the house is not repairable so the walls will be stripped and simply painted.

The great news is that the house survived. When it’s re-installed (in a different location) there will be a wee ceremony dedicating this house to all survivors. And it will still be part of the auction at Th’YARC on Sept. 14! Symbolically, this Shell House Survivor represents stories of all survivors–whether from disease, accidents, abuse, addictions, and life calamities of all sorts. Their lives and stories continue. With this in mind, the proceeds from the sale of this house at the auction will be used to launch a new Art Scholarship Fund for students who are enrolled in art courses at a Community College or University.

Stay tuned to learn when the house will be reinstalled.