Thomson House, formerly known as Maison Charles-Édouard Gravel (Gravel House), was built in 1934 by architects Jean-Julien Perrault and Joseph-Roméo Gadbois[1]. It was part of the Golden Square Mile, which, at the beginning of the 20th century, was the richest district in Canada[2]. In January 1968, the Gravel family sold the house to McGill University at the cost of 378 000 $[3].
Since its acquisition by the University, Thomson House serves as the PGSS headquarters. Long before that, the PGSS have worked hard at gaining access to a house dedicated to Graduate Students. In a document titled “The Need for a Post-Graduate Students’ Home”, issued by the PGSS in October 1963, it is mentioned that “The greatest need for a house comes from the necessity for post-graduate students, as well as professors, to meet often and informally at a well-known, well-frequented and attractive Post-Graduate House[4].” After more than five years of struggle, the PGSS was granted the use of the Gravel House. A cocktail reception was held on March 26, 1969 to celebrate the official opening of the Graduate Centre[5].
On December 2nd, 1971, The Gravel House was renamed the David Thomson House in tribute to David L. Thomson (1901-1964), former Dean emeritus and Vice-principal of McGill University. According to his colleagues, “A distinguished biochemist, a noted teacher and educational administrator, Dean Thomson played the role of humanitarian in public and in private[6].” You can actually find a portrait of David L. Thomson in one of the lounges on the first floor of Thomson House.
Today, Thomson House is a well-frequented and attractive gathering place for graduate students as it offers everything from study lounges, conference rooms, a restaurant, bars and the newly acquired patio (summer 2010) to its members.
[1] Répertoire d’architecture traditionnelle sur le territoire de la Communauté urbaine de Montréal, juin 1987, p. 305.
[2] “Golden Square Mile”, Images Montréal, Web, September 17, 2010.
[4] Post-Graduate Students’ Society, Brief on the Need for a Post-Graduate Students’ Home, 1963, p. 10.
