Getting to Know: Jean Leaman

Jean Leaman at 505 Linden Ave, The Lady Linden

1.    How long have you been on the Avenues?

I have lived here for 27 years

2.    Why did you choose the Avenues?

My husband, Jim, already had property on Roosevelt Avenue when we married.

3.    Anything special about your house?

What can I say? Built in 1887 when the Avenues were first being established as a community. The style is Queen Anne Stick

4.    Tell us about you and your family

I was born in England in 1944, married an Englishman in 1965 and emigrated to Montreal where we lived until 1975. My daughter Hayley was born in Montreal and now lives on the east side of the city with her husband Jesse Croom and their son Cameron.

5.    Hobbies?

Gardening, bird watching, hiking, painting (art)

6.    What is your favorite part of the Avenues? I would have to say the people. We have such wonderful neighbors. Were we to move I think the neighbors are what I would find hard to leave behind.

7.    Are there any memories you want to share of the Avenues?

There are so many it would be hard to choose but obviously the restoration of this house, the encouragement we received from our immediate community, and the numerous events and celebrations we have had here contribute to making this place feel like home.

8.    Do you have any relatives who lived on the Avenues?

No

9.    Anything else you may want to share or be part of the blogpost?

Only to report the great success of Lady Linden B&B as a business. It has given us the opportunity to promote downtown York and its various attractions and querky features. Many of these folks have been coming to annual events at the Fairgrounds and didn’t know there was a downtown York!! I take great pleasure in taking them to market and shops and galleries and introducing them to the wide variety of excellent eating we have here. We have had guests from 8 different countries and 23 different states and all have such positive things to say about their experience in York.

10. Hopefully, Jim and I have a few years/miles left on our bodies to continue with the business which we enjoy verymuch.