Communities, Cultural Affairs and Labour Minister Carolyn Bertram presented Heritage Registration Certificates to the owners of 25 Alberton and area properties today.
Many of the registrations resulted from a partnership project of the Department of Communities, Cultural Affairs and Labour, the Alberton Historical Preservation Foundation and the Federal Historic Places Initiative; some applications were submitted by the property owners themselves.
“Our province is home to a rich and diversified built heritage featuring many buildings, structures and sites of historical significance,” said Minister Bertram. “I am pleased today to celebrate with the Alberton and area residents who are identifying, protecting and promoting the value of places that have played a significant role in the development of communities in the western region of Prince Edward Island.”
Nine of the properties recognized today for their heritage value are located in the Town of Alberton. Registrations were also presented to the owners of properties in Huntley, Brooklyn, Mill River East, Union, Alma, Kildare Capes, Fortune Cove, Northport, Campbellton, Miminegash, Birch Hill and Cascumpec.
Further information regarding Prince Edward Island heritage places can be found at www.peihistoricplaces.ca.
BACKGROUNDER:
Heritage Places Protection Act:
Under the Heritage Places Protection Act, properties may be registered or designated as a heritage place. Designation is the higher level of recognition under the Heritage Places Protection Act and provides legal restrictions on any changes to the landscape or to the architectural heritage defining elements of the place.
Nominations for the Register of Heritage Places are reviewed and evaluated by the Heritage Places Advisory Board for a number of criteria including age, architectural style and design, integrity, exterior condition and historical associations.
Listings:
The following properties have been registered under the provincial Heritage Places Protection Act and owners have been presented with registration certificates:
The French Lane is a historic trail which was first used by early Acadian settlers in the area. Relatively unchanged in its 150 years, the trail was used by those travelling between Cascumpec Harbour (now Northport) and Kildare. Now maintained by the Town of Alberton, the French Lane is a quiet, secluded trail enjoyed by walkers, birders and cyclists.
The Gordon Cemetery was established in 1857 as a burial ground for the Gordon family, one of the early families which settled in the area. In 1955, a memorial cairn was placed by the PEI Presbytery in honour of Rev. George N. Gordon (1822-1861) and his brother Rev. James D. Gordon (1832-1872), missionaries who were murdered in Erromanga, New Hebrides.
Oulton’s Island in Cascumpec Bay, off Northport, is historically significant in that it is the birthplace of the fox industry in Prince Edward Island. Robert T. Oulton (1835-1920) and Charles Dalton (1850-1933) were partners in establishing the fox industry which brought millions of dollars to the province.
The Alberton Museum’s Heritage Centre, formerly Alberton Presbyterian Church, 420 Church Street, Alberton. The church was built in 1872 by builders Archibald Leard and Thomas Leard. Originally a Methodist Church, it has served Presbyterian congregations from 1927 to 2005. Recently acquired by Alberton Museum, it now serves as the Museum’s Heritage Centre.
The Gordon Memorial United Church, 396 Church Street, Alberton. This church was built in 1857 as the Old Dock Presbyterian Church. After Church Union in 1925, it became affiliated with the United Church and was renamed in honour of the Gordon missionaries. This church has an excellent architectural style and design and is in very good condition. The church retains most of its original architectural features.
The Sacred Heart Parish House, 341 Main Street, Alberton. A Queen Anne style mansion, this residence was built in 1893-1894 by local builder George Gard based on the designs of architect George Baker with suggestions by then parish priest, Rev. A.E. Burke, who studied American Queen Anne style architecture. This residence is in excellent condition and retains most of its original historic characteristics.
The Campbellton United Church, Route 14, Campbellton. Originally built in 1861-1862 as a store, this building was converted to a church in 1864 to serve the Scottish Presbyterians which settled the community. With Church Union in 1925, Campbellton Presbyterian became known as Campbellton United. The church is in very good condition and has retained much of its historic fabric.
The Orchard Brook Farm, Alma. Orchard Brook Farm is comprised of a centre gable farmhouse dating from the late 1890s and four outbuildings, one of which predates the residence. The homestead has always been in the Dunbar family. This property’s value lies in the farmhouse and its associated outbuildings as well as the ties with the community. The Dunbars were instrumental in starting a Farmers Institute in the area and hosted Nazarene Church services until the church became established in Elmsdale.
The Leard House (Rose Cottage), 519 Church Street, Alberton. This residence was built prior to 1880 and was the home of Hon. R.B. Reid, member of the Legislative Council and local merchant. In later years, the house was acquired by the Leard family who were very instrumental in the Board of Trade, Alberton Town Council and various local businesses, groups and associations. Roy Leard was Alberton’s longest serving mayor (19 years). The residence retains much of its historical character.
Christ Church Kildare Capes, Route 12, Kildare Capes, was built in 1890 with elements of the neo-Gothic architectural style. Originally used as a Methodist church in Montrose, the building was moved across the ice in 1925 to its current location to replace the 1866 Anglican church which was destroyed by fire. The Church has a commanding view of the Gulf of St. Lawrence and a monument on its grounds commemorates the men and ships lost in the Yankee Gale.
The Oulton House (Lanrest), 98 Princess Street, Alberton. Built in the 1910-1920 period, this residence is a hip-roofed, two and a half storey building typical of the “fox houses.” Built for W. Russell Oulton, son of pioneer fox farmer, Robert Oulton, it is a symbol of the prosperity the fox industry brought to the area. Russell Oulton’s son Willard inherited the property and his wife Eileen MacKinnon Oulton started a tourist business here called Lanrest. A collector of antiques, Eileen Oulton’s barn housed the beginnings of the current Alberton Museum collections.
The Kenneth Poirier Apartments (former Temperance Hall), 107 Dufferin Street, Alberton. Built prior to 1860, this is one of the oldest buildings in Alberton. The Temperance Hall was located on the second floor and a store occupied the first floor. The building was used by Rev. Robert Dyer for Anglican church services prior to the building of an Anglican church in the area, and for community meetings. The Alberton Pioneer newspaper was published from this building from 1876 to 1879.
The Kirkham House (former Leard House), Route 172, Fortune Cove. Built in the 1890s in the Island ell style by James Young Leard (1848-1910), a notable local carpenter, the residence retains some of its historic fabric and is in very good condition. The Leard family were early settlers in the area and leaders in their community.
The Miminegash United Church (former Miminegash Methodist Church), Route 14 in Miminegash. The construction of the Miminegash Methodist Church began in 1879 by a number of local carpenters and builders, led by Archibald Leard. Built mostly of locally obtained materials for a cost of $700, the church was dedicated in 1881. In 1925, the church became affiliated with the United Church of Canada. This church is simple in design and is in excellent condition.
The Hunter House, 1013 Route 152 in Huntley. This house was built in 1883 in the centre gable architectural style and is in very good condition. The house retains most of its original architectural features. Residence of the Hunter family for many years, and part of a thriving dairy and creamery operation, the residence now serves as the Hunter House Inn Bed and Breakfast.
The Dunn House (former Irving House), 286 Ashley Road, Brooklyn. A four square with Colonial Revival features, this “fox mansion” was built in 1916 by Neil MacDonald for pioneer fox farmer Herbert Irving. This residence is in excellent condition, retains much of its original historic characteristics and is a symbol of the significance of the fox industry.
The Samuel Gard Place, 1440 Mill River East Road (Rte. 145) in Mill River East . This house was constructed in the 1840s by builder Samuel Gard and his shipbuilder father Peter Gard, early settlers in the area. Seven generations of the Gard family have lived in this house. The residence is in very good condition and has been little altered over the years.
The Zetland Masonic Lodge, No. 7, 119 Poplar Street, Alberton (Zetland Masonic Lodge, No. 7, owner). This two-storey building with Colonial architectural influences was built in 1867. This property’s value lies in its architecture, association with the Masonic order’s presence in the town of Alberton, and the building’s function as a community meeting place. The building is located on its original site and is in very good condition.
The Essery House (former George Gordon House), 1424 Union Road, Huntley. This residence was designed and built by Wilfred Maynard, well-known and respected local builder for George Campbell Gordon, fox farmer. Built in 1914 in the four square style with Colonial Revival detailing, it is a good example of fox house architecture.
Briarwood, 253 Matthews Lane, Union. This 2 ½ storey house, with elements of Colonial Revival and Queen Anne Revival architectural details, was constructed between 1911 and 1917 by Edward O’Connor for Joseph Keefe. The Keefe family first settled in the area in 1814 and had two previous residences on the property also named Briarwood. The house is in excellent condition with few alterations and is now operated as an inn.
The Jeffery House (former Spurgeon Jeffery House), 1111 Centre Line Road, Alma. Built in 1912 by Spurgeon Jeffery, this house has an interesting history in that its owner, a successful businessman, farmer and building hauler moved this house, its orchards, barns and outbuildings in 1925 half a mile to a new location. This Island-ell residence has retained its architectural features, is in very good condition and is important in its historical associations.
St. Peter’s Anglican Church, 498 Main Street, Alberton. Built in 1929, the church was designed by James C. Harris, nephew of renowned Island architect William Critchlow Harris. The church is prominently located on the corners of Main and Church Streets and replaced the 2nd Anglican church which was destroyed by fire in 1927. The Anglican church has had a presence in Alberton since 1869.
The Hudson Homestead, 13389 Cascumpec Road, Cascumpec. The Hudson Homestead has remained in the same family for more than 100 years, the only property in this community with this distinction. Built by or for tailor William B. Hudson in 1867, it was finished by his son James Hudson in the 1890s. The property is in excellent condition. For its age, importance to the community and historical associations, the Hudson Homestead has been registered as a heritage place.
Old St. James Church (formerly St. James Anglican Church) in Birch Hill. Built in 1841, the church is also known as the “Old Shipbuilders Church.” This church is of an excellent architectural style and very good design. Associated with the shipbuilding and merchant Yeo family located in nearby Port Hill, and with the early history of the Anglican faith in western PEI, this church occupies its original site and has retained most of its original architectural features.
Holy Trinity Alma Anglican Church, Alma. This church was built between 1888 and 1890 by local builders. It is a good example of country Gothic church architecture. The church is located on the Western Road and is the last remaining public building in the community. It is on its original site, has retained its original architectural elements and is in excellent condition. For these reasons, Holy Trinity Alma Anglican Church has been registered as a heritage place.