Communities, Cultural Affairs and Labour Minister Carolyn Bertram presented Heritage Registration Certificates to the owners of 28 Montague properties and the St. Peter’s Bay United Church today.
Twenty-nine heritage place registrations were presented to property owners, and the Garden of the Gulf Museum received a heritage places designation plaque. The registrations are the result of a joint project between the Department of Communities, Cultural Affairs and Labour, the Historic Places Initiative, the Garden of the Gulf Museum and the PEI Museum and Heritage Foundation.
“I would like to congratulate the property owners, who recognize and appreciate the historic value of these places and have worked to preserve them,” said Minister Bertram. “These buildings and places teach us about the history and the accomplishments of our ancestors, while reflecting the pride of their owners and communities today.”
Further information regarding Prince Edward Island heritage places can be found at www.peihistoricplaces.ca.
BACKGROUNDER:
Heritage Places Protection Act:
The provincial legislation allows for places to receive registration or designation as a heritage place. Designation is the higher level of recognition and provides legal restrictions on 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 using 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 have been presented with registration certificates:
The Kenny and Annette Power House, 612 Main Street, Montague: This residence was built approximately 1888 as a Presbyterian Manse. Its architectural style is largely in the Island ell shape, and has some notable Georgian characteristics, particularly in the large six-over-six windows. In excellent condition, this building retains most of its historic fabric without alterations.
The Alvin Roy House, 619 Main Street, Montague: This house was built approximately 1849 as a school and served in that capacity for close to 80 years. Relocated closer to Montague about 1900, the building continued to be used as a school until 1925 when it was converted to a family residence. The building is in good condition, retains some of its original fabric, and is valued for its connection with the social and educational history of the Town of Montague.
The Doug and Maureen Panting Home, 625 Main Street, Montague: The former Alex “Mont” Wright Home was built approximately 1935 and has some elements of the Craftsman style of architecture. Built by Alexander “Montague” Wright, a successful farmer, landowner and cattle buyer, it is a fine example of a successful family farm house.
The Jackson House, 601 Main Street, Montague: This plain Georgian Revival residence was built in approximately 1876 by well known carpenter, merchant and shipper Charles D. Poole. Prominently situated in the residential area of Main Street South, the building has been well maintained over the years with few alterations and has been home to a number of prominent Montague business families.
The Railway Turntable was built between 1905 and 1906 near the end of the Montague Spur of the PEI Railway to improve the efficiency and reliability of the Railway. Railway engine cars would be turned on this structure rather than having to back up. This is the last remaining turntable in Prince Edward Island, a reminder of the important role played by the railway in the province’s transportation history. The turntable is in good condition and occupies a very prominent location on Montague’s waterfront.
Beck’s Home Furniture, Gifts and Interiors, the former Poole & Thompson Warehouse, 18 Water Street, Montague: Built in approximately 1912, it is prominently located on the south side of the Montague waterfront. The property is in excellent condition, is located on its original site, retains many of its original architectural features and is associated with the economic and commercial history of Montague.
The Edward Blaisdell Home, 591 Main Street, Montague: Built approximately 1870, this property is a variation of the Island ell architectural style, with Gothic Revival elements. The property was the home of the MacLean family, prominent carriage builders, for more than 130 years. The residence is on its original site, has retained most of its original architectural elements and is in excellent condition. A more recent addition has been in keeping with the style and design of the original residence.
The MacLaren Building, 514 Main Street, Montague: This building was built in 1946 as the Kings County Memorial Hospital. The building has retained some of its original architectural features and is located on its original site, prominently located on Main Street in Montague. A state-of-the-art facility when it opened, the hospital served residents of Southern Kings and Queens counties for more than 25 years. The building continues to be important to the community as a commercial and residential property.
The Pines Bed and Breakfast, 31 Riverside Drive, Montague: This house was built approximately 1901 and is in excellent condition. The house retains most of its original architectural features. It is an Island ell variation with Queen Anne Revival influences. The house was the residence of the MacLaren family for many years and has also served the community as a doctor’s office, antique shop and bed and breakfast.
The David and Catherine Morrison House, 610 Main Street, Montague: The former Carruthers House was built in 1927 in the Colonial Revival style for J.W. Carruthers, a successful local businessman. This residence is in excellent condition and has been essentially unaltered.
The Lubbert & Beaulieu Home, 608 Main Street, Montague: The former Joe MacGregor House was completed approximately in 1890 in a variation of the Island ell style. This property is a good example of a typical family home built near the turn of the century. This house has always been a private residence and belonged to the MacGregor family for close to 50 years. The current owners have recently completed sympathetic renovations
The Trent Sorrey House, 599 Main Street, Montague: This is a one and one-half storey design of a Gothic Revival interpretation of the Island ell architectural style built about 1890. This property was the residence of John Henry “Harry” MacLean of the MacLean Carriage Factory. It was later the residence of Judge Sylvere DesRoches. The house retains many of its original architectural features, is located on its original site and is in very good condition.
The Munroe Home, 41 Riverside Drive, Montague: Also known as the former MacKinnon House, it was one of the earliest homes built on the “New Road” on the north side of the Montague River leading west, overlooking the river. Built for Martin MacKinnon about 1912, it was a large comfortable home for a successful fox rancher and merchant. This was also the site of Munroe’s War Surplus for close to 50 years.
Chester’s Barber Shop, Main Street, Montague: The former Augustine C. Macdonald Building figures very prominently on Main Street. Built approximately 1874 in the centre gable vernacular style for merchant and politician Augustine C. Macdonald, the building was both a residence and commercial space for the Macdonald family until the 1960s. A.C. Macdonald served both as a Member of the House of Assembly from 1870-1873 and, later, in the House of Commons, winning five general elections. Macdonald was appointed Lieutenant Governor of PEI in 1915 and died in office in 1919. The building has housed a barber shop and hair salon for many years.
Church of Christ, Main Street, Montague: Construction began in 1876 and was completed in 1879. It is a brick Italianate church possibly designed by John McLellan who designed other churches in the area during this time period. This building figures very prominently when entering the Town of Montague from the north. This church is in very good condition, has retained its original character and a more recent addition was in keeping with the architectural style.
The Station or the Montague Railway Station was built in 1905-1906 and was very important to the economic development of the Town of Montague. The Station is prominently located on the waterfront. Because of its age, its very good architectural features, and historical associations of the property, the Station has been registered as a heritage place.
The Elizabeth Watson Home, 20 Wood Islands Road: This home was built in the 1870s with predominant elements of the Queen Anne Revival architectural style. Built by or for John Lemon, the house has had a long association with the Lemon family of Montague. The property is in excellent condition, is located on its original site and maintains much of its original architectural features and fabric.
The John Burck House, 580 Main Street, Montague: The former Mrs. Rebecca MacIntyre House at was built approximately 1931. This property is a good example of the Craftsman style of architecture. Known locally as the Stucco House, due to its construction material, it is the only building of its kind in the Town. The building is on its original site, has retained its original architectural elements and is in excellent condition.
Doc Johnston’s, Main Street, Montague: Dating from 1921, it is a very good example of the Commercial Bank style of architecture. This building, also known as the former Bank of Nova Scotia, has retained most of its original architectural features and is located on its original site. Prominently located in the commercial district of Montague, the building has strong associations with the commercial history of the Town and for many years was the office space for Dr. Lewis Johnston, dentist.
The MacNeil Home (former John A. MacDonald House), 117 Chestnut Street, Montague: This house was built approximately in 1880 and is in excellent condition. The house retains much of its original architectural features and is also significant in that it was one of the early houses built in the new Montague sub-division. The house was the residence of John A. MacDonald, Telegraph Operator, and later William MacLean of the MacLean Carriage Company.
The Eastern Graphic Office was built as the new Town Hall in 1938 and served as its administrative offices until a new building was erected in 1973. Over the years, this building has housed the public library, the first regional library in the province, the Fire Hall, RCMP station, Telephone Office and Public Health Office, and for a time was a hardware store. Since 1978, it has been the offices of the Eastern Graphic, the local weekly newspaper.
The Mabon House, 600 Main Street, Montague: Construction was completed in 1939 by well-known local contractor Sam Martin. This house is of an excellent architectural style and design and is prominently situated in the residential section of Main Street. The house has some features of the Georgian Revival architectural style including a five-pane, semi-circular fan light over the front door. The house has always been associated with the Mabon family having been built for Hubert Mabon, son of local druggist Hamilton Mabon.
Windows on the Water, 558 Main Street, Montague: The former MacDonald/ MacLaren Building is an early, circa 1850, 2½ storey building. Connected with the early commercial history of Montague, the building was one of the earliest general stores in Montague first operated by James MacLaren and later by Duncan MacDonald. The storefront section of the building faces Main Street and the remainder is residential. The building retains most of its original architectural features and its location was, and remains, important in its connection to the economic centre of the Town.
The Dan and Janet Hughes Home, 615 Main Street, Montague: This home was built in two sections with the first construction in1874 and an addition built about 1897. Built in the Italianate style for Charles B. Fraser, a prominent businessman in Montague, it was an early duplex for Fraser. The addition was built to house his son and his family. Fraser was a farmer and operated a successful carriage factory and blacksmithing shop on the property. Prior to the construction of a hospital in Montague, the ill were cared for in this home by nurse, Mrs. Charles Fraser.
The Hyndman Building, 543 Main Street, Montague: This building, built about 1874, has had an long and varied association with the history of Montague. In its early history, the building was operated as The Village Hotel by John J. MacDonald. In 1904, ownership of the building transferred to veterinarian Dr. Alexander E. Smith who operated the business as the Royal Hotel. Dr. Preston MacIntyre purchased the building in 1934 and it was renovated to house the first hospital until 1947 when King’s County Memorial Hospital opened. There have been numerous commercial ventures operated from this building and, since 1963, Hyndman Insurance has been located at this site.
The Yeo House, 569 Main Street, Montague: This house was first built for Isaac Ives, proprietor of the Montague Sash and Door Factory. Completed at the end of the First World War in 1918, the concrete blocks were made on site by its owner. In 1939, Montague’s longest serving mayor, Bruce Yeo, took possession of the house and it remains in the Yeo family. For its architectural style, age, unique construction, historical associations and excellent condition, the Yeo House has been registered as a heritage place.
The Joan Watson and Jackie Lavers Home, 614 Main Street, Montague: The home was built in 1913 by Bradley and Lathard in the Colonial Revival architectural style. This residence has retained most, if not all, of its original architectural features and is in excellent condition. Associated with the MacKinnon family until recently, it was the home of Lauchlin M. MacKinnon, son of the founder of the Montague Furnishing Company. The family operated business of casket making and other funeral supplies had an international reputation, shipping their products across the country and overseas. The family continued to operate a funeral home into the 1980s.
The former Union Bank, 577 Main Street, Montague: This is a commercial building originally constructed with a shop front on Wood Islands Hill Road in the early to mid 1870s. By 1876, it housed the Union Bank until it merged with the Bank of Nova Scotia. For many years, jeweller James L. Younker operated a store from this building. Later it was home of the Royal Canadian Legion and, in 1964, the Directors of the Montague Alcoholics Anonymous Association purchased the building. A number of businesses have occupied the first floor of the building over the years, and the second floor has been used as meeting space for community groups. Because of its age and historical connections with Montague’s economic and social history, this property has been registered as a Heritage Place.
St. Peter’s Bay United Church in St. Peter’s Bay: This church was built in 1886 in the Gothic Revival architectural style by local builders William Coffin and W.A. Dingwell. The building is of a very good architectural style and design and is of particular importance in establishing the historic character of the area. On its original site, with few alterations, this building has retained most of its original character.
Garden of the Gulf Museum, 564 Main Street, Montague: Built in 1888 to house the Montague Bridge Post Office and Customs House, it was designed by Canada’s chief architect, Thomas Fuller (1823-1898), and construction was monitored by local architects David Stirling and William Critchlow Harris. Built of locally-made bricks, the building is in the Romanesque Revival architectural style. Most of the original architectural elements have been retained. The building ceased to be a post office in 1954 and was vacant until purchased by the Town of Montague for use as a local museum. In 2008, the Garden of the Gulf Museum is celebrating its 50th anniversary. Today, the building is valued as a well-maintained landmark and is recognized as a designated heritage place.