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Architectural Influences Evident in Charlotte County

(Courtesy of Charlotte County Museum)

Pre-Loyalist and Loyalist - Also known as Cape Cod style and popular in this area until the 1840's. This style shows influences of both British and New England styles. The central fireplace was a popular feature. Over time, many were converted into a central hallway.

Georgian Tradition - from c. 1800 - 1830. Also known as British Classicism. This follows a tradition started under the King Georges in the 18^th century. Examples are usually sturdy and secure, well-proportioned houses with 2 ½ storeys. Most have a medium pitched gable or hip roof with end chimneys. Balanced facades have centre doors, 3, 5 or 7 bays, small-paned windows and rectangular openings.

Neo-Classic - from c. 1830 - 1845 (in this area). Well proportioned style made popular by the works of the Adam brothers in mid-18^th century England. Buildings are rectangular with a low-pitched gable roof or are square with a hip roof. There are often four end chimneys. Houses are usually 2 - 2 ½ storeys with balanced facades and sidelights often emphasize the central doorways.

Classic Revival - Also called Gothic Revival and popular in 1845 - 1860's. A medium-pitched gable roof is common, often with a roof pediment or a large center gable. A temple effect is obtained by an open portico across the façade, supported on columns by attached pilasters. These masonry type structures have flat or pedimental hoods over the windows, and open porches are supported by fluted columns.

Gothic Revival (Late) - from c. 1850 - 1875. Usually small houses reflecting the individual tastes of builders or owners, they have decorative elements of gothic revival origin: bargeboards, pointed-arch windows and lace trim on eaves and verandas.

Second Empire - from c. 1860 - 1880 in Charlotte County. The style is distinguished by the mansard roof with the upper roof level sometimes visible but usually very low-pitched. The top of the lower roof slope may be marked by decorative cresting. Individual houses tend to be square, sometimes with projected center towers. The frequent use of one and two-storey bay windows tends to make building outlines irregular.

Queen Anne Revival - Also called Picturesque Eclecticism and popular in this area c. 1880 - 1910. It is characterized by large, commodious houses of two or more storeys with a steep hip roof and a tall chimney. There is often a tower (generally offset) and a broad veranda. The façade may have more than one sheathing or several patterns (e.g. different shapes of shingles). Double-hung windows often have one large bottom sash and small panes in the upper sash.

For more informaton on Historic Properties in St. Stephen visit
Historic Places:  http://www.gnb.ca:80/0131/historicplaces/index-e.asp

Samples of Architecture

Lonicera Hall
Built in 1841 for James Porter, a shipbuilder with Porter Brothers. In 1903, the house was purchased by Gilbert Ganong, who was Lieutenant Governor of New Brunswick (1917). Being an avid gardener, Ganong chose the name Lonicera, the botanical name for honeysuckle which grew on the estate. Maria F. Ganong, his wife, specified in her will in 1934 that the house become a residence for senior citizens.

Lonicera Hall

This picturesque house appears to resemble the Queen Anne Revival period and was intended to look different from every approach. The home once faced south toward the river but was turned around by Ganong to face Union Street. At that time, Ganong had many additions made to a basic Georgian style house. The Renaissance Revival influence is seen in the Palladian windows. The tower is intended to be symmetrical and the changing style of windows is intended to delight the eye.

Todd Mansion

Built 1890 - 1895 for William F. Todd and his wife Ethel (Bolton). William F. Todd later became Lieutenant Governor of New Brunswick, from 1923 to 1928. An architect was engaged from Boston and one of the carpenters came from Carolina. Local tradesmen who worked on the house included: Ninian Hannah and Son (architect and builder); Christie and Polley (stone masons); Arthur Polley (brick mason); Smithson Robinson (painter and glazer); and William Donovan (plumber). The carpenters worked for two years on the wood work which was made of southern cypress with oak and black walnut. The entire third floor was used as a ballroom and the Lieutenant Governor's flag flew from the right corner window. The carriage house contained elaborate brass stalls for the horses which were transferred to the estate after a fire at their farm at Todd's Point.

Todd Mansion (early 20th century)

This three storey house, was one of the most important commissions of 19th century New Brunswick. It is a classic example of the Second Empire style which was popular in the 1860's - 1880's.

The Mansard roof is decorated with elaborate wrought-iron cresting. The irregular outline produced by the one and two storey bay windows adds to the grandeur of the building. The elaborate entrance way and porch are supported by numerous columns.