John Cunningham: from Stonemason to Architect, Engineer and Surveyor

Autumn 2013 Silhouettes Number 37 John Cunningham: from Stonemason to Architect, Engineer and Surveyor

OHN CUNNINGHAM was born about June of 1792 in Dumfriesshire, Scotland. He would have first visited New Brunswick sometime in 1813. He married Jenet [Janet] Irving the 30th of July 1814 in Annandale, Dumfriesshire, Scotland. Over the next five years he lived both in New Brunswick and in Scotland. In 1818 he petitioned for land along with fellow Scotsmen Rob Johnstone and Daniel Dewar, and Wales native Evan Jones. At the time of his petition he had two children. He and Jenet would have at least four or more children while living in New Brunswick. John Cunningham started out as a stonemason but he later worked as architect, engineer, and deputy surveyor as well. As he became more proficient at architectural work, engineering and surveying, the stonemasonry may have become an aside. In the 1830 New Brunswick Courier Cunningham was [still] advertising from his place of business at the south end of Germain Street in Saint John— hearths, mantle pieces, head & tomb stones, lumber and laths. However his work may have been moving toward the plans, specifications, estimates and surveying of the architect and surveyor as there was a special

F12214 note at the bottom of the advertisement NB Courier Nov. 13, 1830—John Cunningham’s advertisement offering stone, stone products and indicating this. His son, John, may have lumber for sale also promotes his evolving architectural services. been involved with him in his business to a certain extent as his name and signature August 1830, Cunningham and Thomas show up on some of the surveying and Reed accompanied Capt. R.M. Jackson, other work-related documents. Commander of His Majesty’s Sloop Cunningham is best known for his archi- Hyacinth, in a schooner provided for the (ISSN 1201-8333) is published twice tectural work, mostly in Saint John where he survey along with two crew members and a yearly. Address inquiries or submis- designed a multitude of structures ranging Mr. Franklin who knew the Grand Manan sions to the newsletter to from residential dwellings to public coastal area well. These men were to assist Provincial Archives of New Bruns- buildings. Some of the drawings for these Capt. Jackson, in seeing if the Old Propri- wick structures still exist today at the Provincial etor Rock site was feasible for a lighthouse P.O. Box 6000 Archives and at other institutions. He or a floating light. After surveying, it was Fredericton, New Brunswick employed various architectural styles, such deemed Old Proprietor was unsuitable for E3B 5H1 as Neoclassical, Gothic and Classic Revival, either and so the money would be spent to Italianate and Second Empire though for erect a lighthouse on Gannet Rock instead. or e-mail [email protected] the most part Neoclassical predominated. Mr. Cunningham also, according to Capt. His first known work in Saint John was Jackson’s report, was able to “procure a THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS of a residence for Charles Peters on Coburg quantity of the rock which was composed The Associates of the Provincial Street in 1819, and the last, a dwelling for of the finest granite” during this expedi- Archives of New Brunswick James Harding, corner Hawthorne and tion. This would no doubt have been useful are members of the public who Parks Streets in 1857. By about 1851 he in his other business. volunteer to support the activities was working out of Chelsea, Massachu- Gannet Rock Lighthouse was built by of the Provincial Archives. setts. Other of his work includes: the Bank Crawford, Gray & Purvis and Cape Sable of New Brunswick, Saint John County Jail, Seal Island Lighthouse was built by Ewen The Directors are: Partridge Island Hospital and the Saint Cameron. Both were erected in 1831 and President, Bernard-Marie Thériault, John Customs House. operational by the end of that year. Though Gail Campbell, Phillip Christie, John Cunningham also worked on John Cunningham was not responsible Gwendolyn Davies, Joseph Day, projects in other parts of New Brunswick for the actual physical construction of including a design for the county “gaol” these lighthouses he was involved to some Cyril Donahue, Joe Knockwood, in St. Andrews. He was involved with the degree. Frank Morehouse, Joan Pearce, erection of the lighthouses on Gannet According to the 1832 Journals of the John Thompson, and Nancy Vogan. Rock off the coast of Grand Manan and House of Assembly (RS1) and the 1832 on Cape Sable Seal Island off the coast of House of Assembly Sessional Records IF YOU WISH to become an Associate, Nova Scotia. His involvement with these (RS24), Cunningham was paid £2:0:0 please complete the enclosed form or projects went beyond his role as architect for drawing two elevations of the building

visit The Associates of the Provincial to surveyor and engineer and the story of and £2:0:0 for making a plan of the light- MC90-3-002 Archives of New Brunswick website the lighthouses is an interesting one. In house and lantern at Cape Sable Island. Cunningham’s 1837 architectural plan for the Saint John Market House which was destroyed by fire in 1841 for more information. Contributions are welcome and tax receipts will be provided. Cunningham, and Thomas Reed were paid stone tower about 12 feet high. security of the light house—a gang-way was £31:14:3 for surveying and ascertain- Lauchlan Donaldson, employed to in- cut into the rock. However the need for ing the proper site for the Gannet Rock spect the lighthouses in the Bay of Fundy, additional work following the recommen- THE ASSOCIATES OF Lighthouse. also reports that because of the damage dations in the 1840 Journal was noted. THE PROVINCIAL Based on the 1840 Journals of the sustained during the winter of 1838 a The Report from the Commissioners ARCHIVES OF House of Assembly, in his September 21st, stone wall about 14 feet high and about of the Lighthouses in the Bay of Fundy NEW BRUNSWICK 1839 report on Fisheries and Light- four feet thick should be erected to protect in the House Journal for 1843 refers to P.O. Box 6000 houses, Capt. Keith Stewart of H.M.S. the Gannet Rock lighthouse from being another gale that had caused more damage Fredericton, New Brunswick E3B 5H1 Ringdove stated there was a gale the winter destroyed in future gales. to the Gannet Rock lighthouse and there Phone: (506) 453-2122 before that removed several shingles from It seems, from reports found in the is discussion again of building a stone wall Email: [email protected] the lower section of the Gannet Rock House Journals for 1841 and 1842, that to protect the lighthouse. The Commis- Website: lighthouse and had it been spring tide, the there was some work done on Gannet sioners wrote a letter to A. Reade, Esquire, lighthouse would have been swept away. Rock that aided the lighthouse keepers in Private Secretary, dated 18th May, 1842 http://archives.gnb.ca/Associates/ RS541.D.12.b Plans and section of the Intended improvements on Gannet Rock drawn by He suggests the lighthouse be raised on a their duties and somewhat improved the alluding to “a Plan, Estimate and Tender, John Cunningham Sept. 1844

2 Autumn 2013 Number 37 3 for erecting a Granite Wall around the Gannet Rock Light House” referring to the Journals of the 1st of January 1840 and 1841. This Journal also includes a copy of Mr. Otis Small’s tender dated 13th May 1842 stating he will built a stone wall of granite around the Gannet Rock lighthouse as per a plan and specifications made by John Cunningham. Also included is a copy of a letter from John Cunningham dated 14th May 1842 about the plan and estimate for the stone wall at Gannet Rock, the estimate being £780. An interesting related tidbit is found in a letter written the 7th April 1904 by W.B. McLaughlin, the Lighthouse Keeper at South West Head Lighthouse, Grand Man- an to John Kelly, Esq., Inspector of Lights, Saint John, N.B. He mentions the contrac- tors Purvis and Barbour who worked on the stone wall at Gannet Rock Lighthouse and also mentions that John Cunningham was there also much of the summer while the wall was being constructed. He writes “He and Mr. Barbour, both Scotchmen, were good scientific boxers, and Cun- ningham brought a set of gloves with him. They both gave me lessons in the art, and as Cunningham had lots of leisure time, he was only to [sic] glad to give lessons in the manly art”. McLaughlin was just a boy at the time when the stone wall was being built. John Cunningham’s life was a busy one and there are many records at the Provin- cial Archives that document it and chart his career. Note: In addition to the government and private records at the Provincial Archives relating to John Cunningham several publications were drawn on for this article: Music of The Eye: Architectural Drawings of Canada’s First City 1822- 1914 by Gary Hughes, and Chapter 3 Natives of America, 1760-1840 by Stuart Smith, and Chapter 4 The Golden Years, 1840-1914 by Gary Hughes in Building New Brunswick: An Architectural History

RS7 Vol. 44 p.171 by John LeRoux.

Section of architectural drawing done May 1842 by John Cunningham of the Stone Wall RS7 Vol. 44 p.167 to be erected around the Gannet Rock Lighthouse Mary-Ellen Badeau Otis Small’s bid to build granite wall around Gannet Rock Lighthouse according to plans and specifications drawn up by John Cunningham, architect.

4 Autumn 2013 Number 37 5 Captain Burke, Vice Capt. Richey, James & Alex. Burchill, Tom Essington, Lemuel From the ground up: building and Weeks, Enoch O. Bradley, Engineer. 1860 August 4 We dressed up a little after din- designing in Fredericton ner and went down to the steamboat landing and took our station at the end of the HE PROFESSION of architect Mary Elizabeth (1859-1922), and Annie end of said shed….Boss sharped a saw wharf … and stood there until six o’clock. has roots in the building trades Maria (1865-1869). The family lived for Robt. Rosborough and one for Michal Then the steamer Forest Queen arrived at and evolved as builders needed to on Charlotte Street and attended Christ Holland. Robt. Wood Jr. melting lead for the wharf amidst the din of cannon, bells convey concepts and inspiration to clients. Church Cathedral. a telegraph machine. I planed up a piece of and cheers and there stepped on shore His Soon the skills of drawing, art to capture Well-known in the community, Charles lead for him to shape the [Talker of] Royal Highness Albert Edward, Prince of client imagination, accurately estimating Moffitt kept abreast of political, social, April 12 Thursday J. Fowler & self got the Wales... costs, solving technical problems, and and religious events, recording many of 7 frames 10 x 12 done & the sas[h] fit[t] Aug 5 We went to the vestry door of the communication became as important as them in his diaries. For over 30 years, he ed in . We then went to work on 3 other Cathedral at ten o’clock as given out by the carpentry, stonemasonry or other worked for James Agneau, a master car- frames. He casing up 3 pairs of sashes the Bishop. A crowd of people waiting and building skills that had started their penter, who was contracted to build many 11 x 15 & I at 3 frames for the Robinson when the clock struck ten they rushed the careers. In New Brunswick throughout structures in Fredericton and surround- & Block’s log house. Williams & Linkin entrance so that scarcely any one could get the 19th century and into the 20th many of ing areas. Charles Moffitt was also an avid ripping stuff overhead & grinding framing in….

Fredericton’s structures were constructed gardener and voracious reader. He spent chisels. 1862 P120-18-61 by builders who saw a project through from many hours reading histories, newspapers, May 1 Tuesday Went to work at 9 Had my Aug 9 Another big fire, corner of King and Elmcroft Place, Fredericton, residence of Henry George Ketchum, renovated and enlarged in 1871 inception to completion without benefit of novels, and biographies. Charles Moffitt buck saw sharpened by that time. Got the Regent Sts. by Charles Moffitt, carpenter, with the addition of a Mansard roof and a conservatory. an architect. However by the mid-1850s died at Fredericton on 27 February 1905, cross stuff of the four doors ready by noon. Summer 1863 Sewers had to be dug up architects were being engaged to design age 85, and was buried in the Old Burial William helping me to rip rails. This after- over most of the town to be repaired. for the sand caved in on the men, nearly proportions. …The storm was very bad in institutional and civic buildings and many Ground. noon at three window frames for Gilberts. They were made of pine deal and appar- burying them. some spots. As we went out to Cameron’s of their designs are evident in Fredericton John Fowler put the panels in the four ently in bad condition. Robert Baxter was 1869 on Maryland Road the next morning trees today. 1855 doors .. that I got the cross stuff for said roadmaster and Moffitt worked with him Oct 4 I just got home in time to escape the were down in all directions, some were The way the builder and the architect March 7 Wednesday John Fowler & self door also for Gilberts. John Fowler to work examining the planks and replacing them – gale. Rain began to fall and the wind to broken off and some were torn up by the pursued their trade and profession is illus- got our six doors together. Robinson at a in the shop. It rained so hard he could not with other men digging. Dangerous work, blow hard and it soon reached hurricane roots. It is said that the gale was foretold trated in the diary of builder, Charles Mof- lot of window frames 9 x 12. Williams & go down to the Mills. He worked at panels by a man named Saxby. fitt, and the journal of architect, William Linkin ripping stuff for window frames for about half of day, rest of time stuff for Oct 22 It came at about a quarter to six Crewdson, both of whom were actively Brick Building. McPhersons shop window sashes. in the morning and lasted about fifteen constructing buildings in Fredericton in March 10 Saturday John F. & self got the May 12 Saturday Self finished the four seconds. It sounded like one of those peals the mid-19th century and both of whom six doors ready to put together, went at frames for kitchen windows. Set one in of thunder which resemble the firing of can- left records now available at the Provincial panels for doors. Robinson at his frames. end of first flat & one nearly set in end non and small arms mingled together but it Archives. Williams at casings for Robinson, after back corner downstream. Robinson passed underground instead of overhead. panels for Fowler and self. … ripped out some casings for me then went Its effects were shown on the Cathedral April 3 Tuesday John Fowler & self got at four for sashes for four frames I made and Methodist Church [now Wilmot Charles Moffitt Diary out sills & tops of window frames – then I for kitchen 10 x 12 two lights wide and United] with chipped plaster and tumbled (MC1132) went at casings. He at ploughing [?] jambs. three high. Williams & Linkin preparing brick. Some of the brick cased houses were Robinson & Williams stuff for inside door for [_eafning?] floor of kitchen, patching cracked from the top to the bottom.” HARLES MOFFITT was born at frames and door stiles [sills]. Linkin mak- round frame where pieces of boards were 1871 Moyle, Ireland, in April 1821, of ing toys for the young ones and tending to left out, digging foundation for abutment July 15 Saturday Went down to the shop Scottish ancestry. About 1846 he cow. of chimney, hauling laths for which job at 7am….. Went to Elmcroft after dinner… emigrated from County Donegal to New April 11 Wednesday John Fowler & self then got a good blowing up. John Fowler July 18 Tuesday Working at Elmcroft…. Brunswick, settling in Fredericton. He putting together 7 frames for 10 x 19 sashes. setting doors & window frames and stud- Boss fixing looking glass & other small married Eliza Fowler (1825-1881) in McPherson building at Alex Block’s log ding kitchen. Tom Fowler at glass door for jobs. Robert Winter painting on second 1853, and they had 11 children, including house dropped his hammer into the vault; Mr. Gilbert. Jim Maxwell making an axe floor. Jane Dinsmore (1854-1922), Margaret had to go down after it also painting young handle - not to work, hurt his right eye… July 19 Wednesday Working at Elmcroft

Alexander (1860-1898), Charles Edward Babbit’s face a good red colour. Williams 1858 MC64-MS4-11-2-1 today. Winter painting. Winter & I went Ackland (1862-1906), Fanny (Arnold), & Linkin splitting wood & taking boards Jan 7 Went down to No. 3 Engine House Excerpt of Charles Moffit’s accounts showing hours worked at Elmcroft for owner H. Ketchum down in our dinner hour to see the hole for back shed piling there outside at the tonight to put the engine on runners. Team, and payment received.

6 Autumn 2013 Number 37 7 dug in Old Burying Ground by some per- June 5 New Market House. Altering plans ½ M, he called for them and I handed them & I marked off doorway, side wall; he son looking for money, so it is supposed. & Specifications by Order Council.. over to him in my room. George Atherton requires elevation of his new building fm There were some holes outside the fence June 8 … Lucey’s sketches …; Neville’s called [with] horse and wagon[sic]. Took 6 ¾ to 7 ½M and again fm 10 to 11M on beside “The Sister Elms” on the flats, twice Privies … paint… Anderson’s Kitchen floor, me to his burnt building site and measured rood, sills and caps to windows. Visited in about twelve years. I looked at an old privy doors paint. Pheonix Square Extin- walls fm 11 to 12. Sketch’d for his build’g Atherton’s. Now found table of sawed stone set at the head of a grave & I could guished fire. fm 1 to 6 ½ , fm 7 to 8A. Walked with lumber torn in two pieces.; in Atherton’s read the date plainly & so did Winter, June 11 Lucey’s sketches fm 5 ½ to 6 ½ Limerick, he treated 2 glasses brandy fm 8 office, 9 to 9 ¼ M. Visited Duncan McPher- 1785 but the rest of the inscription we etc. delivered. John L. Haines Temperance to 9 ½, Bannisters 9 ½ to 11 and retired. son’s for the plans [to] New Market house. could not make out. Hall sketches .. Anderson’s painting hand June 29 Geo. Atherton’s sketches for his .. office vacated, could not get them. Allen July 23 Tuesday Elmcroft. Planing up stuff rail fm 4½ to 6½ Neville McInnis moving new house fm 5 to 6 ½, fm 7 to 12 ½ , fm sketching elevations for front of building for front step. Hurly digging for Conserva- in 1 to 6 ½ , fm 7 to 7 ½ A. At 7 ½ he called next King… tory. Titus bushwacking… June 15 ..John Haines tender Market to say on Monday 8M he wishes to send July 2 ….Geo Atherton’s sketches for his July 29 Tuesday At Elmcroft with Boss House fm 9 to 10, Agnew [Agneau] fm 3½ his bill for deals to Pokio[k]. City Council new building fm 7 ½ to 12 ½ from 2 to 5 Agnew working at steps in front. George to 4½ meeting fm 8 to 10A. First tenders back. ¾ A (Home & retired 10A). Visited John [Corteny] laying stone. Dan Donovan June 17 Temperance Hall Sketches fm 5 to Decided to advertise new tenders to finish L. Marshes office and obtained sketches of attending. Hurly working at new part of … 6½; fm 7 to 7½; fm 8 to 11¼M presented the whole building and the plans to be Market House to amend 12 ¾ to 2. Saw Titus felling trees. Winter & 2 boys paint- to McPherson fm 11¼ to 12A. D Lucey amended … McPherson who wished me to attend meeting in back of house …. that is wing next to measured depth ground for his building June 30 Geo. Atherton’s sketches to make, ing of Committee at 7A to order new Ten- green house. Ketchum absent. I took Mr. fm 7½ to 8M; McGlinchy Neville speci- table, scantling fm 6 to 8. Also making ders, attended meeting of Committee from Lee’s table home tonight. fications. H Allen Sketches on boards & tables of sawed lumber. Strapped laths, 7 to 8 ½A Mayor’s Office. From thence to September 19 Sabbath Went to Cathedral calculating brick work fm 1 to 6½A. Tem- clapboards, sawed lumber … Neville’s store fm 8 ½ to 10A… at 11am with Jane and Margaret [daugh- perance Hall specifications fm 7 to 9A 1867 July 3 … George Atherton table hewed ters] …. In the evening with wife & Jane. June 19 Temperance Hall specifications July 1 … Geo. Atherton’s delivered at his scantling writing and delivering fm 5 to Mr. Pearson preaching in the morning and fm 4 ¾ to 6 ½; fm 7 to 12 ¼ fm 1 to 4A. stable to his boy fm 6 ¼ to 7M table of 7A. Plans and specifications New Market the Bishop [Medley] in the evening. I do Submitted sketches to Lawyer Bleur [] fm sawed lumber, lathes, shingles, cill[sic], House for finishing inside also fm City my best to bend my mind & the service … 4 to 5A and deliv’d sketches. J. Haines except little hewed scantling to be sent to Clerk’s office yesterday. George Atherton but yet my thoughts would wander… to present to the meeting tonight fm 5 to [Poquoie]. Hy. Allen’s build’g site. Allen sketches fm 1 to 6 ½ fm 7 to 8A September 20 Monday …. Slight shake of 5½A. Anderson’s House [] doors. He lives

an earthquake… P5-304 in his house & treated grog fm 5 ½ to 6A. 1867 Sisters of Charity Convent to the immediate left of St. Dunstan’s Church, Brunswick St., E. Miller promised to pay his Note 9 ½M. July 1st Mon Warm. About home all Fredericton and the rectory to the left of the convent at the corner of Regent Bannisters bread cheese ale fm 8 to 11A and Brunswick Streets were built by William Crewdson. day except with Charley after Berries on June 20 Temperance hall specifications fm College Hill got 1 gall. Spent rest of day in 5½ to 6½ ; fm 7 to 12 ¼ fm 1 to 6 ¼ fm 7 garden filing saw & other little jobs. Kind to 10A not out. J. Haines dropped plans of Holiday for to commemorate Union of William Crewdson came to Frederic- involved with the construction of the com- [of] Temperance Hall for some alterations. the Provinces. ton with the title “Imperial Inspector for bined City Hall and Market House (located June 21 … Finished 8 pages only working Works for Queen Victoria” in connec- where City Hall now stands), a Temper- Sketches House Frame fm 7 to 8A tion with the construction of the soldiers’ ance Hall, and several private dwellings. June 26 Abstracting quantities New William Crewdson barracks and officers’ quarters which still He died at Fredericton on 13 February Market House, Lucey’s, Temperance Hall (MC2706) stand. He did not settle in the city immedi- 1868. & Allan’s… Visited Andersons, all gone ately, but did so after making several visits except at cellar hole.. Ed Miller seven days ILLIAM CREWDSON was to work on projects. Crewdson may have 1867 longer. Council Chamber 9 to 10M. Neville born in Surrey, England, in done or supervised carpentry work, as the June 1 … New Market house specifications & I [examine] & paint. McGlinchy cleared 1798 and married Elizabeth 1851 manuscript census lists him as a pro- fm. 4½ to 6½ fm 7 to 12¼ from 1 to 2 out. … Mercy prior to 1832. They had no fewer prietor/carpenter; however, he was more from 5 to 6½ fm 7 to 9A. Neville’s pantry June 27 …Allen visited the building fm 8 than three children: William J. (1832- widely-known as an architect. Among the shelves and hand rails fm 2 to 3. Ander- ½ to 9 ½M. He is home, came last night 1910), John (d. 1907), and Frances E. other structures he designed were the first son’s fm 3 to 3¾A. [from] Boston. Cold in my bones, fr 6 to 8 (Vrandenburg). In 1839 the family settled Queen Hotel, a combined City Hall and June 3 … New Market House Specifications ½ , laid on my bed and abtracting bills in Fredericton and may have lived briefly at Market House, and two brick buildings lo- fm 4½ to 6½ MI finished and delivered June 28 Abstracting accounts fr 6 to 7 P5-364 cated above the first St. Dunstan’s Church. to McPherson. Lucey’s cellar plan and Prince William, York County, as Elizabeth ¼M, fm 7 ¾ to 11…. Haines To Sketches Fredericton’s City Hall and Market House designed in 1867 by William Crewdson, Crewdson died there on 21 December He was still working in Fredericton as an calculating the porches from 7 to 12 ¼ … and specifications Temperance Hall and imperial inspector of works with the garrison. Crewdson’s building 1859. architect in 1867 and 1868 when he was deliv’d… also the Working Sketches for frame. At 10 was destroyed by fire on election night January 25, 1875.

8 Autumn 2013 Number 37 9 more importantly, the desire to embellish News from the Associates these shelters and, if possible, make them works of art. If architecture is about faith we have to HE ASSOCIATES’ annual general abstracts of early New Brunswick probate sentations on behalf of the Archives also ask ourselves what is it that we believe in. meeting was held on June 5th at the records, 1785 to 1835, both the work of pointed out to the Minister and official I remember, when I lived in France in the Provincial Archives in Frederic- Wally Hale of Woodstock. government representatives the many chal- seventies, standing in the Chartres cathe- ton. President, Bernard-Marie Thériault, The Associates also supported the lenges faced by the Archives, particularly dral where all of a sudden I realized, being outlined the involvement of the Associ- initiative of a daylong dialogue with the management of digital documentation in this amazingly magnificent work of art, ates over the year in support of the work humanities and social sciences research- and the renewal of experienced staff. what it must have meant to have the faith of and mandate of the Provincial Archives ers and teachers in early December aimed As they have done in the past, the those living in Medieval times, their fears, especially in the areas of promotion of at strengthening a mutually beneficial Associates contributed financially to the their sense of salvation, their confidence in public awareness and preserving provincial relationship in a time and an environment salaries of summer students. Their work the design of an architect, their belief that heritage. where everything is changing very quickly, is invaluable especially in the reference these stones could be the equivalent of a The Associates provided support as including research methodologies and services unit to meet the constant and prayer. We do not know for sure who the the Archives added three new databases format of records preserved. growing needs of the public. The Board architect of that amazing work was. But his to its website. The first was Mgr Donat In terms of support to the Archives of Directors also approved a transfer of work has endured and it is still speaking Robichaud’s Genealogical & Historical in its mandate of preserving provincial money to the Elizabeth Diamond Acquisi- to us. P154-305 Research Collection launched in May in heritage, the Associates responded to the tion Fund. The other day in New York, quite by Bernard-Marie Thériault, President, Associates of the Provincial Archives; Marion Beyea, provincial Shippagan, honouring a wish expressed by invitation of the provincial government to At the close of the meeting the exhibit chance, I walked past the Apple store and archivist; John Leroux, architect and author; and Herménégilde Chiasson, former Lt. Governor of New Mgr Robichaud, a native of that place, and participate in a series of public consulta- “Building New Brunswick” was opened by I felt a bit of that confidence in a new god Brunswick, artist and author, at the opening of the John Leroux exhibit “Building New Brunswick” helping to reinforce the image and pres- tions designed to provide input towards Herménégilde Chiasson, visual artist and – a god that this time goes by the name of ence of the Archives in a francophone part a renewed cultural policy. Board member author and former Lt. Governor of New technology. The vastness of the space, the with no memory. That’s how we’ve been for what we create, what we build on this of our Province. The other two databases Joan Pearce and Bernard Thériault made Brunswick. Inspired by the exhibit that was height of the ceilings and the few objects acting for a long time by forgetting the land, for everything is transitory. I say this were added in October as the Associates presentations respectively in Saint John designed and executed by architect and spread out on tables in the middle of empty importance of buildings which, over time, because I was looking at John Leroux’s hosted the launch of a new feature provid- and in Moncton advocating, among other writer John Leroux, by the donation to the walls made me think that perhaps we live have eventually disappeared from our land- book recently and I saw all these beauti- ing users of the Archives’ website with things, for sufficient resources to en- Provincial Archives by John of the photos in an empty time, expressed through the scape – buildings that are irreplaceable, of ful buildings, such as the Moncton train a federated search capability, making it able the Archives to fully play its role as a comprising the exhibit, and by Mr. Chias- emptiness of that building, which led my course, as we have also lost the knowhow station, a building reminiscent of what it possible to search all of the 31 different guardian of the public cultural heritage in son’s remarks, the theme of architecture thoughts back to the cathedral in Char- with which they were built, the trades meant to take the train, a building reminis- databases at once. Also launched were the form of archived documents, photos, was chosen for this issue of Silhouettes. tres, which was imbued with a sense of the we had to find again when we wanted to cent of a palace compared to the bunker United Empire Loyalist resources and maps, films, etc. These individual pre- Mr. Chiasson’s remarks follow. profound. breathe new life into those buildings, as that VIA rail built once it was torn down. There was a time when architecture was the case with the Capitol Theatre in Efficiency, commodity, temporality are for was simply about the comforting idea of Moncton, the Imperial Theatre in Saint us the credo of a new faith dictated by the Remarks on opening of Building New Brunswick exhibit shelter, about having a roof above our John, and the Old Government House in god economy. heads, but with time this idea has evolved Fredericton. Some will say that most of these build- RCHITECTURE is an art through Photography is a fascinating art, as fantasized on. But their beauty lives on and we are now much more conscious of The concept of commodity has always ings are outdated and doomed to disappear which future generations will be fascinating as architecture as a matter of and forever in those photographs, in those the times that we are living in, of the struc- prevailed over the idea of beauty or of in any case. Demolishing them is almost A able to connect with us, and we fact, and I have spent a great deal of time fragile pieces of paper so different from the tures that we are inhabiting and about the the historical significance. We believe in doing them a favour, removing them hope that all of our dreams and ideas will in that fascination. It is very fitting to see solid reality that they picture. speed with which these structures can now efficiency, in lowering the heating bill, from our field of vision, which is in some meet their expectations. them both united here in this unique view Architecture is an art of faith because be built. This has created in us the sense the cost of materials and the cost of gas. ways an act of embellishment, a quasi- Having to write about architecture of our province, a sort of travelogue where it implements concepts and ideas in that everything is temporary and that our We have a survival attitude and this has esthetic decision, if you will. What is often always makes me somewhat nostalgic. To each building becomes a discovery, a durable materials; ideas and dreams that presence on this continent has taken place created the buildings that we now live in. forgotten is that with such an attitude, we see these buildings is like reading a book treasure and a living memento of our pres- we have and that give meaning to our lives during a very short period of time. For us In 50 years from now a new building code gradually lose part of our soul, we erase that seems both familiar and nostalgic, a ence. Someone has said that photography at a specific time in our history. From the buildings are meant to be efficient, well might come into effect, a code that will the vestiges of our passing and we find our- sort of photography album of our involve- is an art that defies death for we are always fragile structures of the First Nations to insulated and above all replaceable without make those buildings obsolete and so we selves in a landscape drained of a portion ment with history and landscape. I must young or happy or alive in those souvenirs the wooden houses of the Acadians and much damage to the heritage value that will replace them. This is not a problem, in of its richness. I am thinking, for example, say that I saw a number of these buildings in that album as time goes by for us. Look- on to the Palladian homes of the Victorian they represent. a land that seems to have lost is soul. The of buildings like Moncton High School or during my term as Lieutenant-Governor, ing at some of these amazing buildings era, these constructions are indicative of a Fortunately, this attitude, which First Nations people say that is the land the Assumption cathedral in Moncton, and “and these images always impart some of brings back a great deal of deception when societal idea, an idea of the land on which consists of destroying in order to rebuild, that creates the people not the contrary. I can hardly imagine the void that would be their magic even though photography we realize that they are no longer stand- we live and the shelters we built in order to is on the decline as we become aware of the We believe in the contrary. We believe created were they to disappear. always gives us a partial and biased view of ing, that we will not be able to visit them, find comfort and a sense of wellbeing and importance of memory, as individuals and in the idea that this is land of abundance Fortunately we still have the prints, the reality. that their beauty can only be imagined or security against the elements of nature, but particularly as a society. Imagine a person where we don’t have to be responsible

10 Autumn 2013 Number 37 1111 paintings, the renditions, the plans, the but which give us a unique perspective on idea of shelter and see architecture as a photographs of these buildings from years the lives of people who lived at a certain source of beauty and comfort in an age NEW AT THE ARCHIVES gone by. We can still admire their elegance time – what they ate, what they wore, the where egos are prone to impress more than and the ambition of their creators and places in which they lived. In that sense, to inspire. In this age of “starchitects”, it builders who wanted to leave something this exhibition of John Leroux on the his- is still very comforting to see people who New and Updated Finding Aids Private Sector Records that would be noticed. Looking at them we tory of architecture and housing in New are devoted to adapt buildings to nature, MC3127 Edgar R. Jamieson family fonds (1939-post 1976, 1939- can still measure the distance covered from Brunswick perhaps tells us more about to compose with it, and not the other way Government Records 1944 predominant; 10cm textual, 1 map). Primarily records pertain- different vantage viewpoints, as a diverse ourselves - on the evolution of our journey around. Building for a renewed sense of ing to Edgar R. Jamieson’s World War II activities and the Jamieson society stemming from different regions, during the 409 years of our presence on humanity. Judicial District Civil Marriages: RS772 Saint John, 2001-2009; family history: also letters addressed to Blanche Jamieson from Edgar different historical perspectives and differ- this continent - than many historical docu- The architecture that we have left is RS774 Moncton, 2007 Jamieson, written while he was serving overseas with the Canadian ent cultures. This idea is something that ments or political speeches. perhaps the most eloquent and moving Probate Court Record Books Indexes: RS69 Queens County, Army. 1950-1984; RS72 Sunbury County, 1952-1984; RS75 York is now shared by more and more people In the conclusion to his book, Building testimony of our societal project — a project MC3622 William M. Smith family fonds (1825-1956; 13cm County, 1953-1984 who recognize the importance of heritage, , that in New Brunswick means living textual, 7 postcards). Documents the activities of members of Smith New Brunswick, An Architectural History Probate Court Records: RS66 Kings County, 1980-1984; RS71 in different locations, in cities, in show- John Leroux says, “We owe it to ourselves together in tolerance and understaning. family of Gondola Point, Kings County, New Brunswick over several Saint John County, 1980-1984; RS744 Saint John Judicial Dis- generations, particular of his grandsons, Charles Rutherford Smith cases like the Village Acadien or Kings and to future generations to build the This exhibition allows us to see the work trict, 1984-2007 Landing, in different forms, sometimes best New Brunswick possible.” An idea accomplished, an ongoing project, a (known as Ford Smith) and Wellington Austin Smith, and his great- RS280 Records of Kings County Schools. Register of Smithtown grandson, Charles Thomas Smith, who saw action in both World War outside of what would be more obvious to to which I totally subscribe for I believe building that is built and to which we add School District No. 9 assessment list, 1922-1940 I and II; also newspaper clippings, postcards, printed material, and buildings should inspire. Architecture is our modest contribution. This exhibition our recognition and identification of what RS285 Records of Saint John County Schools. Minute Book genealogical information. might be significant in terms of architec- a very important art, an expensive but a therefore serves as a source of inspiration Lancaster School District No. 1, 1924-1937. (.1m) MC3403 Bob Davies Loyalist collection (1782-1844; 10cm ture in this province. This is the ambition, lasting art, and for that reason it stands to press on with this collective work. textual). Correspondence, reports, and other documents pertaining to and I would say the quest of John Leroux, as our testimony to the future, the credos Private Sector Records early Loyalist history of New Brunswick, including letters addressed to who devoted many years to investigate, by which our souls were moved and the Herménégilde Chiasson MC2361 George Hazen Adair fonds – Probate Court (Kings and leading New Brunswick Loyalists, Ward Chipman, Edward Winslow, document and promote this idea of beauty chronicle of our passage. This is why it Westmorland) records and personal records added (5cm, 1919-1945) and John Coffin. scattered over a huge territory that he has is so important to move beyond the mere MC3093 Queens County District Convention (Ouigoudi) MC3628 Rev. A. McLeod Stavely sermons and addresses (1872 relentlessly travelled in order to bring back Women’s Institute fonds: [1930-2006] Minutes, 2003-2006 and 1878; .5cm textual). Booklet and a pamphlet containing ad- a comprehensive and extended documen- added, microfilm F25609 dresses, a sketch, and sermons by the Rev. A. McLeod Stavely. The tation collected in a book and now in an MC3094 Maple Leaf Branch, (Upper Gagetown) Women’s booklet entitled, «Sermons and Addresses delivered in St. John, New exhibition that will stand as a tribute to Institute fonds: [1921-1988] Minutes, 1988-2008 added, microfilm Brunswick, by the Rev. A. McLeod Stavely, Minister of the Reformed Presbyterian Church”, was printed at St. John. those creators, most of them unknown to F25910 MC3699 Brig William log (1831; 2cm textual). Manuscript log the general public, but very much present Tribute to a volunteer book for the brig “William”, commanded by James Cannon of Saint in our architectural identity. Selected Recent Acquisitions John, New Brunswick, and Lancashire, England. It records details of I have always thought that the big story ATRICK MURRAY PROCTOR has two return trips between England (Liverpool, Ulverstone / Ulver- has monopolized a place that has deprived been volunteering with the Archives Government Records stone, Lancaster) and Saint John made in 1831. us of other, perhaps less grandiose stories, since May 2013, working in the (1934- ” MC3744 Rosamond Campbell and Ted Campbell fonds RS6 Executive Council Records. Orders in Council, 2008. (.6m) Cartographic and the Sound and Moving 2008; 16cm textual, 36 photos, 8 illustrations). Documents the ar- RS336 Records of George Stracey Smyth, Colonial Administrator Images Units. A native of Perth-Andover, tistic activities of Rosamond (Stokes) Campbell and to a limited extent and Lieutenant Governor. Published proclamation requesting that those of her husband, Ted Campbell and sheds light on the artistic he volunteered there at the Public Library “His Majesty’s Subjects” not antagonize citizens of the United States community that flourished in Saint John from the 1950s to the 1970s. and has also helped out at EcoFredericton. as long as they shall act in a similar way during the War of 1812, dated MC3759 Fredericton Horticultural Society fonds (1cm textual, ERRATUM Patrick is an outgoing individual with a July 10, 1812. (.1m) 1933-1939). Minutes, printed schedules (1936-1937) for garden passion for research, writing, and litera- RS617 Department of Tourism. Promotional materials and bro- meetings/tours, membership list, prize list for the “First Annual Sum- In the Silhouettes Spring 2013 edition, p. 4 photo ture. His work at PANB has brought to his chures, 1996-2001 (.3m) mer Flower Show”, 1933 and Rules, Regulations and Recommenda- is of Howe Lake Unit Red Cross workers, not attention countless themes and subjects RS741 Records of the Office of Protocol. Special events/visits, Horne Lake as was originally printed. tions of the Flower Show Committee. 1986-1988. (.3m) that he might pursue in his preferred re- MC3798 Central Fire Insurance Agency fonds (1892-1896, 5cm), RS844 Communications New Brunswick. News conferences and search areas of history, sociology and polit- Letterbook, containing copies of outgoing letters addressed to clients announcements, 1991-2010. 250 video cassettes. ical science and his document descriptions re insurance policies or dividends; alphabetical lists of risks in Freder- RS899 Maritime Provinces Higher Education Commission. will facilitate the work of a broad range icton and Saint John with name of client, amount insured and rate. Memoranda, 1972-1984. (.9m) (R2013.43) Studies, 1975-1983. of users. Patrick is one semester shy of (.3m) completing his BA at UNB and will return

P154-308 RS942 Department of Finance. “Perspectives” newsletter, 1985- to his studies in January. His contributions New on the Web Elena Cobb, Sound and Moving Images Unit, 1999. (.2m). Microfilm. at the Archives are appreciated. and Patrick Murray Proctor RS1054 Grand-Sault/Grand Falls Municipal Records. Commit- RS141 Vital Statistics Births 1918, 6782 records added to the index; P744-54 tees, Boards and Commissions, 1970-2003. (.3m) Marriages 1963, 4703 records added to the index and 4703 digitized images.

12 Autumn 2013 Number 37 13 Designed to last Conçu pour durer MC185-33 Plan for an addition to the Collège du Sacré-Cœur in Caraquet, designed by Nazaire Dugas. / Plan d’une addition au Collège du Sacré-Coeur à Caraquet, dessiné par Nazaire Dugas. P6-435 Hickson house, 133 Pleasant St., Newcastle (now Miramichi) also known as “Elmleigh”. It was designed by notable Saint John architect D.E. Dunham and built in 1877 by George P38-14 P38-15 Brown of Newcastle for James O. Fish, at a cost of $10,000. / Maison Hickson, au 133, rue Nazaire Dugas, architect, on construction site of a new wing for the Sacré-Coeur Convent Pleasant, Newcastle (à présent Miramichi). Surnommée « Elmleigh » et dessinée par D.E. in Caraquet and at the cornerstone ceremony for the wing, Caraquet, 1907. / L’architecte Dunham, architecte bien connu de Saint John, elle fut construite en 1877 par George Brown, Nazaire Dugas au chantier de construction d’une nouvelle aile du Collège du Sacré-Coeur à de Newcastle, pour James O. Fish, au coût de 10 000 $. Caraquet; cérémonie de pose de la pierre angulaire de la nouvelle aile, Caraquet, 1907.

Front elevation of Edgecombe house, located at 459 King Street, Fredericton. Note in the top right corner indicates that this is a building built for the Edgecombe family of Fredericton, N.B. / Élévation avant de la maison Edgecombe, au 459, rue King, à Fredericton. La note dans le coin supérieur droit indique que la maison fut construite pour la famille

Edgecombe de Fredericton P5-43 (N.-B.) Fredericton’s second Exhibition Palace, corner of Saunders and Westmorland Streets,1864- 1877. Designed by Matthew Stead and built from funding spearheaded by John H. Reid. Built in the form of a Greek cross, the Palace measured 175 x 175 feet and burned under suspicious circumstances in 1877. / Deuxième palais des expositions de Fredericton, à l’angle des rues Saunders et Westmorland, 1864-1877. Dessiné par Matthew Stead et construit avec des fonds réunis sous l’égide de John H. Reid. Construit en forme de croix grecque, le palais mesurait 175 pieds de côté; il fut emporté par un incendie en 1877 dans des circonstances suspectes. P1-29-37 P120-7-41 P616-56 Loaded ice team moving east on King St. The Edgecombe house, built between 1878 and First Baptist Church, which demonstrates numerous architectural styles, in the interesting vil- 1888, can be seen on the far right. /Attelage tirant un chargement de glace en direction est, sur lage of Hillsborough, Albert County, July 1925. / Église de la First Baptist Church, mêlant la rue King. À l’extrême droite, on aperçoit la maison Edgecombe, construite de 1878 à 1888. plusieurs styles architecturaux, dans l’intéressant village de Hillsborough, dans le comté d’Albert, juillet 1925.

14 Autumn/Automne 2013