Revised Cover:Revised Cover 10/20/09 11:12 AM Page 3 Province House Part One:Province House Part One 10/20/09 10:52 AM Page 1

“The circumstance of meeting you for the first time in this place, leads me to congratulate you on now occupying this splendid building—erected for the reception of the Legislature, the Courts of Justice, and all the Public offices. It stands, and will stand, I hope, to the latest posterity, a proud record of the Public Spirit, at this period of our History: And as I do consider this magnificant work equally honourable and useful to the Province, I recommend it to your continued protection.” Lord Dalhousie, 1819 Province House Part One:Province House Part One 10/20/09 10:52 AM Page 2

©Copyright 2009, Province of Nova Scotia

Canadian Cataloguing in Publication Data

Main entry under title: Province House, Halifax, Nova Scotia

ISBN 0-88871-442-4

1. Province House (Halifax, Nova Scotia) 2. Halifax (N.S.)—Buildings, structures, etc. I. Eve, Elizabeth. II. Nova Scotia.

FC2312.P76 1997 971.6'22 C97-966003-3 F1037.8P76 1997

Text: Text prepared by Elizabeth Eve, parts of which are directly drawn from Province House by Shirley B. Elliott, Legislative Librarian (1954-82) and Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada/Parks Canada, Agenda Paper on Province House, by Fern Graham, 1993.

Graphic Design: Chris Cairns, Communications Nova Scotia

Illustration: Front Cover and Page 5. Province House, 1819. J.E.Woolford. Courtesy of the Nova Scotia Museum.

Photography: Page 3, 7, 10, 12, 14, 15, Doug Ives, Communications Nova Scotia.

Back cover, Chris Reardon

Page 11, 19 bottom, Shirley Robb, Communications Nova Scotia. Province House Part One:Province House Part One 10/20/09 10:52 AM Page 3

Province House

rovince House, in which the As a landmark in the constitu- Nova Scotia Legislature has met tional evolution of Canada, it has been Pevery year since February 1819, said that more histo ry has been made is Canada’s oldest seat of government. within these four walls than in all This architectural gem is one of the other legislatures combined. In 1948 finest examples of Palladian style in the Historic Sites and Monuments North America. The lofty halls and Board of Canada erected a centenary bold stature of other provincial capi- plaque commemorating the establish- tols might dwarf Province House but ment here of the first responsible gov- none can compete with it for classic ernment in the Empire outside Great proportion and elegance of design. Britain. Confederation debates, the

Photo Crest above the throne chairs in the Red Chamber. Province House Part One:Province House Part One 10/20/09 10:52 AM Page 4

PROVINCEHOUSE

18th Century Map of Halifax History of the site

creation of freedom of the press, the alifax was founded in 1749 as the swearing-in of governors general, and British stronghold on the east coast many royal visits — all these have taken Hof North America, countering the place in these stately rooms. ominous French presence at Fortress Occupying a site in the heart of Louisbourg. During the first summer of the downtown Halifax, part way up the town’s construction, a one-storey wooden steep rise from the waterfront to the top building was hastily thrown up on the site of of Citadel Hill, Province House has an the present legislature, to provide shelter for unmistakable air of quiet authority. Governor Cornwallis and his staff. A few While its three storeys may be diminu- years later it was replaced by a more preten- tive beside the neighbouring glass and tious building which served as the governor’s steel towers, its altogether human scale residence for another fifty years. is a symbol of past and present activity The story of how the legislature within its walls. came to be built on this site reveals

4 Province House Part One:Province House Part One 10/20/09 10:52 AM Page 5

much about the power struggles in the make way for a Legislature. Cooled by young colony. When Governor Sir John the unexpectedcost of the vice-regal Wentworth and his wife, Lady Frances, dwelling, the Members of the Assembly complained that their residence was had little heart for a new project, and so falling down, the Legislature willingly it was not until 1811 that any definite agreed to vote £10,500 to build a action was taken. replacement on a site, three blocks to The Speech from the Throne, the south, that had been obtained origi- which Sir George Prevost delivered in nally for the purpose of building a per- February 1811, made specific reference manent legislature. With much pomp to the necessity of a government build- and ceremony, the cornerstone was laid, ing in line with “the prosperous state of on a fine September day in 1800, for the Province.” Finally fed up with their Government House. As sometimes hap- dilapidated rented quarters on the east pens with such projects, more money side of Hollis Street, the Members took was needed, bringing the final cost to action: an appro priation was passed in £30,000. During the seven years that it March and, on August 12, 1811, the took to complete the house, relations cornerstone was laid. between the Wentworths and the Legislature became severely strained. The colony of only 60,000 inhabitants valiantly strove to collect sufficient rev- Building the enue to finance this splendid home for new legislature the King’s representative. Meanwhile, the Legislature was short time prior to the laying without permanent quarters. The first of the cornerstone, three representative governmen t met initially A Commissioners were appoint- in 1758 in the Court House, at the cor- ed, one of whom, John Merrick, was ner of Argyle and Buckingham streets. probably asked to prepare the plan and In 1765, it moved to a building situated elevation of the proposed building, the on the corner of Barrington and Sackville streets, and then to rented quarters in the Cochran Building, on Hollis Street. When Sir John Wentworth some- what impatiently took possession of Government House in late 1805, he pronounced that his old residence might be torn down at any time to

Province House, 1819. Illustration by J. E. Woolford Province House Part One:Province House Part One 10/20/09 10:52 AM Page 6

PROVINCEHOUSE

work itself was to be conducted by an Main architectural architect builder, Richard Scott. features Eight years passed before Province House was finally completed, at a cost of he symmetry, regularity and £52,000. The final result was a building uniformity in Province House, designed in perfect proportions, Ttogether with the full expression endowed with fine architectural detail. It of classical vocabulary, root it firmly in stands today as a high tribute to the the British Palladian tradition. This builders and artisans of another era who, style dominated English taste through with their painstaking efforts and native most of the 18th century and had its talent, created an edifice of enduring greatest impact in British North beauty. On opening day, crowds pressed America during the first quarter of the through the building from early morning 19th century. It is typical to see a central until dark to admire the splendid new door with a triangular pediment or a legislature. They were astonished by the Venetian window, which is flanked on large areas of window glass, and stared in eitherside by symmetrical wings. The fascination and awe at the delicately use of classical orders and a hierarchy of wrought plaster work on the ceiling and storeys on a rusticated, or rough stone, the bas-relief figures on the mantelpieces basement are also characteristic features and around the doors. of this style. When the Legislature met for the This three-storey building, 43 first time in Province House on February metres (140 feet) in length and 21.5 11, 1819, the Earl of Dalhousie read the metres (70 feet) deep, is constructed of Speech from the Throne, saying, “The sandstone from Wallace, Nova Scotia. circumstance of meeting you for the The roof is hipped, intersected by pedi- first time in this place, leads me to con- ment gables. The principal east façade gratulate you on now occupying this fronts on Hollis Street, the west façade splendid building—erected for the faces Granville Street. The two are reception of the Legislature, the Courts almost identical but due to the steep of Justice, and all the Public offices. It slope of the site, the basement on Hollis stands, and will stand, I hope, to the lat- Street is visible above grade, giving this est posterity, a proud record of the side of the building a more imposing Public Spirit, at this period of our appearance. With the royal coat of arms History: And as I do consider this mag- in the tympanum, it is clearly the prin- nificant work equally honourable and cipal entrance. useful to the Province, I recommend it The lowest storey is constructed of to your continued protection.” rough stone, forming a solid base for the main storey. The upper storeys are more

6 Province House Part One:Province House Part One 10/20/09 10:52 AM Page 7

Province House, Hollis Street

refined, characterized by smooth ashlar the features of the Palladian style, with a masonry. The tall windows of the sec- pedimented central bay, framed by ond floor indicate the significance of Ionic pilasters. The entrances, now this storey and the lofty halls within. closed off, and centre windows are all Another feature which reflects the inte- variations on the Palladian window and, rior spaces is the use of niches and blind respecting the classical laws of symme- openings in the fourth and twelfth bays, try, the third storey windows at the indicating the solid walls with chim- south end of the building, where the neys. This typical Palladian feature Red Chamber is located, are blind. serves to break up vacant space and maintain the rhythm and symmetry of the composition. The north and south façades with their secondary entrances are less formal than the other sides. They incorporate

7 Province House Part One:Province House Part One 10/20/09 10:52 AM Page 8

PROVINCEHOUSE

Red Chamber Legislative

S The Interior Layout

he balanced design of the exte- main (second) floor, laid out around rior reflects the organization of the transverse axis of the building and T the interior, with its harmo- centred on the grand staircase. The nious volumes and flowing spaces. The entrance lobby and stair hall on the central hall plan of Palladian buildings lower floor are circumscribed by four determines that the principal rooms in offices that can be entered off the hall Province House are situated on the running the length of the building.

8 Province House Part One:Province House Part One 10/20/09 10:52 AM Page 9

e Library Legislative Assembly

Second Floor Hall

Additional offices are situated on this longitudinal axis, terminating with suites of offices at either end of the the staircase. The graceful elliptical building. arches supported on square pillars stand Four free-standing columns divide over the cross-axis and, being a little the lobby into three parts, creating an lower than the columns, they indicate ordered progression of space leading to the subordinate role of this direction.

9 Province House Part Two:Province House Part Two 10/20/09 11:07 AM Page 2

PROVINCEHOUSE

to the limited need for ornate public Interior Detailing buildings, and also because of the ne of the most striking features expense involved, and the scarcity of of Province House is the fine skilled craftsmen before the 1820s. Oquality of the interior detail- In the entrance lobby on the ing. Ornamental plasterwork through- ground floor, the ornaments are primar- out the building show the characteristics ily confined to the compact, acanthus- of refinement and delicacy that are leaf capitals of the four classical columns found in the work of James and Robert which support the lobby ceiling, and Adam, during the second half the 18th the moulding which borders the ceiling. century in England. These ornaments The upper hall is much more embell- complement the harmonious spaces and ished. Here, the foliated capitals have elegant lines, changing in accordance developed into the full Roman Ionic with the importance of each space. order. They support a ceiling decorated Plasterwork of this quality, scale with an elaborate border of superim- and period is rare in Canada, due partly posed classical ornament. The largely nine- teenth-century style of interior decor reflects phases in the develop- ment of Province House. Substantial orig- inal work survives of a refined quality rare in Canadian architecture. Alterations to the Legislative Library and the Assembly Chamber in mid-century display the emergence of Victorian taste while at the same time respecting the original work.

Main staircase and Ionic columns viewed from the second floor Province House Part Two:Province House Part Two 10/20/09 11:07 AM Page 3

Red Chamber

he interior of the doorway to terned with sea and plant life, pastoral the Red Chamber is framed by scenes, and architectural fantasies. T fluted columns with intricate While the source of these decorative capital design and an entablature along features is not known, records indicate the top of the wall ornamented with that 31 crates of ornaments were garlands and sea shells. The coved ceil- received from Scotland for Province ing is also richly festooned and gar- House in 1819. Repetitive mouldings landed and its corners decorated with could have been produced by local arti- the plumes of the Prince of Wales, a sans working with imported moulds. reference to the Regency period. In The window and door frames, chim- addition, all the window and door sur- neypieces and small ornamental details rounds, chimneypieces and panels may have been shipped prefabricated, above the windows are delicately pat- and installed on site.

11 Province House Part Two:Province House Part Two 10/20/09 11:07 AM Page 4

PROVINCEHOUSE

The Red Chamber embodies the Still very much in its original state, balanced proportions of the best the Red Chamber was designed as the Palladian designs. The entrance, in the home of the Legislative Council — the middle of the long wall, is flanked by Upper House of the provincial parlia- fireplaces. The large expanse of windows ment — and it served that capacity until extending along the other three sides are the Council ceased to exist on May 31, a particularly beautiful feature. The 1928. The upholstered chairs, made in Corinthian pilasters on the remaining Nova Scotia in the 1850s, are those used wall space, along with the elegant by the Council members. This room is mouldings, subtly reinforce the two- used today for Committees and for spe- three-two rhythm that is found in the cial functions, such as press conferences overall design of the building. and receptions.

Ceiling detail from the Red Chamber

12 Province House Part Two:Province House Part Two 10/20/09 11:07 AM Page 5

Legislative Library Unquestionably the most famous trial of all was that of Joseph Howe on a he room in which the Legislative charge of criminal libel on March 2, Library is located was originally 1835. The story of Howe’s masterly Tthe Supreme Court of Nova speech in his own defence, and his Scotia. Many famous trials were held in acquittal on this occasion, is well known this chamber: the first criminal trial was to Nova Scotians, and this amazing feat the case against Richard John Uniacke in large measure paved the way for free- Jr. for killing William Bowie in a duel. dom of the press in Canada and This trial was noteworthy in that the launched him into political l ife the fol- defendant’s father, Richard John lowing year. Uniacke Sr., was Attorney General at the With the departure of the Supreme time and was responsible for bringing Court to Spring Garden Road in the his son before the Bench. The code of spring of 1862, the Legislative Library honour still existed in 1819, however, came into being. The library collection, and since duelling was a respectable which had previously been scattered means to protecting one’s honour, young throughout the various rooms in Uniacke was acquitted. Province House, was brought together

13 Province House Part Two:Province House Part Two 10/20/09 11:07 AM Page 6

PROVINCEHOUSE

in this one room when alcoves, shelving The Assembly and the mezzanine balcony were con- Chamber structed. In contrast to the rest of the build- n 1819 the Assembly Chamber pre- ing, where the ornament is carefully sented much the same proportions controlled, the fleshy acanthus leaves on Ias the Red Chamber. The Speaker’s the dark-stained wood framing the Chair stood on the west or Granville stacks and the intertwining foliage of Street side, with an entrance from the the mayflower on the decorative Speaker’s Office, which in turn was wrought iron seem to have a life directly accessible from the main hall of their own. A comparison, for by way of a door, where the example, between the grand granite tablet listing the staircase with its iron balusters, names of the Speakers colonettes and swags and the ironwork of the library illustrates an interest in ornament for its own sake, a characteristic of Victorian archi- hangs today. Above the tecture of the sec- lobby of the House, which ond half of the occupied the east end of 19th century. the room, was the public It is interesting to gallery, and some time note that the ceiling in the during the 1840s a small Library was originally the reporters’ gallery was height of the other two added. The Chamber was chambers but that, as heated by two fireplaces, early as 1824, it was one on either side of the deemed advisable, in the main entrance; indeed, interests of space, to the entire building was lower the ceiling to its provided with an elabo- present height to create rate system of 38 fire- additional space on the places and stoves until the third floor. 1880s, when central heating became a very lively topic for discus- Joseph Howe sion on the floor of the House. Province House, Halifax In 1886 it was agreed to intro- duce a hot water heating system,

14 Province House Part Two:Province House Part Two 10/20/09 11:07 AM Page 7

Legislative Assembly Chamber

which meant excavating a cellar for a cowork and to integrate it with the new furnace beneath the north wing. One work. It appears that the pre-1886 pat- thing led to another, and it was finally tern of the ceiling was preserved, extend- agreed to change the layout of the ed and re-centred to the south when the Assembly Chamber, with the introduc- room was enlarged. Some of the ele- tion of a colonnaded balcony and addi- ments of the original scheme may have tional offices beneath. been re-used, such as the shell motif in During the restructuring, care was the pediments over the doors, and new taken to save much of the original stuc- motifs were possibly introduced.

15 Province House Part Two:Province House Part Two 10/20/09 11:07 AM Page 8

PROVINCEHOUSE

Other rooms More than a Legislative Assembly

s for the rooms on the ground rovince House has been the set- floor of Province House, they ting for many events over the A have had many uses over the P centuries. In 1854, inspired by years, but one can be reasonably certain London’s Crystal Palace Exhibition of that the head of government has always 1851, Nova Scotia sponsored its first retained a presence in the building in Industrial Exhibition at Province one of the offices on the lower floor. House. The Novascotian of Monday, Today, the Premier’s main office is in a October 9, 1854, reported that the building nearby. Speaker’s Room contained mineral spec- Although the offices and commit- imens, including one small lump of coal tee rooms have been adapted as the under a glass case, “a feeble representa- needs have changed, much of the orna- tion of the two hundred thousand tons mental work in secondary rooms sur- of coal which will this year be exported vives, including king mouldings, win- from our mines, and which might easily dow and door frames, and mantelpieces. be increased to ten times that amount.” Marine life is a common motif, reflect- The Assembly Chamber provided the ing both the maritime nature of the setting for local manufacturers of every province and the imperial claim to naval description; the Supreme Court (now dominance. This is emphasized in the the Library) housed an exhibit of chimneypieces of the Cabinet Room models and labour saving machines, and Premier’s Room where a replica of while the Legislative Council Chamber the Edinburgh monument of Nelson is displayed progress in fine arts. The depicted in relief. south yard contained mechanical arts Reference should also be made to and a tent in the north yard showed the headless falcons in the Assembly products of the soil, including fisheries Chamber, Members’ Lounge and in the — “very inadequately represented by a South Committee Room, now the few barrels of fish.” Office of the Clerk. The story is told In July 1860, the visit of the Prince that in the 1840s when anti-American of Wales, later Edward VII, produced a feeling was running high, a hot-headed patriotic display of unprecedented pro- Member of the Legislature used his cane portions. All Halifax was caught up in to knock off the heads of what he the frenzy of preparation: annexes were presumed to be eagles, the symbols of constructed in north and south yards to republicanism. accommodate the 1000 guests, the majority of whom were called upon to pay two guineas for the privilege of

16 Province House Part Two:Province House Part Two 10/20/09 11:07 AM Page 9

Industrial Exhibition, Province House, 1851

attending the ceremonies and the ball. 1916, and the Earl of Bessborough on The prince’s visit is commemorated in April 4, 1931. These ceremonies took one of the two throne chairs, made place in the days when newly appointed expressly for his use, which stands on governors general were sworn in on the the dais in the Red Chamber. day of their arrival on Canadian soil. A large composite photograph by Notman hanging in the upper hallway Setting depicts the investiture of the Marquis of At the time of the completion of con- Lorne as Governor General in the struction the site was very open, with St. Assembly Chamber on November 25, Matthew’s Church on the south side 1878. During the next half-century and low commercial and residential three governors general were sworn to buildings on the other facing streets. office in the stately Red Chamber — The site has since been enclosed by an Earl Grey on December 10, 1904, the iron fence, ordered from the Carron Duke of Devonshire on November 11, Company Foundry in Scotland. In

17 Province House Part Two:Province House Part Two 10/20/09 11:07 AM Page 10

PROVINCEHOUSE

Restoration of the building

1826 the Acadian Magazine described n 1985 first steps were taken to restore the “healthy and airy appearance” of the Province House and to repair some of the green spaces at either end and the open Idamage that time and poor craftsmanship space in front of the building. had rendered to the integrity and safety of the Two monuments have been erected structure. It was discovered that the pillar wall in the centre of these outside areas: Joseph that served as a base to the building was in such Howe can be seen at the south end, set in a state of decay that it was necessary to com- a laid out garden, while a memorial to the pletely replace the stones. To determine what Boer War is situated at the north end of other work had to be done, the building was the building. Lamps from the old cleaned with water under light pressure. An Waterloo Bridge, London, England, have inventory was taken, stone-by-stone, course-by- flanked the Hollis Street entrance since course. Defective stones and their dimensions 1938. Locust trees that were first planted were listed, which made it apparent that the on the site have been replaced by another restoration would take at least three years. All in variety. The overall impression is that the all, for the four elevations, over 1700 stones, grounds are similar to their mid-19th would haveto be replaced. century appearance. However, outside the As stone masonry had declined in limits of the fence, the legislature is now Canada, qualified professional stone- boxed in by more modern buildings masons were brought in from England and which restrict the views. hired to work with 12 local apprentices. Nevertheless, despite the down- Removal of the stone from the town development, Province House still building was mostly done by traditional commands a prominent place in the his- hammer and chisel. Once lifted out, toric core of the city. Its proximity to the each stone was marked so it, or a new Grand Parade and the waterfront stone, could be fitted into its exact ensure s high visibility. place, not unlike a 3-D jig-saw puzzle. As the most important public Previous concrete patching and building in Nova Scotia, Province decayed masonry were removed and House has always been well maintained. replaced with stone from the same quarry Repairs and alterations have been car- at Wallace that supplied the original ried out in keeping with its status and material. The building was cleaned and mindful of its prominence and public repointed, and repairs to the windows image. were carried out. The woodwork was retained where possible, but some sashes were replaced. New metal-framed storm

18 Province House Part Two:Province House Part Two 10/20/09 11:08 AM Page 11

Province House before restoration

windows were applied over the multi- pane sash. The renovation to the building has made Nova Scotians more aware of the importance of their Province House. In 1994 it was declared a National Historic Site for both its historic and architectur- al importance to the country.

Queen Elizabeth II at the August 1994 ceremony commemorating Province House as a National Historic Site Province House Part Two:Province House Part Two 10/20/09 11:08 AM Page 12 Revised Cover:Revised Cover 10/20/09 11:12 AM Page 2

Province House Photo—Chris Reardon Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada