SELF-GUIDED WALKING TOUR OF HISTORIC

Paul McConnell and name spelled differently in dif- Inge Vander Horst ferent places. Co-Chairs, NE Heritage and One advantage of creat- Development Committee ing your own village is that Rediscover New Edinburgh by you get to name streets after strolling through this historic your own family. So, in addi- neighbourhood. Travel back in tion to MacKay Street, we time 170 years while taking a have streets named after four closer look at some heritage of Thomas McKay’s children gems. Most of these remarkable - John, Charles, Alexander, and buildings are located within Thomas. “Crichton” was the the original settlement of New maiden name of his wife, Ann. Edinburgh, which was founded “Keefer” was the surname of his in 1832 by Scottish stonema- son-in-law. son and entrepreneur, Thomas Other streets have a royal McKay. connection, with (Queen) McKay had been a major con- “Victoria” as well as “Stanley” tractor for the , and “Dufferin” named after “Hon. Thos. Mackay’s Mills, Distillery, etc. and part of New Governors General. including the entrance locks by Edinburgh, : Drawn by Captain Thomas Burrowes in . When construc- 1845. Source: Archives of The Walking Tour tion was completed in 1832, he encouraged his workers to settle Missing from this walking We have lots of well-maintained of New Edinburgh’s history. It old homes throughout New on the land he had purchased tour are the brewery and dis- has been estimated that the for- around the Rideau Falls. There tillery, the saw mill, the grist Edinburgh, and the whole area mer Village of New Edinburgh that used to form the original was plenty of work to be had mill, the flour mill and bakery, (roughly Sussex to Dufferin, in his numerous mills and fac- the woollen mill and cloth fac- Village has been designated a Stanley to MacKay) still con- Heritage Conservation District. tories. tory - all established by Thomas tains 150 homes dating from the In 1838, McKay completed McKay. He was also instrumen- We also have many award- 19th Century. You’ll see plen- winning infill and renovation construction of his splendid tal in bringing the first railway ty of these on the self-guided new mansion, , into in 1854, with the projects involving historic walking tour described in the buildings. Then there are the which added some prestige to & Prescott line run- following pages. the neighbourhood. He died in ning along the banks of the lanes, with their own unique 1855, and when Ottawa was through to New What’s in a name? story to tell. So much to see chosen in 1857 as the capital of Edinburgh’s mills. in the neighbourhood - so how , the government leased Most signs of New Edinburgh’s The street names of New to decide what to include in a and then purchased Rideau Hall industrial golden age have long Edinburgh’s old village were not walking tour? chosen at random - most have as the official residence of the since disappeared. The factories For this first effort, we’ve Governor General. The Vice- and mills have been demolished a close association to Thomas McKay and his family, or to decided to keep things simple. Regal presence provided a fur- and cleared, to be replaced by We have selected the 17 proper- ther boost to New Edinburgh, the Embassy of France, the old our immediate neighbours, the Governors General of Canada. ties that have been recognized which saw more houses and ser- Ottawa City Hall, and NCC individually by the City and vices being built for the gentry. green space. T h o m a s M c K a y ’ s Province as especially deserv- The Village of New Edinburgh The old rail- ing their heritage status. There was formally incorporated in way bed has name provides something of are 11 residential buildings, 3 1866. Twenty-one years later, become a schools, 2 churches, one bridge. in 1887, it merged with the City recreational a puzzle. Have you noticed These are some of the best of Ottawa. trail through examples in New Edinburgh the parks, that the street named after of buildings from different eras History? What History? although the and they are also some of the last traces of him is spelled The New Edinburgh we see “ M a c K a y ” ? best-documented. They provide today is generally regarded as its old bridge a great introduction to our local can still be And it’s an up-market neighbourhood of “ M a c K a y ” history, but no doubt you’ll fine houses and gardens, quaint seen head- make your own discoveries en ing across to U n i t e d lanes, large areas of parkland, Church. Well, route. and enjoying a pretty setting Lowertown. What we Thomas was On the accompanying pages by the Rideau River. This is a born and died you will find a photograph far cry from New Edinburgh’s still have in some num- as a “McKay” and street address for each of origins as an industrial centre. but for what- the heritage properties so you Many of the early residents ber, however, are homes, ever reason should have no problem iden- were mill workers who lived in following his tifying them. Also included is a modest homes or rooming hous- c h u r c h e s , and schools Courtesy of www.érudit.org death, his brief description of their special es. They were employed in the family adopt- features and history. Most of heavily industrialized corridors f r o m throughout The Honourable Thomas McKay ed the form the buildings - but not all - will along the Ottawa and Rideau (1792-1855), from photo belonging to “ M a c K a y ” . have a bronze heritage plaque Rivers, where the Rideau Falls the differ- Miss Lily McLeod Clark of Elmwood, ent phases This is why that explains a bit more about supplied power. Ontario. you’ll see the them. ON YOURAn WAY: You Introduction can start wherever you like. We have to listed Old the 17 properties New in a loop, Edinburgh starting at the former Crichton Street Public School at 200 Crichton Street. The length of the walk connecting # 1 through #16 (MacKay United Church) is an easy 2 km; it is a further 0.5km to reach #17, Ecole St Charles, on Springfield Road. A complete circuit will take perhaps 90 minutes - but go at your own pace. It’s worth noting as well that you can repeat the walk in different seasons for a different experience. Or perhaps you’ll want to cycle around the circuit with the kids. One final note. This is an “outside” tour only, so please respect the privacy of the occupants of the heritage homes. Nevertheless, if you do happen to see them, you may wish to thank them for the effort they have invested in looking after these wonderful buildings. They are the custodians of an important part of New Edinburgh’s� history. gem enjoys a wonderful setting. At one time, its 1 main entrance2 3 fronted4 5 6 towards the Rideau River. The origi- nal 1 ½ storey western section of the house was built for Dr W.R. Bell as a medical office. The 2 ½ storey � 9 eastern section7 was erected8 in 1880 as10 11 12 an attached residence. The clapboard 1 2 3 4 5 6building is highlighted by its gables, large veranda, peaked-cap dormer, 13 14 15 16 17 #1. 200 Crichton Street (1906) and lots of fine detail. Crichton Street Public School. The school7 in New8 Edinburgh9 10moved 11four 12 times before the first school was built #5. Stanley Avenue at Union (1900) on this site in 1875. The present build- Minto Bridges. Named after the Earl ing took on its main shape in 1906. of Minto, eighth Governor General A 13 major new14 wing, which16 forms the17 of Canada, these ornate bridges were front facade, was 15 added in 1919-20. originally part of a ceremonial route With its modern design� and facilities, from Government House to Parliament. it was regarded as a great advance in They were built from lightweight school architecture. The school1 was2 3 4 5 6 steel sections and cast iron by the closed in 1999 but still serves New Dominion Bridge Company for the Edinburgh as the home of the Crichton “Ottawa Improvement Commission” Cultural Community Centre. #4. 119 Stanley Avenue (c.1890) (a predecessor of the National Capital Jones House. Built for John Jones, a 7 8 9 10 11 12 Commission) which was established mill worker at the nearby mills, this by Sir Wilfrid Laurier in 1899 “to house is a fine example of the mod- beautify the City”. est local homes occupied by workers 13 14 and15 their families.16 Impressive17 features include the gabled dormers, decora- tive porch, and the Second Empire mansard styled roof (which provided more headroom upstairs but the house

� was still taxed only as a 1 ½ storey dwelling). 1 2 3 4 5 6

#2. 139-141 Crichton Street (1874) � 7 Garvock8 House9 . Stonemason10 11 and con12 - tractor Alexander Garvock built this 1 2 3 4 5 6 small 1 ½ storey double house on land purchased from the MacKay Estate. 13 With14 its fine15 masonry,16 it is 17an impres- #6. 92 Stanley Avenue (c.1867) sive reminder of the skills that became 9 MacLeod House. In a fine location, this established in Ottawa following con- 7 8 10 11 picturesque12 1 ½ storey stone house is struction of the Rideau Canal. � another excellent example of the early #3. 151 Stanley Avenue (1868) homes of New Edinburgh. Note its Bell House. This New Edinburgh 1 2 3 4 courses5 6of rough masonry and delicate 13 14 15 16 17

7 8 9 10 11 12

13 14 15 16 17 wooden porch. It was built for Dougal later, it became a double residence. Macleod, who came from Scotland’s The National Capital Commission Isle of Skye and worked in a local mill acquired it in 1959. � owned by Thomas McKay. #7. 51 Crichton Street (c.1874) 1 2 3 4 5 6 Tubman House. The original 1 ½ storey front section of this house was built before 1874, with � the veranda being added in the 1880s. A simple, front-gabled frame structure1 with a2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 steeply pitched roof, it is one of the earliest buildings from the mill vil- lage of New Edinburgh. It was owned #12. 73-75 MacKay Street (c.1874) by the Tubman family from 7 1874 to8 9 10 11 1312 14Woodburn15 House16 . Gentle17 suburban 1986. residential development comes to the growing village of New Edinburgh. #10. 34 Alexander (c.1864) This 1 ½ storey brick double is a 13 14 Henderson15 House16 . This17 spectacular 2 delightful example of the Victorian � ½ storey clapboard house is typical influence on house style, with its bay of the Second Empire Style and is an windows, Gothic gables, and fine trim. 1 example2 3 of the4 evolving5 architecture6 It was built for William Woodburn, a of the village. The mansard roof, wish- carpenter. � bone-shaped gables, upstairs enclosed 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12

9 #8. 25-29 Crichton� Street (c.1867)13 14 16 17 7 8 10 11 12 McLatchie House. This is the only 15 example of an original1 “board2 and3 4 5 6 batten” double residence remaining in New Edinburgh. The 1 ½ storey T- 13 14 15 16 17 shaped structure with its fancy gables was built by W.R. McLatchie7 8 as work9 - 10 11 12 ers’ housing in the early years of the #13. 87 MacKay Street (c.1877) village. It has survived virtually unal- Fréchette House. This impressive tered and is beautifully preserved. house on its corner lot shows the influ- 13 14 15 sunporch,16 elaborate17 wood detailing, ence of the Gothic Revival style of the impressive front entrance and veranda late 1870s. Note the projecting fron- � all blend into an eclectic building of tispiece with its steep centre gable, distinctive architectural value. It was coloured brickwork, and the different 1 2 3 4 5 6 built for John Henderson, manager sizes of gable dormers. From 1881 to of the MacLaren Lumber Mills. He 1921 it was the home of the literary became Treasurer of the Village of couple, Achille Fréchette and his wife New Edinburgh when it was incorpo- Annie Howells. rated in 1866, and later became Clerk 7 8 9 10 11 12 of the City of Ottawa. #11. 35 MacKay Street (1864) Allen House. This impressive 2 ½ storey #9. 62-64 John Street (1837) Fraser house on a corner lot at Thomas Street 13 Schoolhouse14 15. This16 symmetrical17 stone has two entrances and two fine facades� structure is the oldest dwelling in of dressed stone ( - compare with the New Edinburgh. Thomas McKay built rougher stone at the rear and side). 1 2 3 4 5 6 it for the workers constructing his It was built to accommodate senior new home, Rideau Hall. In 1838 he employees of Thomas McKay’s mills. converted it into a school - teacher Note also the strong cornerstones James Fraser lived in one half and (“quoins”) and fancy wooden trim. his classroom was in the other. When The porches and pillars were added in 7 8 9 10 11 12 the school moved out a few years the 1920s.

13 14 15 16 17 #14. 125 MacKay Street (1868) #17. 24 Springfield Road (1910) St Bartholomew’s� Anglican Church. L’Ecole St Charles School. This attrac- This is the parish church of New tive functional structure was built of Edinburgh, ,1 and2 Rockcliffe3 4 5 6 red brick set on a rock-faced founda- Park. Designed by Thomas Scott, tion. Note the fine stonework, large St. Bart’s was built on land donated interesting windows, and lots of deco- by the MacKay family. This simple rative detail. It served the francophone rectangular stone building has many community of New Edinburgh until associations with7 our neighbours,8 9 10 11 12 1972 and has now been converted into the Governors General. For exam- loft apartments. ple, Viscount Monck (Canada’s first G-G) laid the cornerstone, Princess � Louise donated the bells, and the large 13 14 16 17 stained-glass window over the alter15 1 2 3 4 5 6 was donated by Prince Arthur, Duke of Connaught. � 1875. It was renamed in1901 to honour the MacKay family, long-time bene- 1 2 factors,3 4 and became5 MacKay6 United7 8 9 10 11 12 Church in 1925. The present church was rebuilt in 1909-10 in handsome rough-cut stone and features a corner bell tower, a three-arched entrance 13 14 15 16 17 7 8 portal,9 and10 round11 arched windows.12 Acknowledgements Heritage Planner Sally Coutts, at the City of Ottawa, provided helpful back- 13 14 15ground16 information17 on many of the properties. Special recognition goes to local photographer, Louise Imbeault, who has compiled a remarkable collection of photographs of New Edinburgh’s heri- #15. 157-167 MacKay Street tage buildings. The photographs included in the tour guide are taken from (c.1876) Lansdowne Terrace. This that collection; others can be seen in an audiovisual presentation produced elegant brick 2 ½ storey terrace is by Louise that can be viewed on the “Heritage” page at www.newedinburgh. Georgian-inspired. It demonstrates ca . the transformation of New Edinburgh from a village of mill workers to The heritage map was created by local burgh resident and graphic designer an upper middle class suburb. The Clare Robertson. construction date remains a puzzle because Lord Lansdowne, after whom Further Information the terrace was named, did not become Information for the article and captions accompanying the photographs Governor General until 1883. came from various publications, including: � Pioneer Families of New Edinburgh (Gloucester Township) Volume One: 1830-1870, by Robert Serré. Gloucester Historical Society (2007). This 1 2 3 4 5 6 book describes the geographical setting and early history of New Edinburgh and provides biographical and genealogical information on 90 pioneer families of the village. Capital Walks: Walking Tours of Ottawa, by Katharine Fletcher. Fitzhenry & Whiteside (2003). 7 8 9 10 11 12 Ottawa: A Guide To Heritage Structures, Local Architectural Conservation Advisory Committee. City of Ottawa (2000). Walking in New Edinburgh, Ottawa. Heritage Ottawa (1975?). 13 14 15 16 17 New Edinburgh Heritage Conservation District Study. City of Ottawa (2000). #16. MacKay & Dufferin (1909) MacKay United Church. The original Some of these publications can be purchased from Books on Beechwood New Edinburgh Presbyterian Church at 35 Beechwood Ave. Others may be out of print now, but the Ottawa and its adjacent manse were built in Public Library will have copies available. ���������������������������� ����������������������������������������

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