Description of Historic Place

The Officers’ Mess is a brick, two-storey residence, representing the Craftsman style that was popular in the 1920’s. This house is located on Murray Street in a residential sector of the City of Bathurst.

Heritage Value

The Officers’ Mess is designated a Local Historic Place for its architectural value, for its association with the Kent family, and for being a gathering place for the officers of the North Shore Regiment.

This dwelling is an example of urban residences occupied by distinguished citizens in the early 1920’s. The two-storey brick construction is a good example of the Craftsman style of residential architecture. The entrance porch, which consists of paired pillars on wide brick bases, the fenestration and main entrance are dominant features of this style.

The Officers’ Mess is recognized as well for its association with the Kent family. The Kent family, including William J. Kent of W. J. Kent & Company, is recognized as one of the most influential business families in the region. The dwelling, which was built by William J. Kent for his son Harold, was later purchased by Harper Kent, a notable entrepreneur and philanthropist from Bathurst.

The Officers’ Mess is further recognized for its use as a mess for the officers of the North Shore (New Brunswick) Regiment, known officially as the Royal New Brunswick Regiment. The officers’ mess for this regiment of the Canadian Armed Forces moved into the premises after the Second World War and remained there until the late 1990’s.

Source: Bathurst Heritage Trust Commission Inc., Historic Places file "Officers' Mess"

Character-Defining Elements

The character-defining elements that describe the Officers’ Mess include:
- entire property with its landscaping and trees;
- two-storey rectangular massing;
- gable roof;
- wide overhanging eaves and cornices;
- two pedimented dormers on the main façade;
- two-storey bay windows;
- double sunroom;
- numerous double windows;
- entrance door with sidelights;
- immense entrance porch supported by paired pillars that rest on large brick bases;
- symmetry of the openings on the main façade.