Description of Historic Place

The Yorston House is a one-and-a-half storey home located on a high knoll next to McKenzie Brook. It is situated on the north side of King George Highway in the former Village of Douglastown in the City of Miramichi.

Heritage Value

The Yorston House is designated a Local Historic Place for its association with former residents William Yorston and his son Frederick. William Yorston came to the Miramichi from the Orkney Islands and was a master builder and ship carpenter. He was one of many skilled craftsmen who emigrated from his Scottish homeland in 1841 to follow the growing shipbuilding industry in Port of Miramichi. Many of the village residents were tradesmen employed with the local shipbuilding firm Gilmour, Rankin & Co. It is presumed he constructed his own house in 1881, after retiring from his trade. His son, Frederick P., was school principal of Harkins Academy at a very young age and was exceptional in his chosen field. He maintained a high level of standard in school curriculum. He later studied medicine, and then returned to his first love of teaching at the university level in the field of medicine.

Source: City of Miramichi, Heritage Office, Beaverbrook House, Site File #07-87

Character-Defining Elements

The character-defining elements of this vernacular home include:
- rectangular one-and-a-half storey massing with an ell;
- steeply pitched gable roof;
- side gable dormers;
- balanced window placement.

The character-defining elements of the interior include:
- detailed woodwork;
- pressed tin ceilings.

The character-defining elements relating to the placement of the site include:
- placement of the home with view plane of the Miramichi River.