Description of Historic Place

The site of the butter factory consists of the grounds, remains of an old wharf and mills and a wooden water wheel located on the south bank of the Kouchibouguacis River and more specifically at 10575 Principale Street.

Heritage Value

The heritage value of the site of the old butter factory as a local historic place stems from the fact that an old butter factory once operated on the property. The factory in Saint Louis de Kent was the first one of its kind in New Brunswick. Built in 1892 by Pierre L. Richard, the factory produced top-quality butter and shipped it all over the country and the world. The factory did well at many expositions and competitions, including the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago.

Heritage value is also attributed to the site of the old butter factory in Saint Louis de Kent because it was the birthplace of many industries in this part of the village. The site was home to a variety of businesses from 1887 to 1969, including the butter factory, sawmills, a woolen mill, a boat construction site and a store. There was also a wharf that allowed for the transportation of various goods. There is value with respect to the potential archaeological resources of the site relating to these industries.

Source: Saint-Louis-de-Kent Municipal Building, File Number 01 02.

Character-Defining Elements

The character defining elements associated with the site of the old butter factory include:
- location on the river;
- remains of the old wharf and mills;
- wooden water wheel reminding visitors of the industries that were once on the property;
- potential archaeological resources.