Description of Historic Place

Wetmore Merritt Residence is located in the uptown of Saint John. It is the third building north of Duke Street in a four building complex. It was built in the Second Empire style with Mansard roof in 1891.

Heritage Value

Wetmore Merritt Residence is designated a Local Historic Place for its architecture and for being the home of two influential individuals, namely G. Wetmore Merritt and Major Caverhill Jones as well as being a doctor's office and residence for many years.

Most buildings in the preservation area were built within 5 years of the fire. This Second Empire brick residence was built 14 years after the fire in 1891. The architecture of this building reflects the re-building phase of the city.

This residence was first occupied by G. Wetmore Merritt. He was involved in the wholesale grocery and provision business. Later, he became a life insurance executive.

Major Caverhill Jones moved in the first decade of the 1900's. His collection of souvenirs from the Boer War graced the walls of the Natural History Society Museum in 1914. Caverhill's widow lived in the Wetmore Merritt Residence until 1928.

From 1929 to 1960, Wetmore Merritt Residence was occupied by Dr. Philip Nase and later Dr. Silver, ear, eye, nose, and throat specialists.

Source: Planning and Development Department – City of Saint John

Character-Defining Elements

The character-defining elements of the Wetmore Merritt Residence include:
- symmetrical with the other three buildings in the complex;
- building's height and width proportions;
- window proportions and placement;
- Mansard roof with cornice;
- turreted dormer;
- sandstone entablatures over the window openings;
- three windows with peaked pediments in the dormer;
- corbel bands;
- two-storey bay window;
- elaborate entrance with sandstone and brick entablature and sandstone keystone;
- horizontal strips of sandstone through facade;
- elaborate double wooden doors with transom windows;
- sandstone steps.