Description of Historic Place

John B. Robinson House is a 3-storey Second Empire residence with Italianate features. It is located on Prince William Street in St. Stephen.

Heritage Value

John B. Robinson House is designated a Local Historical Place for its architecture and for its association with its former occupants.

John B. Robinson House is recognized for being a good example of Second Empire architecture with Italianate features from the late 19th century in St. Stephen. Built in 1870, this three storey dwelling exhibits key elements of this style, including the overall symmetry and the mansard roof with dormers. Italianate influences can be seen in the scrolled double brackets under the eaves and the use of a portico.

John B. Robinson House is also recognized for its association with its former occupants. John B. Robinson, a prominent local merchant, married Isabella Symonds and had three daughters, a son and an adopted daughter. Their oldest daughter, Maria Famicha, married Gilbert W. Ganong, a former Lieutenant Governor of the Province of New Brunswick. Their youngest daughter married Rev. Samuel Belyea. Robinson formed a partnership with A. Upton Hill and operated a mercantile business under the name of Hill and Robinson until 1882 when he became the sole owner. He died in 1907. Following the death of Mrs. Robinson in 1918 the home became the residence for nurses-in-training at the Chipman Memorial Hospital. It was used as a residence until 1966. A tunnel connected the residence to the hospital. Part of the tunnel still remains.

Source: St Stephen Town Hall-Historical Places file "John B. Robinson House"

Character-Defining Elements

The character-defining elements that describe John B. Robinson House include:
- overall symmetry;
- rectangular 3 storey massing;
- mansard roof;
- moulded cornice;
- dentils;
- Italianate influenced scrolled double brackets under eaves;
- pedimented dormers;
- Italianate influenced central portico with square pillars;
- bay window;
- clapboard siding;
- wide corner boards.