Description of Historic Place

Postmaster Wilson's Residence is a one-and-a-half storey Second Empire style small residence with hints of vernacular detailing and composition that dates from around the 1870's. It is situated on Wellington Street within an area of period homes in the former Town of Chatham in Miramichi.

Heritage Value

Postmaster Wilson's Residence is designated a Local Historic Place for its architecture and for its association with its former owners.

Postmaster Wilson’s Residence is a good example of a small Second Empire residence with vernacular detailing and composition from the 19th century. The simple one-and-a-half storey rectangular massing of this residence is enhanced by such Second Empire details as a lateral mansard roof and an elaborate two-storey frontispiece featuring a mansard roof and a classical entrance.

Postmaster Wilson’s Residence is also recognized for its association with its former occupants. It was the residence of notable town merchant George Traer and later Chatham's postmaster, William Wilson.

Source: City of Miramichi Heritage Office – Beaverbrook House – Historic Places File #05-39

Character-Defining Elements

The character-defining elements that describe the Second Empire architecture of Postmaster Wilson’s Residence include:
- one-and-a-half storey rectangular massing;
- lateral concave mansard roof;
- balanced fenestration of rectangular windows with entablatures;
- central two-storey frontispiece with concave mansard roof;
- Roman arch windows in side gabled dormers within frontispiece;
- central front entrance featuring classic details such as a rectangular transom and sidelights, pilasters and a pediment with ornate brackets;
- one-storey bay on western elevation;
- clapboard siding with corner boards;
- wide eaves with returns.