Description of Historic Place
The William Vassie Residence is one of four adjacent three-storey brick buildings of similar Italianate architecture, with segmented arch window openings and decorative stonework at the cornice. It is located on Charlotte Street, within the Trinity Royal Preservation Area of the City of Saint John.
Heritage Value
The William Vassie Residence is designated a Local Historic Place for its architecture and for its association with its past owners and occupants.
The William Vassie Residence is one of a collection of residential Italianate buildings that were built after two thirds of the City of Saint John was destroyed by fire in 1877. Built in 1879 for Henry Maxwell, the William Vassie Residence is a good example of Italianate residential architecture from the rebuilding period in Saint. This style is evident in details such as the decorative cornice, the arched window openings and the rectangular massing. The use of brick and the quality of the workmanship in this residence represent the will for the city to rebuild, as well or better, after the fire.
The William Vassie Residence is also recognized for its association with its past owners and occupants. Henry Maxwell had this home constructed in 1879, in addition to the three adjacent dwellings. Maxwell established his own lumber business in 1850. Once his son, Charles H. Maxwell, joined him in the business in 1869, the firm name officially became “Henry Maxwell & Son”. By 1887, Henry had become one of the oldest established lumber dealers of the City.
While residing in a neighbouring building located at 265 Charlotte Street, Maxwell rented out this residence to some very significant individuals for brief periods. The first resident was William Vassie. At the age of 17, he joined his father John Vassie in the wholesale dry goods business known as “John Vassie & Co.” Following the Great Saint John Fire, John retired, leaving the management of the business to William. As a highly respected man of business, Vassie consistently voiced his opinions regarding Canadian fiscal matters to both government and the press, including his strong advocacy of free trade. He remained here until the late 1880's, when he moved to Meckleburg Street.
Jefferson D. Shatford took up residence immediately after for a brief period. He acted as an agent for the prominent company of the Bullock family known as “Oil & Co.”.
Stephen King came here soon after Shatford in 1893. He was a well known Post Office Inspector of the city. King remained at this residence until the late 1890's.
Source: Planning and Development Department - City of Saint John
Character-Defining Elements
The character defining elements that describe the Italianate architecture of the William Vassie Residence include:
- rectangular three-storey massing with an elevated basement that follows the slope of Charlotte Street;
- exterior brick walls;
- decorative stonework at the cornice;
- segmented arched window openings with sandstone sills;
- brick hood moulds with corbel stops over rectangular windows;
- two paned segmented arched transom window above the entrance with highly ornate surrounds consisting of a medallion and delicate floral designs;
- paired wooden doors with glass panels;
- sandstone plinth band;
- sandstone steps.
