Description of Historic Place

This two-and-a-half storey, red brick Victorian house is located northeast of Port Hope's downtown core, in a neighbourhood of 19th century residences. Surrounded by mature trees, the house is a dominant feature, in the streetscape, with its height and elaborate Victorian details.

The Thomas B. Chalk House at 48 Bloomsgrove Avenue is recognized for its heritage value by the Town of Port Hope By-law 49/92 Schedule B-2, passed on August 4, 1992.

Heritage Value

Built circa 1890, the Thomas B. Chalk House is a fine example of a Victorian residence, with Romanesque Revival details. The detailed brick work, and large, arched top windows of the main floor are very Romanesque. The protruding second storey oriel window, with its fine wood detailing, has a more delicate and light appearance, as does a similar window on the side facade, the fretwork in the peak of the front gable, and the decorative columns and treillage trim of the two side porches. The property also features a unique two storey brick carriage house located at the rear of the house.

The house is associated with Thomas B. Chalk, who worked at the Chalk Carriage Works, with his father, Robert Chalk. The Chalk Carriage Works manufactured lumber wagons, cutters and carriages, and provided blacksmithing services. The Chalk family was in the carriage business from 1842 to 1931. The Chalk Carriage Works was one of the oldest running carriage businesses in Upper Canada. Thomas also went on to have a successful career in local politics, becoming Mayor in 1905-1906, and again in 1925-1927. He was a member of the local Liberal association, chairman of the public school board, member of the United church, and appointed to the Liquor Control Board. Thomas retained ownership of this house until 1910.

Sources: Heritage Designation By-law 49/92 Schedule B-2, Municipality of Port Hope; Heritage Port Hope Files, Port Hope Town Hall, 56 Queen Street; Port Hope Archives, 17 Mill Street N., Port Hope.

Character-Defining Elements

Character defining elements that reflect the heritage value of the Thomas B. Chalk House include its:
- two-and-a-half storey red brick exterior, with hipped gable end roof
- Romanesque Revival details, including large round arched windows, and detailed brickwork
- oriel windows with fine wood details on the front and side facades
- two side porches with their decorative columns and treillage trim
- decorative fretwork in the peak of the front gable
- two storey brick carriage house