Description of Historic Place

The Tait House, built in 1911, on the extensive property at 293 Main Street, is a large residence showing an amalgamation of the neo-Queen Anne and neo-Italian styles that were popular at the turn of the 20th century.

Heritage Value

The heritage value of the Tait House as a local historic place lies in its architectural interest, which indicates the commercial success of the Tait family. Drawing inspiration from the neo-Queen Anne and neo-Italian styles, it is a perfect example of a country gentleman’s residence and of those found in vacation areas at the beginning of the 20th century. The two-storey rectangular floor plan topped by a pavilion roof and its square tower are clearly inspired by the neo-Italian style while its veranda and pedimented entry are taken from the neo-Queen Anne style.

This site has added heritage value owing to the importance of its original owner. From the early 1870s until the mid 1940s, the Chesley Tait family business (1857-1938) developed a potato production and export industry, which for many years changed the economic history of several villages in the southeastern part of the province. The Tait family built its fortune in the potato industry and is considered the pioneer in that industry in New Brunswick.

Source: Registrar's Office - Shediac Town Hall

Character-Defining Elements

The elements associated with the site as a whole include:
- vast property on the main street;
- landscaping with its lawns and trees;
- stream under the foundations, which provided drinking water.

The elements associated with Tait House include:
- pavilion roof adorned with pedimented dormers;
- square tower with its pavilion roof;
- veranda or gallery;
- ornamental brackets supporting the large cornices;
- second-storey porch;
- clapboard and wood shingle siding;
- concrete foundations;
- entry portico with beveled glass;
- oak interior trim;
- magnificent staircase;
- first letter of the family name inlaid in the woodwork and the stones of the various fireplaces.