Description of Historic Place

149 Chapel Street is a 2 1/2 storey early Queen Anne home featuring a Juliet balcony with spoke design. It is located on a quiet corner at Chapel and Hartley streets in Woodstock.

Heritage Value

149 Chapel Street, is designated a local historic place because its early Queen Anne characteristics have great aesthetic value and for its association with the Clarke family.

The house was built circa 1887 by Abram Clarke, master joiner and carpenter for his family. The Juliet balcony, a later addition, is considered to be the finest balcony in Woodstock. At one time, a linen and antique shop operated out of the house and took its name, "The Spinning Wheel," from the design on the balcony.

149 Chapel Street, also known as the Clarke house, is also recognized for its association with the Clarke family. The house remained in the Clarke family for 117 years. It was the childhood home of Dr. George Frederick Clarke, son of Abram Clarke. He was a renowned author, historian and anthropologist.

Source: Carleton County Historical Society Historic Places File #9

Character-Defining Elements

The character-defining elements of the exterior of the house associated with early Queen Anne architecture include:
-asymmetrical design with side gable plan and 'summer kitchen' wing;
-Juliet balcony with Doric columns and spoke detailing;
-Italianate window hoods;
-decorative use of fish scale shingles;
-main entrance including porch with columns and spoke detailing of balustrade;
-coloured textured glass window in dormer.

The character-defining elements that describe the interior of the house include:
-woodwork throughout the house including fluted Doric columns flanking bay window in parlour, bookcase in parlour;
-hardwood floors;
-staircase;
-north parlour fireplace with ceramic tiles and bas relief;
-butternut doors with panels grained to imitate bird's eye maple.