Description of Historic Place

John Wyse House is a 1 1/2 storey stone cottage Georgian style located on the Shore Drive in the former Village of Douglastown in the City of Miramichi.

Heritage Value

John Wyse House is designated a Local Historic Place for being the oldest dated structure in Miramichi.

Predating the Miramichi Fire of 1825, this home is the oldest dated structure within the City of Miramichi. Built by Scottish emigrant farmer John Wyse who operated a ferry nearby, this Georgian style stone cottage had several historic functions. It served as a tavern and hotel, then a Female School for Douglastown in 1842 at which time when John's daughter Susan taught there. It was also a shop and a place for coroners' inquests. It holds importance as a meeting place, especially for two meetings held here in April of 1843 prior to and relating to the Fighting Election of July 1843 in Newcastle. This election resulted in riots in the streets and one voter dead.

Source: City of Miramichi, Heritage Office Site File #05-33

Character-Defining Elements

The character-defining elements of John Wyse House bear some elements of Georgian style and include:
- symmetrically balanced window placement on front elevation with central entrance;
- medium sloped longitudinal gable roof;
- narrow, deeply set gable dormers;
-o riginal fanlight above entrance;
- '1820' inscribed into elliptical lintel over fanlight;
- side cellar entrance;
- stone walls scored to appear as even course stones.

The character-defining elements of the interior of the home include:
- unusually large rooms perceived to be smaller from the exterior;
- original plaster and moulding;
- original six panel doors;
- box panel moulding around windows;
- mantelpiece trim bears intricate designs.

The character-defining elements defining the heritage value of the site include:
- placement of the home relative to the Miramichi River and former ferry landing.