Description of Historic Place

The Frank Rankine Residence is one of a pair of similar two-storey brick Italianate residences surrounded by an ornate stone and cast iron enclosure. It is located on Germain Street within the Trinity Royal Preservation Area of the City of Saint John.

Heritage Value

The Frank Rankine Residence is designated a Local Historic Place for its architecture and its association with Frank Rankine and his family.

Many of the buildings in the residential district of Germain Street were constructed in the latter part of the 19th century or early 20th century as all the older buildings were destroyed in the Great Saint John Fire of 1877. Frank Rankine and his family had this house and the adjoining building constructed in 1886. It is a good example of residential Italianate architecture from the rebuilding period in Saint John following the fire. This style is evident in the wide moulded cornice, the elaborate two-storey bay windows and the overall symmetry of the residence considered along with the adjoining residence.

The Frank Rankine Residence is also recognized for its association with the Rankine family. Frank Rankine’s father, Thomas A. Rankine, established a prominent biscuit manufacturing business located on Mill and George Streets in 1826. In the following years, Frank joined the family business as a partner with his father and older brother, Henry. Upon the death of Thomas Rankine, Frank took over as vice president, while his brother, Henry, became the president of the firm. Shortly thereafter, the business was incorporated and officially became know as “T. Rankine and Sons, Limited.” The company became renowned for its success as an incredibly long lasting family administered business and it continued to be so for well over a century. Frank Rankine resided at his Germain Street residence until his death in 1922. The building continued to remain in his estate until 1947. The lasting association with the Rankine family is evident through the circular floral pattern of the cast iron fence and gate that reflects the mould of one of the Rankines' most famous cookies, specifically designed for the Girl Guides of Canada.

Source: Planning and Development Department - City of Saint John

Character-Defining Elements

The character defining elements that describe the Italianate architecture of the Frank Rankine Residence include:
- mirror image design to the adjoining residence, creating an overall symmetry of the two residences;
- wide moulded cornice supported by stone end brackets with a gargoyle carving in each;
- dentils and other highly decorative brick work along the cornice;
- elaborate two-storey bay windows;
- rectangular vertical sliding windows with sandstone lintels and sills;
- second storey projecting stone sills supported by brackets;
- segmented arch entrance with stone entablature and pronounced keystone, supported by stone, scrolled brackets and Ionic pilasters;
- wood and glass 4-paneled double doors;
- sandstone steps of the front entrance;
- sandstone plinth band;
- basement level windows with stone sills and stone lintels featuring floral designs at the corners.

The character-defining elements associated with the Rankine family enterprise include:
- highly ornate stone and cast iron fence and gate around the front lawn in a circular floral design reflecting the pattern specifically created for the Girl Guides' of Canada cookies.