Baird-Mair House

GENERAL

Type / Purpose

Private Residence

Location

100 St. John Street, Woodstock, New Brunswick

Description

Baird-Mair is an eclectic high Victorian residence at the corner of St. John and Grover Streets in Woodstock

Heritage Value

Baird-Mair is recognized for its eclectic architecture, as well as its ownership by the Baird family and its later acquisition by Edgar W. Mair.

Baird-Mair is an exceptional example of eclecticism, where a variety of styles are combined into a single building. An overemphasis on certain themes and details firmly places this home in the ‘eclecticism movement’. Styles seen in this house include Italianate (such as the hip roof), Greek Revival (such as the ornamental pediment), and high Victorian (such as the stained glass windows). It was built by a Boston architect and was clearly built with a focus on elegance.

The interior is deliberately different from the outside and features a massive staircase. There is a newel post attached to the stairs that depicts a cherub supporting a torch. This type of post became popular in Ewardian-era Woodstock not long after this house was built; however, this example remains one of the most elaborate in the town.

Along the staircase and dining room are stained glass windows, based on the design by famous American designer Louis Comfort Tiffany. It has been speculated that at least one of these windows is an original created by Tiffany Studios. These windows are in the pure Palladian style and are among the best examples of this style in Woodstock.

In the east parlour, there is an imposing fireplace. It is backed with cast-iron plates depicting allegorical themes inspired by Italian and French Revolution styles. The mythological iron figures are carved in such a way that they resemble actual human flesh. On either side of the fireplace, there is more Renaissance stationary. The mantle is supported by four grotesque heads carved into the surrounding woodwork. These ‘grotesque' designs were a common anti-classical theme in Gothic-Romantic style.

Beside the main building is a carriage house, which was designed to be as beautiful as the main house. It features striking Greek Revival pediments repeated over two wings and, on a smaller scale, over the attic dormer.

The house is also notable for its residents. Henry Paxton Baird was the original occupant of the house. Baird was the owner of the Baird Company, which sold drugs and medicine at what is now the Newnham and Slipp Pharmacy building on Main Street. Paxton had inherited the business in November 1878 from his father, Col. William Teel Baird, a famed druggist and military figure who is best known for autobiography "Seventy years of New Brunswick life", which focuses on the military and political climate at the time.

In 1910, the Baird family moved to Toronto, where Mrs. Baird missed her Woodstock friends. Both the house and the drugstore were sold to Edgar W. Mair. Mair had worked as a clerk for the Baird Company for over twenty years. In 1904, he was named the new President and general manager of the company during a shuffle of roles. Additionally, he was chairman of the Vocational School Board, director of the Agricultural Society, and mayor of Woodstock from 1921–1922.

Heritage Recognition

A historical marker was placed outside the house by the Town of Woodstock

ARCHITECTURE

Date of Construction

1898-1901

Character Defining Elements

- Pure Palladian stained glass windows, based on the style of Louis Comfort Tiffany. At least one is believed to be an original Tiffany

- Elaborate newel post featuring a cherub supporting a torch

- Fireplace with cast-iron backing depicting mythological scenes

- Woodwork featuring four grotesque heads supports the mantle of the fireplace

- Massive staircase

- Italianate hipped roof

- Greek Revival pediments

- Grecian dentils

Additions/Major Alterations

Most of the left extension of the building has been demolished, the main structure is still standing

OWNERSHIP HISTORY

Notable Historic Occupants

Henry Paxton Baird, Edgar W. Mair

Other Occupants

Mrs. Baird

SOURCES AND DOCUMENTS



Sources Contributors

Gabrielle Byrne

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A Ginger Design