GENERAL
Alternate TitlesElmleigh, James O. Fish House, Keith Anderson House
Private Residence
133 Pleasant Street, Miramichi, New Brunswick
Hickson House is an elaborate two-and-a-half-storey Second Empire-style residence at 133 Pleasant Street, Miramichi. It features
Hickson House was designed by notable Saint John architect D.E. Dunham and was constructed by George Brown in 1877. It was erected for businessman James O. Fish, who paid $10,000 for it. With its mansard roof, massive two-storey bay windows, and elaborate, extensive ornamentation, the residence is an excellent example of the Second Empire style.
In 1887, Fish sold the building to fellow businessman W.A. Hickson. Hickson was a prominent player in local business and municipal affairs, having been part of the Board of Trade, the Town Council, and the Alms House Commission. He had previously done business with Fish, having purchased Fish's interest in a local sawmill in 1886.
Since 1936, the house has belonged to the Anderson family. The Anderson family has also been heavily involved in the merchant business sector, the military, and the provincial civil service.
Community Planning Act Local Register (2005/02/24)
ARCHITECTURE
Date of Construction1877
- Two-and-a-half-storey Second Empire massing
- Ell on rear façade
- Mansard roof with wide cornice and brackets
- Twin semi-octagonal three-storey bay windows with skirt between stories and three windows on each storey (including jerkin dormers)
- Central tow-window dormer
- Slightly arched bottom-storey windows
- One-storey bay windows on side façades
- Central double doors with sidelights, a curved transom window, and a mansard-style skirt
OWNERSHIP HISTORY
Notable Historic OccupantsJames O. Fish:
Original owner of the property, who paid $10,000 for it.
W.A. Hickson:
Purchased the residence from Fish in 1887, having previously bought Fish's interest in a local sawmill in 1886. Hickson was a prominent player in local business and municipal affairs, having been part of the Board of Trade, the Town Council, and the Alms House Commission.
The Anderson family:
Owners of the residence since 1936. This family includes merchants, military members, and provincial civil servants.
SOURCES AND DOCUMENTS
Photos
2004, City of Miramichi, Canada's Historic Places
Sources Contributors
Gabrielle Byrne
