GENERAL
Type / PurposeStore
161 Main Street, Blackville, New Brunswick
The James Bean Store one-and-half storey vernacular store. It is located in Main Street's north end business district in Blackville.
The James Bean Store is known for its association with prolific business owner Jane MacRae.
From its inception throughout the early decades of the 20th century, the James Bean Store was run by merchant Jane MacRae. MacRae was part of a family with a long history in Blackville. The store was named after her husband and business co-owner, James Bean. Following Bean's death in 1913, Jane MacRae married James Gerrish, who also became her new business partner. Jane MacRae's acute business sense made her one of the most prominent and influential figures in the local mercantile community.
In 1944, the building was acquired by Roy and Walter MacRae, who used it as the headquarters of their delivery service W. A. & R. L. MacRae. W. A. & R. L. MacRae provided delivery service across the rural Blackville area until the 1990s. At present, the building hosts Huestis Insurance.
Municipal Register of Local Historic Places (2008/06/12)
ARCHITECTURE
Date of Constructionc. 1890s
- Vernacular, rectangular one-and-a-half storey massing
- Front-gabled roof
- Single-storey side addition with shed roof
- Symmetrical fenestration
- Recessed entrance
- Location next to Strugeon's Store and Jane Gerrish House
- Location in Blackville's business district
OWNERSHIP HISTORY
Notable Historic OccupantsJane MacRae
Original owner, a keen businesswoman and a member of the long-standing MacRae family of Blackville.
James Bean (???? - 1913):
Jane's first husband and business partner.
James Gerrish:
Jane's second husband and business partner. He and Jane married in 1915.
SOURCES AND DOCUMENTS
Links/Related Content Photos
Front view of the James Bean Store, photographed by the Village of Blackville. Image taken from historicplaces.ca.
Sources Contributors
Gabrielle Byrne
