Tupper House

GENERAL

Alternate Titles

Woodstock Stagecoach Company Station

Type / Purpose

Residence

Location

142 Connell Street, Woodstock, New Brunswick

Description

The Tupper House is a black two-storey Georgian home with striking yellow trim and a near-perfect symmetrical facade.

Heritage Value

The Tupper House is notable for its Georgian-style design as well as its association with the Woodstock Stage Coach Company.

Built between 1838 and 1840, the Tupper House exemplifies the Georgian style. The two-story massing exhibits near-perfect symmetry, and the Neo-Classical trim, though simplistic, is painted a yellow color that strikingly contrasts with the black coating of the clapboard walls. Few changes have been made to the house's exterior over the years, though notably the original gable roof was replaced by a steeper jerkin one. The interior is similarly well preserved, with tin ceilings still standing in many rooms and two original fireplaces. The original carriage house and stables were also removed in 1902 by Willard L. Carr; however, their replacements were designed to follow the original plan as closely as possible.

Another important element of the Tupper House's heritage recognition is its location. Sitting on an elevated lot, the house overlooks Connell Road, which is one of Woodstock's busiest streets. Its surroundings include beautiful, fully-grown trees and several other elaborate houses, such as the James Carr House and the George Connell House.

The house is also recognized for its role as a Woodstock Stagecoach Company station. Shortly after its completion in 1840, the building was acquired by James R. Tupper. When Tupper became owner of the Woodstock Stage Coach Company the following year, he decided to convert the house into an inn. For the next twenty-five years, many travelers, particularly those going between Fredericton and Grand Falls, would come to the station to rest.

Heritage Recognition

Municipal Register of Local Historic Places (2005/09/07)

ARCHITECTURE

Date of Construction

1838-1840

Character Defining Elements

Exterior:
- Two-story rectangular shape with attached ell
- Symmetrical design
- Black clapboard sidings
- Steep jerkin roof
- Simple but extensive yellow Neo-Classical trim
- Several 6/6 windows
- Front portico
- Doors on front and sides with multi-paned windows

Interior:
- Wood trim throughout building
- Built-in cabinets
- Leaded bevelled glass window
- Tin ceiling throughout most of the building
- Two classical fireplaces

Other:
- Location on elevated lot on Connell Street with mature trees

Additions/Major Alterations

Original carriage house and stables were replaced in 1902.

Builder/Building Company

James S. Segee

OWNERSHIP HISTORY

Notable Historic Occupants

James R. Tupper:
Owner of the Woodstock Stage Coach Company, used this house as an inn for travelers for 25 years.

SOURCES AND DOCUMENTS

Photos

Front view of the Tupper House, photographed by the Carleton County Historical Society. Image taken from historicplaces.ca

Sources Contributors

Gabrielle Byrne

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