Description of Historic Place

Buttermilk Davey’s is a commercial storefront of simple Second Empire style located on the south side of Water Street within the Historic Water Street District in the City of Miramichi. It is a two-and-a-half storey building constructed in the early 1880’s.

Heritage Value

Buttermilk Davey’s is designated a Local Historic Place because of its commercial role as part of the Historic Water Street District, housing various merchants since its construction, including its first owner David T. Johnston. Due to several men of the area having the same name, David received the distinctive nickname of ‘Buttermilk Davey’ in connection with his trade. He ran a store, weigh scales and livery business from here. Later, shoemaker Thomas Delaney ran a cobbler shop, succeeded by Elizabeth Walls, who had a business on the main level and resided on the upper level before the turn of the 20th century. Various other businesses here over the years included a tailor shop, a tobacco and cigar shop, a men’s clothing wear and a jewellery store.

Source: City of Miramichi, Heritage Office, Beaverbrook House, Site File #08-95

Character-Defining Elements

The character-defining elements of Buttermilk Davey’s include:
- comprising most of a narrow lot within the Historic Water Street District;
- long and narrow rectangular two-and-a-half storey form and massing;
- simple mansard roof with flush gable dormers;
- balanced window placement;
- street-level storefront with large display windows and recessed entrance.