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Gilbert's Cove Lighthouse

244 Lighthouse Road, Gilbert's Cove, Nova Scotia, B0W, Canada

Formally Recognized: 1991/06/17

West Elevation, 2004; Province of Nova Scotia, A. Doiron, 2004
Gilbert's Cove Lighthouse West Elevation
South Elevation, 2004; Province of Nova Scotia, A. Doiron, 2004
Gilbert's Cove Lighthouse South Elevation
East Elevation, 2004; Province of Nova Scotia, A. Doiron, 2004
Gilbert's Cove Lighthouse East Elevation

Other Name(s)

Gilbert's Cove Lighthouse
Gilbert's Point

Links and documents

Construction Date(s)

1904/01/01

Listed on the Canadian Register: 2004/05/21

Statement of Significance

Description of Historic Place

Located on Gilbert's Point, along the shoreline of St. Mary's Bay in the County of Digby, Gilbert's Cove Lighthouse is a two storey square building with wood-shingles, a hipped roof, a lantern centrally mounted and a large lean to on one side. Included in the heritage designation are both the lighthouse and its surrounding property.

Heritage Value

One of only two known lighthouses of this style to remain, Gilbert's Cove Lighthouse has a square floor plan and centrally mounted lantern. It is situated on a point of cleared land and is a valuable record of Nova Scotia's navigational heritage.

The lighthouse is also valued for its association with William Melanson, the first lighthouse-keeper of Gilbert's Cove. For nearly half a century, Melanson kept constant watch in all weather, playing an even greater role during the Second World War by preventing German U-Boats from tracking targets. Following his death, Gilbert's Cove Lighthouse continued to be tended by members of the Melanson family up until 1972.

The lighthouse was officially decommissioned in 1984, and operates today as a museum and teahouse.

Source: Provincial Registry File No. 141, Heritage Property Program, 1747 Summer Street, Halifax, NS B3H 3A6

Character-Defining Elements

Character-defining elements associated with the unique style of Gilbert's Cove Lighthouse include:
-the form and massing of the lighthouse
-centrally mounted lantern
-square floor plan
-wood shingle cladding
-hipped roof
-wood-framed lean to on side of building
-wooden sash windows with four over four pane arrangement
-context of isolated building on point of land extending from shoreline

Recognition

Jurisdiction

Nova Scotia

Recognition Authority

Province of Nova Scotia

Recognition Statute

Heritage Property Act

Recognition Type

Provincially Registered Property

Recognition Date

1991/06/17

Historical Information

Significant Date(s)

n/a

Theme - Category and Type

Developing Economies
Communications and Transportation

Function - Category and Type

Current

Commerce / Commercial Services
Eating or Drinking Establishment
Leisure
Museum

Historic

Transport-Water
Navigational Aid or Lighthouse
Residence
Single Dwelling

Architect / Designer

n/a

Builder

n/a

Additional Information

Location of Supporting Documentation

Provincial Registry, Heritage Property Program, 1747 Summer Street, Halifax, NS B3H 3A6

Cross-Reference to Collection

Fed/Prov/Terr Identifier

00PNS0141

Status

Published

Related Places

n/a

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