Description of Historic Place

The John McDonald House, a two and a half storey clapboard dwelling, is situated at 47 King Street in the City of Miramichi.

Heritage Value

The John McDonald House is valued for its association with Mr. McDonald, a prominent local building contractor and sash and door factory owner. The construction of many government buildings, grand homes and businesses built near the turn of the century can be accredited to Mr. McDonald. He took ownership of the residence in 1874 and his work crew would be sent to work on his home when the construction business was slow. Mr. McDonald also operated an undertaking business at the rear of his home.

Source: City of Miramichi, Heritage Office Site File #04-14.

Character-Defining Elements

Character defining elements related to context include:
- the building’s location within a grouping of period homes.

Character-defining elements of the exterior of this Victorian home with vernacular influences and additions include:
- asymmetrical rooflines indicating additions to the building;
- portions of building of plank construction with exterior being clapboards;
- massing is narrow and deep with open porch side front entrance utilizing narrow building lot;
- roof of front entrance porch has changed to gable with the removal of open second level porch;
- heavy brackets on lower level of two level front bay;
- open posted and bracketed area on south side wall accessing cellar extend above to open second level balcony with posts, rail and turned balusters;
- large six pane windows on first and second levels of south side line with pediment above containing ornate fan pattern;
- wide cornices, corner boards and lintels;
- some of the stained glass windows remain.