Description of Historic Place

Dyas House consists of a an asymmetrical two-storey Second Empire residence with a mansard roof and Italianate details. It is located on Union Street in St. Stephen.

Heritage Value

Dyas House is designated a Local Historic Place for its Second Empire architecture and for its association with former occupants.

Dyas House was built circa 1885 for Duncan Stuart. It is a good example of a two-storey Second Empire residence with Italianate influences. Key elements of this style exhibited by the residence are the mansard roof, ornate window treatments and an asymmetrical massing.

Dyas House is also recognized for its association with the medical history of St. Stephen. Although owned by Dr. Dugald and Sarah Marks Blair, the home was occupied by their son, Dr. Frank Blair, until 1919. In that final year, the house was deeded to their daughter Gladys, upon her marriage to Dr. A. Douglas Dyas. Dr. Dyas opened his practice in St. Stephen at the end of World War I. He was a renowned surgeon who specialized in ear, eyes and nose cases. He was a member of the New Brunswick Legislative Assembly as a representative for Charlotte County in 1935.

Source: St Stephen Town Hall, Historic Places file "Dyas House"

Character-Defining Elements

The character-defining elements that describe Dyas House include:
- asymmetrical 2-story massing;
- mansard roof embedded with ornate windows;
- Italianate details, such as long pairs of Roman arch windows, ;
- trefoil decorations above window pairs;
- wrought iron work;
- corner cresting on first floor windows;
- bay window;
- clapboard siding;
- ornate brackets and mouldings under the eaves.