Description of Historic Place

Situated between Main Street and the Saint John River in the former Village of Bristol, now Florenceville-Bristol, Riverside Park consists of a multi-use gazebo, green space, walking trails and an historic ice-house. The park is a prominent feature of Main Street in the former Village of Bristol.

Heritage Value

Riverside Park is designated a Local Historic Place for its association with former mill owner and philanthropist, Michael Welch (1844-1913). Said to be the best known lumberman in this part of the province, he made his home on this site. Welch’s estate consisted of a large late-19th century home, several outbuildings, barns, and an icehouse. The remaining icehouse was moved to its present location on the property when Riverside Park was created in 2007. The current site reflects the scope and size of Welch’s estate. Like the original estate property, the gazebo and park’s central location offers views of the Saint John River.

Source: Florenceville-Bristol Town Office, Historic Places file “Riverside Park”

Character-Defining Elements

The character-defining elements of Riverside Park include:
- open green space;
- central location in the former Village of Bristol;
- gazebo for community events;
- view of the Saint John River.

The character-defining elements related to the ice-house include:
- rectangular single-storey massing;
- bonnet style metal roof;
- clapboard siding;
- regular fenestration of rectangular windows.