Possibly built as early as 1835, this 2-storey wood frame dwelling is situated on the south side of Brunswick Street between Westmorland and York Streets.
Heritage Value
The heritage value of this dwelling is associated with the early development of the west end of Brunswick Street, but also in prominence of its ownership. Thomas Temple, who emigrated from England in 1832, would become one of Fredericton’s most eminent politicians. Thomas Temple purchased this house in 1863, shortly before his began his career in public life.
Thomas Temple served as High Sheriff for York County from 1864 until 1883, and he was also a member of the Legislative Assembly and the Senate. Temple was president of the Fredericton Railway, a Director of the People’s Bank, and instrumental in the construction of the railway bridge which spanned the Saint John River. In his last public act, Senator Temple donated a fountain to the City of Fredericton in 1899, which still stands on Queen Street at the junction with St. John Street.
George Hatt, who operated a grocery business under the names George Hatt & Sons, resided in this house long enough that this house locally became known as the George Hatt property. The house was still known by this name when Dr. Harry Hooper McNally purchased this house in the late 1890s.
Dr. H. H. McNally, who received his early education in this city, graduated from McGill with a Degree in Medicine. McNally practiced locally before spending three years aboard the CS Mackay-Bennett as surgeon for the cable repair ship. Based in London and owned by the Commercial Cable Company, the Mackay-Bennett laid new and repaired old cables in the Atlantic. After severing his employment with this company, he spent a year in London and Edinburgh hospitals. He would then return to New Brunswick, opening a medical practice in Fredericton. When Dr. McNally purchased this house, he made extensive renovations, modernizing the dwelling.
William VanWart purchased this house soon after Dr. McNally died in 1924. This house was owned by the VanWart family for more than half a century.
At present, this building is home to Avalon Spa.
Character-Defining Elements
The character-defining elements related to this dwelling located at 318 Brunswick Street include:
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2-storey wood frame construction
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Medium pitched gable roof, oriented away from the street, with gable peak in the roofline
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Large, rectangular windows
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Classical Revival porches
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Enclosed front entry porch topped with triangular pediment