This 2 ½-storey wood frame dwelling was built in 1908 for J. Hugh Calder. Moses Mitchell constructed this Beaux- Arts style dwelling, which is situated on the east side of Waterloo Row below Shore Street.
Heritage Value
The heritage value of this dwelling resides in its historic location, prominent ownership, and architectural style. This site is significant as it was the location of the old Golden Ball Inn, a tavern, inn, and mercantile establishment which dated from the early Loyalist period. Abraham van der Beck and Cornelius Ackerman erected The Golden Ball Inn, which served both commercial and social needs. The Golden Ball Inn, later known as Avery’s Tavern under the proprietorship of Ebenezer Avery, hosted many social and community functions. Hiram Lodge No. 6, the local branch of the Masonic order, met at this location during Ebenezer Avery’s tenure. Mr. Avery also brought a travelling wax figure exhibit to his Tavern in 1819. The former Golden Ball Inn finally became a private residence in 1844, when Professor William Brydone Jack purchased the property.
J. Hugh Calder, prominent real estate mogul and local Fredericton politician, had this Beaux Arts style dwelling built. In 1905, Mr. Calder purchased the former Brydone Jack property on Waterloo Row. This large property had been sub-divided at that time and was sold as two lots; James F. McMurray, local merchant and photographer, purchased the other lot at that time. J. Hugh Calder hired Moses Mitchell in 1907 to build this house, which was completed in 1908. Calder relocated to Los Angeles, California sold the property in 1913 to Arthur M. Gibson. The Gibson family resided in this house until 1945, at which time Chief Justice J.E. Michaud purchased the property.
This residence has also been occupied by Lieutenant Governors Murray MacLaren and Wallace Bird. Premier Louis Robichaud also resided in this house. From 1973, this house served as the official residence of the sitting University of New Brunswick President. At present, this house is a private dwelling.
Character-Defining Elements
The character-defining elements associated with the Beaux Arts style dwelling located at 58 Waterloo Row include:
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2 ½-storey wood frame construction;
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Beaux-Arts architectural style elements;
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Ionic columns;
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Open, curved verandah supported by slim pilasters;
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Second storey balcony;
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Large, rectangular windows;
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Central dormer; and,
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Its historic location