John Bebbington, skilled local gardener and florist, originally owned this 1 ½-storey wood frame structure. Fronting on the south side of Charlotte Street, this 1870s constructed house is situated on a large lot between Church Street and the Walking Trail.
Heritage Value
The heritage value of this house is associated with John Bebbington’s enterprising gardening career. This house served as the site for Bebbington’s successful gardening business, with a large greenhouse extending well beyond the rear of the house. Bebbington, who came from England, arrived in Canada in 1870. He began his career by creating gardens and greenhouses for prominent or affluent people. In 1873, he was hired by John and Lucy Morrison, Lucy herself an avid gardener, to landscape the grounds while supervising the construction of greenhouses for their property just outside of Fredericton. Bebbington created a lush garden for Fredericton Mayor, George E. Fenety. By 1876, Bebbington established his own business on the east end of Charlotte Street. Bebbington had not only a thriving business but an innovative one as well; he was the first local florist to design funerary floral arrangements.
John Bebbington made a brief foray into local politics with his unsuccessful bid to represent Kings Ward in 1888. This defeat aside, Bebbington was active in his community, becoming a member of the citizen’s committee for Queen’s Square in 1896. The desire to beautify the new park prompted Mr. Bebbington to offer his professional services gratis.
The Bebbingtons lived in this house for more than half a century. During the 1940s, this building was home to the Avenue Conservatories.
Character-Defining Elements
The character-defining elements associated with this structure at 834 Charlotte Street include:
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1 ½-storey main dwelling
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situation upon large lot
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wood frame construction
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medium pitched roof
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gable end faces away from the street
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front porch with arched openings
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side additions