Originating from the early 19th century, the current house started as a modest five-bay structure, akin to the one found at 750 Brunswick Street in Fredericton, albeit without the roof dormers. Over approximately a hundred years, the house remained unaltered and was occupied by distinguished figures like Lieutenant-Governor Sir Howard Douglas during the construction of the Government House, Charles S. Putnam, Clerk of the Supreme Court, and Provincial Chief Justice Sir John Allen.
In approximately 1896, the house underwent a significant transformation under Frederick B. Edgecombe, a prosperous dry goods merchant and real estate mogul from Fredericton. He embellished the house by adding towers, bays, cupolas, and ornamental siding. The main interior stair landing features a striking stained glass window that showcases Edgecombe’s family crest and a possible depiction of him. Next to the street, on the grassy boulevard, lies a tiled pavement, thought to have been installed for Mrs. Edgecombe to clean her feet while descending from her carriage.
Underneath the road in front of the house, near the manhole cover, an interesting historical anecdote is buried. Here lies an 18th-century Acadian woman, who was discovered twice due to road construction – first around the turn of the 20th century and then shortly before the 21st century. On both occasions, she was reburied in the same spot as a gesture of historical reverence.
The Lieutenant-Governor’s office and residence are currently located in the Government House on Woodstock Road in Fredericton.
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