Constructed in 1894, this house stands at 441 Balsa Street, replacing the previous building that was destroyed by fire. Situated in the former Village of St. Mary’s Ferry landing, later known as North Devon, on the north side of Fredericton, this wood-frame house is located on the south side of Balsa Street near the intersection with St. Mary’s Street.

The significance of this house goes beyond being an example of the post-1893 fire rebuilding and renewal process. It holds historical value as the early stage of the devastating fire was witnessed from this very site.

Originally built during the 1860s by Whitman Haines, a notable bridge builder, the structure was designed as a double tenement, serving as a rental property.

Positioned behind Biden’s Bakery, the first building to succumb to the massive conflagration of 1893, this house was among more than two dozen structures quickly reduced to ashes. During the spring of 1894, Mr. Haines oversaw the replacement of the ruined building as the community embarked on its recovery process. The new dwelling, similar to its predecessor, became home to two families.

For several decades, the Miles family resided in this house, with Mr. Miles also having joint ownership of the private alley between this residence and Bowlen’s store at 73-75 St. Mary’s Street. This narrow lane, subsequently taken over by the City of Fredericton, eventually became known as Balsa Street.

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