Formal Recognition Type

Registered Heritage Structure

Heritage Value

The Fowler House was designated a Registered Heritage Structure by the Heritage Foundation of Newfoundland and Labrador in 1988 because of its aesthetic and historic values.

The Fowler House has aesthetic value as it is a good example of how people in Brigus adapted their building styles to fit the rugged landscape. In attempts to free up as much arable land as possible, this house was built so that the back wall and stairs in the house fit directly on top of the ragged edges of the cliff. On the interior of the house the intruding cliff is disguised by a number of stairs. Simple mouldings around the doors and windows and a more decorative roof are reflective of William A.Green’s building style. The adjoining store and twine loft have architectural value because it is an intact structure, complete with the original multi-paned window and roller doorstep, features rarely seen nowadays.

The Fowler House has historic value because of its place in the community and the people associated with it. The Fowler House was built for Master Mariner Garland and his wife, who operated a candy shop out of the attached portion. The house was sold to another prominent man in Brigus, George Smith. Smith, who was thought to be one of the most important businessmen in Brigus, was part of the Joe G. Smith mercantile firm. This firm was important to Brigus because it employed hundreds of people from around the community and also contributed greatly to the fishing industry. The firm’s collapse in 1877 was a considerable blow to the people and economy in Brigus. In addition to working with the firm, Smith also ran a millenary store out of the attached portion of the house.

Source: Heritage Foundation of Newfoundland and Labrador property file “Brigus – Fowler House – FPT 1439”

Character Defining Elements

All original features which relate to the age and style of the property including:
-number of storeys;
-mansard roof;
-decorative eaves trim (brackets and return on eaves);
-narrow wood clapboard;
-wide wooden cornerboards;
-symmetrical facade;
-size, style, trim and placement of original wooden 6/1 and 2/2 windows;
-wide wooden window mouldings with prominent raincaps;
-size, style, trim and placement of original wooden doors, including traditional wooden storm doors;
-decorative lintel with brackets over main door;
-shed roofed twine loft addition, including wooden panel doors and roller doorstep;
-size, style, trim and placement of large, wooden multi-paned storefront window on attached store;
-dimension, location and orientation of building.

Community

Brigus

Municipality

Town of Brigus

Civic Address

7-9 Harbour Drive

Construction (circa)

1850 - 1850

Builder

William A. Greene

Style

Rectangular Long Façade