Formal Recognition Type

Registered Heritage Structure

Heritage Value

The Edwin and Priscilla Miller House was designated a Registered Heritage Structure by the Heritage Foundation of Newfoundland and Labrador in 2003 because of its aesthetic and and cultural value.

The Edwin and Priscilla Miller House has aesthetic value as it is a rarity in both the region and throughout Newfoundland. Its defining feature, the curved roof, is virtually unseen outside the region and currently there are only five remaining within the community of New Bonaventure. Of those still standing, the Edwin and Priscilla Miller House is the only house that has maintained the traditional windows, recessed stain-glass porch door and wooden clapboard, making it an honest representation of the early 20th century building styles in that area. The property has managed to maintain the outhouse, cellar and some fencing – an infrequent occurrence in today’s outport communities. Apart from the roof, the house is rather simple in design, conforming to its symmetrical central hall plan.

The Edwin and Priscilla Miller House has cultural value for the community of New Bonaventure. First and foremost, it is well-known throughout the area for its unaltered condition both inside and out, representative of a particular time and place. In a community context it is a physical reminder of a time when people relied heavily on the fishery for survival. This house, being so well preserved, was used in the movie “The Shipping News”, adding to its value within the community. The Miller family occupied the house for many years and one of its occupants, Theodocia Miller, was a well-respected member of the community who was known for her ceaseless hospitality.

Source: Heritage Foundation of Newfoundland and Labrador property file “New Bonaventure – Edwin and Priscilla Miller House – FPT 1758”

Character Defining Elements

All original features which relate to the age and vernacular design of the house including:
-curved roof;
-symmetrical façade;
-narrow wooden clapboard;
-wooden windows;
-wooden storm doors;
-simple wooden window and door mouldings;
-recessed doorway with original stain-glass door and side panels;
-wooden shore foundation;
-back linhay.

All interior features that reflect the age and usage of the building, including:
-central hall plan.

All those features which speak to the layout of the property and its place within the community, including:
-context within community; –
-associated outbuilding and fence.

Community

New Bonaventure

Municipality

Not specified (Newfoundland)

Civic Address

4 Main Road

Construction (circa)

1917 - 1917

Builder

Edwin Miller

Style

Rectangular Long Façade