Formal Recognition Type

Municipal Heritage Building, Structure or Land

Heritage Value

O’Reilly House has been designated a municipal heritage site by the Town of Placentia because it has aesthetic and historic values.

O’Reilly House has aesthetic value because it is a good example of a merchant house constructed in the Victorian Bracketed style. The house has many decorative details that make it stand out as the upper class residence of Placentia magistrates. Features such as the large, two-storey bay window, dentil mouldings, eave brackets, coloured glass windows and the entablature above the front door attest to the significance of the resident magistrate. Very fine, handcrafted details such as the mouldings and staircase may be seen inside the house. The O’Reilly House received the Southcott Award in 1989 in recognition of the preservation of the house.

O’Reilly House has historic value because it was occupied by Placentia magistrates from 1902 to the 1970s. Original owner William O’Reilly was given the post of magistrate in 1897 and held it until 1923. It was Magistrate O’Reilly who oversaw the construction of the present courthouse in Placentia. The O’Reilly House was the centre of many formal government, religious and royal events – as the magistrate was expected to entertain and host important visitors. Another noteworthy magistrate to have lived in the house was William Linegar, who was the magistrate in Placentia from 1939 to 1972. Linegar was the first Placentia magistrate who was a lawyer and he served as magistrate through many important political and social changes – including the Commission of Government era, the establishment of a large American military presence in nearby Argentia and Newfoundland joining the Canadian confederation. Upon his retirement, Magistrate Linegar asked to stay in residence at O’Reilly House, and stayed there until his death.

Source: Town of Placentia regular council meeting, August 19, 2006.

Character Defining Elements

All those elements that define the building’s Victorian Bracketed design including:

– flat roof;

– chimney style and placement;

– two storey height;

– eave brackets;

– dentil mouldings;

– narrow wooden clapboard;

– wooden corner boards;

– window size, style, trim and placement;

– two storey bay window accentuated with paneling and a central peak;

– coloured glass windows;

– size, style, trim and placement of exterior doors;

– bracketed entablature over main door;

– recessed door on main façade featuring a panel and glass door, panel details on sides and a transom window;

– original interior features, and;

– dimension, location and orientation of building.

Community

Placentia

Municipality

Town of Placentia

Civic Address

048 Orcan Drive

Construction (circa)

1902 - 1902

Builder

W.J. Ellis

Style

Rectangular Short Façade