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Map to Ottawa House |
Area Tide Information
Stroll through the front door of the Ottawa House and walk into history, discovering the surprises and charms of this exquisite house.
As you enter off the large front verandah you step back into the past. The central portion of the building was built c 1773/1775 and was either Acadian built or built by Acadians for the new settlers of the area. The construction techniques are uniquely Acadian as you will see later in your Tour.
To your right will be the newest exhibit in the museum reflecting a history of ownership and evolution of the Ottawa House from an Acadian built storage building to the grand lady she is today. The former parlour has been dismantled and some of the artifacts will be displayed at other locations within the museum.
The new exhibit opened on May 25 2008
The new exhibit, which invites visitors to "Meet the Owners" is an attempt to introduce the public to the builders and owners of Ottawa House from 1773 to the present through anecdotal stories, fact, speculation, photographs and verified artificacts of interest. The addition on June 25th of one of the original head and foot boards from the hotel years adds another level of interest to the exhibit.
The items on display in the case are frequently changing. The latest addition is a ram's head, presented to Charles Tupper one summer evening at a party, recognizing his nickname...The Ram. Now whether or not the nickname is complimentary is subject to some debate.
Moving right along.......
To your left as you enter is the entry to the dining room, now used as a display room. You pass under the original arch planned by Sir Charles and enter a room in which, if you listen carefully, you can hear the ring of crystal, the clink of silver on china, and eavesdrop on conversations ranging from family plans to the possibilities of Confederation.
(photograph PSHS)
This display case showcases some of the many artifacts found on the beach in front of Ottawa House, or up at the remains of the old blockhouse, or unearthed on the grounds. These small pieces of visible history bring home, as no other articles can, the genuine age and length of occupation at this site.
One can almost picture the Tupper family here, or the Queen of the Netherlands having breakfast seated at this table. Or if you would rather, think of the myriad of guests who dined here during the years the Ottawa House served as an Inn. Or visit it entirely in the present for high tea, a book signing, ghost stories, bridge or a wine tasting. This large central room is host to a myriad of activities during the operational season, permitting a large number of visitors to experience the Ottawa House way of living.
(photograph PSHS)
Having passed through the dining room you enter the kitchen, probably the central room of the original 1775 building. The locally made bricks and mortar reflect the fact that is house was even then the home of a family of wealth and influence.
(photograph courtesy C Byers)
Wooden floors alone however would not support the weight of such a fireplace and hearth, so quickly pop straight down through the original floor boards and marvel at this incredible support structure in the basement. Surrounded by it's original stone foundation, this was again built with locally made bricks and mortar. This central support has now been braced and is awaiting restoration.
(photograph PSHS)
Moving up stairs you begin to enter the private living spaces of the families who have occupied this home, or the rooms that were tenanted by so many over the years as guests of the Inn.
Lady Tupper's room demonstrates a definite 'woman's touch'.
(phtotgraph courtesy C Byers)
This bright light and airy room has it's own access to the upper deck balcony
(photograph PSHS)
Sir Charles Tupper's room is decidedly more 'masculine'
(photograph courtesy C Byers)
Sparsely decorated the room is much more utilitarian and reflects the character of the man
(photograph PSHS)
This new area, formerly housing the loom and other fabric working artifacts, has been converted this year to an upstairs "sitting room" for guests of the Tuppers, the Cowans or the hotel.
This small room, beside the "sitting room" now houses a growing display of various cradles of different vintages, along with vintage baby clothes. This display will be enhanced in the near future
Of course during the Ottawa House glory years as a fine Inn, there were several more of these. However this one has been preserved in working order. And yes, it is open to the public.
* * *
Other rooms in the upstairs have been filled with artifacts reflecting other aspects of the Parrsborough Shore over the years. The existence of the school in the old powder house is celebrated in one room
Try to picture yourself actually learning while seated on these!
(photograph PSHS)
All that seems to be missing are the slates, dunce cap and willow switches.
However there ARE a couple of willow trees right outside. Coincidental?
(photograph PSHS)
Another room in the upstairs contains an eclectic collection of items from the area's era as a shipbuilding center, as was in fact much of the Fundy Shore.
(photograph PSHS)
Do include a visit to the Age of Sail Heritage Center in Port Greville during your visit to the area
http://www.geocities.com/Athens/Acropolis/8328
http://www.geocities.com/Athens/Acropolis/8328
However, one of the joys of visiting this delightful museum are the "nooks and crannies" There are numerous small, out of the way areas in which treasures and delights can be found. The following photographs only hint at what is there to be discovered if you care to prowl through.
Outside the Marine Room
A display of old charts in another "odd" space.
And still more delights to be found.
Down at the end of another odd space is a small exhibit commemorating the longest continuous operating civic band in Canada, which was the subject of a larger display in the main dining room two years back. This small display is merely a reminder that the organizations in town support each other.
In yet another 'odd' space, at the top of the stairs leading down to the kitchen, you can explore a series of items on display which were formerly used in 'country kitchens' throughout the area.
* * *
Another of the upstairs rooms contains a display of hand tools used in logging, shipbuilding, carpentry and house building.
(photograph PSHS)
The plaster in this upper room was intentionally removed to expose the original vertical log Acadian construction techniques used in the central part of the building. All planks are hand hewn .
Oh and yes, that really is genuine vintage (ugly) linoleum.
(photograph courtesy C Byers)
That completes your tour of the house. As you depart don't forget to sign the guest book, we love to have a record of our visitors, and if you have enjoyed your virtual tour, please let us know at contact@ottawahouse.org