If the walls could talk, they’d have some fascinating stories to tell.
“For it to still be standing a quarter of a millennium later is really something,” said Craig Chandler, owner of 547 Main St. in Liverpool.
The house, built in the early 1760’s as part of the original town plot, was approved for municipal heritage designation by council July 10. It had previously been declared a provincial heritage structure and registered archaeological site.
Known historically as both “West House” and “West’s Tavern,” the home’s architectural significance lies with its Gambrel roof, a two-sided peak with two slopes that allows for maximum headroom. Popularized in New England and relatively common on the South Shore in the 18th century, Gambrel-style roofs have all but disappeared in Nova Scotia.
“The original Gambrel-roofed portion of the house is considered to be one of the oldest structures remaining in Liverpool,” said a report from Region of Queens Municipality planner Mike MacLeod.
The property’s historical significance is just as compelling as its unique structure. The building began as the matrimonial home of John and Phebe West. A commissioned officer in the Queens County militia, John and his home are mentioned numerous times in the diaries of noted military commander, privateer owner, politician and judge, Simeon Perkins.
Chandler, who was born and raised in Liverpool but now resides in the Halifax area, summarized Perkins’ observations about West House in a written request for the municipal heritage designation.
“There are many references of meetings held at the West’s between 1776 and 1800,” Chandler wrote, “including meetings of magistrates, militia officers, township proprietors, church congregations, privateer ship owners and officers and ‘principle inhabitants’.”
The property became known as West’s Tavern when it was licensed as a drinking establishment in 1776. Phebe West continued to operate the tavern following the death of her husband in 1783 at the age of 44.
Over its two-and-a-half centuries, West House has undergone numerous additions and renovations. But the distinctive Gambrel roof has remained intact through all the changes to the property, which currently serves as a rental home.
Chandler has always had a keen interest in Queens County history. “I helped start the Mersey Heritage Society,” he said. In fact, his ancestors owned West House for many years before it was sold to another family.
“My great aunt, who would have lived there most of her life, died when she was over a hundred,” he said. “Through her we had some personal connections with the house.”
Since purchasing the property, Chandler has begun restoring its original features, as well as those from its earliest additions. Vinyl siding has been removed to reveal the home’s clapboard exterior and plans are underway to paint the house and display its provincial heritage plaque.
LighthouseNow Progress Bulletin
August 22, 2018
Scott Costen 