Return to Heritage Resources Saint John IndexSearch our Site!Please contact us!Wowchuk PropertyBelvidere Hall
Return to Main Page (1) of This SectionSection IndexSaint John's Architectural HistoryResearching Building Histories122-128 & 254-256 Germain Street200-206 Germain StreetLawton HouseLawton HouseClifton HouseWowchuk PropertyBelvidere HallBelvidere Hall114 Wentworth StreetCaverhill HallCaverhill Hall's Royal VisitCaverhill Hall's Royal VisitKnodell, Smith, and DunnKnodell Building47 Pitt Street47 Pitt Street ResidentsQuizCreditsPage 10

Belvidere Hall


Newly built Reed MansionThe Mount Pleasant property was first purchased in 1850 by a Mr. Robert Reed. He built the palatial structure commonly known as the Reed's Castle in 1854, which he used as a dwelling for some years, but, finding it too large for his taste, he moved to a cottage located near the house. During his stay on Mount Pleasant Avenue, Mr. Reed was visited by many travelling dignitaries. The most notable were Princess Louise and Lord Lorne of England.


Mr. Reed was a man of many interests and occupations, which ranged from a head-clerk for Mr. James Whitney -- a pioneer steamboat owner at the time -- to a second lieutenant for the New Brunswick Regiment of Artillery. He joined the Portland Company regiment as an officer in 1833, and was largely instrumental in its organization. The Portland Company fought in the Aroostook War, in which Mr. Reed served as an officer on garrison duty. He was a man of many faces, but he was also a man of honour. When he achieved the rank of captain, he was once asked to fire his battery in a salute to a victory won by his political party, Robert instantly replied, "No sir, no! The Queen's guns shall never be used for such a purpose."

In 1835, in partnership with his brother James, Robert Reed started in the general merchandise business as J&R Reed. Among their undertakings was the erection of a flour mill near Silver Falls, which was successfully conducted for some years. The firm was in business for 51 years, and was amongst the largest and most successful of Saint John's shipbuilders and shipowners. With the decline of shipping the firm eventually dropped out of business. They were also involved in tobacco factory on Water street, which they sold to J.D. Robertson some time afterward.

Mr. Reed's vision was not to beMr. Reed went to considerable expense in converting the building into a hotel in 1883, but the scheme failed to find favor in the eyes of capitalists. The building had close to one hundred rooms after the addition of new buildings to the complex. He later sold the property to the Religious of the Sacred Heart, which was used as a residence and school.


Continued on next page...


Return to Main Page (1) of This SectionTop of PageSection IndexSaint John's Architectural HistoryResearching Building Histories122-128 & 254-256 Germain Street200-206 Germain StreetLawton HouseLawton HouseClifton HouseWowchuk PropertyBelvidere HallBelvidere Hall114 Wentworth StreetCaverhill HallCaverhill Hall's Royal VisitCaverhill Hall's Royal VisitKnodell, Smith, and DunnKnodell Building47 Pitt Street47 Pitt Street ResidentsQuizCredits11 More
Belvidere HallWowchuk PropertyPlease contact us!Search our Site!Return to Heritage Resources Saint John Index

All pages © Heritage Resources and New Brunswick Community College - Saint John.