100 Prince Street
This is the address of our house in Charlottetown. Built in 1827 by builder Henry Smith (who, with his brother Isaac Smith, built Province House and Fanningbank), the house is a small Georgian-style building set close to the street. We're fortunate to have a large back yard that extends almost all the way to Hensley Street in the back.
Historical Notes
From the City of Charlottetown Heritage Database:
In her 1983 book "Charlottetown: The Life in its Buildings", historian Irene Rogers writes of 100 Prince Street: The oldest house in the block is the five-bay gable-roofed cottage that once belonged to Henry Smith, brother of the architect Isaac Smith and his partner in the construction business. Henry emigrated to Auckland, New Zealand, in 1858 and advertised his residence on Prince Street for rent. Later it was offered for sale. It was purchased in 1866 by William W. Wellner, a watchmaker and founder of the firm of jewellers that did business in Charlottetown for 92 years." "Mr. Wellner lived in the house himself for some years. After moving further up the street to 108 Prince Street, he rented this house to William Brown, silversmith and to Mr. George Hughes, paymaster on the railway." As of 1983 a descendant of W.W. Wellner still owned and occupied the house.
My friend G. has been saving notes that he finds in the Provincial Archives about 100 Prince St. I've pasted his findings here, in chronological order:
PEI Register - Tues., 1 April, 1828 - THE Office of the Assayer of Weights and Measures, is Removed to the House lately occupied by Mr. Henry Smith, fronting on the East end of Queen's Square. March 31. G.R. Goodman
PEI Register - Tues., 1 April, 1828 - REMOVAL -- The Subscriber has removed to the House lately occupied by Mr. Henry Smith, fronting on Queen's Square, within three doors of Mr. S. Nelms, where all notices of MARRIAGES, FUNERALS, &c. &c. are requested to be left. - James Moore
Royal Gazette - Tues., 30 Nov., 1830 - JOSEPH WEEKS - BOOT & SHOEMAKER - BEGS leave to inform the Inhabitants of Charlotte Town and it vicinity, that he has commenced business in the house of Mr. Richard Gibson, between Capt. Nelmes's and Mr. Henry Smith's fronting Queen's Square - where he hopes by strict punctuality and attention to his business, to merit a share of public patronage. He has just imported an excellent supply of Sole and Upper Leather.
Islander - Fri., 2 April, 1852 - DIED - On Friday, 25th inst., in the 28th year of her age, of Inflammation of the Lungs, Mary, wife of C.B. Smith, eldest daughter of Henry Smith. Truly her end was peace.
Haszard's Gazette - 19 July, 1854, p 3 - Contract for Building a Cottage. Tenders will be received until Wednesday the 26th, at 12 o'clock at the works, for building a Cottage at the Gas Works. Plans and Specifications may be seen at Mr. Henry Smiths. By order of the Board - D. Rennie, Sec'y. - Charlottetown, July 19th, 1854.
Royal Gazette - 21 Feb., 1856 - DIED - On the 18th instant, at her residence on Prince Street, after an illness of three weeks, Jane, the beloved wife of Mr. Isaac Smith.
Islander - Friday, 22 Feb., 1856 - DIED - On Monday morning last, at her residence in Prince Street, after an illness of three weeks - Jane, the beloved wife of Mr. Isaac Smith. By this sad event her sorrowing husband has lost a devoted and affectionate WIFE; and her bereaved sons and daughters - A MOTHER indeed. She died IN THE LORD.
Daily Examiner - Thurs., 6 May, 1880 - page 2 - DIED - At Auckland, New Zealand, on the 31st January, Mr. Henry Smith, formerly a resident of this city, aged 85 years. Mr. Smith was a well known and highly respected citizen of this town for many years, and emigrated with his family to New Zealand on the "Prince Edward" in the year 1858. "The memory of the just is blessed."
Daily Patriot - Weds., 7 Nov., 1894, page 2 - DIED - On September the 19th at his residence, Wellington Street, Auckland, New Zealand, Henry Smith, builder, formerly of Prince Edward Island, aged 66 years.
Photo of Henry Smith (builder of the house): Guardian Weds., 26 July, 1905, page 3
