20 Clements Street

STREET ADDRESS: 20 Clements Street

CITY/TOWN/VILLAGE: Yarmouth

MUNICIPALITY: Yarmouth

COUNTY: Yarmouth

YEAR BUILT: 1891

ARCHITECTURAL COMMENT:

Basically Greek Revival in design, this house shows influence of the Queen Anne Revival style. The symmetrical three bay facade has an off-centered doorway. The house is two and a half stories and of wood construction. The steeply pitched gable roof is built on an "L" plan and has return eaves. There is one small chimney, discreetly placed. The windows are tow over one, double hung with wide casings and hoods. There is a two storey bay at the side and matching peaked windows in the gables. An open veranda runs along the facade and an enclosed sun porch runs along the side. A tower shaped roof on the veranda and elaborate woodwork add to the Victorian feel of the building.

HISTORICAL COMMENT:

In the 1890 directory, this property, on the west side of what was then "High Street" is listed as vacant. In December of that year Adeline (Addie) Robbins purchased this lot from James G. Baker for $550.00. An article from the Yarmouth Light dated October 22, 1891 reads, "one of the most pleasant and convenient homes in this town is that of Mr. and Mrs. CS.P. Robbins, situated on the corner of Clements; and Alma Streets. The house, which is a two storey one with pitch roof, has just been finished." The article goes on to describe the interior of the house is detail. The rooms on the first floor were finished in American ASh, the upstairs bedrooms were finished in stained cherry and walnut and the parlour fireplace was ornamented with coloured tiles and bronze. The house was built by Mr. Charles Kent and the mason work done by Mr. Gavel. The painting was done by Mr. Newth and the plumbing by Mr. Wetmore. A photo on file at the Yarmouth Co. Museum, dated 1891, taken from a top the old Seminary, shows this house under construction.

CONTEXTUAL COMMENT:

This impressive home sits on a comparitively large lot. Large trees are found all around the house and a hedge partially hides the facade.

PRESENT OWNER: Martin J./Cheryl A. Pink

ADDRESS: 20 Clements Street Yarmouth, N.S. B5A 2B8

ORIGINAL OWNER: Adeline Robbins

OCCUPATION: Wife of Charles S.P. Robbins (Employee of Parker-Eakins & Co.)

BUILDER: Charles Kent

ORIGINAL USE: Residential

PRESENT USE: Residential

SOURCES: Registry of Deeds (Yarmouth) McAlpine directories (1890)(1895) Sweeney Funeral Records (Bk.19 P. 93) Yarmouth Light (Oct. 22, 1891) Photo Album 34 p. 30 (Yar. Co. Museum)