Did some macro- to micro-Habicurious time travel this weekend in celebration of Canada Day. Spent July 1st (the launch of confederation) in Kingston (the first capital city of the united Canadas), touring the house of Sir John A. Macdonald, the country’s first Prime Minister and a Father of Confederation.
Bellevue House was built in the early 1840s for Charles Hales, a successful Kingston grocer. “Asymmetrical in shape, with decorative balconies and a three-storey central tower,” its Italianate design contrasted with the conservative Georgian architecture of other local homes. To Macdonald it was “the most fantastic concern imaginable.” Others nicknamed it Tea Caddy Castle, Molasses Hall, and Pekoe Pagoda after Mr. Hales’ merchant roots.
A mile away from the noise and dirt of downtown Kingston, Bellevue sat on nine lush acres (since reduced to two). The property was filled with mature trees, ornamental gardens, an apple orchard, a generous kitchen garden, and offered lake views. However, Macdonald’s first concern was not for aesthetics, but for the health of his chronically-ill young wife.
This room is very somber. The Victorians believed that the darker the room, the calmer the child. The family cradle is of Medieval/Gothic style and is exemplary of the Gothic Revival movement in art and design. Industrialization and urbanization meant that many people looked back to the middle ages as a golden time of simple living, strong religion, good morals and quality hand-made goods. – Interpretative sign, 3rd floor
What a view! John A. Macdonald would have had the best view of the lake from his Master Bedroom. This room was also nice and toasty because of the piping around the four poster bed and the large stove. As the head of the family, the father was the first to enjoy all the best luxuries and comforts. He was then followed by his wife, his children, then finally his servants. – Interpretive sign, 3rd floor
Sadly, home life did not go according to plan for the couple. Isabella’s health never improved and she spent much of her time bedridden. Their infant son died, unexpectedly, just a month after moving into Bellevue. Macdonald carried heavy expenses, providing for his mother and sister in Kingston as well as his immediate family. In September, 1849, they vacated the house for smaller, less expensive quarters in downtown Kingston. Isabella was pregnant with their second child.
References: Parks Canada – Bellevue House National Historic Site of Canada
Note: There is a tower up a steep flight of stairs, just off Sir John’s study. It’s closed to the general public due to fire regulations. But if you love towers, go during a quiet period and you may have some luck in getting a special peek.