1 Joe's Point Road - Bulkley Division
Niger Reef Tea House is designated a Local Historic Place through its association with the Imperial Order of the Daughters of the Empire (IODE) and the building’s benefactor, Mrs. Florence Ayscough, and for its architecture.
Florence Ayscough, well known author and authority for Chinese customs, leased this property from the Town in order to construct a Chapter House for the Passamaquoddy Chapter of the IODE. The IODE is a Canadian women’s charitable organization founded in 1900 during the Second Boer War in patriotic support of the British Empire. Mrs. Ayscough took a personal interest in the construction of this building and on June 24th 1926 she presented the Chapter House to Mrs. W. F. Todd, president of the provincial chapter of New Brunswick IODE and wife of the Lieutenant Governor. The building was operated as a tea room by the members during the summer season and served as a meeting place during the milder months of the year. Proceeds of the tearoom went towards scholarships, bursaries, book prizes, and awards, as well as pursuing other philanthropic and educational ends.
The tea house was a popular spot for many of St. Andrews’ summer residents and catered to private parties, afternoon bridge clubs and other leisurely activities. During WWll, it became a work room for the many programs that were undertaken during the war efforts.
Niger Reef Teahouse is also recognized for its simple architecture and serene setting for the leisure of locals and visitors. The 1920’s were a decade in which entertainment, travel, and leisure were readily sought after and the tea house represents this leisurely period. Built in 1926, this log cabin with un- peeled logs and rustic waterside deck stands near the St. Andrews Blockhouse, erected as a fortification during the War of 1812. The building’s simple one-storey massing and use of natural materials exemplify rustic architecture from an earlier era.
A significant characteristic of this property rests in the interior and heritage value is exemplified through murals painted by Lucille Douglas. Exquisite paintings on the wall were painted by Lucille Douglas, a popular painter and friend of Florence Ayscough. Florence Ayscough was an expert on Chinese customs and wrote many books about China and her books were illustrated by Lucille Douglas. Like her books, Miss Douglas illustrated Mrs. Ayscough’s tea room. The collection of murals Lucille Douglas painted in this building were treescapes and rocky landscapes appropriate to the Atlantic Coast, but they were influenced by her experiences in the Orient. She created them in the style of Chinese panels with strips of wood laths separating and dividing the panels. There are 4 murals, one on each wall. Miss Douglas had used water-based paint on beaverboard about a centimetre thick.
The Tea House served as a residence after the war and into the 1980s. It then fell into disrepair. Public sentiment saved it from demolition by the town. It was restored by St. Andrews Civic Trust, with major funding from the Meighan Foundation and reopened as a tea house in 1998.
The character-defining elements include:
Architectural Style: Vernacular Log Cabin
Source: St. Andrews Civic Trust – Charlotte County Archives
Florence Ayscough, well known author and authority for Chinese customs, leased this property from the Town in order to construct a Chapter House for the Passamaquoddy Chapter of the IODE. The IODE is a Canadian women’s charitable organization founded in 1900 during the Second Boer War in patriotic support of the British Empire. Mrs. Ayscough took a personal interest in the construction of this building and on June 24th 1926 she presented the Chapter House to Mrs. W. F. Todd, president of the provincial chapter of New Brunswick IODE and wife of the Lieutenant Governor. The building was operated as a tea room by the members during the summer season and served as a meeting place during the milder months of the year. Proceeds of the tearoom went towards scholarships, bursaries, book prizes, and awards, as well as pursuing other philanthropic and educational ends.
The tea house was a popular spot for many of St. Andrews’ summer residents and catered to private parties, afternoon bridge clubs and other leisurely activities. During WWll, it became a work room for the many programs that were undertaken during the war efforts.
Niger Reef Teahouse is also recognized for its simple architecture and serene setting for the leisure of locals and visitors. The 1920’s were a decade in which entertainment, travel, and leisure were readily sought after and the tea house represents this leisurely period. Built in 1926, this log cabin with un- peeled logs and rustic waterside deck stands near the St. Andrews Blockhouse, erected as a fortification during the War of 1812. The building’s simple one-storey massing and use of natural materials exemplify rustic architecture from an earlier era.
A significant characteristic of this property rests in the interior and heritage value is exemplified through murals painted by Lucille Douglas. Exquisite paintings on the wall were painted by Lucille Douglas, a popular painter and friend of Florence Ayscough. Florence Ayscough was an expert on Chinese customs and wrote many books about China and her books were illustrated by Lucille Douglas. Like her books, Miss Douglas illustrated Mrs. Ayscough’s tea room. The collection of murals Lucille Douglas painted in this building were treescapes and rocky landscapes appropriate to the Atlantic Coast, but they were influenced by her experiences in the Orient. She created them in the style of Chinese panels with strips of wood laths separating and dividing the panels. There are 4 murals, one on each wall. Miss Douglas had used water-based paint on beaverboard about a centimetre thick.
The Tea House served as a residence after the war and into the 1980s. It then fell into disrepair. Public sentiment saved it from demolition by the town. It was restored by St. Andrews Civic Trust, with major funding from the Meighan Foundation and reopened as a tea house in 1998.
The character-defining elements include:
- interior and exterior with strong personal associations with Florence Ayscough and Lucille Douglas and their experiences in the Orient;
- rectangular one-storey massing;
- construction of unpeeled logs; chinked in boat fashion
- wood shingle clad gable, with sawtooth shingle accent;
- rustic waterside deck;
- location beside the Blockhouse National Historic Site and facing the historic Niger Reef;
- interior mural collection including treescapes and rocky landscapes resembling the Atlantic Coast but influenced by Ms. Ayscough’s experiences in the Orient;
- interior Chinese panels with strips of wood laths separating and dividing the panels.
Architectural Style: Vernacular Log Cabin
Source: St. Andrews Civic Trust – Charlotte County Archives
