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The Thompson house2
The Thompson house has a classic salt box style23 May 2004
Beaver Pond Road, Brigus, Newfoundland
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This house was built in 1870 by a sea captain named James Whelan for himself and his family. When he had no use for the house, Whelan leased it to Jabez P. Thompson, who achieved ownership at the end of the 19th century. Thompson was very involved in Brigus and the surrounding communities. He ran the newspaper "The Twillingate Sun" and a Brigus paper called "The Vindicator," for many years. He was also a Magistrate for 40 years, until he retired at the age of 89. Thompson lived in his house with his family until he died in 1980.In 1987 the O'Dea family purchased the home and began restoration of the property.
The house today contains much of the original hardware and architectural elements. The home used to be only one room deep, however, there was an addition to the back of the house making the first floor two rooms deep. It is now made up of eleven rooms, six on the top two floors and five on the ground floor. Window locks and windows are original as is the old brass door lock which is in perfect working order. In fact, the O'Dea's still use the original gigantic brass key to lock the door.
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A side view of the Thompson house7 June 2004
Beaver Pond Road, Brigus, Newfoundland
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The Thompson property7 June 2004
Beaver Pond Road, Brigus, Newfoundland
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Other interesting external features of the Thompson house are the chimneys which are enclosed in small wooden roofed structures called "wickets." These structures are designed to prevent leaks and stabilize the chimneys.The property overlooks Beaver Pond. The backyard nestles into a rocky cliff. The land in front of the pond was once owned by the Thompson family, and was actually used as a tennis court in the early 1900's.
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One of the fireplaces7 June 2004
Beaver Pond Road, Brigus, Newfoundland
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This is one of the six fireplaces in the Thompson house. It is located in the dining room.9
In the dining room of the Thompson house7 June 2004
Beaver Pond Road, Brigus, Newfoundland
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This is the chandelier in the dining room. It is not the original but is an antique all the same.11
The staircase of the Thompson house7 June 2004
Beaver Pond Road, Brigus, Newfoundland
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This is the original staircase of the home. It leads up to the bedrooms on the second floor. The hallway goes to the kitchen at the back of the house.13
The kitchen of the Thompson house7 June 2004
Beaver Pond Road, Brigus, Newfoundland
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The kitchen features open beam ceilings and a neat corner 'built in' hutch. The current owners of the home have kept the decor quite simple, which would be in keeping the original state of the house. |
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