IF BUILDINGS could talk
MRS. REBECCA MACINTYRE HOME - JOHN BURCH HOUSE | BUILT 1931
Excerpt from “Town of Montague - Heritage Properties” Exploring Historic Sites on Prince Edward Island
(Main Sources: PEI Historic Places and “View From The Bridge” by Finlay Martin)
BY STERLING STRATTON AUTHOR/ARTIST OF “1,000 ISLAND IMAGES OF HISTORIC INTEREST” Special Design
The John Burck House is valued for its well preserved Craftsman Bungalow style. The original building to stand on the property was owned by Dr. John D. MacIntyre, a medical doctor who had purchased it in 1902. The building was destroyed in a large fire which consumed the adjacent Poole and Thompson store in 1929.
MacIntyre Ownership
The current structure was built by Dr. John MacIntyre’s widow, Mrs. Rebecca MacIntyre, around 1931. It was later inherited by her son, Dr. Preston MacIntyre. During the doctor’s career, he was instrumental in establishing the first hospital for Montague, in the former Royal Hotel on the north side of town. The hotel’s owner, Ada Green, took ownership of the house on 580 Main Street as part of the negotiated deal.
Attractive Property
In 1963, Green’s nephew, Edwin Hobbs, inherited the property. In 1967, he sold it to Mary Coulson who briefly operated a nursing home there; with the passage of time, other sales followed.
Architectural Features
The home is fronted by an attractive enclosed sunporch and also includes: speed tile foundation, stucco covered walls, sloping gable, front dormer and unique short columns.