Alexander and Jennie Templeman House (Bonavista)
The Alexander and Jennie Templeman house in Bonavista was built in 1895 by Robert and Allan Ryder for local fisherman Edmund Templeman. The home is considered one of the best examples of small-scale Gothic Revival architecture in the community, showing the early use of the twin-peaked dormers that came to dominate Bonavista's vernacular architecture by the 1920s. With its gabled roof and dormer windows, the two-storeyed structure was typical of a style found in the area in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. The dwelling is a testament to the construction capabilities of the Ryder brothers.
Edmund had the house built for his son, Alexander, who at the time of construction was working in the coal mines at North Sydney, Nova Scotia. By the time Alexander returned to Bonavista the house was completed. Alexander married in 1905 and raised his family in the house built for him. It was subsequently handed down to Alexander's son, Norman, who passed the house on to his son, Philip, who, in turn, passed it on to his son Alexander (named after his great-grandfather). Alexander continues to spend time in the Bonavista house, making him the fifth generation of Templemans to live in the house.
In March 1996, the Heritage Foundation designated the Alexander and Jennie Templeman House a Heritage Structure. It was also awarded the Southcott Award for heritage restoration by the Newfoundland Historic Trust.
Also view the Alexander and Jennie Templeman House Registered Heritage Structure, and the Alexander and Jennie Templeman House Municipal Heritage Site on the Heritage Foundation of Newfoundland and Labrador web site. The Newfoundland and Labrador Heritage Web Site has on its site only a portion of the registered heritage structures in Newfoundland and Labrador. To view a complete list or search for a particular structure visit the Heritage Foundation's Property Search page.
