10327 Highway 1: The William Foster Morse House

Architecture Style: Greek Revival

Built: Before 1880

Howard Longley grew up in an elegant Second Empire home up the road; he was a son of the  Hon. Avard Longley, powerful  Nova Scotian of Planter lineage. Howard’s sphere of influence was smaller- his home village of Paradise, yet he was no less respected. He was the railway Station Agent in Paradise, and in 1893, at age 26, he became our second postmaster. The first, William Morse,  bought land from Asaph Marshall in 1879, built a house, and ran the post office in the east wing. The mail slots and stovepipe hole were visible for years.  Howard moved the post office to his grand new building next door.

Howard Longley’s home was beautiful, with a gracefully curved wall in the parlour and a stained glass window- signs of Victorian taste and prosperity. Imagine the excitement when, in 1909, it caught fire. Good neighbours saved it.  Howard and Emma [Calnek] raised their family here: Vera, Eleanor, Evelyn, and son Carroll.  Howard was Sunday School Superintendant, a fine tenor who led the church choir, and a deacon. In 2002, his son Carroll left a gift of money to the church in memory of his parents and sisters. This gift was used for new entry doors and steps. Think of this family as you step through!

When Wilfrid and Thelma Bishop severed the house and store lots, Carl and Evelyn Ritcey bought the house and moved up from the lane.  Carl was remembered for his genial spirit, his love of outdoors and farming, and his meat market in the small building next door. His meat truck was a familiar sight in the village.  Evelyn [Beattie] taught school and had a sharp mind indeed. Their son George married Winnie [Ritchie].

Rob and Clara Flanigan were mission-minded Christians and dedicated church members, who lived here for many years and raised their children, Michael and Beth.

Keith and Susan Saunders bought the house in 2003. So many years after “Paradis Terrestre” became “Paradise”,  Susan’s Acadian roots had a place of honour in this house. She and Keith treasured their Planter heritage too, and all things special about their home. They were committed community members and much valued.