10157 Highway 1: The Herbert Dunham Starratt House

Architecture Style: Greek Revival

Built: c. 1899

Four generations after the Scottish-born planter, Peter Starratt, came to Nova Scotia, the Starratt family had left their seafaring inclinations.  Many had come and gone from the village of Paradise; some branches of the family had moved to the South Shore, Halifax, or New England. By the turn of the century, they were, like so many families, divided between those who stayed on the home farms and those who had other dreams. Alvin and William E. Starratt had divided up their father Simon’s land, and while Colonel William built the showy Queen Anne house at the corner of the Balcom Road, Alvin took this piece of land and allowed his son Herbert to build on it.

Herbert had taught school for a while at Bentville, now Tupperville, and there he met and married Susan Odessa Inglis. Tradition says this house was built around the time they married, in 1899. His four children, Cyril, Gordon, Helen and Karl grew up here. Herb farmed, and also acted as sub-agent for the Holden and Ridley company, which shipped thousands of barrels of apples by rail. A farmer wore a number of hats in his community. He might be both farmer and merchant, or both farmer and teacher.

When Herb and Susan moved, Alvin deeded this house to his daughters. Then Alvin died, but before Herb could complete the probate, he died himself at age 54. His son Cyril was left to complete the probate for both his father and grandfather:  this house was given to Herb’s heirs, and Cyril bought the old George Starratt homestead opposite, his great-great grandfather’s home. This shuffle meant the end of Starratt occupancy, and Cora and Vernon Messenger from Clarence bought the house. Vern kept a store in the village, and Cora was church organist for many years. Their daughter Freda married  Irving Bishop.

Allan and Iris Foster lived in this house for many years. Their distinctive red colour gave this Edwardian home an inviting and warm aspect. During their time, Judson Foster, Allan and Ralph’s father, moved down from the Balcolm Road, and he and Evalina built a home behind this one.  A superb cook, Evalina operated a popular restaurant by the highway.

The Fraziers of Greenwood came next, and also cared well for the house. Stacey Jones and her children were warmly welcomed in Paradise, as was Marilyn Crumpler. The house remained a fine home for families, professional people working nearby, or retirees.