10252 Highway 1: The William T. James House “Ellenhurst”

Architecture Style: Queen Anne Revival

Built: 1898

Ellen [Fowler] James, born in Cumberland Co., was the namesake of Ellenhurst. Of her husband’s family, she wrote, “The Jameses belonged to the early history of Bermuda.” They were old colonial aristocrats; “Worshipful William T. James” enjoyed the fox hunt from his Bermuda plantation-style estate, with its deep magnificent verandah.

The James’ also knew and loved Paradise. Ellen’s older sister Clara had married  Benjamin Starratt, the merchant who built  Paradise’s landmark store, and there were family visits. The James’ had been married 25 years when William built this house for $4000- a very special anniversary gift! Though Ellen was homesick for Bermuda, she kept warm friendships here. The Attorney-General of Nova Scotia, J. Wilberforce Longley; Bessie Brown, noted artist; Dr. W.H. Starratt of Boston- all signed her guest book. But when William died here in 1913, she took him home for burial and did not return.

William Inglis Morse, a son of her friends, Joseph and Almira [Phinney] Morse, purchased her home,  and the Morse Era (1917-1952) began.  When Dr. Vernon Chipman Morse and Mabel [Elliott] moved home from  Massachusetts,  Dr. Morse offered his Harvard-trained medical skills. He loved singing, and Mabel played the piano.  They socialized with friends, and other Morse family across the river.  In a south-facing alcove at the very top of the house, a light in the window signalled, “We’re home.”

The Stones, the Foots and the Logans all offered Ellenhurst hospitality. Then David and Linda Hankinson came home from Ontario. Their most unforgettable gift (of many!)  to Paradise was the annual “Moonlite Concert”.  From the James’ old verandah, the music of the Annapolis Big Band filled the air, while hundreds drifted past the house and settled by the river on the back lawn- to listen, to picnic under moon and stars,  and to feel the summer magic. Village residents loved hosting this event with the Hankinsons.

This house holds wonderful memories and keeps a very special place in the community.