Maitland
Nova Scotia, Canada

Lawrence House Museum
A shipbuilder's story

For generations, Nova Scotians made their livelihoods from the sea. Stately Lawrence House in Maitland, on the shores of the Bay of Fundy, is an example of the grand homes of the province's shipbuilders, owners, and captains. The now-quiet village of Maitland had more than its share of elegant wooden homes built in the 1800s during Nova Scotia's golden age of sail.

On October 27, 1874, more than 4,000 people flocked to the tiny town of Maitland, Hants Co., to witness the launching of the largest full-rigged ship ever to be built in Canada. At 2,459 tons, the William D Lawrence was twice the size of most other large Canadian ocean-going carriers. It took two years to construct the vessel. The crowd was enthusiastic that day, but the builder knew his project had faced many detractors.

But Lawrence wasn't to be deterred. He hadn't become successful without taking risks. Beginning with just 30 "quid" of capital in the 1850s, he established a prosperous shipping company. He had constructed several fine vessels and built a lovely home overlooking his busy shipyard and the upper reaches of Cobequid Bay.

Things to see ... A permanent outdoor exhibit at Lawrence House Museum introduces visitors to the area's environment and its shipbuilding history. In the second-floor installation, see how many shipyards were in this area. Photos from the late 1800s show the Maitland area and its people. Scan the Minas Basin through viewing scopes. Take the measure of the William D Lawrence, too.

Did you know? Lawrence opposed Confederation, believing passionately that Nova Scotia had been sold out by politicians to central Canadian interests. His Great Ship was a politically inspired symbol of the strength and capacity of Nova Scotia as a maritime power. Local residents say that on stormy nights the ghost of Mr. Lawrence can be heard playing his violin while wandering through his spacious Victorian house.

Today, the impressive homes of Maitland surprise the first-time visitor. Why was there so much money in this quiet village? It's easy to forget that in the 1800s the Bay of Fundy was a gateway to the Atlantic Ocean--and to the world. The fine houses testify to the comfortable fortunes that were made in shipping and shipbuilding.

Lawrence House, appointed with most of its original furnishings, speaks volumes about the lives of the community elite. Large and rather formal in plan, it was clearly the home of a man whose sights were set beyond this small coastal village. The fine furniture and exotic souvenirs from around the world show that here was a man of taste, means, and experience.

Remembering the William D Lawrence ...
To commemorate the launch of W.D. Lawrence's "Great Ship," a major Launch Day Festival is held in Maitland each year with a parade, historical skits, and the launching of a model of the huge vessel.

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