136/138 St. George Street

Historic Value:

The historic value of the property as recognized in its municipal designation is its association with the exhibition of Annapolis Royal history, and with several prominent citizens. The building was constructed by Corey O’Dell, a local innkeeper, businessman, and rider for the Nova Scotia Pony Express, circa 1868. Family tradition states that O’Dell removed the front off an existing structure that was previously owned by Joseph Winniett, a member of one of Annapolis Royal’s oldest families, and the remaining structure became the rear two storey wing of the present O’Dell House. A new structure was built on the front. O’Dell’s son, Carmen became the founder of the Annapolis Royal Electric Light Company. Over time, the building has been used as a residence, hotel and retail shop. The property is now operated as the O’Dell House Museum, by the Annapolis Heritage Society, and depicts three centuries of Annapolis Royal History.

Architectural Value:

The architectural value of the building, as recognized in its municipal designation, is its for its relatively unaltered Greek Revival style, numerous original interior elements; and for its association with the building’s commercial history. The two-and-one-half storey wooden structure has a gabled roof with twin matching brick chimneys at the peak. The building has wooden clapboards with corner boards. There are two wings at the rear; the one to the south is single storey; the one to the north is two storeys and contains the kitchen. This wing is thought to pre-date the front on the site. The retail entry to the west is set in a recessed windowed bay. The four panel wooden door has a transom light with mullions. The interior is for the most part presented with original features, finishes and furniture. The carriage house at the rear of the property was constructed in 1990.