277 Green Street

The aesthetically pleasing residence at 277 Green Street has historical value as the former residence of Agnes Ramsay, a well-known schoolteacher, who devoted her life to the education of more than one generation of Summerside residents. It has further heritage value as an example of a 1920s cottage style bungalow in an area where the houses of similar vintage are generally larger.

It was constructed in 1927 on one of six lots subdivided from the estate known as Parkside, once owned and occupied by William A. Brennan, a prominent citizen and owner of the Journal Publishing Company. Miss Ramsay's new house, which she occupied with her sister Bertha, was constructed in what the newspaper described as a "semi-bungalow type." The main portion of the dwelling was 28 by 35 feet with a 20 by 10 ell on the north side. The M.F. Schurman Company had the contract and Ambrose MacInnis was the foreman.

Agnes Ramsay was born in 1871, the daughter of John Ramsay, one of Summerside's pioneer shipbuilders. In April 1927, she had this residence erected across the street from the Summerside High School where she was vice-principal, having begun her teaching career sometime before 1891. When she retired in June 1944, she had been principal for five years, bringing a long career to a close. A newspaper editorial claimed, "...her contribution to the case of education here has been a great one and cannot be measured in words."

After Agnes Ramsay died in 1954, Bertha Ramsay remained in the house until 1964 when it was sold to Ivan C. Nicholson, the owner of a local dry cleaning establishment. The house at 277 Green is still in the Nicholson family.

As a unique and well preserved example of a 1920s cottage bungalow, the house continues to contribute to the streetscape.