288 Grafton Street

The heritage value of 288 Grafton Street lies in its association with shipwright, James White; railway superintendent, G.A. Sharp; and college professor, John Caven.

James White had 288 Grafton Street built sometime between 1864 and 1870. As a shipwright, one of the more notable vessels he constructed was the SS Heather Belle in 1862, a steamer that once plied the waters of the Hillsborough River. An engraving of it was featured in an 1878 panoramic map of Charlottetown. During his career, White worked with a number of shipbuilders including Clement White from Clement White and Company, who lived next door at 286 Grafton Street.

A later owner of the home was G.A. Sharp, stationmaster for the Prince Edward Island Railway. During Sharp's ownership, the professor, journalist and historian, John Caven, LL.D (1826-1914) resided at 288 Grafton Street. He was listed in the 1871 Lovell's Directory as a professor at St. Dunstan's College. Caven later became a professor at Prince of Wales College supervising student teachers in the model school. St. Dunstan's College (later St. Dunstan's University) and Prince of Wales College would combine in 1969 to form the present University of Prince Edward Island. Caven's lectures were a popular draw among the college students and he would continue to write on topics of Island history in local publications. Not only an educator, Caven was also a journalist who for a time owned and edited the Charlottetown Herald newspaper.

Located among a number of homes built in the 19th century, 288 Grafton Street plays a significant role in supporting the streetscape.

Sources: Heritage Office, City of Charlottetown Planning Department, PO Box 98, Charlottetown, PE C1A 7K2

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