7 Monkstown Road Municipal Heritage Building

7 Monkstown Road has been designated by the City of St. John’s because it has aesthetic and historic values.

7 Monkstown Road is aesthetically valuable because this structure is an elaborate example of Second Empire (modified) architecture and differs from the more common Southcott Second Empire designs, which became typical in the area after the Great Fire of 1892. Decorative details of this style include the saw-tooth decorative work in the bonneted dormers, a single-storey bow window, decorative brackets, and the frieze with panels and roundel modified pilasters. The peaked Mansard roof and side portico contribute to the detail of this ornate home.

7 Monkstown Road has historic value because of its associations with John S. Currie, politician and journalist, who resided there from 1913 to ca. 1925, though the house is believed to have been built between 1854 and 1879. Mr. Currie was elected to the House of Assembly in 1913 as the member of the Burin District until 1920. During his time in government he helped to organize the Permanent Marine Disaster Fund. This fund was provided for dependants of any fisherman or seaman who was injured or killed in a marine disaster. In 1916, Mr. Currie became editor of the Daily News; a position he held until his death in 1956.