The Lilacs

The Lilacs consists of a wood framed house and lot located on the corner of Sunset Drive and Hutchinson Lane, overlooking the Richibucto River in the Village of Rexton.

The heritage value of The Lilacs, built in the 1880’s, resides in its association with Robert Hutchinson and the Hutchinson family. The name "The Lilacs" was derived from the many lilac shrubs that lined the walk from the front door to the street

Robert Hutchinson was known for his daily walks to work from Rexton to his law office in Richibucto. Passing away at the age 86 on September 17th, 1910, he would have been one of the oldest practicing barristers in the country.

Other members of the Hutchinson family were also well known in the area. George A. Hutchinson, a nephew of Robert’s, was a barrister and editor of the Richibucto Review newspaper. James L. Hutchinson was a surveyor and later district manager of N.B. Telephone Co. at Rexton. Thomas Hutchinson, a lawyer in Minneapolis, and John Hutchinson, a business man in Moncton. James’ son, Captain Allison Hutchinson, James’ son, was the commander of the local two masted schooner the "Loyal

Source: Village of Rexton Historic Places File #2004-9.

The character defining elements of The Lilacs include:

- one and one-half storey wood frame building with large windows facing the Richibucto River;

- veranda on north and west sides of house;

- two-storey bay window on east side of house;

- decorative brackets support the veranda roof;

- original window size openings in bay window.