William R. MacKinnon Residence

The heritage value of this place rests in its association with its initial owner, lumberman and business manager, William Robert MacKinnon. William operated a lumber and pulpwood business in this community where the economic basis has been the lumber trade throughout its history. He was also known throughout the community as manager of the local branch of Lounsbury Co.

It is also valued as the boyhood home of his resident son, William Russell MacKinnon, who has been instrumental in preserving much of the local history within the area. The son is co-founder of the Miramichi Salmon Museum, operated the historic Gilks House as a local museum and spearheaded the recognition of Doak House as a Provincial Historic Site. William Russell is father of author William Robertson MacKinnon. This third generation W. R. is also associated with the residence and has written 'Over the Portage', a recount of the early settlement within the Upper Southwest Miramichi area.

This home is also valued architecturally as a fine example of Edwardian Foursquare design from the early 20th century in Doaktown. The second level enclosed veranda and wide first level front and side open veranda offer a more elaborate version of the traditional Foursquare style.