The Giles House
The Giles House being moved along Cole Harbour Road to its current location. 1976.
Believed to have been built towards the end of the 18th century, the Giles House represents a modest farm home of about 200 years ago. It is associated with Joseph Giles who arrived in this area from the United States in 1783, married and settled in Cole Harbour in 1786. The house began as a Cape Cod-style structure build of horizontal squared logs slotted into notched uprights. Carved Roman numerals on the logs suggest possible prefabrication. Major renovations in the mid-1800s resulted in an addition on the north side and an extension of the roof giving the house its characteristic "saltbox" shape.
The house is not being restored to represent a particular time period. Various parts of the house represent different stages in its evolution and, in this way, more of its overall story can be told. The house contains household artifacts spanning the late 18th, 19th, and early 20th centuries. These include a number of chairs made by the 19th century local craftsmen, George Gammon and James Beck, and a settle bench reputed to be at least 200 years old. Occasional demonstrations such as wool carding, spinning and rug hooking may be seen in the house. Additional items from the Museum's collection are displayed in cases and in the upstairs bedroom.
Outside the Giles House, stop to look at the little kitchen garden. A small garden was often located on the south side of the house near the door, giving easy access from the kitchen. There is no historical evidence of such a garden being associated with the Giles House but something similar probably existed. Gardens were usually fenced to keep out roaming livestock which would make short work of the vegetables.