Description of Historic Place

This, two storey, frame house is located in a residential neighbourhood, of mid to late 20th century homes. Located at 22 Shortt Street, in the southwest edge of the Town of Port Hope, the Thomas White House is separated from the street by a white picket fence, and is surrounded by large trees, lawn and a side yard drive.

The Thomas White House is recognized for its heritage value by the Town of Port Hope By-law 49/92 Schedule B-1, passed on August 4, 1992.

Heritage Value

The Thomas White House is an interesting example of the late Victorian cottage-style architecture. Clad in horizontal ship-lap siding, the house has an unusual plan, with a side entrance, accentuated by a porch, and a steeply pitched cross-axis roofline.

The house is located on Shortt Street, which was named for Reverend Jonathan Shortt, a rector at St. Mark's Church, from 1836 to 1867. Constructed in 1890, the residence belonged to Thomas White, a mason. The house remained in the White family for many decades, transferring to the White children in 1929. Originally located on a large, 10 acre wooded lot, the house is now surrounded by modern residences. An historic, small garage-shed compliments the main house, with its simple gable roof and symmetrical 6 over 6 sash windows.

Sources: Heritage Designation By-law 49/92 Schedule B-1, Municipality of Port Hope; Heritage Port Hope Files, Port Hope Town Hall, 56 Queen Street; Port Hope Archives, 17 Mill Street N., Port Hope.

Character-Defining Elements

Character defining elements that support the heritage value of the Thomas White House include its:
- two storey irregular plan
- exterior horizontal wood ship-lap siding
- side entrance under the side porch
- fenestration, including 6 over 6 sash windows
- garage-shed, with gable roof and 6 over 6 windows