This large Georgian house with its side hall front entrance and spacious formal interior is said to have been built circa 1840 by John Elliott Woolford (1778-1866), Royal Engineer and barrack master of the local British Garrison. Woolford was also an artist and topographical draughtsman, and was the designer of many of the most important early 19th century public & military buildings in Fredericton, including Old Government House, UNB’s Sir Howard Douglas Hall/Old Arts Building, the Old York County Gaol, and possibly the Soldiers’ Barracks and the Officer’s Quarters. Richard Hayne, militia commander and commissioner of the N.B. and Nova Scotia Land Co. brought his family to the house in 1841. In 1862, a rental advertisement in a Fredericton newspaper described the property as such: "TO LET - The pleasantly situated dwelling house and premises on the corner of Smyth and Charlotte Streets (lately occupied by Colonel Hayne) containing 10 rooms, kitchen and pantry, frost proof cellar and cellar kitchen; a good well of water, barn and woodshed, with an enclosed yard and a good garden adjoining. The House is in good order and stands far apart from all other buildings which renders it not only convenient but also both healthy and desirable as a respectable family residence."