Restoration of the Doucet House - Phase 1

Restoration of the Doucet House - Phase 1

Farmers' Bank of Rustico 2004

This exhibit chronicles the restoration of the Doucet House which began in January 2003 and ended eight months later in August. The Doucet House is an old Acadian log home and quite possibly the oldest house on Prince Edward Island. Doucets owned the house from around 1770 until 1982 and it is said that Mass was held there by Father James MacDonald when there was no church in the Rustico area of Prince Edward Island. It could have been demolished in 1999 as the owner of the home wanted to build a new one; however, recognizing its historical importance, he offered it to any caring group in the community. The Friends of the Farmers’ Bank accepted his offer and had the home moved a few kilometers to a property adjacent to the Farmers’ Bank of Rustico in December 1999. Through the use of architectural diagrams, pictures, and spoken audio you will learn about the Doucet House, its restoration, and how it was moved from its sandstone foundation to rest at its current location. Included are some pictures of additional buildings which have been erected to make the homestead look as it may have in the late 1700s. Pictures of old Acadian artifacts used to furnish the Doucet House have also been included along with explanations of their uses.