Built in 1833 and expanded in 1866, the Old Carleton County Courthouse in Upper Woodstock was the first courthouse in Carleton County. In 1911, it was sold by the County Council and transformed into a barn with the stalls made from the judge’s bench. Purchased by the Carleton County Historical Society in 1962, the largest restoration project in Canadian history began by mostly volunteers. This monumental effort was celebrated by a visit from H. R. H. Princess Anne in 1986. Tourists can now explore the Judge’s Chambers, the Clerk’s Room, the Main Court Room and the Prisoner’s Room as well as hear the stories of the trials conducted here. Original artefacts and furnishings are featured. The Society received awards for their efforts and the site is designated as historic by the Province of NB.
My summer job between years at university was at the Carleton County Courthouse in upper Woodstock, where I served as a tour guide, and all-around helper to the restoration crew. This experience literally launched my career in heritage! What a dramatic restoration: The courthouse was used as a barn for 50 years before the local historical society stepped in. Canada’s premier restoration architect Peter John Stokes led the design work, and it was a thrill to meet him. He played important roles at Kings Landing and Upper Canada Village as well.