Copyright © 2008 by Michael Roosevelt. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without prior permission.
A BRIEF HISTORY OF ROSS HOUSE STUDIO
Ross House was the working studio of Teena Marie Fancey and Michael
Roosevelt from 1996 until it permanently closed in the fall of
2003.
The buildings on site each have extensive histories. The main
building was originally located on the Ross family farm owned
by the late Charles H. Ross at North East Margaree, Inverness
County, Nova Scotia. The building dates from the early 1800s
and is undoubtedly the original Ross family homestead lived in
by James Ross [1757- 1825] and Marie-Henriette (Le Jeune) "Granny"
Ross [1762-1860].
After 1890 the house was moved from its original location to
the complex of outbuildings next to the present Ross home. From
then on it was used as a wagon house and storage building.
Ross Farm c. 1890 showing Ross House (on left) before its first move.
Ross House as a shed, before it traveled to Margaree Harbour in 1996.
In the fall of 1995 Michael Roosevelt purchased several acres in Margaree Harbour on which to locate a studio. On 15 February 1996 the building was lifted onto a trailer, driven to Margaree Harbour, and positioned on a new foundation.
In September of 1997 a second building
was purchased, this time in Belle Côte, directly across
the Margaree River.
This small house, dubbed the "Coffin Maker's House"
was built by John A. LeBlanc, a carpenter and cabinet maker who
also made caskets. Like Ross House, it had been moved from its
original location to a site closer to the main road. Although
not as old as Ross House, LeBlanc House is a charming turn-of-the-century
structure.
LeBlanc House at its Belle Côte location.
LeBlanc House at its location in Margaree Harbour.