The I.O.D.E. Evergreen Tour

The I.O.D.E Evergreen Tour

The Imperial Order of the Daughters of the Empire (I.O.D.E.) is a Canadian-based women’s charitable organization that was founded in 1900 with its very first chapter - the Doris E. Sullivan - formed in Fredericton, New Brunswick. The I.O.D.E. Evergreen Tour is the Doris E. Sullivan Chapter’s biggest fundraiser of the year. It is a chance to enjoy a tour of four carefully-curated and festively-decorated homes in and around Fredericton while donating to a worthy cause. Each chapter generously gives back to their community to support educational endeavours, local shelters, food banks, and philanthropical projects. Scholarships, bursaries, prizes, and awards are given out annually to deserving individuals and groups. So, get into the giving spirt of the season while inspiring your own creative holiday home decorating. The 2023 Evergreen Tour is happening on Sunday, November 26th. Tickets are $25 each and beginning on November 1st, you can purchase in person at: My Consignment Fredericton (5 Trinity Avenue, Corbett Centre), Jean Coutu (598 Union Street), and Westminster Books (88 York Street) or online at: dorisesullivanchapter@gmail.com.

I have enjoyed this magical tour for years, then in 2019 I partnered with the local I.O.D.E. chapter and had an opportunity to meet a couple of the tour headliners for a sneak peek. Take a look back at that unique experience to give you an idea of the amazing historic homes that are often featured on this tour, then dive into a collection of tour highlights from over the years. Each year, I add a few more photos from the most current tour, too. So enjoy…

By The River Bed & Breakfast

By the River Bed & Breakfast sits majestically at 301 Woodstock Road in Fredericton, New Brunswick. Built in the Queen Anne Revival architectural style in 1903 by Scottish immigrant and lumber mill owner, Donald Fraser, this mansion is absolutely captivating. In fact, when Hao Hui first caught a glimpse at midnight (after his late night flight into Fredericton), he fell in love. “I blame him,” Coral Shuai joked, when I sat down for tea with the owners and asked how they came to purchase this property. They shared their journey from their immigration from Beijing, China to their one million dollar renovation investment. It has been a rollercoaster labour of love, with times of overwhelming frustration then culminating pure joy to see their dream B & B come to fruition.

The Chapman House

Coral and Hao learn more about their home’s history every day. They have appreciated every single person who has come forth to share memories, too. It is well known to most as The Chapman House for the prominent fox farmer, George Chapman, and his family, who once resided there. Chapman descendants attended By the River B & B.’s Open House in the spring of 2019, and many stories and photographs were shared at that time. Coral & Hao then hired a Saint Thomas University Professor, and history student to research more to accurately preserve the history, and record the personal anecdotes to honour all associated with their home. A neighbour, once a stable boy for the Chapmans, shared he recalls the day the exquisite fabric wall covering (ordered from France) was offloaded via the Aberdeen steamship directly behind the house. It is stories like these that Coral and Hao want documented, before they are lost. Plans are being made to display a history on the parlour walls when all details are gathered and complete. Coral expressed how grateful they are for all the support, kindnesses and encouragement that have been extended to them, throughout their immigration, and home renovation process. Coral and Hao opened their inn to Evergreen Tour guests as a show of their appreciation. My talented friend, Reuben Stewart, was the masterful floral stylist who brought his expertise to their B & B for this very special occasion. You might recall Reuben from my There’s No Place Like Home for the Holidays’ blog article, where he festively styled my humble home (see link at end of article).

The Castle in New Maryland

Home owners, Barb & David Touchie, will be the first to correct anyone that asks if they live in The Castle in New Maryland. Barb often redirects enquiries with “If you mean, the old stone house that was once the CFNB Radio Station, and later the Forbes House, then, yes, that’s where we live.” David shrugs, and adds, “It is just home. We have been here for years. It’s lived in. Our grandchildren come often and it is our every day.” However, when one tours this beautiful home, it seems more like a magazine layout for Better Homes & Gardens, but Barb modestly adds, “Most of the time, it is just the two of us, so it is pretty easy to keep clean and tidy.”

Baker Castle

Barb and David’s adventure purchasing the former Forbes House, meant totally reconfiguring the blueprint for functionality and flow, as well as redesigning for aesthetic. Prior to their purchase, the stone house had sat empty for several years falling into a state of great disrepair. It took a village to resurrect the building, but it had its share of treasures inside, including three chandeliers that Charles Forbes delighted his wife with during their 1964 renovations. He secured them from a project he was working on in Saint John at the Baker Castle. Mrs. Baker originally selected them in 1911. The Forbes family displayed all three in their living room, and they stayed there for over 50 years, but Barb and David had other plans. One chandelier now hangs high in the foyer turret, then Barb’s favourite & mine (pictured above) hangs above their dining room table. The third adds grandeur to the warm and bright great room.

Interior Designer

Barb, a former interior designer, has a keen eye and passion for design that had Evergreen Tour guests in awe throughout this both grand and cozy home. She makes light of her skillset, but David pipes in sharing that if Barb had her way, they would move every two years, as she just loves changing things up. Barb just smiles and nods, “I would you know! I just love recreating a space.” Good news for anyone that has ever wished to live in an old stone castle, that this is for sale as these two have their minds set on moving once again, to give Barb another creative go. “I think I have one more in me,” she laughs. They will not be going too far though, as family means everything to these two, they will settle somewhere within a 30-minute drive of their nearby grandchildren. Luckily for Evergreen Tour ticket holders, they are welcoming guests this year before they do so.

Fireplace Mantels and Tablescapes

Two more lovely homes were showcased on the 2019 I.O.D.E. Evergreen Tour, and those homeowners were just as keen as the ones highlighted in this article. “We cannot give all our secrets away,” Debra Quartermain, Doris E. Sullivan I.O.D.E. Chapter’s Communications Officer teased me when I tried to get another sneak peek. I had to wait like the rest of the ticket holders to see the last two but they were indeed gorgeous.

Evergreen Tour

I have been attending the I.O.D.E. Evergreen Tour for many years. It is a wonderful way to kickstart the festive season while knowing you are supporting a very worthy charitable organization. Inspiration galore awaits. I hope you enjoyed a glimpse of tours gone by; however, to sincerely capture the magic of this special evening, you truly must experience it in person. Hope to see you there!

Government House Reception

The Evergreen Tour reception has culminated at the Government House the past few years which is an added bonus. This certainly caps off the evening in style. Guests can mingle amongst each other and meet local I.O.D.E. members. Tea, coffee, apple cider and sweets are served. A self-guided tour of the elegant rooms on the first floor as well as the art galleries on the second floor is encouraged. Guests savour the excitement here before heading home with with visions of mantels & tablescapes dancing in their heads, inspiring their own festive home decorating thereafter.

Evergreen Tour Tickets

The 2023 I.O.D.E Evergreen Tour will take place on November 26th, with staggered starts at varying homes beginning at 5:30 or 6:00 p.m.. Tickets are $25 each. Purchase online at: dorisesullivanchapter@gmail.com beginning on November 1, 2023 or in person at several Fredericton locations: My Consignment Fredericton (5 Trinity Avenue, Corbett Centre), Jean Coutu (598 Union Street), and Westminster Books (88 York Street). All proceeds fund the charitable programs of the I.O.D.E. Doris E. Sullivan Chapter. Get your tickets soon as they sell out quickly! Tell them the Maritimes Maven sent you. Happy Holidays!!

There’s No Place Like Home

Learn how to decorate your own home with foraging floral stylist Rueben Mark Stewart. He helped By The River Bed & Breakfast shine for the Evergreen Tour and he also taught me how to bring the outside in to festively style my own home. Get inspired then learn how to D.I.Y. We share all the tips & tricks in my There’s No Place Like Home article below.

This post was sponsored by the I.O.D.E. Doris E. Sullivan Chapter; however, all thoughts & opinions are my own. Follow Maritimes Maven on FaceBook, Instagram, Pinterest, LinkedIn & Threads. Be the first to receive my latest articles by clicking on the ‘subscribe’ link at the top of this page. PIease share articles you love with your social media community.