Located at 2167A Centrale Street in Saint-Hilaire-de-Haut-Madawaska, the Maxime Albert House invites visitors to step into the Roaring Twenties and discover a fascinating chapter of local history.
Built in 1895, this family residence is notable not only for its exemplary Maritime-style vernacular architecture, but also for the legacy of its original owner, Maxime Albert.
A wealthy and influential businessman, Albert played a key role in shaping Saint-Hilaire’s golden age. He was widely known for his generosity—donating land for the construction of a local presbytery and helping fund the village church. However, he is also said to have led a double life as the head of a major alcohol smuggling network during the Prohibition era, with reported connections to figures such as Al Capone and Sam Bronfman.
Today, the house stands as a powerful symbol of Saint-Hilaire’s past. Acquired by the municipality in 1979, it was carefully restored between 1980 and 1985 using traditional building practices to preserve its historic character.
