Happy Heritage Week 2021 with the theme “Where do you find Heritage?” Our third stop is a virtual one which underscores the fact that a heritage house is more than just a structure with some architectural features. It is a home with a vibrant history of its own that comes alive with the knowledge of the names, occupations and perhaps even photos of the families who lived in the house in the past.
The home located at 618 East 9th Street comes with its own history in the form of a booklet. The first page contains the following inscription:
“I am not an ordinary house. I am a home with Tradition and History. I have sheltered families for over eighty years and in that course of time, only 7 families have lived under my roof. This little history is prepared for the eighth family who will dwell within my walls.”
The book goes on to provide names, photos and newspaper clippings of each family who lived there. It also contains information on when certain modifications were done to the house. It is a gift that keeps on giving and a wonderful legacy for future owners of this lovely Grand Boulevard cottage.
The house at 618 East 9th Street today.
However, not every house comes with its own history. Sometimes you have to do your own research. That’s what a local North Vancouver student did as part of her heritage fair project. She started with a couple of artifacts found in the rafters of the basement of her house, spent a lot of time poring over old City Directories at the Archives and was even able to meet some of the descendants of past owners.
Here is her video:
And if this inspires you to do research on your own house, start here and reach out to us if you need some help!