Many people travelling up Sixth Street in New Westminster will have noticed another development project marked by signage in the 200 block. The area in question has been a prime restaurant location in this city for many years with names such as La Rustica, La Lorraine and La Spaghetteria being prominent.
The two houses at this location that were used as restaurants also had interesting historical connections to the community. For the home furthest up the hill, the most well-known resident was W.C. Chamberlin, who was a jeweller and watchmaker on Columbia Street.
If you remember visiting the New Westminster Museum and Archives when it was on Royal Avenue behind Irving House, you might have seen some large, very ornate display cases in the gift shop area. These were former showcases from Mr. Chamberlin’s store.
For the much larger home, near the corner of Welsh Street at Sixth Street, the most prominent residents would be Mr. and Mrs. C.A. Welsh who operated a number of general provisions and grocery stores in the area known as “The People’s Grocer.”
The Welsh family was prominent in the community with a variety of groups and connections. Mrs. Welsh – Maude – was a former May Queen (1881), involved with the Council of Women, the YWCA, the board of the Royal Columbian Hospital, and the board of governors of UBC, among others. Mr. Welsh – Charles – also had numerous affiliations including the Harbour Board, Masonic Lodge, the board of trade, city council, police commission, the Kiwanis Club, the B.C. Lacrosse Association and the Salmonbelllies, and he was a trustee of the Minto Cup.
They were deeply involved in many aspects of the region and were widely loved and appreciated. They also had a great dedication and love for each other. If you visit their grave in Fraser Cemetery you will note another interesting detail in their story: they died on the same day.
One night at their home on Sixth Street, Mr. Welsh suffered a heart attack. Maude found him on the floor and telephoned for assistance. When help arrived, they found Mrs. Welsh also deceased along with her husband. After a long life together, they died within minutes of each other.
An interesting family story, all part of a local city block and its community connection.
