The theme of Heritage Week 2013 focused on homes and neighbourhoods. We enjoyed sharing stories related to that theme in a well-attended presentation that was filled with images of local homes from the 1860s to today. We also used the event to review our files for articles about historical homes and located some very interesting and intriguing pieces.
One article in the local press in the spring of 1890 talked about the great demand for new houses. Today, more than 120 years later, many are still surprised when a building sells out before it is even built. Some view this as only a modern occurrence but it is not necessarily so, as this 1890 piece points out.
"Buildings are going up in every direction as fast as men and material can do the work, but not fast enough. The population is being added to every day, families arriving by every train, but there is little house room for them. It is the old story of last year repeated. Houses are rented before the frame is up, and in many instances before the plans have been completed."
The article went on to describe how much housing was needed in New Westminster. "What are we going to do about it?" is the question asked, but the answer is slow in coming. Four hundred new houses was the estimate made for the present year, but it will take between 500 and 600 to supply the demand." Interesting information - this discussion could as well be found in the media of today.
Twenty years after the previous article, in the summer of 1910, the discussion was focused on the design and quality of the city's new homes. A front page report was headed "Residences under way handsome and durable, more attention is being paid to their architectural design than heretofore." The article makes it very clear that some are unimpressed by the housing stock that has been built and changes are being noticed.
"A marked feature of the building in the city this year is the excellent character of residences being constructed. Practically all are of a substantial nature, the owners having evidently decided that the time for erection of temporary makeshifts in a city of the pretensions of New Westminster is past." Now there is an interesting statement that could be the central point in a community discussion - the combination of the idea of "makeshifts" and the "pretensions of New Westminster."
The article describes the houses of the 1910 construction period: "The majority are two storeys in height and are so constructed as to present a pleasing exterior as well as to give the maximum of comfort and convenience in the interior arrangement. Some cosy cottages and bungalows are also being built on attractive sites overlooking the river."
Just two examples of the practical side of the heritage of houses in the Royal City.
