List of historic places in Surrey, British Columbia facts for kids

Surrey, British Columbia, is a city with a rich past. It has many special places that tell stories about how people lived long ago. These places are called historic places, and they are protected so we can learn from them. They include old buildings, schools, churches, and even natural spots.

These historic sites are listed on the Canadian Register of Historic Places. This register helps make sure these important parts of Canada's history are kept safe for future generations. Let's explore some of Surrey's most interesting historic spots!

Historic Buildings and Community Hubs

Many of Surrey's historic places are buildings that were once important for the community. They show us how people worked, learned, and gathered together.

Early Government Buildings

Surrey has two old town halls that show how the city's government grew.

• The 1881 Town Hall (at 17635 60 Avenue) was one of the first places where local decisions were made. Imagine a time when Surrey was much smaller, and this building was at the heart of its administration!
• Later, the 1912 Municipal Hall (at 17671 56th Avenue) took over. This larger building shows how Surrey was growing and needed more space for its leaders and services.

Historic Homes

Many old houses in Surrey are also protected because of their unique history or architecture.

• The Anderson Cabin (at 17635 60th Avenue) is a simple cabin that reminds us of the early settlers who came to Surrey. It shows how people lived when they first arrived and built their homes from scratch.
• The Cecil Heppell House (at 5818 182 Street) is another example of a historic home. It tells us about the families who lived there and contributed to the community's development.
• The Creelman House (at 5678 182 Street) and Thomas L. Lawrence House (at 5720 182 Street) are also important. These houses often belonged to influential people or show common building styles from their era.

Community Gathering Spots

Places where people gathered for entertainment or community events are also very important.

• The Clova Theatre (at 5732 176 Street) is a classic old movie theatre. It was once a popular spot for people to watch films and socialize, bringing joy to many generations.
• The Ocean Park Community Hall (at 5658 182 Street) served as a central place for meetings, dances, and other community events. These halls were vital for building strong neighborhoods.

Historic Schools and Churches

Schools and churches played a huge role in building communities in early Surrey. They were places for learning, worship, and social support.

Old Schools

Several old school buildings in Surrey are now historic sites.

• Clayton Elementary School (at 7541 184 Street) and Cloverdale Elementary School (at 17857 56 Avenue) are examples of early schools. They show how education was provided in the past, often in smaller, simpler buildings than today's schools.
• The Old Anniedale School (at 9744 176th Street) and South Westminster School (at 12469 104 Avenue) also represent the history of education in different parts of Surrey.

Historic Churches

Churches were often the heart of early communities, providing spiritual guidance and social support.

• Christ Church, Anglican (at 16613 Old McLellan Road) and Cloverdale United Church (at 17553 58A Avenue) are two examples of historic churches. They have beautiful architecture and long histories of serving their congregations.
• St. Helen's Anglican Church (at 10787 128th Street) and St. Mary's Ukrainian Greek-Orthodox Church (at 10765 135A Street) show the diverse religious heritage of Surrey.

Unique Landmarks and Natural Sites

Not all historic places are buildings. Some are natural features or special monuments that have historical importance.

The Peace Arch

• The Peace Arch (on Highway 99) is a very famous landmark. It stands on the border between Canada and the United States, symbolizing peace and friendship between the two countries. It's a unique monument that has welcomed visitors for many years.

Important Trees and Trails

• The Avenue of Trees (on Old McLellan Road) and the Royal Oak Tree, Surrey Centre (also on Old McLellan Road) are examples of natural landmarks. These trees might have been planted for a special reason or simply stood as important markers in the landscape for a long time.
• The Semiahmoo Trail is an old trail that was used by Indigenous peoples and early settlers. It's a reminder of the paths people took to travel and connect different areas of Surrey in the past.

These historic places help us understand Surrey's journey from a small settlement to the vibrant city it is today. By protecting them, we keep the stories of the past alive for everyone to learn from.

Images for kids

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  The historic Cecil Heppell House in Surrey.

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  The Clova Theatre, a historic cinema in Surrey.

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  Cloverdale Elementary School, an important part of Surrey's educational history.

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  The Cloverdale United Church, a community landmark.

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  The Creelman House, another historic home in Surrey.

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  The Peace Arch, symbolizing peace between Canada and the USA.

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  The Thomas L. Lawrence House, a historic residence.