London Heritage Farm facts for kids
Quick facts for kids London Heritage Farm |
|
|---|---|
| Type | Farm |
| Location | British Columbia, Canada |
| Nearest city | Richmond |
| Area | 4.06 acres (1.64 ha) |
| Created | 1880s |
| Operated by | London Heritage Farm Society |
London Heritage Farm is a cool historical place in Richmond, Canada. It's about 4 acres (1.64 hectares) big. You can find an old farmhouse from the 1880s here. The farm also has a lovely park that looks out over the Fraser River.
Inside the farmhouse, there's a cozy tea room and a gift shop. You can also explore six rooms filled with old furniture, clothes, and everyday items. These show what life was like between 1880 and 1930. Outside, you'll see beautiful heritage and herb gardens. There's also an old barn, antique farm tools, and even a small museum for hand tools. You might spot chickens and busy bees too! The farm has community gardens, big lawns, picnic tables, and public washrooms.
The City of Richmond owns London Heritage Farm. The London Heritage Farm Society helps run it. They get money from donations, the tea room, gift shop, and special events. This money helps keep the farm running and make improvements.
This farm has even been in movies and TV shows! The 1992 film Jennifer 8 was filmed here. It also appeared in an episode of the TV series MacGyver.
Contents
The London Family's Story
How the Farm Began
The London family started this farm a long time ago. In 1877, two brothers, Charles (16) and William (17), came to British Columbia from Ontario. Three years later, they bought 200 acres (81 hectares) of land for $2000. They built a small farmhouse and started clearing the land for farming.
In 1888, Charles London married Henrietta Dalzeil from Scotland. They began building the larger farmhouse that you see today. The house was built in two parts. The back part was finished first. The front part was added in the 1890s and completed in 1898.
Life at the Farm
Besides farming, the London family also ran a general store and a post office. They built a wharf by the river. This allowed them to get supplies and ship their farm products. They sent milk, hay, oats, and vegetables to New Westminster.
Charles and Henrietta London had eight children. Sadly, three of them died when they were babies. Henrietta passed away in 1916. The family stayed at the farm for three more years. Then, they moved to Vancouver.
The Farm's Later Years
In 1921, Lucy, the London's oldest daughter, bought the farm back with her husband, Herbert Howse. They farmed and raised their own family there until 1948. After that, different families rented the farmhouse. Finally, the City of Richmond bought the farm in 1978.
The London Heritage Farm Society
Saving the Farm
The London Heritage Farm Society worked hard to save the farmhouse. They worked with the City of Richmond for several years. The city eventually bought the house and four acres of the original farmland.
Once the house and land were officially recognized as a heritage site, the Society signed an agreement. They then worked to restore the old farmhouse.
Keeping the Farm Alive
Today, the London Heritage Farm Society and the City of Richmond still work together. They manage the farm and make sure it stays a wonderful place for everyone to visit and learn about history.
