Visitors at this year’s Doors Open will have the opportunity to step back in time — 106 years back to be exact.
In 1908, Solomon and Eleanor Branscombe settled on 260 acres at what is now the south west corner of Steveston Highway and Railway Avenue.
On their plot of land they built a two-storey Edwardian style home with bevelled lapped siding, a bellcast hipped roof, scrolled eave brackets and square piers on the verandah. On the same land, the Branscombe family managed their dairy farm.
The Branscombes and their home represents more than just one family’s history. Rather, it’s an integral part of Steveston’s history. The railway that was constructed by the CPR in 1902 that ran along Railway Avenue was leased in 1905 to the British Columbia Electric Railway (BCER) for connection to Vancouver.
It was only after the arrival of the Branscombe family, that a stop was built north of Steveston Highway and Railway Avenue. The station was fittingly named Branscombe Station after the family.
However, a lot has changed since 1908. There is no longer a train that runs through Steveston, and Branscombe House has since been owned by a number of different families, renovated, and then finally vacated and boarded up.
After sitting deserted for a number of years, and after much pressure from members in the community, Richmond city councillors gave the go-ahead in 2012 to salvage and restore this historic landmark in Steveston.
On June 7 and 8, the Branscombe House on 4900 Steveston Hwy. will be one of more than 40 sites Richmond residents and visitors can view during the 7th annual Doors Open event.
“This is the first time visitors can go in and see the Branscombe House after its extensive restoration,” said Rebecca Forrest, the curator of Richmond Museum and coordinator of Doors Open. “We even managed to salvage the original wallpaper.” (The wallpaper is now in the city's artifact collection.)
Other new additions to this year’s list of locations include Kwantlen Polytechnic University on Lansdowne Road, and the Vancouver International Airport.
“This event is a great opportunity to learn more about Richmond and explore this fantastic city and its arts, culture and heritage ,” added Forrest.
The event is free and takes place between 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Information on participating sites and maps can be found online at richmond.ca/doorsopen or at Richmond’s community centres.
