April 2019 - Langley Heritage Society

Valley Voices for May

From top: Marie Heaster is curator at Lytton Museum & Archives; Lorna Fandrich owns the award-winning (Heritage BC) Chinese Canadian History Museum in Lytton; Ralph Drew is author of Coquitlam Chronicles: Historical Crossroads on the Fraser River. Valley Voices journeys into the Fraser Canyon, to Lytton, where two unique museums are waiting to be discovered. (Watch for a story on these museums in the summer issue of British Columbia History Magazine.) Also on May's show: dig into Coquitlam's history with Ralph Drew. The historian and author covers the ice age, indigenous occupation and settler arrival via the Fraser River. Hosted by former CBC broadcaster Mark Forsythe, Valley Voices is heard on CIVL 101.7 FM on Wednesdays at 11 am, or listen via this LINK. The program is a monthly production of the Langley Heritage Society.

Mark Forsythe2020-05-27T05:59:45+00:00April 30th, 2019|

Volunteer Fair A Great Success

CN Station Manager Helen Williams stands beside John Sprung, chair of the Fraser Valley Heritage Railway Society. A big thank you to all our returning volunteers who stopped in to show their support and to staff the Langley Heritage Society's first annual Volunteer Fair. Great to see visitors, new volunteers sign up, and our friends from the Fraser Valley Heritage Railway Society. Our season begins on the Victoria Day weekend. If you'd like to learn more about becoming a volunteer go HERE. LHS volunteer Gerry Landsman and John Sprung inside the 1920s wooden caboose with its Glen Valley model railroad. LHS Volunteer Charlotte Landsman punches a ticket in the 1915 CN Station.

Mark Forsythe2020-05-27T05:59:45+00:00April 28th, 2019|

All Aboard! CN Station Volunteer Fair this Saturday!

Retired teacher and train enthusiast dons his railway cap while volunteering in the railcar at the Fort Langley CNR Station. Morgan Wilks enjoys sharing the station’s history with visitors, and a surprise visit from his grandchildren are just part of the fun.? You’re invited to a behind-the-scenes peak at the historic Fort Langley CNR Station on Saturday, April 27 from noon to 3 pm. The Langley Heritage Society is recruiting new volunteers to help greet visitors from around the world, and to share the fascinating history of station agents during the era when, “rail was king”. Bring your whole family for a tour of the: 1915 CNR railway station, CNR Station heritage garden, 1947 passenger car with telegraph station, 1920s era Canadian National Railways caboose with HO scale model railroad set in the 1950s Our volunteers are essential, allowing the beautifully restored train station and rolling stock to be accessible to the public. As [...]

Mark Forsythe2020-05-27T05:59:46+00:00April 24th, 2019|

New Park Honours Henry Houston Scott – Born a Slave

Next time you're near 64th Ave and 181A St, pull off to visit Surrey's newest park, dedicated today in honour of the Scott family. Originally from Texas by way of Oklahoma, Henry Houston Scott was born a slave in the US. He arrived in Cloverdale with his wife and 3 youngest children to start a new life in 1912. They began farming and became involved in their new community. The fruit trees in the park (apple, cherry and pear) are from the original homestead -- which didn't have a road when they first arrived, just a trail to the Pacific Highway. Congratulations to the Surrey Historical Society for leading the way in recognizing the family, and for cleaning up the vacant lot that was once part of the 7 acre farm and is now a park. SHS also placed a headstone at the family's unmarked grave at Surrey Centre [...]

Mark Forsythe2020-05-27T05:59:46+00:00April 17th, 2019|

AGM 2019: Farewell and Hello

Langley Heritage Society hosted a fine AGM on Friday April 12th, with guest speaker Ralph Drew sharing some fascinating stories from his new book, "Coquitlam Chronicles". We also said farewell and thanks to outgoing director Bob Armstrong, and welcomed new members and volunteers. The CARES cat shelter also received a donation of one month's rent from the Langley Heritage Society (the shelter operates at our Moir House property). Special thanks to Glenn Disney for taking photos for us once again. \

Mark Forsythe2020-05-27T05:59:46+00:00April 15th, 2019|

Blooming Good Time at the CN Station

Camperdown Elm trees are exploding at the Fort Langley CN Station. Three of them are part of the Heritage Garden that's getting an overhaul this spring. We also have a brand new retaining wall that now stops the slope from sliding into the garden. Thanks to the Township of Langley crew for a great job! And can't forget the new signage that we've added in the off season. We'll open beginning on the Victoria Day weekend, and are looking for new volunteers to join us. Find out more HERE.

Mark Forsythe2020-05-27T05:59:46+00:00April 15th, 2019|

Ready to Roll!

Mark Forsythe2020-05-27T05:59:46+00:00April 13th, 2019|

This Is Kwantlen

Photo: Fort Langley National Historic Site The photography and writing students at the Langley Fine Arts School have created an engaging piece of public art -- striking black and white photos and biographies of their Kwantlen neighbours. The idea is to raise community awareness and honour local indigenous people. Large images and profiles are appearing at sites around Fort Langley. You can see close-ups and individual biographies HERE.

Mark Forsythe2020-05-27T05:59:46+00:00April 11th, 2019|

Happy Volunteer Week!

Take a bow, volunteers! We wouldn't be the same without you. It's Volunteer Week, and Langley Heritage Society is saluting our team of volunteers who contribute in so many ways. People like Gerry Landsman, who operates the wonderful Glen Valley model railway inside the wooden caboose. If you'd like to join us for the upcoming season at the Fort Langley CNR Station, fill out the online volunteer application form HERE.

Mark Forsythe2020-05-27T05:59:46+00:00April 8th, 2019|

April’s Valley Voices

Surry Historical Society president Michael Gibbs at the Scott Family plot. Surrey Historical Society has launched a series of "Memory Socials" that connect people and neighbourhoods. Valley Voices hears what they're learning, and the story of a former slave family that lived in Cloverdale from society president Michael Gibbs. Also, Fort Langley National Historic Site has created a special place for kids to have fun -- and learn some history. Nancy Hildebrand and son Caleb give us a tour. Tune in Wednesdays on CIVL 101.7 FM at 11 am, or follow the link HERE to the podcast, hosted by former CBC broadcaster Mark Forsythe. Nancy Hildebrand with son Caleb at the Fort Langley National Historic Site.

Mark Forsythe2020-05-27T05:59:46+00:00April 3rd, 2019|