The Langley Heritage Society has saved and preserved heritage structures in Langley Township for more than 40 years. Some of these buildings have received official Township heritage site designation, including the Fort Langley CNR Station and Dixon House & Barn project; they also appear on the register of Canada’s Historic Places. We’re proud of this record of heritage preservation and restoration.
Our next project: The Old Yale Barn (circa 1915) is a hip-roofed structure that served as a dairy barn for decades. It reflects the story of the development of farming, which continues to be an important underpinning of the local economy. The barn sits inside the Township’s Old Yale Park, directly beside a community garden, walking trail and off-leash dog area. It is in serious need of repair, with portions of the roof and siding missing, the structure is open to the elements and needs prompt attention. It is also important owl habitat.
People in the surrounding community have told our Society they want to see the barn saved and put to good use. Langley Heritage Society will replace the roof and siding, at our expense. The barn will continue to be managed by the Township of Langley’s Recreation, Culture & Parks Department. There could be multiple uses for this restored barn – park and community events, improved garden storage and new park interpretation. The Great Northern Railway laid its track through this area; Old Yale Road is an historic transportation route; and some of Langley’s earliest farms were established in the immediate area. It’s rich in possibilities for historical interpretation and fits directly into themes outlined in the Township’s ‘Our Shared History’ document.
Wheels of Time, a live theatrical production presented on the platform of the CNR Station two summers ago, is now on film. Thanks to Creative Compass Society for helping bring the production to life. Watch the production HERE.
The work of the Society has been featured in British Columbia History Magazine — read the profile HERE. The Langley Heritage Society works to engage youth with local history — this includes sponsoring school visits to the Langley Centennial Museum, school Heritage Fairs and offering a $1,000 Bays Blackhall Memorial Scholarship. The Society has also committed $60,000 towards equipping new classroom spaces at Salishan Place, scheduled to open in Fort Langley in 2024.
A series of videos produced with students at Brookswood Secondary School highlights some of our restored buildings — Fort Langley’s 1915 CNR Station, Wark/Dumais House, Michaud House, Dixon House & barn, and Lattimer House in Milner. If you have stories, photos or anecdotes about these buildings, and the people who lived in them, please contact us: info@langleyheritage.ca Watch the student videos HERE.