A day of entertainment and educational activities will be held Sunday to celebrate the 100th birthday of the Cammidge House, the popular heritage farmhouse in Boundary Bay Regional Park.
"The program for the day has been designed to provide a glimpse of life in the rejuvenated farmhouse through the last century," says Cammidge House Committee chairman Geof Hacker.
Scheduled to run from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., the event will take place primarily on the grounds of the house and will feature interactive displays by organizations such as Metro Vancouver, Boy Scouts, Delta Naturalists Society, Earthwise Society, Delta Heritage Air Park, Delta Museum and more. Vintage cars will be parked on the concourse and refreshments can be purchased from the Tsawwassen Boundary Bay Lions Club mobile kitchen.
Members of the wellknown Boundary Bay Quilters Guild have created a magnificent quilt depicting Cammidge House and Boundary Bay, which will be on display. Members will also be on the front porch illustrating the creativity entailed in designing and sewing a quilt.
The most important section of the day will commence at 2 p.m. with ceremonial activities, including, weather permitting, a fly past of Trevor Skillen's Second World War bi-plane. Dignitaries and guests will be piped in and after short speeches, the first of 100 Nootka rose bushes will be planted along the fence in front of the house.
A 100th birthday must have a cake, and this one will feature 100 cupcakes, however provision has been made for more to be added so there will be some for everyone.
The first 50 years of the farmhouse's life were enjoyed for the purpose it was built, providing a comfortable residence for its farmer owners. Although it was initially constructed in 1914 by Edwin Cammidge and reflected his success as a farmer, he resided there for about 13 years before other farming families purchased the property.
As time passed the house was often left neglected and eventually vandalized. It was the Tsawwassen Boundary Bay Lions Club that envisaged a future for Cammidge House and in co-operation with Metro Vancouver, reached an agreement to relocate it to its present site in Boundary Bay Regional Park.
The Lions committed to raising half of the $350,000 relocation and renovation cost, and with the help of Century Group, the dream soon became a reality.
In 2001, the rejuvenated farmhouse, with most of its original features intact, was given a new lease on life as a venue for weddings, parties and community events. Over the past 13 years, South Delta residents have looked forward to Santa Comes to Cammidge House, Heritage Day celebrations and the Father's Day pancake breakfast. Cammidge House also hosts car boot sales, bird photography workshops and many other activities.
For more information on Cammidge House or the anniversary celebrations, visit www.boundarybayparkassociation.wordpress.com or call 604-943-1303.
