ordinary and every day
informal rather than formal
practical, utilitarian, modest and cheap
reflection of ethnic and cultural diversity
uniform, mass produced – sometimes idiosyncratic and quirky
The theme of Heritage Week 2007 is Vernacular Heritage or Architecture without Architects. It’s not an easy thing to define. In terms of architecture and heritage it tends to mean several things:
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ordinary and every day |
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informal rather than formal |
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practical, utilitarian, modest and cheap |
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reflection of ethnic and cultural diversity |
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uniform, mass produced – sometimes idiosyncratic and quirky |
We find vernacular heritage just about everywhere. They can be as familiar as the corner store, the bakery, a gas station or a church. These fall into simple categories:
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where we settle |
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where we grow |
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what we need |
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where we live |
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where we work |
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where we do business |
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where we learn |
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where we worship |
Each building in these categories had an original purpose and many continue to function as originally intended. They are often taken for granted and frequently undervalued. Many have had close calls and were nearly demolished. Some hold onto life by a thread, ignored and generally forgotten.
Everyday buildings and places are the link to our history and shared experiences. Vernacular heritage is a legacy that helps us understand ourselves and is worth conserving and passing on.
We are now sitting in a prime example of vernacular heritage. The bridge school started its life in 1925 as a place where we learn. It has evolved over the years into a workshop and in the early 1980’s was very nearly destroyed. The building has come full circle and is again a place to learn.
The Kaatza train station is another prime example of vernacular heritage. It was built in 1913 because it was what the community needed at the time. It was also a place to work and do business. Again, over time it became ignored and abandoned. Not until a group of local citizens saw a great need to save the station – it was a link to our history and a shared experience – that it took on a new life and has become a place to learn, work and do business.
These two buildings share something in common. They started life as ordinary and everyday, practical and utilitarian, uniform and mass produced. Through time they have become an important part of our community and we love the shared history they provide us.
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Most of us live in homes that would qualify as vernacular heritage. It doesn’t mean that we don’t live them and cherish their history, but the fact is that they’re pretty ordinary and everyday and they were built to serve a need. A good example would be the 100 Houses. After the war there was a need for mass housing for war veterans and their families. |
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Youbou is another example. Company homes were built in the late 1940’s. The description in the UBO Bulletin is as follows: “Two new dwelling pictured here are situated on the north side of Cedar Drive. These homes are practically identical with those under construction, except they are 27’X42’. They have six rooms and a bath and are equipped with a furnace and a basement garage.” You can’t get much more utilitarian than that!
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The Mesachie Lake School was built in 1956. In 1968 the Hillcrest Mill closed and the school was no longer needed. It was moved to Lake Cowichan Secondary School and used as the band and art room. In 1996 it was going to be torn down, but was saved at the last minute. Part of it is now located at the museum and has recently been renovated and is being used for storage and as a workshop. (no photo)
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Lake Logging – Rounds Camp. Although this was not a “typical” logging camp it is still the epitome of vernacular heritage. It was a complete community and everything was built for a specific reason. It had bunkhouses, a school, post office, family homes and logging and railway buildings. This camp was closed in 1947 and Gordon River Camp opened – another company town. |
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This is about as vernacular as it comes. Simple, basic logger’s camp –early 20th century. They served a purpose and then they were torn down or just left to nature. |
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A slightly upscale method of living from the last photo. Fred and Sophia Swanson’s float-house. Again, very typical for a home of this type, it would have had a main room and kitchen and maybe two bedrooms. |
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This Japanese Temple at Paldi built in 1924 falls into the category of vernacular heritage as it is a reflection of ethnic and cultural diversity and at the same time very ordinary. |
The Sikh Temple in Lake Cowichan built in 1970 reflects the same ideas as the Japanese Temple. |
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Looking up South Shore Road – The old post office building which is now a pizza place – Gordon’s Store, which was torn down many years ago. On the left side of the street are buildings which are still there, although most of them have been transformed over the years. |
| The Reed Block was built in 1949 and still exists today. it has always housed a variety of stores. This is a fine example of how things change. The fire hall in the background is no longer functioning. |
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The Co-op, middle background in this picture, is being transformed into a new store and the buildings closest have been changed many times over the years. |
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Johnson’s Garage was built in 1940. Henry Nash, pictured here bought it in 1942. It has had several transformations and has recently been closed to await a new life. the car culture legacy is everywhere – gas stations, garages, car dealerships, parkades and parking lots, auto courts and motels and road side diners. Often overlooked for their heritage value, they are at risk of vanishing. |
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Vernacular heritage, then is the heritage of everyday and everybody. Not surprisingly, it is also everywhere.
Presentation by: Barbara Simkins, February 2007
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