Ross Bay Villa Canada Day Lawn Party July 1st 2014.
I’ve written before about the restoration project at Ross Bay Villa, and the grand opening in the summer of 2013. Now, you can stroll the grounds, nibble sweet treats, drink tea and tour the house during the annual Canada Day Lawn Party.
On Tuesday July 1, 2014 we open the doors of this special historic house museum to the community for our annual lawn party and house tours.
New this year: hand carved & painted exterior signage, an efficient office for the Ross Bay Villa Society in the former linen closet/bathroom, coldframe in the kitchen garden, expanded giftshop and heritage displays, a Ross Bay Villa blend of tea by Murchies for sale + backyard chickens!Importance of Ross Bay Villa from the remarks by the Honourable Judith Guichon, OBC, Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia at the Grand Opening of Ross Bay Villa on August 4, 2013: “…By offering a place for folks with a similar passion to gather and exchange information we grow our heritage community and increase our knowledge and also become an education centre for young people and new comers to our communities… …They become a focal point to consider our history and what we have learned from the past.”
History: Ross Bay Villa was built in 1865 and is one of only a dozen remaining 1860s homes in the city. It was home to Francis James Roscoe, who arrived in Victoria in 1862, the same year as the city’s incorporation. Roscoe was an important figure in early Victoria, holding many public offices. Perhaps most significantly, he was a staunch advocate for BC’s rights in confederation and served as an MP for Victoria from 1874-1878.
In addition to its history as the residence of one of early Victoria’s major political figures, Ross Bay Villa is also a significant historical object in itself. The house was saved from demolition by the Land Conservancy of BC (TLC) in 1999 and since then, due to the tireless efforts of a dedicated team of volunteers, it has slowly been restored back to its original 1860s glory, adhering meticulously to the Standards and Guidelines for the Conservation of Historic Places in Canada. The exterior of the house boasts many of the original architectural details characteristic of the popular 1860s Gothic Revival style, and its interior exhibits rooms that have been restored completely with period wallpapers, furnishing, floor coverings and artifacts. In addition to Ross Bay Villa’s function as a historic house museum, it is also the home for the offices of the Hallmark Heritage Society and the Old Cemeteries Society, and serves as a hub for heritage activity in the community.
Ross Bay Villa Society: the Ross Bay Villa Society was incorporated in January 2013 to encourage and to participate in the restoration, maintenance, and stewardship of Ross Bay Villa; to research, document, and promote Ross Bay Villa’s historical significance to the community at large; and to operate as a not-for-profit organization. We are proud to announce that we were awarded a 2014 Hallmark Heritage Society Award of Merit and we are currently accepting new members and volunteers to help Cherish ~ Protect ~ Promote.
• 1490 Fairfield Road, Victoria (across from Ross Bay Cemetery)• Tuesday July 1st, 2014• Noon – 4pm• Admission to the grounds: FREE and includes music on the lawn, heritage displays, plant sale and cemetery tours• 45 minute guided House Tour: $7 Cream Tea: $7 Tea + Tour: $12
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