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Steveston Museum
Buidling Turns 100
The Steveston Museum building, one of the most beloved
historic buildings in Steveston Village, has turned 100. Also
home of the Steveston Post Office at 3811 Moncton Street
Yes, it's true, my favorite Steveston Village building has turned 100-years-old. Yes, the building housing the Steveston Museum and Post Office has turned 100. Originally built as the Northern Bank, Steveston's first
bank, in 1905, the prefabricated building was selected by bank officials from the BC Mills Timber and Trading Co. catalog. It was then shipped down the Fraser River by barge from New Westminster.
The Northern Bank later amalgamated with Crown Bank of Toronto, and became the Northern Crown Bank, which in 1918, was absorbed by the Royal Bank of Canada that retained ownership until 1963, when the bank moved across the street to its current location. From 1963 to 1977 it housed Dr. J.M. Campbell's medical practice. After extensive restoration, it opened in 1979 as the Steveston Museum and Post Office. The building now has formal heritage designation from the City of Richmond.
The Steveston Museum building was one of two identical prefabricated buildings manufactured by the BC Mills Timber and Trading Co., and likely constructed at the same time in the Steveston area.
 Now surrounded by boardwalks, this quaint building reflects the community's heritage as a busy commercial center at the turn of the 20th century. The main floor displays the Bank Manager's office with its early 20th century furniture, business machines, and other displays reflecting the products of period general stores. Upstairs, the dining room and bedroom represent the living quarters of the earliest bank staff who also doubled as night watchmen and caretakers. Japanese and Chinese artifacts illustrate the impact of these cultures on Steveston history. Photo displays capture some of the heritage of one of the oldest fishing harbors on the Canadian West Coast.
Today, this lovely little building houses both the Steveston Museum and a functioning post office, and backdrop to more than a few Hollywood movies. It's owned by the City of Richmond, and is operated by the Steveston Historical Society
So, when in Steveston, be sure to treat yourself to some time in the past and check out the displays on the main and second floors of the Steveston Museum at 3811 Moncton Street, Steveston Village (Richmond), BC V7C 3A0, Tel: 604-271-6868 in the heart of Steveston Village. Wheelchair accessible, main floor only.
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