Historic Buildings
The historic buildings housed at Heritage Park Museum range from a typical 1914 homestead to a 1930’s trappers cabin. The eight buildings listed below are not replica’s but are original structures which have been moved to the museum. These fascinating examples offer a glimpse into a small community in the early 20th century for old and young alike. Guided tours can be arranged for groups or schools, click here for more information.
Kalum Lake Hotel (1920)
Built by George Cobb, the Hotel was used as a roadhouse for miners, settlers, and pole cutters in the Kalum Lake region. In 1926, the hotel was purchased by Everett and Ethel Dix from Florida, as a resort for wealthy Americans. These early tourists came to the Terrace area for the world renowned hunting and fishing. The hotel has now been restored to this period and serves as the main museum building at Heritage Park.
Dix’s Dance Hall (1925)
Built by the Dix’s family, the Dance Hall was erected across from the Kalum Lake Hotel. It was used by local residents from Terrace and the Kalum Lake area for community dances and picnics. The construction of this building is unusual – vertical logs, a hip roof and an orchestra pit.
Hampton Barn (1912)
The barn was built by Fred Hampton in the Deep Creek area; unfortunately the area Fred chose was mainly clay. The barn was abandoned within a few years, where it sat for over 70 years before being found by a crew of timber workers. The barn was airlifted to Heritage Park Museum in the 1980’s.
Johnstone Cabin (1921)
Built by Albert Johnston and his son Ted it was originally used as a barn for Bruce Johnstone on his hotel property at Lakelse Lake Hotsprings. Similar to the Kalum Lake Hotel, guests from throughout North America visited the Hot Springs for the superb fishing, hunting and medicinal qualities of the springs.
Belway Mining Cabin (1910)
This cabin is the oldest building on-site, and was built by the Belway Mining Company. It was built on the Dominion Telegraph Line near Anyox and it was used by miner’s from the Belway and Rex gold claims.
Conroy Homestead (1914)
Tom Conroy built this well constructed two-story home in hopes of finding a wife. The building was built with small windows, a design feature which minimized the loss of heat in the winter and the cost of construction. When this building was being taken apart to move to Heritage Park Museum, it was found that long-john underwear was used as chinking.
Lineman’s Cabin (1919)
Built by the Dominion Telegraph Company linesmen, the cabin was used as a way-stop by travellers and the men working the telegraph line. As such, the cabins were placed roughly one days walk apart. This cabin was sparsely furnished and was located at the north end of Kalum Lake.
Trapper’s Cabin (1930)
This cabin was built by Paul Schulte on his winter’s trap line in the Deep Creek area. It provided a warm, dry place to spend a cold winter night. The building contained rough, but functional furniture including a bed, desk and the all important wood stove. The cabin also offered protection from bears with nails in the door and a saw blade over the back window.
