Written by Liting He 2022 Cohort
Do you know where Vancouver’s first-generation luxury residential area is? And how did this area develop? Today, we will unravel the answer and take you into a charming, creepy, old house. In 1890, the West End developed into a first-generation luxury residential area for many reasons:
First, the tram had just opened in Vancouver, and then, the nearby streets became the most convenient places in the city. Second, Stanley Park was near the community, so the West End became very exclusive then, attracting many people to move in there. Even including Vancouver’s mayor!
I want to introduce today the Roedde house that has existed in this West End community for more than a hundred years. The original owner of this house was a couple who immigrated from Germany via the US – Gustav and Matilda Roedde. Their home was built in 1893 and designed by the famous local designer Francis Rattenbury (Vancouver Art Gallery).
After we arrived at the house, we needed to ring the small, antique doorbell in the shape of a key. When we entered the hall of the house, it was worth noting that there were no railings anyplace, and each room had spooky Halloween decorations, which provided us with an immersive experience.
Our tour started from the Parlour room; we learned through the staff’s explanation that Mr. Gustav was the first bookbinder in Vancouver, and the Gustav couple lived here with their two daughters and three sons. In the Parlour room, we saw the music cabinet, the stereoscope, the fireplace, the sofa, and the piano. This space used to be their central entertainment place.
Along the door inside the Parlour room, we entered the parent’s bedroom; I was surprised; the bedroom was not big and seemed crowded. The room has a stroller next to the dressing table so Matilda can take care of the baby while doing her makeup.
Let’s go to the den room, the couple’s relaxation room. I imagine Mr. Gustav smoking his pipe, listening to opera, and looking at his collections. There were even two mounted deer heads on the wall that were shot in Stanley Park.
Going to the second floor, when we went through the boy’s room to the balcony, there was a sewing room with a perfect view; this was also Matilda’s favourite room because she could supervise the children in the boys’ and girls’ rooms, all the while doing her sewing!
Going down the stairs, our tour was over; this Victorian architectural-style house was full of a creepy and mysterious atmosphere. After the trip, I felt like watching a tragic, touching movie on the BBC. Which part of today’s stories will you like most?