Written by Zea
Last semester, I was fortunate to step into Roedde’s House. This Queen Anne Revival architectural house has stood for over a century. It was the first time that I was exposed to Vancouver’s history. The entire experience was like a journey through time. I stood amidst the echoes of the Roedde family’s life, witnessing numberless moments of their living, laughing and contemplating.
The Roedde House Preservation Society managed the house and stored an extensive collection of period pieces depicting family life at the turn of the century. The furniture and everyday items were kept so well that I could even imagine what happened in that house and their conversations. The hostess was sitting on the balcony, doing sewing while keeping an eye on her children. Mr. Roedde was smoking downstairs, considering how to deal with business matters.
I visited Roedde House in early November, cold enough to have people getting thick quilt-covered at night. I noticed some heating tools in the corner when I explored the living room. People then used a container made of iron to keep hot water and warmed their beds on cold days. Those tools served as necessary household items in the past and served as a signal of time now, showing the massive change within a hundred years.
I am not a history enthusiast, and understanding the old story that happened over a hundred years ago is challenging. However, I was amazed at the atmosphere that engaged me during that period. Immersing myself in the past of another culture provided me with an insightful experience.
In brief, the people’s commitment to preserving antiques from old times and how they combined physical items with history impressed me the most. The opportunity to sense echoes from ancient times should be cherished, and I will always keep this experience in mind.