British Columbia Bookshelf

 Every time I walk or drive past a heritage building, I can’t help but wonder about its history. Who lived, worked, or played there? Did a famous historic event occur there? Is an intriguing, long forgotten, or suppressed story waiting to be uncovered? Most of the time, the history on-this-spot is more interesting than anything I could dream up.

 Often, without enthusiastic and determined community members, these historic places would be lost due to deterioration or development. Many British Columbia History magazine readers are among this dedicated group through their efforts as volunteers at historic places and members of historical societies across BC. I count myself among their ranks. Themes of heritage preservation, both tangible and intangible, along with activism, run through several of the books reviewed in this issue.

One new addition appears in the “BC Bookshelf” this issue. Every year more history books are published than we have space for in British Colombia History, as well, the review process takes some time, so a selection of titles will be listed in “Recently Released.”

Are there heritage preservation projects in your community that you feel passionate about?

 Aimee

Our Happy Home: Ross Bay Villa Past Present Future.

By the Ross Bay Villa Society (Victoria: Ross Bay Villa Society, 2019) $25. Contact Ross Bay Villa for copies.

Heritage homes exist in communities across British Columbia. Some stand endangered while others receive meticulous care.

 Houses that were once threatened with demolition often remain standing due to the tenacious efforts of volunteers. Ross Bay Villa in Victoria is no exception. Our Happy Home: Ross Bay Villa Past Present Future chronicles the home’s history as a residence from 1865 – 1997 and subsequent restoration as a historic house museum, a journey that spanned three decades.

The book begins by recognizing that Ross Bay Villa is situated on the land of the Lekwungen People who have been in the area for millennia. It