Thursday, March 25, 2010
Maplewood Farm Neighbour

The blue house with the brighter blue front steps at 343 Seymour River Place once had a different address.  Before 1960 it was part of Riverside Drive. But now both 343 and 405 which is Maplewood Farm share the street name of Seymour River Place.

The house at 343 Riverside Drive was built for $5500 in 1953 by G. Watt.  In 1959 he built a $150 carport.  As indicated by City Directories and telephone books Eva and George have lived there ever since. In 1960, the year his address changed from Riverside Drive to Seymour River Place, George was working as a yardman at Seaford Sales.  In 1971 and 1980 he was a laborer and sorter at Northcoast Forest Products. By 1990 George had retired. 

"The History of Maplewood Farm"

"In the early 1900's Mr. Akiyo Kogo first discovered this idyllic little spot nestled at the foot of Mount Seymour on the banks of the Seymour River. He could not have known then that this land would be the last remaining farm on Vancouver's North Shore.

During the twenties, the farm developed into a thriving dairy, delivering fresh milk and cream to customers from Deep Cove to Lonsdale for almost three decades.

By 1970, agriculture had all but disappeared from North Vancouver but luckily the farm land came under the protection of the District Parks Department, being preserved for future generations to enjoy a truly rural experience in our ever expanding urban area.

"Officially opened to the public in 1975, and now home to over 200 domestic animals and birds, Maplewood Farm strives to provide a unique experience, incorporating enjoyment, education and a recollection of the rural heritage of this pastoral 5 acre setting." Link.

Part of Maplewood Farm is directly behind the house at 343 Seymour River Place. The moo's and quack's of  the animals of Maplewood Farm can be heard from the backyard. The Watt family lived in the house for at least 57 years. That is three more years that the Facer family at 564 Granada who lived in their house about 54 years. (See Blog post February 23, 2010.)

Demolition:  Permit applied for in February 2010.

Photo: Taken in February 2010 by SW.

Link:  http://www.maplewoodfarm.bc.ca/