Captain and Mrs. Irving moved into what we now call Irving House in 1865. Captain Irving originated from Scotland and sailed the world before meeting his wife, Elizabeth Dixon, in Portland. After marriage, the Irving’s settled in New Westminster, then the capital of the mainland, where Captain Irving started a paddle wheeler business on the Fraser River.

Three generations of the Irving family lived in the house until 1950 when the City purchased the house and opened it as an historic centre. The house has been preserved and is in remarkable condition, full of historical treasures and rich stories that will marvel you.

As you step into the Irving past you will see many antique furnishings that have a story and life of their own. For example, you will be shocked at how short the furniture is. It is often believed that people were smaller back then due to poor nutrition and limited medicine. In part, this is true, but another reason for the small furniture was that Queen Victoria was only 4’ 10” and she liked small furniture. As the Queen had the best taste, of course, everyone copied her.

The small parlor piano, owned by Captain Grant who was second in command of the Royal engineers, journeyed around the bottom of South America on the City of Thamses for seven months in 1858. You can almost hear the piano playing throughout the house, accompanied by rich voices singing songs of the past.

The large parlour, where the lady of the house held tea one afternoon per week, boasts 12’ ceilings and original French Foil wallpaper. To accommodate the elevated ceilings, you will need to climb 23 stairs to the upper floor which hosts the nursery, master bedroom and children’s rooms. The bedrooms were very busy when Captain Irving’s daughter, Mary Briggs, husband and nine children lived in the house.

Irving House’s rich history also includes a bullet hole. During an 1897 depression, two robbers broke into the house at 3am and were startled by a family member. The robbers fired one shot that embedded itself into the door jam as they fled the house. The bullet is still there for your viewing.

I would encourage anyone interested in the City’s history or how people lived 139 years ago to visit Irving House. You will love the artifacts, decorations, atmosphere and the many fascinating stories relayed to you by costumed guides. Who knows, maybe you will find another bullet hole. Admission is by donation and you can call 604-527-4640 for details.