Editor: Re: Giving public access key to preserving heritage buildings, June 27
I am encouraged to see discussion of heritage preservation in Delta coming to the forefront. Heritage buildings are expensive to restore and maintain, and present challenges to communities that must balance preservation of history with the sober realities of municipal expenditures.
I must, however, take a moment to clarify some statements made by Ed Ries regarding the Delta Museum.
It is true that some of the objects found in the Delta Museum may be similar to objects found elsewhere.
The stove displayed in the museum's kitchen exhibit is similar to stoves found in homes of the period.
What Delta Museum and Archives Society has tried to do is interpret that culture in a way that prompts people to consider the stories unique to Delta. As with all museums, there is going to be some similarity, but our interpretation has consistently reflected Delta in all its facets.
Our lower floor exhibits are constructed to give the appearance of a walk down Delta Street between 1900 and 1950. It has a unique flavour, emphasizing the shop owners, doctors and characters one might meet. We even have True Oliver's bicycle on display - a local larger than life figure that celebrated the benefits of rural life.
On the main floor, we have exhibits that have been curated to emphasize a prosperous Edwardian house in the early 1900s.
Photos and interpretation celebrate early pioneers such as the Ladners, Parmiters and Bensons.
In fact, careful attention has been made to ensure that objects on display have a Delta provenance. A piano in one of the rooms is not just any piano, it was the Burr family piano.
Upstairs, the main economic drivers are celebrated: fishing and farming are essential to Delta's identity. Again, every artifact comes from Delta. They were used by people that contributed blood, sweat and tears to establish Delta.
I can't agree with Ries that similar history is irrelevant history. While it's true that, on the surface, the early history of Delta's farming history appears to be similar to other agricultural-based communities across Canada, a deeper examination will reveal those stories unique to our area.
Similar stories exist with the fishing industry, and the early development of our commercial businesses.
The Delta Museum and Archives Society preserves photographs, documents, objects and stories from Delta. Are there similarities to other places in Canada?
Yes, there are common threads that run through many Canadian communities. Are there stories unique to Delta? Most certainly!
Finally, it is important to note the Delta Museum is located in the 1912 municipal offices, which allows visitors to view this important heritage building. I encourage all readers to visit the Delta Museum in Ladner Village, and the new Delta Archives, located in Delta's 1968 municipal hall, to explore the history of your community.
Mark Sakai Executive Director Delta Museum and Archives Society
