The Historic Stewart Farm will open its doors on Monday, Feb. 13 from noon to 3 p.m. to host local families who would like to have a unique and memorable Family Day.
Families can expect a light-hearted history experience, and to learn about how the pioneer Stewart family lived, drawing parallels with our modern, plugged-in lives.
Although the farmhouse might seem lavish today, it was considered a modest “middle class” home when the Stewarts lived and worked there as hay farmers.
“The farm is a bit of an awakening for many families, children and parents alike,” says Curator Jerrilin Spence. “There was no electricity and there was a massive amount of work for the whole family to do.”
“The few simple toys in the boys’ bedrooms are often mesmerizing to children visiting,” she says.
According to Spence, adults typically experience similar dismay. “There was no Wifi, no iPads and no Netflix,” she says. “When the sun went down, there was reading by candle light, simple games or conversation.”
The back-to-basics experience will include pioneer children’s games, taste-testing baking from the woodstove, a walk of Elgin Heritage Park, and even, for those inclined, the opportunity to try out farm chores.
Historic Stewart Farm is located at 13723 Crescent Road in South Surrey and entrance is free.
For more information, call 604-592-6956 or visit www.surrey.ca/heritage.