ADDRESS
8073
YEAR BUILT
1905
STREET
Old V&S Road
AREA
Central Saanich
PROTECTION
Designated
ARCHITECT OR BUILDER
Newman family
Our Community: Step back a century at the Newman Farm
This week’s Community column features a step back into the Peninsula’s farming past
Pedro Arrais, Times Colonist, August 13, 2023.
Step back in time to 1905 with a glimpse of turn-of-the-century farm life on the Peninsula at an open house at Newman Farm, Aug. 19 and 26.
The 16.5-acre farm remained in the Newman family — and relatively unchanged — for about 107 years. It is a rare example of a small, subsistence farm in the region from the turn of the 20th century. It was actively farmed until 1996. The property was donated to the District of Central Saanich as public parkland by John and Henry Newman, the last surviving members of the family, in 2003. The farmhouse, which was built in 1905, has been restored to much of its original state over the past 20 years, thanks to several grants.
During the open house, visitors can enter the farmhouse for the first time. The interior has been staged to offer a rare glimpse of life on the farm through the 20th century. “We have staged the interior of the farmhouse to help tell the story of how the Newmans lived, which is something of local folklore,” said Sonia Nicholson, a local archivist who led the work and was assisted by community volunteers.
Many of the buildings on the property are heritage sites. They include the original cabin and farmhouse, a creamery, garage, chicken coop, barn, outhouse, a second cabin, milking barn, four sheds and two boathouses. Since 2012, the municipality has partnered with The Farmlands Trust to grow a variety of fruits and vegetables on the farm. The produce is donated to Our Place for meals for the homeless and low-income individuals.
The event is free. The open house runs noon to 3 p.m., Aug. 19 and 26. Access is from Central Saanich Road, 500 metres north of Mount Newton Cross Road and south of Mount St. Michael Road. Park on the side of the road. Those with mobility limitations can park at 8073 Old V & S Road, off Newman Road.
- For more information, call the District of Central Saanich municipal hall at 250-544-4218.