“Road-y,” not “rode,” is how you pronounce the name of the Roedde House Museum. Gustav and Matilda Roedde settled here in 1888. Gustav was Vancouver’s first bookbinder. He opened G.A. Roedde Bookbinders by 1893. His business thrived. It allowed him to build this beautiful house in the West End.
Roedde House is a Class A Heritage House. The City of Vancouver designated it as such. The design is attributed to Francis Rattenbury. He was a famed architect.
Step inside the Roedde House Museum. It shows late Victorian family life. The Roedde House Preservation Society has restored it carefully. They furnished it to reflect the Roedde family’s time. You can walk into every room. You can even touch some artifacts. Experience the late 19th century for yourself at Roedde House.
Roedde House was built in 1893. That was just seven years after Vancouver was officially founded. It exemplifies a late Victorian middle-class home. It was built in the Queen Anne revival style.
The Roedde House Preservation Society runs the heritage site. They have over 50 volunteers. The house was beautifully restored in 1990.
Rattenbury designed many famous buildings. These include the BC Legislature and Empress Hotel in Victoria. He also designed Vancouver’s former courthouse. It is now the Vancouver Art Gallery. Roedde House is one of his earlier Canadian works. It is one of the few residential homes he designed before his career took off.
Roedde House is located at 1415 Barclay Street. It’s between Broughton Street and Nicola. It is about four blocks south of Robson Street in Vancouver’s West End. Barclay Heritage Square is beside the museum. Barclay Manor is on the other side of the park.
Gustav and Matilda Roedde lived in the home from 1893 until 1925. Years later, the building became a rooming house. Over time, it fell into disrepair. The City of Vancouver purchased the property in 1970. The city intended to tear it down and build a park. Fortunately, the building was saved. It has been a museum since 1990.
When you visit Roedde House for a tour, a guide welcomes you. They will show you around the home. The building itself is charming outside and beautiful inside. The home has fine wood floors. The parlour has a late 19th-century Steinway piano. Upstairs, there is a revolving exhibition. It changes two or three times a year. On your tour, you’ll see the kitchen and dining room. You’ll also see the bedrooms and pretty much every part of the house.
You’ll see fine China and clothing. You’ll also see turn-of-the-century furniture. There are photos of the Roedde family and other interesting antiques and artifacts.
During your tour, you’ll learn about the Roedde family. You’ll discover the history of the home and the building’s architectural features.
Unlike most historical sites, you can touch items on display. You can sit on the furniture. It’s a wonderfully hands-on museum most years. You are asked not to touch clothing on display. It is especially delicate. There is also the occasional sign asking you not to touch specific things. In most cases, you are welcome to pick things up and look at them. Enjoy the experience with more than just your eyes. If in doubt, ask your tour guide.
Special events at Roedde House include Sunday Tea and Tours. There are also Jazz Concert Series performances. Classical Concert Series events and the occasional play are presented.
Built by a bookbinder, designed by a notable architect, and brought back to life through community effort, the Roedde House Museum stands as a testament to Vancouver’s vibrant past and enduring spirit. A visit here is not just a tour. It is a step back in time.