Helmcken House 2

It's easy to see from yesterday's photo how Dr. Helmcken added to his house as his family grew, adding rooms as children arrived. He was married to one of Governor James Douglas' daughters who unfortunately died when the children were still quite young. So, as well as his many duties to the new colony (as a medical doctor, an elected representative and a high level Hudson's Bay Company employee) the doctor was also a single parent. The dining room of his house looks quite comfortable. In the center at the rear is the actual desk where Dr. Helmcken did much of his work when at home. One thing I learned about the doctor is that if the sitting room below had that wallpaper, that rug, and that sofa when he lived there then he was a much stronger man than I.

Helmcken House

Above is Helmcken House, still on the original plot of land where it was built, now adjacent to the Royal BC Museum (visible on the left above). The house belonged to John Sebastian Helmcken, the colony's first doctor and an important early resident in many other ways. I went to Helmcken House yesterday because I realized I have never looked inside closely. We'll have a look at what I found within, tomorrow.

John Sebastian Helmcken

Just behind St. Ann's Schoolhouse that was pictured here yesterday is the house that belonged to John Sebastian Helmcken, probably my favorite amongst all our founding fathers. He was a medical doctor and in the statue above is pictured as he was probably often seen, leaving his house with his medical bag in one hand and his stethoscope around his neck. His house is the oldest house in the province that is still on its original foundation. He built it in 1852 next door to Governor James Douglas, whose daughter he married. You can find out more about him by clicking HERE.