Homes, Townhouses, and Condos in the Broadmead area on MLS, and a bit of History

Broadmead has a fascinating history. Rober Rithet's decision to purchase and clear the land for farming played a significant role in shaping the landscape and creating a productive agricultural space. The transition from wild forest land to a functioning farm demonstrates the determination and effort of early settlers to utilize the resources around them for sustenance and economic activity.

The involvement of George McMorran as the foreman who worked on clearing the land and managing the farming operations adds a personal touch to the story. His contributions and hard work, along with his family's involvement, showcase the collaborative effort that was often required to develop and maintain a successful farm during that era. The reference to George McMorran's later fame with McMorran's Tea Rooms suggests that he continued to have an impact on the local community beyond his role as a foreman.

It's interesting to see how individuals who were involved in historical events often went on to contribute to their communities in other ways as well. This account provides a glimpse into the process of transforming wilderness into a productive agricultural area, and the stories of individuals like Robert Rithet and George McMorran highlight the human aspect of these changes.

It's a reminder of the rich history and the efforts of those who shaped the land and communities we have today. The story of the temperamental horse on the Rithet farm adds a charming and relatable aspect to the historical narrative. Naming the horse "Company Hill" due to its reluctance to travel up the steep slope is a creative way to capture the horse's behavior and its impact on the farm's operations.

This anecdote gives personality to the horse and demonstrates how people often found ways to infuse humor and storytelling into their daily lives, even when dealing with challenges or inconveniences. The choice to rename the horse after the particular location where it had trouble navigating further connects the story to the landscape and the unique features of the farm.

This small yet notable episode showcases the intricate relationship between humans and animals, and how they both contributed to the daily life and activities on the farm. Such anecdotes offer a glimpse into the everyday experiences of historical periods, reminding us that even in the midst of larger developments and transformations, there were individual moments and characters that left their mark on the history of a place. It's these smaller, personal stories that often give history a relatable and human touch, allowing us to connect with the past on a more personal level.

John Heal's acquisition of 50 acres in the 1860s highlights the early stages of settlement and land ownership in the area. The fact that his sons also purchased land and continued to develop the region by establishing properties and enterprises further emphasizes the family's commitment to the community's growth. The transformation of the Heal land, from farming and agricultural activities to being sold for purposes like a race track and a burial site, shows the evolving land use patterns over time.

The Sisters of St. Anne's use of the property for vegetable cultivation for St. Joseph's Hospital adds another layer to the story, demonstrating how different institutions contributed to the area's development. The establishment of a post office, as well as the naming of streets after significant wartime battles, adds historical depth to the neighborhood and commemorates the sacrifices made during times of conflict. George Chatterton's role in assisting veterans and his subsequent tenure as a Saanich Reeve further showcases the community's dedication to supporting returning soldiers and integrating them back into civilian life. This narrative provides a rich glimpse into the evolution of the Broadmead/Royal Oak area, highlighting the individuals, families, and initiatives that shaped its history and continue to influence its character today.

ate in the 19th century, the Guinness family from Dublin purchased Rithet’s land and eventually developed much of it through a company known as Broadmead Farms. In 1995, descendants of brewer Arthur Guinness donated “42 hectares of unique wetlands to Saanich … and a four-kilometer perimeter trail was completed around the “Bog…” Rithet’s Bog, as it came to be known, is very unique, being the only remaining bog of its type of the hundreds that once existed on Southern Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands. Its vegetation is particularly unusual and the surrounding fields provide “an important over-wintering area for waterfowl and a daytime resting area for gulls.” Environmentalist Freeman King noted back in 1964 that “… this is a very special area.

There is no other piece of land in the lower part of Vancouver Island that has the same type of flora growth.” Lastly, our brief history of Broadmead brings us full circle to the famous Victoria artist and author, Emily Carr. Today, if you visit Emily Carr Park in Broadmead, you will discover another intriguing piece of history concerning the history of the area which will soon be added to the sign in the Park. It will note that in the 1940s while Emily was visiting a friend in Vancouver, she had a vision to return immediately to the area of Mount Douglas because the forest there had something magical to tell her. She came back immediately and spent most of August of 1942 painting incredibly mystical works which, due to her imminent illness, proved to be her last works before her death in 1945.

It's not uncommon for local histories to contain a mixture of well-documented facts and intriguing but unverified rumors or anecdotes. The notion of hidden whisky stills in the bushes and undergrowth certainly adds a touch of mystery and adventure to the history of the Broadmead area. However, without concrete evidence from police records, archival documents, or reliable firsthand accounts, it's challenging to confirm the veracity of such rumors. Rumors like these often develop over time due to a combination of factors, including oral traditions, local legends, and a desire to add colorful or entertaining elements to the history of a place.

While they might not be supported by factual evidence, they can still contribute to the charm and character of a region's history. For readers and enthusiasts interested in local history, it can be both enjoyable and enlightening to explore such rumors, even if they can't be definitively proven. They can spark curiosity and encourage people to delve deeper into the history of the area, seeking out the documented facts and stories that do exist. While the truth of certain rumors may remain elusive, the act of investigating them can offer a unique perspective on the past and help connect people to the history of their community in engaging ways.

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