The Story Within

This building has been home to many people over the years. We have been so privileged to meet some of them, to hear their stories, and to add our own stories of Terra Nova Nature School, to this very special place.

The Edwardian Cottage, built in 1908, has several architectural features typical of the period… “No, No! The adventures first, explanations take such a dreadfully long time” (Lewis Carroll). All right then, let’s start again, with “Once upon a time, there was a door…..

Kate first walked through this unlocked door feeling a little nervous about rats and rotten floor boards. Once inside, though, the sunlight shining through the patio doors turned cobwebs and mustiness into magic, and Kate, as if covered in pixie dust, saw only a perfect place for a little school.

Emily came upon this charming abode during a park walkabout. Peering inside the cloudy windows, she was struck by its ‘adorable-ness’. As she walked around the house, arguing with thorny bushes, she could hear the sound of children’s laughter- it was then she knew this would be an idyllic setting for a school.

The Thompson Board members ( from left to right): Angela, Lisa, Marianne, Gerry, Harry, Howard standing at the south (kitchen) door, which is our usual entrance into and out of the Cottage.

How did this almost tumbling down building come to be the home of Terra Nova Nature School? Well, a lot of people in the City of Richmond heard and supported the story we passionately wove of this being the perfect site for an outdoor preschool. Terra Nova lies geographically closest to Thompson Community Association, one of several community associations in the city. With the City’s support, Thompson Community Association Board members sure stepped up to the plate to embrace this novel project!

The spiral staircase that might have to go. Initially we imagined an office space in the attic, but it was sadly not possible. As well, the original fireplace, which was a good example of a very specific design, (and that our licensing officer approved keeping!), turned out to be rather poorly built, and would not survive the lifting of the building. This view is looking into the Hemlock room, with the original front door at the right of the photo.

And so a school was born, becoming another chapter in the story of the Edwardian Cottage. This building was once home to the Koyanagi family- they cooked, cleaned, played and shared stories in this home. The son in the family, Hiro, built this barn behind the Cottage when he was just 15 years old! Although it was beautiful, it was not safe for the public, so it was taken down as Nature School opened. Wanting to hold on to this beautiful piece of history, Emily & Kate carefully removed some boards, keeping them for the ‘right’ project. It turns out that the right project was working with Richmond Archives and the generous Koyanagi’s to create a wall of vintage family photos, with frames made from the barn’s wood planks.

The barn, built by Hiro Koyanagi, when he was 15 years of age.

Over the years we have stayed in touch with various members of the Koyanagi family, both in person and via email. Hiro’s grandson, Kevin, came for a visit last year. Unbeknownst to us at the time, he is a musical theatre performer who completely captivated the children’s attention with his stories and songs.

Since then, Kevin has reached out to us, sharing his various projects. This flyer arrived in our inbox last week and we invite you all to check it out!

Over the years, many people have come by the Cottage with stories of connection to this place- they lived here; their auntie lived here; their best friend’s friend lived here and so on! In fact, just last week, a woman wandered through the Pollinator Meadow and told us that her daughter used to ride horseback on this land, and how pleased she was to see the buildings still here. We have a Guest Book which we enthusiastically bring out to all who visit. There are written memories, notes of thanks and gratitude.

If you are interested in learning more about the history of the Terra Nova lands, we encourage you to check out Richmond Archives: https://www.richmond.ca/plandev/planning2/heritage/HeritageInv/details.aspx?ID=51

And now, take another look at the front door of the Cottage – a mailbox, especially built by Kate’s family, just waiting to receive stories from each of you, our Eagles and Owls children, about growing beans at your home. We continue to grow together even at a distance.