Heritage Awards - Past Honourees
2011 AWARDS
Held February 28, 2011
A well known and respected resident of Mission was honoured for her extraordinary contribution to the preservation, protection and promotion of heritage in the community.
Mayor James Atebe along with Chair Janis Schultz and Vice-Chair Jim Hinds of the Mission Community Heritage Commission presented the award on February 28, 2011 at the District Council meeting.
Mildred Vollick
Mildred Vollick was born in Mission, and although she spent most of her early adult life in Ontario, teaching at McMaster University, she returned to Mission in 1982 and became an active volunteer in the community. Mildred's contributions have involved work with the Canadian Red Cross, Pleasant View Care Home, and writing a column for the Mission City Record called 'Pantry Prose.'
Following in her mother's footsteps, Mildred joined the Mission District Historical Society, soon becoming a valuable member. She has had many accomplishments while with the Society, including the creation of a program that brought Mission history into elementary schools. Mildred would visit dressed in period costumes with historical objects of everyday life that helped to engage children in meaningful discussions about Mission history.
In 1984 she was elected to the board of the MDHS and has held a position on the board (at one point President) ever since; she has also contributed to the development of Mission's first Community Heritage Register. Mildred was awarded a lifetime membership in 2003 in recognition of her exemplary service and contributions to the Mission District Historical Society.
The Mission Community Heritage Commission is honoured to have presented the Special Heritage Achievement Award to Mildred Vollick for her tireless dedication to Mission and its history.
2010 AWARDS
Held February 15, 2010
Lifetime Learning Centre Society
One of the key functions of the Lifetime Learning Centre is to create awareness of history through education and promotion of heritage in Mission. The Society received the award for their recording of oral histories, as at present there are over 150 oral histories about life in Mission, and the ongoing history of BC.
Xá:ytem Long House Interpretation Centre
The Interpretive Centre was recognized for their continued work on educating the public on Stol:lo history and cultural heritage.
Luv 2 Quilt
Luv 2 Quilt was recognized for their Heritage Centennial Quilt that celebrates the 100th anniversary of the Mission Museum Building. The quilt features many historical & local buildings within the District of Mission. Over 1000 hours were spent in completing the project, and it is now held at the Mission Museum and will again go on display at the Mission Library.
Cathie Marcellus, Betty Robertson and Betty Dandy
These women are recognized for the five years they spent doing comprehensive research before co-writing a history of the first 100 years of health care in Mission. The book Mission's Living Memorials reveals the remarkable story of the evolution of health care facilities and services. In addition the authors established a "Founders Corner" at Mission Memorial Hospital to display archival & museum objects that promote & generate interest in health care history.
Norma Kenney
Norma Kenney was posthumously awarded for her hard work and devotion to development of the Mission Heritage Association in 1979, which had as its goal the creation of a park that would preserve the heritage of Mission. In 1986 that park was officially opened. Fraser River Heritage Park has become the focal centre of the community and a jewel of the Fraser Valley. Norma Kenney was honoured for her hard work, her tenacity, and her ability to change minds. She had a vision for the community and despite her passing, Norma's spirit continues to inspire the MHA's board, staff, and hundreds of Volunteers.
AWARDS for 2008
Held February 16, 2009
Two well-known citizens, Dorothy Crosby and Cathie Marcellus, were honored for their outstanding achievements to preserve, protect and promote Mission's heritage.
Dorothy Crosby received a certificate of recognition "for her outstanding volunteer service and contributions towards fostering community awareness and preservation of Heritage resources."
Cathie Marcellus was recognized for her "advocacy and leadership role in the innovative rehabilitation and preservation of 33070 Fifth Avenue, [the present day Mission Memorial Centre ] a 1924 heritage building and landmark."
This year's awards recipients have made extraordinary contributions to heritage conservation while modeling community involvement and volunteerism. The members of the Mission Community Heritage Commission are very pleased that Dorothy and Cathie are being recognized for their accomplishments.
Cathie Marcellus
Cathie Marcellus came to Mission in 1947 and subsequently established herself as a community activist and author. In 1972 she led a contentious but successful drive to save the former Mission Memorial Hospital from demolition, first as a member of a steering committee, and then as the founding president of the Mission Memorial Centre Society which was established in 1973 to manage the site.
Through her dedicated efforts, vision, and determination, the former hospital was restored and rehabilitated to serve a variety of community purposes while maintaining the building's historic and cultural value. She also initiated a plan to further protect the former hospital by having it declared a heritage building in 1987 by the municipality. And several years later, she founded the Mission Studies Group which researched and in 1992 published the history of the Mission Memorial Hospital.
Dorothy Crosby
A resident of Mission since 1962, Dorothy was an active member of the Mission District Historical Society for many years, serving as the first curator of the present day museum. During the 21 years she held this volunteer position, Dorothy played an integral role in the preservation and management of the community's irreplaceable heritage resources.
Through her exceptional dedication and diligence, she built the collection of local artifacts and archives to ensure the community's history would not be lost; developed exhibits, special events, and educational programs on local history; kept the museum open seven days a week with the assistance of her volunteer staff; and researched and wrote numerous articles to promote and educate others about the community's history.
AWARDS for 2007
Held February 18, 2008
An Award of Recognition was presented to David and Sheila Jack for the continuous operation of their pioneer business, Ferncliff Gardens.
An Award of Recognition was presented to Calvin and Lee Adams, owners and managers of Tim Hortons on First Avenue, for following the Mission Downtown Façade Guidelines for building design.
An Award of Recognition was posthumously presented to Robert T. Nelson for photographing the evolution of the business community during the 1970s and 1980s.
An Award of Recognition was presented to the Hartmann and Burrows families for the preservation and rehabilitation of 33031 First Avenue, an existing 1925 Heritage building.
An Award of Recognition was presented to Mission Firefighters' Association for the restoration of the 1954 GMC Pierre Thibault Fire Truck.
David and Sheila Jack - Ferncliff Gardens
Established in 1920 by David Jack's grandparents, Milton and Winifred, Ferncliff Gardens is an internationally acclaimed "pioneer flower farm" located on McTaggert Street in Hatzic. Pioneers in the horticultural mail order service and hybridizing of new varieties of flowers, the members of the Jack family have adapted their business over the past eighty-eight years, making it the oldest family operated business in Mission. An Award of Recognition was presented to David and Sheila Jack for the continuous operation of their pioneer business, Ferncliff Gardens.
Calvin and Lee Adams - Tim Horton's on First Avenue
Calvin and Lee Adams, owners and managers of Tim Hortons on First Avenue, designed the building in accordance with the business district's Façade guidelines. Opened in 1998, the building is an excellent example of a new building design that respects the heritage character of Mission's downtown architecture and its importance. An Award of Recognition was presented to Calvin and Lee Adams, owners and managers of Tim Hortons on First Avenue, for following the Mission Downtown Façade Guidelines for building design.
Robert T. Nelson (1915-2007) - Photographer
A Mission resident for over 60 years, Robert (Bob) T. Nelson (1915-2007) was an amateur photographer who produced an extensive portrait of the community, including commercial streetscapes, buildings and local landmarks during the 1970s and 1980s. His images provide the most comprehensive visual record of the business community during that time period. An Award of Recognition was posthumously presented to Robert T. Nelson for photographing the evolution of the business community during the 1970s and 1980s.
Hartmann and Burrows families - Bakerette Building, 33031 1st Avenue
The owners of the former Bakerette on First Avenue have restored the original facade of the building and done alterations that are compatible with the overall historic appearance of it. By retaining the exterior brick cladding and other existing character defining elements, the Burrows have ensured the conservation and continued use of this well-known historic building. An Award of Recognition was presented to the Hartmann and Burrows families for the preservation and rehabilitation of 33031 First Avenue, an existing 1925 Heritage building.
Mission Firefighters' Association
Purchased from the Pierreville Fire Apparatus in Quebec in 1954, the GMC Pierre Thibault Fire Truck served the residents of Mission for 34 years. In 1988, ownership of the pumper truck was transferred to the Mission Firefighters" Association who launched a "Save the 54" campaign and successfully restored the vintage truck to its original condition through their tremendous commitment, determination, and community support. The group of fire fighters that originally spearheaded the Save the '54' project are: Rob Gordon (Chairman), Stephen Hilliard (Secretary Treasurer), Roy Anstiss (Executive Member), Murray Rottluff, Don Clease, Andy McLatchy, Rob McLatchy and Ken McDonald. An Award of Recognition was presented to Mission Firefighters' Association for the restoration of the 1954 GMC Pierre Thibault Fire Truck.
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