George Little House
GEORGE LITTLE HOUSE
3100 Kalum Street, Terrace, BC V8G 4L1
Phone: 250.638.8887
E-mail: littlehouse@terrace.ca
George Little is the man that most people refer to as “The Founder of Terrace”. He gave the Grand Trunk Pacific Railway 9 acres of his land so that a new railway station would be placed upon it; thus started the beginnings of another northern town. With the coming of the railway, Terrace soon became a busy commercial hub and George Little saw the opportunities this would bring and built a permanent home for his family in 1914. He decided the best place for this home would be in the heart of the new and burgeoning town that he loved. Generations of the Littles have fond memories of their time spent in this family home and many community members retell stories of visiting and celebration. As Terrace grew, and time marched on, the house was eventually sold and moved as the downtown core expanded.
A few years ago the Director of the Terrace Tourism Society and the Director of the Terrace Economic Development Authority discussed having a downtown “hook”; something to draw people into the downtown core to fully appreciate all that Terrace has to offer. It was decided that the historic George Little House would be the very thing to accomplish this goal. The two-story building had been moved a number of times and had been used for a number of purposes, but was sitting empty and needed to be refurbished. The current owners at the time, the Ksan House Society, donated it to the City for use as a historic building. Being rich in history and old-world charm, what better way to pay homage to the founder of Terrace than to move his home back to the centre of town and use it as a focal point and gathering place? In the winter of 2003, in a momentous move, the house was brought back to the heart of Terrace and was refurbished to its original state.
As well, the main reception floor is used as retail space to sell local artists' wares and Terrace souvenirs. Local groups use the main floor for special events and gatherings and an old-fashioned monthly tea is served, harkening back to a more formal time.
An addition to the George Little House is the establishment of a First Nations Carving studio by the Terrace Local Nisga’a Society. First Nations artists now have a communal studio space to practice their art. At the same time, community members and tourists alike have the opportunity to learn about the art and culture of the Nisga’a Nation. Visitors can purchase art from a retail counter in this space or straight from the artist themselves. This wonderful partnership between the City, the George Little House and the Nisga’a Nation promises to be beneficial to all.
This stunning, two-story heritage home is hard to miss at the end of Kalum Street in downtown Terrace and is a must see for anyone visiting our town.
For more information on George Little House, contact:
Debbie Letawski, Manager
Phone: 250.638.8887
E-mail: littlehouse@terrace.ca
