Roddie House

Description
Roddie House is a pleasant single storey wood frame house built in the 1930s located on the west side of North Fraser Drive in West Quesnel, BC. The historic place includes the building and the parcel of land it occupies.

Heritage Value
Roddie House is located in West Quesnel which developed as a rural community with small houses and family farms. The growth of West Quesnel was moderate until a single-lane bridge across the Fraser River was constructed in 1929. The bridge provided a permanent link between the two Quesnel communities. These communities were amalgamated into one city in 1958. In 1971, the two-lane Moffat Bridge was built and growth in West Quesnel increased steadily. Over the years, major renovations have occurred, however the house supports the other buildings on the street that have experienced change. While not in its original form, the house is a physical reminder of the people who shaped the development of Quesnel.

The house is named for Frank Roddie Jr. There were two Frank Roddies in Quesnel. This Frank Roddie who lived in this house was known as ‘Junior’. He was the nephew of the other Frank Roddie. Frank Jr. was orphaned at the age of 17 and went to live with his Uncle Tom Roddie. When Frank Jr. heard about opportunities in the Cariboo from his uncle Frank, he travelled from Europe to Quesnel by boat, train and automobile. Frank Jr. worked on his Uncle Frank’s farm and then took up mining in Wingdam, Alaska, Yukon, Trail, and Vancouver Island. He became the trouble shooter for Cominco Mines and travelled to their mines to fix production problems. Frank Jr. married Ida who had three children from her first marriage. In WWII, Frank Jr. enlisted in the infantry and served overseas. The Roddie family is recognized for their contribution to the development of the community with a street named in their honour.

Character-Defining Elements
The character-defining elements of Roddie House include:

• an example of the small utilitarian style houses built in West Quesnel in the 1930s;
• a single storey wood frame construction building;
• the original rectangular form is still evident today even though renovations occurred in the 1950s;
• the peak of the roof is off-center in relation to its façade creating a visually intriguing appearance;
• a unique contribution to the streetscape;
• a covered front porch;
• picture windows on façade.