1
As early as 1962, the recently formed White Rock branch of the Council of Women, brimming with energy, resolved to collect and preserve artifacts of local interest before they were lost forever. Further, the idea of a community museum was perceived as an appropriate project to mark Canada's centennial in 1967.To demonstrate the Council's commitment, a committee was formed to oversee the construction of an exhibit showcase to display the collected material. At the opening of White Rock's city hall in July, 1963, the showcase was one of the star attractions. For the next thirteen years, the Council's arts and letters committee diligently maintained the showcase with changing exhibits of historical or other cultural interest.
2
White Rock Council of Women member Elizabeth Keeling and a young friend1968
White Rock, B.C., Canada
3
Mayor Donald MacDonald accepts a symbolic key to the station from BNR VP (Seattle) Richard Beulke.22 October 1976
White Rock, B.C., Canada
4
In 1975, when Burlington Northern Railway trains ceased to stop at White Rock, the station was turned over to the City of White Rock. The historic building was a boon to the city with deserving community clubs and organizations clamouring for space. Initially, two other groups, the Chamber of Commerce, and the Community Arts Council joined the Museum and Archives in occupying the building.5
Opening in October, 1976, the White Rock Museum and Archives was housed in the former BNR station.1976
White Rock, B.C., Canada
6
Margaret Hastings and Miriam Harrison set up exhibits in the ticket office of the former train depot1976
White Rock, B.C., Canada
7
As the Museum collection grew, the need for more space soon became evident. It was necessary to put the some of the Museum's collection into storage until larger quarters were found. Fortunately, in 1979, the 3-storey former post office on Marine Drive facing the pier became vacant, and was rented by the city. The Museum and Archives were assigned the upper two floors. Unfortunately, the federal government sold the building in 1988, and, again, the Museum and Archives were homeless. The collections went into storage once more.8
The station was designated a heritage building by the City of White Rock on April 9, 1979. This was the first official recognition of a heritage site in the City of White Rock.9
Chairman of the Heritage Advisory Committee Phil Strudwick and White Rock Mayor Don MacDonald1979
White Rock, B.C., Canada
10
Two members of the Community Arts Council inside the Station Arts Centre gift shop.1980
White Rock, B.C., Canada
11
By 1979 the Museum and the Chamber of Commerce had moved leaving the Community Arts Council as the sole occupier.12
A crane hovers over the station.11 April 1984
White Rock, B.C., Canada
13
Battered by decades of seaside weather, and slowly listing towards the sea, the station building was due for major renovations. In 1984, $26,000 was allocated towards repairs, primarily to the foundation. Funding was provided by the B.C. Heritage Foundation. A new foundation pad was constructed, 20 feet to the north (away from the beach) onto which the station building was moved. The Station Arts Centre reopened for the summer of 1984 with a large pleasant area for outdoor activities between the building and the BNR tracks.14
A weaving demonstration in front of the station building.1991
White Rock, B.C., Canada
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