Hodge/Bates Residence, Barn and Outbuildings

The Hodge/Bates Residence, Barn, and Outbuildings are of heritage value as an intact example of an historic Delta farmstead from the late nineteenth century and reminder of Delta's important agricultural past. This farmstead possesses a late nineteenth century house and relatively intact functioning farm compound amidst a rural, agricultural landscape, separated from modern housing and industrial development. The clustered relationship of the farmhouse, the barn, and the outbuildings, located within an agricultural setting, provides a complete representation of a working farm complex. Located on the first major cross road in the agricultural area south of Ladner village, it also represents the growth of population with concurrent improvements in access.

Built in 1889-90, the house is of architectural significance both for its construction method and for the quality of its millwork. The solid walls were constructed from vertical boards without supporting studs, a reflection of a frontier approach to building using material at hand. On the verandah, the millwork of the balustrade, brackets and chamfered edges of the square columns are exceptional details on an otherwise simple, vernacular residence, demonstrating pride in the building and typifying the architectural elaboration considered fashionable at the time. The use of intricate ornamentation had been facilitated by the introduction of steam driven band saws, illustrating the rise of industrial production and its application within the context of growth and development.

Additionally, the site is significant for its association with early Delta pioneers. The house was built by Henry Hodge, a relative of William Arthur, the original owner of the land. In 1922, the farm was acquired by Ray H. Bates (1889-1980). His son, Stanley Allen Bates, took over the farm in 1950. Stanley and his wife, Frances, were active in the United Church and in agricultural organizations such as the Delta Farmers' Institute, Canadian Clydesdale Horse Association and Fraser Valley Milk Producers' Association. Frances Bates helped found the Delta Museum and Archives, participated on the executive board of the Delta Museum and Historical Society, volunteered on many museum committees, and donated her collection of artifacts and historical information to the museum.