A unique glimpse into Nanaimo’s past is available to the public this summer at the coal miner’s cottage downtown.
The Nanaimo Museum is hosting tours of the 115-year-old cottage in Piper Park. One of the city’s hidden gems, as it is open to school groups but usually closed to the public, the cottage is furnished to look like it would have in the early 1900s.
“Many of Nanaimo’s coal mining families lived in homes that were identical to this one,” said Aimee Greenaway, museum program and volunteer coordinator. “When you walk through the front door you feel like you are stepping back in time 100 years.”
Tours take place on a drop-in basis every Wednesday in July and August from 1-3 p.m. The steam locomotive in the park beside the cottage will also be open.
Admission is by donation.
The cottage will also be open Fridays throughout the summer from 1:30-3 p.m. for Time Machine Mania, a program for children aged five to 12 that allows them to experience some of the chores they would have been responsible for 100 years ago, such as making butter or using a wringer washer.
The cottage was originally owned by Frederick Rowbottom and located on Farquhar Street. It was moved to its current location in the 1970s after it faced demolition for street improvements.
For more information, please call Greenaway at 250-753-1821 or e-mail program@nanaimomuseum.ca.