The Lac La Hache Historical Society was formed in July of 1996 and registered February 21, 1997. The society was formed by a dedicated group of individuals interested in the preservation and restoration of one of the few remaining heritage sites in the Cariboo, 118 Mile House (the Felker Homestead). The society is keen to promote public awareness, understanding, education, and appreciation of this local heritage attraction.

The historic Felker Homestead, situated at Mile 118, along both sides of Highway 97, was an important site in the days of the Cariboo Gold Rush. "The two?storey house was the center of the 118 Mile Homestead and was built about 1884 by Dick Felker along with numerous other outbuildings. The age of the barn is unknown, but it was built before 1920. The old bunkhouse, a later addition to the ranch, was built by John Alfred (a.k.a. Buff or Buzz) Hamilton, a local Native man, for the hired hands to sleep in. The barn and a second bunkhouse were added as the 118 Mile House evolved in the early 20th Century from a roadhouse and farm to a ranch."1 The family graveyard, which formed part of the Felker ranch, is nearby the relocation site. The ranch originally consisted of `mixed farming', milk cows, cattle, chickens, and a large vegetable garden. The Felker Homestead became an integral link in the series of roadhouses that lined the corridor of the Cariboo Road, providing services to those on their way to the goldfields and supplying produce and other necessities to Barkerville.

The Felker Homestead, the Felker family, and the events of the Cariboo Gold Rush, made lasting contributions to the development of the Cariboo. "The Felkers were one of the early pioneer families to settle in Lac La Hache and one of the most influential. The original buildings provided services to the goldfield trade and was the Felker home for several generations."2 Since the early days, six generations of Felkers have lived in the local area. Fewer and fewer of these testimonies to our province's and our country's heritage remain intact as time, elements, and progress slowly erode away evidence of this rich history. The completion of this project will help `tell' a fuller story of B.C. history and keep our heritage `alive' to the Cariboo and the province at large. The restoration of the Felker Homestead will provide a source of history of the very foundations of our community, and will serve to promote interest and pride in the community and its origins.

For the past 6'/2 years a major fund?raising and reconstruction project has been underway to restore and preserve this homestead. In November 1998 the family house was moved off of Ministry of Transportation and Highways (hereinafter referred to as MOTH) rightof?way onto a relocation site located directly across the highway from the original homestead site. The buildings had to be moved as MOTH have plans to widen Hwy. 97 and these buildings are in the way of this expansion. The 2 % acre relocation site was generously donated by the Lac La Hache Community Club, who wholeheartedly supports the project. In the summer of 1999 the barn and new bunkhouse were also moved off of Highway 97 right?of?way and relocated on the same site as the Felker house. Careful consideration was given to placing the buildings as close to the original configuration as possible; this was undertaken by a local survey company. All three structures have been placed on stable, engineered foundations, thereby completing Phase 1 of our project.

Since the inception of the society, our relatively small group has inspired the local community (including residents, businesses, and the Community Club), the local government (Cariboo Regional District), MOTH, Ministry of Forests, 100 Mile and Lone Butte Historical Societies, Weldwood (100 Mile House), Lignums, and several members of the Felker family to `come on board' with the project. As well, B.C. Heritage Trust has provided us with a $15,000.00 B.C. 2000 Community Spirit Grant and an additional $20,000.00 grant. Recently the Credit Union has awarded us a $10,0000.00 grant.

Our track record speaks for itself, as much has been accomplished in a relatively short period of time. We are a capable, committed, dedicated group of people who are very motivated and excited about bringing this project to completion.
Pictures of the work in progress

The Lac La Hache Historical Society is respectfully requesting funds to assist in the continued preservation and restoration of the Felker Homestead. We would be pleased to place a commemorative plaque acknowledging major contributors.