The Mackin House Museum in Maillardville is a stunning representation of what the original structure would have looked like in the early 1890s.

With its strong Edwardian architecture, large veranda and charming exterior, it radiates French culture - and even has the word "musée" or "museum" proudly displayed in the top-right corner.

Since the early 20th century, it has been repainted and the southern wing of the home has been renovated. But in the parlour, you can still find furniture that would have been used in 1910, and traditional butter churners, meat and coffee grinders can be found in the kitchen.

The Coquitlam Heritage Society, which operates the city-owned heritage house, has done its part to preserve the century-old building where Maillardville's signature French culture originated.

Located on the corner of Marmont Street and Brunette Avenue, the house was originally occupied by Henry James Mackin, the general sales manager of the rapidly growing Fraser Mills Company, a state-of-the-art lumber mill.

In 1909, the company began recruiting lumber workers from Quebec and Ontario to work at the mill and welcomed the influx of francophone workers to the area.

Shortly after, Maillardville was born. "Everything in Maillardville has been flavoured by the French culture.

The first resident was not a francophone, but many mill workers were francophones," said Jill Cook, executive director of the Coquitlam Heritage Society. "The house reflects a pioneer spirit that they would have reflected."

During its 103-year existence, the community of Maillardville has remained true to its French culture, even though the population has become increasingly more multicultural.

"There has been a lot of immigration and the percentage of French people has dropped recently," said Al Boire, president of the Maillardville Residents' Association. "It's not strictly a French community, but a multicultural one - while it's not the same French population that once existed, the French culture does exist."

In more recent years, there has been a conscious effort to breathe new life into French culture within the area, including the revitalization of Brunette Street's commercial strip, festivals and architectural and landscaping designs being implemented to reflect French heritage.

While the French language is not as widely used throughout the Tri-Cities as it once was, it is still heard on the streets and homes on the south slope of Coquitlam.

According to Cook, the heritage house is very much a reminder of the mill that was responsible for bringing such a rich culture to Coquitlam.

"The mill was the central impetus for the development of Maillardville. If it had not been for the expansion of the mill and the Quebec workers that came, worked and stayed in this community, and put their stamp on it, none of this would be as robust or unique as it is right now," she said.

Boire echoed Cook's assertions, adding that Fraser Mills was responsible for bringing French Canadians to Coquitlam in the first place.

"Mackin house and [Place des Arts] are very much a part of Maillardville's history," he said.

Mackin House Museum and Maillardville will celebrate their 103rd birthday at Heritage Square with local artists, interactive displays, heritage baking, a barbecue, clowns and cupcakes. Local residents are encouraged to join the festivities on Saturday, Sept. 15 from noon to 4 p.m.

editorial@thenownews.com