The restoration of the Dixon Barn is a current project of the Langley Heritage Society
Built in 1916-1918 for Herbert and Emily Dixon, the house and barn sit on land that had been part of the Hudson’s Bay Company Farm in the 19th Century. The location on Glover Road is particularly important for its physical connection to the community of Milner – an area that expanded once the British Columbia Electric Railway established its new route in 1910.
Herbert Dixon is important because he is the son of BC pioneer Alfred Black Dixon, who settled in BC in 1889. Herbert and Emily continued in the pioneering traditions of Alfred by establishing a home and business in Langley during a period (World War 1) that offered no guarantees and that was stressful for farming families.
The 40 acre property is now owned by the Township of Langley which has restored the attractive house with its wrap-around verandah and projecting bay windows. While typical of the World War 1 era, the house is significant because it is one of the most intact farm houses in the community with few, if any, alterations. It is grander than other farm houses which may speak to the financial status of the Dixon family and their desire to show it.
The Langley Heritage Society is responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of the house and barn. The barn, used to shelter dairy cows and store supplies, is characteristic of its era, but significant for being extant with the house. Barns were unique indicators of a family’s financial situation and this one said “prosperity”.
The Langley Heritage Society is currently in the process of completely restoring the barn to complement the landmark status of the Dixon House.
Both the Dixon House and Barn have heritage bylaw designation by Langley Township as of September of 2004. The farmsite is a cultural signpost for Langley.
