This beautiful house, now La Rustica and La Lorraine, was built about 1894. It is best known as the home of Mr. and Mrs. Charles A. Welsh, prominent citizens of New Westminster many years ago.
Mr Welsh and family operated a grocery and general provisions business, "The People's Grocer", which they began in the 1890's in New Westminster as fruit and confectionary merchants. The Main store was in the 600 block Columbia Street, with branches in Sapperton and the West End.
Both Mr. and Mrs. Welsh, the former Maude Williams, spent a considerable amount of time in what was described as "women's work", that is, such organizations as the Council of Women on a local, provincial and national level; the Women's Educational Auxiliary of the United Church; a founder of the local Y.W.C.A.; a charter member of the local PEO sisterhood; as well as serving as a member of the Board of Governors of the University of British Columbia and the Royal Columbian Hospital. In addition to all of this she was a member of the Red Cross, the hospital auxiliary and Queens Avenue United Church, and was the May Queen for the Royal city in 1881.
Mr Welsh was equally involved locally. He was a member of the Harbour Board, and the Royal Agricultural and Industrial Society, the Board of Trade, the City Council and the Police Commission. He was a staunch conservative who ran unsuccesfully against A. Wells Gray in 1927. Fraternally, he was a Mason, a member of King Solomon Lodge, and was a past potentate and honourary life delegate of the Shrine, Gizeh Temple. He was also a member of the local Kiwanis Club. Charles Welsh was a sportsman with membership in the Vancouver Golf and country Club. His main sporting interest was however in lacrosse, where he was on the Board of B.C. Lacrosse Association, was a trustee of the Minto Cup, and was involved with the New Westminster Salmonbellies for many years, with his highlight coming as manager in 1908 when his team won the Minto Cup.
Mr. and Mrs.Welsh served their city well, and today their home on Sixth Street continues to welcome visitors to the Royal City with warmth and hospitality, a mainstay of the early owners.
Their home became La Rustica and La Lorraine in the late 1970's, and over the years since then has become a highly acclaimed restaurant, blending fine dining with the local heritage.
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