Fawn Lake Ranch is like many old ranches in the South Cariboo; fortunately, this one has a jewel – the original log homestead home is still standing.
This is because it has been lovingly restored by Bud and Lee Bolivar and their family.
While the Bolivar family has put in a lot of sweat equity to restore the historic Bean House, Lee insists their part in the restoration isn’t the most important part of this story.
“What’s really important is the history of this lovely old building.”
During a couple of cups of coffee and a tour around and inside the restored hand-hewn log home, Lee talks – with a well-deserved hint of accomplishment by helping keep some local history alive – about the Bean House story.
Fredrick August Bean built the log home between 1916 and 1919, Lee says, adding he was born in Asotin, Washington in 1885 and died in Kamloops on March 28, 1947. He was buried in Roe Lake (now Lakeview) Cemetery in the Interlakes.
In the spring of 1913, Fred brought his first wife, Elsie May Sanders, and his stepdaughter, Grace Sanders, to the Cariboo where they homesteaded on the south shore of Horse Lake. Ten years later, Elsie left for Vancouver and never returned to the Cariboo.
By that time, Lee notes that Fred had pre-empted 159 acres of property and built the log home that stands on Fawn Lake Ranch today.
“The hay-producing meadow that exists today is a testament to the hard work of Fred Bean who cleared it acre by acre without the benefit of modern equipment. In the early ’30s, he worked at Vidette Mine to supplement the ranch income.”
While working in the mines in the Slocan Valley, Lee says Fred befriended Steve Levick, and by 1930 had encouraged him to move to the Cariboo. In 1935/36, they formed a partnership and set up and operated a sawmill on the north side of Fawn Lake.
On Sept. 29, 1935, she notes, Fred married his second wife, Ethel Julie Cushman, whose sister and her husband had a place at Deka Lake.
“Following the dissolution of the sawmill partnership with Steve in 1939/40, Ethel worked alongside Fred in his sawmill. She must have been a progressive woman, as she was one of the few women of the day to drive a car.”
During this time, Fred’s Crown land grants expanded to 418 acres.
His health failed and he spent his last two months in Kamloops. Following his passing in 1947, Lee says Ethel sold the ranch to Alex and Jean Mooring who owned it from 1946 to 1964.
Bud and Lee bought the ranch from Jean in 1964 and sold it to Ted and Marge Winterburn in 1970 who then sold it to Harry Powell in 1973.
Lee says Harry, who owned the property until 1987, showed great foresight when he moved the cabin from its original site.
“Credit for recognizing the heritage value of the building must be given to Harry Powell who tore down the deteriorating wood frame addition and saved the hand-hewn log building. Before dismantling it for moving, he carefully marked each log to ensure it would be rebuilt as it was before. In addition, he hand split new shingles for the roof.”
Monty and Darlene Furber owned the ranch from 1987 to 2000 and then sold it to Lee and her daughter, Lisa Riedler.
It was during this time, the Bolivars started the restoration process, but first they moved the cabin back to its original location using skids and two tractors.
Lee notes time had taken its toll on the shingles, flooring and log chinking, and these were replaced over time.
“Michael re-shingled the roof and he and Brian replaced the floor using lumber cut and milled on site using trees from the ranch.
Lee is also pleased about the furnishings inside the cabin, which will definitely take visitors back to days gone-by.
“With few exceptions, the furnishings are all pre-1950 [with some going back to the turn of the century] in keeping with the years of occupancy. Installing a modern chimney for the 1908 cast iron stove was a safety concession.”
Fawn Lake Ranch, which sits on 102 acres of the original homestead, is currently owned by Michael and Brian Bolivar.
Lee adds the completion of the restoration of the Fred Bean House was important to the Bolivar family.
“It is a recognition and respect for the past that will ensure the future. Our pioneers have earned their place.”
