Description of Historic Place

Peterson Farm is a 4 hectare (10 acre) parcel of land containing the original homestead, various farm buildings, and part of a larger orchard that extends northward onto adjoining parcels of land. The farm is located on the east side of 35 Street NE (historically called Peterson Road) on what is sometimes referred to as the 'Broadview Bench Lands' or 'the Limit' in Salmon Arm, British Columbia. Peterson Farm can be identified by its orchards, which are clearly visible from the road and which are one of the last remaining orchards in the area. The historic place includes the property and the various buildings.

Heritage Value

Established in 1912, Peterson Farm is valued for its historic and cultural significance within the community, particularly for its association with the Peterson family and as an enduring symbol of the integral role orchards played in the early history of economic and social development in Salmon Arm.

Peterson Farm is important for its historic and continued ownership and operation by members of the Peterson family. The land was originally given to Ed Peterson in 1912 as an in-kind payment for the work he and his partners, Erik Anderson (Wessman), Anton Swanberg and Ed's brother Ivor Peterson, did to clear and develop 40 acres of farmland for Sam Greenwood. It is significant that 5540 – 35 Street NE and the three parcels to the north that were given to Ed Peterson and his partners in payment are still primarily in their original 10 acre form.

Ed and the Peterson family continued to make notable contributions to the development of the community throughout its history, forming first the Peterson Brothers Co-operative Association, then incorporating into Peterson Brothers (Salmon Arm) Limited. The family was involved in important projects throughout Salmon Arm, including developing farmland, cutting the logs for the Canoe Community Hall foundation, installing the original 30 Street NE (Broadview) water line, cutting railway ties for the CPR, constructing logging roads on Fly Hills, and excavating for the construction of the South Canoe Dam and various schools in Salmon Arm. In addition to their commercial enterprises, the Peterson family is also significant for their involvement with various organizations, including the Okanagan Historical Society, the Joint Water Board, the Salmon Arm Museum and Heritage Association, the Photography Club, the Salmar Community Association and the Salmon Arm Farmers' Exchange.

The site on which Peterson Farm is located is also significant for being one of the largest orchards in the area at one point in time, historically encompassing up to 150 acres of active orchards for many years, growing apples, pears, cherries, peaches and apricots. The location of the farm on the bench lands is important, as this area has proved throughout history to be some of the best orchard lands in the area. The somewhat unique position of these lands within the context of the Salmon Arm area (i.e. situated on a bench away from low-lying areas near the lake's edge and the surrounding hills and Mt. Ida) create a comparatively warm microclimate that supports the growing of fruits. These ideal climatic characteristics proved to be an important feature of the site, as it fared better than most other orchards in the area during the deep freeze of 1949-1950.

It is significant that Peterson Farm is still owned and operated by members of the Peterson family, who still maintain the homestead, the original log structure of which has since been covered by new materials. Peterson Farm received its Century Farm Award on September 8, 2012.

Source: City Hall, City of Salmon Arm, B.C.

Character-Defining Elements

Key elements that define the heritage character of Peterson Farm include its:

Site:
- Parcel is in its original 10 acre form
- Orchards
- Location next to 35 Street NE (Peterson Road)
- Location on the Broadview Bench Lands, which are ideally suited for orchards due to the microclimate
- Century Farm Award

Buildings:
- Simple gable form of the original homestead
- Use of accessory buildings to support the orchard and other components of the Peterson family business