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MIyazaki Heritage House - Lillooet, B.C.
Apr 18th, 2006 The wonderful story of Miyazaki House is a blend of two family histories – the Phairs and the Miyazakis. The story of this cherished home begins in the 1880’s when it was built by Caspar & Cerise Phair. Designed in the Second Empire Mansard style of Mrs. Phair’s Irish Ancestral home, this new house was first named the ‘Longford House’. The original property was much larger than today, and the lush gardens were filled with beautiful flowers, succulent vegetables and juicy fruit trees. Mr. & Mrs. Phair took great pride in their property, and generously opened it to many community social functions. Caspar held many positions of importance in Lillooet; teacher, government agent, coroner and magistrate, just to name a few. Cerise purchased the local general store in 1887, and raised two children and two grandchildren during her life in Lillooet. Both Mr. & Mrs. Phair were prominent in the culture and development of Lillooet. Upon their passing in 1933, the home was passed on in trust to their grandson Harold. It remained home to Artie Phair, son of Caspar & Cerise. Born in Japan and raised in New Westminster, B.C., Massager Miyazaki became one of the most beloved & respected members of the Lillooet community. Struggling through many bureaucratic prejudicial roadblocks, Mr. Miyazaki finally obtained his license to practice Osteopathy, and opened his first office in Vancouver B.C. in 1930. History shows Dr. Miyazaki to be a truly compassionate man, devoted to the be3tterment of the world around him. By the 1930’s, married with 2 children, Dr. Miyazaki played an important part in the organization of the UBC Japanese Alumni Association, was involved in B.C.’s first Japanese Newspaper ‘The New Canadian’, and became the youngest member of the Canadian Japanese Association, holding the office of treasurer. During the horror of World War II, B.C. Japanese citizens’ lives were forever altered by restrictions and relegation to determent camps. Perhaps Dr. Miyazaki was considered lucky, when he was sent to Bridge River to tend to the Japanese evacuees housed there. The community was grateful for his medical care, and ensured that he was housed and subsidized for his services. While at this post, Dr. Miyazaki also cared for the local Indians and BC Electric employees. Artie Phair was instrumental in arranging for Dr. Miyazaki’s move to Lillooet. The 1944 death of local Dr. Patterson meant an urgent need for Lillooet to acquire medical services for their community. Artie arranged for all necessary applications and paperwork, and when successful in 1945, provided Dr. Miyazaki and his family with a home on the main floor of the ‘Longford House’. Dr. Miyazaki was able to open an office in the home, and began his Lillooet practice there. When the evacuation camps were closed after the war, several Japanese families decided to remain and make their homes in Lillooet, this group included the Miyazaki family. Artie Phair moved on the live elsewhere, and continued to fill his life the photography, collections and his love of nature. It was soon after, that his son Harold Phair decided he could no longer maintain the costs of the house. Harold offered to sell the house to Dr. Miyazaki, but again, prejudicial laws stepped in the way. The two parties reached a gentlemen’s agreement; and in 1947 Dr. Miyazaki paid $1000 to Harold, with the promise of full property value payment, when the ban was lifted. That was to be the unofficial beginning of the ‘Miyazaki House’. Over time, the property changed, with repairs and alterations to the house, and modifications to the gardens & orchard. Dr. Miyazaki also donated a portion of the property to the community. Dr. Miyazaki remained devoted to his community, and although no allowed to practice medicine at the local Hospital, continued to serve the area’s medical needs, from his home. His services included Dentist, Mortician, and even Veterinarian. His practice is reported to have covered a territory of 4,000 miles; most of it too rugged for most men. With unrelenting will, Dr. Miyazaki tended to all his patients’ medical needs, getting to his destination by whatever means possible – foot, horse, car, boat, train or sheer determination. Seemingly tireless, Dr. Miyazaki also found time to organize the purchase of Lillooet’s first ambulance, which he housed at his home, dispatched to emergencies and often drove himself. He served 3 terms on the Village Council, being the first Japanese Canadian to hold public office. There appears no end to the contributions Dr. Miyazaki made to his community; from the volunteer fire department to the Boy Scouts, he was integral in the successes of Lillooet. Dr. Miyazaki’s dedication to his fellow man and community earned him several great honours, including the title of ‘Freeman’ and the ‘Order of Canada’. In 1983, illness finally took over his strength, and Dr. Miyazaki graciously donated his home to the community he loved. Learn about the complete history of the Phair family and the Miyazaki family when you visit ‘Miyazaki Heritage House’ in Lillooet, B.C.. While there, enjoy the wonderful community events, including ‘Music at Miyazaki’ held on the beautiful summer evenings. Tour the home and visit the memories. Summertime will find the rooms filled with beautiful local Artisan creations, and check for community events hosted in the wonderful historic location – a time honoured tradition. The stories are fascinating, and the strength and determination of these pioneers is an inspiration to all! For more information, please contact the house at 250-256-6808 or the District of Lillooet Office at 250-256-4289.
Contact Information
Name:	Gold Country Communities Society
Address:	Box 933 Cache Creek, BC, CA V0K 1H0
Phone:	1-877-453-9467
Fax:	1-877-453-9467
Email:	info@exploregoldcountry.com

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