Century-old Kamloops home recognized for its rich history

A quaint little house in Kamloops now has a centenary heritage plaque in front of in recognition of its long, rich history.

Known both as the Arduini House and The Resort, the house at 730 Nicola Street was built in 1911 by Ivo and Regina Arduini, Italian immigrants who settled in Kamloops to raise their family and run a shoe business.

“It’s exciting to see the heritage plaque finally installed, it feels like a big milestone,” said Mayumi Bisson who bought the house earlier this year. “When I moved in, I was renovating the attic space and found paperwork with the Arduini’s name on it and have become curious to learn more about the family history.”

Ivo and Regina were born and raised in Italy. They were married in 1905 and immigrated to Kamloops where they had five children, according to The Kelowna Canadian Italian Club.

Ivo was a shoemaker and opened Arduini’s Shoe Store that was later taken over by his grandson and operated in Kamloops for 100 years.

“When I was renovating the basement suite I found yellow old newspapers,” Bisson said. “A descendant of the family told me a member of the family ran a newspaper company at one time. The family was using the newspaper as insulation in the walls.”

The City of Kamloops Heritage Engagement Group and Kamloops Museum and Archives award Heritage Plaques to raise awareness and recognize the historic significance of heritage homes, their architectural features, and their connections to our community’s past.

Citizens can apply for the plaques which are given by the Kamloops Heritage Commission and those who qualify receive one with no cost for installation.

The building is then entered on the City’s heritage inventory as an officially recognized building, and a historical record of ownership is established and maintained for future generations.

“The interior of this house is really interesting, we even have an ironing closet from long ago,” Mayumi said. “Generations have lived in this home and I’m glad to be a part of it.”