circa 1925
Discover The Man. The Legend.
E.E. Burr
Mr Burr arrived in the Valley by saddle horse in May 1897, finding only five citizens established in Princeton. In 1925 he built a home at 189 1st St.
Affectionately known to his friends simply as Ed, he was an influential dignitary, in time, becoming a member of the Board of Trade, a Hospital Director, and represented for the Fish and Game Club.
Burr Legacy
Mr. Burr came of a family with a long and distinguished history. He was born on October 30th, 1863, at Allen Township, La Salle County, Illinois, one of nine sons and four daughters born to Hiram Fuller Burr, who married Mary A Hower. The family traced its descent to members of Puritan stock, who came to America from England in the 17th century. The most illustrious member of this stock was Aaron Burr, (1756-1836), who was the Vice President to Thomas Jefferson, one of America's Founding Fathers. Aaron Burr, having attended the Ivy League Princeton University, may have influenced Mr Burr's decision to settle in Princeton BC. (bottom right)
Similkameen Valley Pioneer
"He was a true pioneer, a man of Sterling worth and was held in high esteem. No other citizen had more faith in Princeton or worked harder for its future. If he had any regrets on life, it was not seeing the Hope Road completed".
- The Similkameen Star, August 2nd, 1945
Burr Motors
A pioneer of the automobile business in Similkameen:
Opened Burr Motors becoming the first Ford Dealership in the Valley. Presented with a gold watch from Ford to mark his 25 year connection with the company.
Burr Cabins
An owner of significant parcels of land in Princeton, Mr Burr opened the regions first cabins, the Burr Auto Court cabins.
Aaron Burr, Vice President
Aaron Burr (February 6, 1756 – September 14, 1836) was an American politician, businessman, lawyer, and Founding Father who served as the third Vice President of the United States from 1801 to 1805 during Thomas Jefferson's first Presidential term.
Famous for his Duel in 1804 where he shot and killed Alexander Hamilton, also simultaneously ending his political career.
Trans Provincial Highway
Mr Burr helped facilitate the construction of the new Hope Road by selling some of his land for $1.
Discover The Burr House
Townhall sits in the lower left foreground on Vermillion St, and below that, partially obscured by trees, is the Burr Family Barn.
The Historic Center of Princeton
189 1st Street, The Burr House. On the corner of Fenchurch and 1st, across from the United Church, and the Law Courts (now Princeton Townhall).