James Bay in Victoria in Capital, British Columbia — Canada’s West Coast (North America)

The Children’s Graves

Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, September 14, 2011

1. The Children’s Graves Marker

Inscription. Soon after the Helmckens moved into their new log house in 1853, Cecilia gave birth to a baby boy ‘before the doors had been hung”, as Dr Hemcken later recalled.
Later Dr Helmcken wrote: “ When he was about a month or two old we found him dead in the bed one morning. The anguish felt at this time is indescribable.... The poor little fellow was buried in the garden where the holly now grows – close by out bedroom window. An oval of white daisies were planted around with a daisy cross in the center.”
In 1858, the Helmcken’s third child, Margaret Jane (“Daisy”) died at 18 months. She too, was buried here. In 1865, when Cecilia Helmcken died, she was buried in the Old Quadra Street Burying Ground (Pioneer Square) and the babies were moved to her tomb.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Cemeteries & Burial Sites. A significant historical year for this entry is 1853.

Location. 48° 25.177′ N, 123° 22.004′ W. Marker is in Victoria, British Columbia, in Capital. It is in James Bay. Marker can be reached from Douglas Street close to Belleville Street. This marker is in Thunderbird Park, next to the Helmcken House in the garden enclosure. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Victoria BC V8V 2P8, Canada. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Cecilia Helmcken (a few steps from this marker); Log Cabin to Victorian Parlour

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(a few steps from this marker); Doctor John Sebastian Helmcken (a few steps from this marker); The Old Man’s Garden (a few steps from this marker); Sir James Douglas (a few steps from this marker); Dr John Sebastian Helmcken (within shouting distance of this marker); St. Ann’s Schoolhouse (within shouting distance of this marker); The Sisters of St. Ann (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Victoria.

Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, September 14, 2011

2. The Children’s Graves Marker

The marker is on the left, under the tree.

Credits. This page was last revised on February 16, 2023. It was originally submitted on October 29, 2011, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 1,009 times since then and 7 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on October 29, 2011, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.