 In addition to an opulent new residence, Richter planted of fruit trees on the new property, which was to become the foundation of the Similkameen's still-thriving orchard industry and, alongside the Oblate priests of Okanagan Mission, is reckoned to be the founder of BC's fruit industry.The house and the Richter household became social pillars of British Columbia society and important guests were common at the Richter ranch.Among those hosted by Richter was Earl Grey in 1908.