Gordon McLean (left), two unidentified young men and Dusty d’Esterre (front right) enjoy a sunny day at Williams Beach. S.B.W. (Dusty) d’Esterre photograph. This photo and its caption appear on page 139 of Step Into Wilderness: A Pictorial History of Outdoor Exploration in and around the Comox Valley.
The Museum Gift Shop has a fabulous new selection of “sea glass” soap, lip balms, and soy/coconut candles from Sealuxe Organics, based out of Crescent Beach, BC.
Are you or someone you know part of a non-profit that’s looking for venue space? We’re happy to announce that the Courtenay Museum is now offering special discounted rates for non-profit groups renting out our Rotary Gallery or Dogwood Gallery spaces.
The Sutherland and Fairbairn girls ready for a swim in the Courtenay River. Left to right: Saxon and Agnes Sutherland, Gwen, Jean, Dorothy and Kay Fairbairn, with Lewis Park in the background, ca. 1920. This photo and its caption appear on pg. 118 and 119 of Step Into Wilderness: A Pictorial History of Outdoor Exploration in and around the Comox Valley.
Looking to buy Canadian? The Museum Gift Shop has you covered this July! Discover a fabulous collection of magnets, stickers, and greeting cards by Almeida Illustrations (Vancouver), patches, pouches, and enamel pins by Northern Icons (Vancouver), and tea towels by Maison Lorrain (Quebec, designed in Vancouver).
The museum will be closed on Sunday, August 2 and Monday, August 3. Wishing everyone a safe and happy BC Day holiday.
The Canadian Legion of the British Empire Service League united numerous Veterans groups and societies together as one national entity. Over 160 Legion branches were founded that first year of 1926. This included Courtenay Branch #17 which was followed locally by Cumberland Branch #28 and later by Comox Branch #160 in 1939.
Long-time Courtenay meter reader Billy Hayman with a good catch, ca. 1920. This photograph appears on page 168 of Step into Wilderness: A Pictorial History of Outdoor Exploration in and around the Comox Valley.
The Museum Gift Shop has added some fabulous new Vancouver Island maps to the selection of charts for sale. These “placemat” maps are laminated, measure 17 x 11 inches, and serve as a more budget friendly option at $9.50 plus tax.
This year marks the 40th anniversary of Hot Chocolates opening for business in downtown Courtenay. The newspaper ad seen here, celebrating one year in business, appeared in the June 12, 1987 edition of the Comox District Free Press. Note the original shop location on Duncan Avenue where the Backdoor Gallery & Studio is today.
