Reverend Thomas Menzies with sons Wilson and Tommy in their horse-drawn cutter, c. 1914.

This month, Reverend Menzies is centre stage as author Dorothy Isabelle Stubbs shares the backstory to one of the local avenue namesakes. Mrs. Stubbs paints a picture of a dedicated person working for the good of the community. She even mentions Menzies’ role as “the Valley’s unofficial tooth-puller” in this May 13, 1970 article from the Comox District Free Press.

Whether you like it cool and fluffy or hot and hearty, we’ve got just the pudding for you! The recipes come from a cookbook compiled in 1966 by the Friendship Unit of St. George’s United Church in Courtenay.

Joseph McPhee, c. 1945/46. Photographed by Robert Filberg. That’s Lewis Park and the Courtenay Hotel in the background.

This month’s article is a tribute to the man known as the father of Courtenay, Joseph McPhee, the namesake of McPhee Avenue. Local historian Dorothy Isabelle Stubbs (1905-2003) wrote columns for different newspapers over the years including this one from the May 6th, 1970 edition of the Comox District Free Press.

In 1992, the Government of Canada designated October as Women’s History Month, marking the beginning of an annual celebration of the outstanding achievements of women and girls throughout Canada’s history.

Leighton’s shop, c. 1912. Located in Courtenay’s first city centre near the intersection of the current Old Island Highway and Comox Road. George Brunskill Leighton (1865-1935) is 4th from left.

This month’s newsletter highlights Leighton Avenue with an article written by local historian Dorothy Isabelle Stubbs (1905-2003), author of several different columns for newspapers over the years including "Spotlight on Courtenay Streets" for Comox District Free Press in 1970. This article appeared in the April 22nd edition.