Blackouts to avoid air attacks during WW II were not limited to Europe. The Comox Valley was also under threat and observed its first blackout in 1941.
This article from the December 11 edition of the Comox District Free Press tells of some successes, a car accident and local first aid stations.
With legacy support from the Bickle Family and the Comox Valley Echo.
A reminder to readers that October 6-12 is fire prevention week.
The Duncan family lost a landmark as noted in this October 3, 1935 Comox District Free Press article. Firefighter Cliff Laver sustained an injury and a strange loss that confirmed the intensity of the fire.
With legacy support from the Bickle Family and the Comox Valley Echo.
A brush with “celebrity” for Valleyites in September of 1927 when Premier J.D. MacLean officially opened the new consolidated schools. The article from the September 8th edition of the Courtenay Free Press goes on to list some interesting statistics about the growth of education in BC.
With legacy support from the Bickle Family and the Comox Valley Echo.
Now there was a innovative use for Lewis Park…car bingo! Loretta Favero (later Loretta Briggs) won a brand new Austin Healey sports convertible as seen in this August 6, 1958 edition of the Comox District Free Press.
With legacy support from the Bickle Family and the Comox Valley Echo.
Comox Valley Royal watchers were treated to a personal appearance in 1958. Princess Margaret visited Lewis Park, St. Joseph’s Hospital and the RCAF airport in Comox. This article from the July 23, 1958 Comox District Free Press gives info on everything from what she ate for lunch to who she visited at the hospital!
With legacy support from the Bickle Family and the Comox Valley Echo.
The Courtenay & District Memorial Outdoor Pool officially opened on July 1st 70 years ago. Once the solemn dedication ceremony was completed, there was time for some shenanigans as reported in this Comox District Free Press article from July 7, 1949.
With legacy support from the Bickle Family and the Comox Valley Echo.
Remember the Milk Runs? Not just an excuse to get out in the spring sunshine, they also raised money for the BC Society for Crippled Children. This page from the May 2, 1980 Comox District Free Press is sure to bring back memories for people schooled here in the valley. Presented with apologies to the lactose intolerant.
With legacy support from the Bickle Family and the Comox Valley Echo.
Big plans were stirring in 1940 as the Kinsmen Club of Courtenay began work on what we know today as Kin Beach. This article from the April 4 Comox District Free Press provides an interesting backstory to one of the valley’s (somewhat) hidden gems.
With legacy support from the Bickle Family and the Comox Valley Echo.
Courtenay’s Court House officially opened on Monday, March 31, 1952. The building housed provincial government departments as well as the RCMP. This article from the April 3, 1952 Comox District Free Press gives all the details right down to the coal mixture used for heating (that’s 50% Cumberland coal, in case you were wondering).
With legacy support from the Bickle Family and the Comox Valley Echo.
In 1959 Comox was growing and on the move! Writer Ted Gaskell penned this inventory for a February 4 article in the Comox District Free Press.
With legacy support from the Bickle Family and the Comox Valley Echo.