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.
The Leung’s building was under construction 70 years ago as noted in the January 20, 1949 Comox District Free Press.
With legacy support from the Bickle Family and the Comox Valley Echo.
Christmas shopping got a bit of a shake up when the T. Eaton Company came to town as seen in this Comox District Free Press article from December 2, 1948.
Bonus! Click here to see the 1948 Eaton’s Toyland Advertisement from the same edition.
With legacy support from the Bickle Family and the Comox Valley Echo.
Grey Cup coming up! Courtenay entered a float in the 1963 Vancouver Grey Cup parade. Our float was described as the biggest in the procession and was truly a community effort to produce. All in the name of showing support for the BC Lions who held training camps here (on and off) starting in 1961. Check out this article from the Comox District Free Press of November 27, 1963.
Bonus! Click here Click here to see photos including one of the Comox Valley float.
With legacy support from the Bickle Family and the Comox Valley Echo.
Did you know that Comox used to boast a kelp processing “plant”? Check out this article from the Comox District Free Press of October 3, 1968.
With legacy support from the Bickle Family and the Comox Valley Echo.
September marks the 80th birthday of the building known today as the Old Church Theatre on Harmston Avenue in Courtenay.
It was originally the Roman Catholic Church of the Canadian Martyrs and its official dedication made front page news in the Comox District Free Press of September 29, 1938.
Bonus!
Click here for a photograph of the original dedication gathering September 25, 1938.
With legacy support from the Bickle Family and the Comox Valley Echo.