On September 30th each year, Canada commemorates the tragic and painful history and ongoing impacts of residential schools throughout Canada. The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation honours the children who never returned home and survivors of residential schools, and their families and communities.
Note that the Reception Committee includes Mrs. D. Kilpatrick (formerly Bessie Williams) and her School Board trustee opponent Mrs. Dr. Millard (formerly Margaret Roy).
This month Kilpatrick Avenue is in the limelight with tales of early civic politics, rivalries and good works all wrapped up in an article from the Comox District Free Press of April 15, 1970.
If you look closely at the museum’s exterior, you might notice a difference in brick colour that reveals which section was a later addition. This month marks the 70th anniversary since the Courtenay Post Office reopened following the expansion and upgrade.
Check out some roadworthy antiques at this year’s Hot August Nights Classic Car Show & Cruise. Over 500 classic American cars will be lining the fairways of the beautiful Park at Crown Isle on August 10th.
On July 23rd, Premier David Eby visited the Courtenay and District Museum to celebrate the October 2023 legislation of the Puntledge River elasmosaur as BC’s provincial fossil emblem.
Tennis players at the court on Johnston Avenue, 1920s
Shining a light on Johnston Avenue for this newsletter with a bit about John “Scoop” Johnston (1852-1921) as well as activities on the street bearing his name.
The Comox Valley Exhibition is celebrating their 150th anniversary August 23rd to 25th. By coincidence, a brief history of the fair written by Tom Menzies was recently transcribed in the archives. Enjoy!
The museum will be closed on Sunday, August 4th and Monday, August 5th. Wishing everyone a safe and happy BC Day holiday!
