Latest News
Masters’ Memorial Book
Ruth Masters’ “Lest We Forget” handmade book dedicated to those of the Comox Valley who lost their lives in World Wars I and II has been off exhibit and out of the building for a much-needed spruce up and repair. Vancouver Island Art Conservation, a local business specializing in the conservation, repair, and housing of works of art on paper and archival documents, is nearing completion on restoration work to the original album as well as creating a new hands-on copy for the public.
It’s All There in Black and White: Duncan and Dingwall Veterans’ Subdivision at Sandwick
You'd never guess by looking at the area today, but a quirkily shaped “triangle” of land bordered by the Old Island Highway, Back Road and Ryan Road was once part of a WW II Veterans Land Act housing development. This area, intersected by Braidwood Road, was eventually divided into 11 parcels for purchase by returned veterans. Known locally as the Duncan and Dingwall Veterans' Subdivision at Sandwick, the plan was announced in December of 1945 with houses allotted one full year later as seen in this article from the December 12, 1946 Comox District Free Press. With legacy support from the Bickle Family and [...]
After 33 Years, the Elasmosaur Still Inspires
In 2018, the British Columbia Paleontological Alliance proposed the adoption of a provincial fossil to celebrate BC's ancient ecosystems. After much discussion, they recommended a short-list of seven candidates, ranging in scope from crabs and ammonites to ichthyosaurs and giant elasmosaur marine reptiles. While all of these fossils are important and have their own fans, Mike Trask’s discovery of an elasmosaur in Courtenay’s Puntledge River was hugely significant. These giant marine reptiles lived in ancient seas during the Cretaceous Period, but most specimens had been discovered in Texas, Kansas, and Alberta; the Puntledge find in 1988 was the first one found west of [...]
Andy Everson Design Adds New Dimension to Galleries
Thank you to Northwest Coast Artist, Andy Everson as Courtenay and District Museum visitors are now enjoying seeing his killer whale creation, “Perspective”, large-scale on an 11x19 ft wall directly below the second floor house front design he created in 2000. Known locally and internationally, Andy Everson’s expertise and design refinements for “Perspective” made it possible to work with ABC Printing’s pro vinyl wrap team who applied the design to the wall this fall. The installation is extraordinary and adds a new dimension to the museum’s galleries. Here is what Andy Everson has to say about “Perspective” "One of the things I [...]
It’s All There in Black and White: Comox Valley Halloween Vandalism Causes Deep Concern
Looks like 1971 was a year to remember for Halloween damage. This article from the November 3, 1971 Comox District Free Press lists transgressions. Food for thought to realize that the adolescent vandals of 50 years ago are today’s old-age pensioners. Click for Larger Image Click for Larger Image With legacy support from the Bickle Family and the Comox Valley Echo.
October 2021 Stepping into Wilderness
Here now is an image from the museum's newest award-winning book Step into Wilderness – A Pictorial History of Outdoor Exploration in and around the Comox Valley. Photo credit: Frank Lalonde’s stage awaits passengers at the E&N Railway station in Courtenay, 1924. Photo: 2004.27.4. Page 76. Photo caption: "Comox Valley communities relied on water transportation for their personal and commercial needs until the arrival of the Esquimalt and Nanaimo Railway, the E&N, on August 6, 1914, from Victoria. The 146-mile trip from Victoria to Courtenay station took approximately seven hours." Page 77.
Raise a Glass to 100 Years of Running Water
Courtenay BC after the fire July 21st, 1916. Photo by The King Studio, Vancouver, BC. CDM 972.54.6. One hundred years ago, Courtenay joined the modern era when its new waterworks system opened, providing residents with a stable source of running water in their homes. But the new water mains offered more than just material comfort -- they brought safety and security to a beleaguered city that had suffered major fires. On the night of July 21, 1916, the manager of Courtenay Opera House, Bert Whittle, was closing up when he heard the sound of crackling flames. The fire brigade was assembled with the [...]
October is Women’s History Month
A friendly gathering in front of the Carroll family house, ca. 1912. Left to right: Lizzie Gibson, Agnes “Aggie” Shopland, Leila Carroll, Ida Carroll, Elizabeth “Bessie” Woods, Annie Carroll, Olive Hodgson, Mary Hodgson, Ina Carter, Tina Davidson. CDM 2004.20.10. In honour of Women’s History Month, a look back at career options, both general and localized, from one hundred years ago. Women might marry and take on the domestic responsibilities that came with running a home and raising a family. Spinsters might continue to live with their parents and work at the family home or farm. Working outside the home could mean nurse, [...]
Online Lecture: Watershed Moments
Local authors Dickinson and Griffiths bring Comox Valley history to life through stories and photographs from the Courtenay Museum book Watershed Moments, A Pictorial History of Courtenay and District.
Lecture: Joseph William McKay: A Métis Business Leader in Colonial British Columbia
When examining the history of British Columbia, one would be hard-pressed to find an Indigenous person who so successfully navigated the echelons of colonial power as did Joseph William McKay (1829–1900).
Car Rally Wrap Up
The Crown Isle 2021 Hot August Nights Car Show August 14-15 was a big success with proceeds going to the Comox Valley Child Development Association. For those who want a bird’s eye view of this event, here is drone footage provided courtesy of BlueForce UAV Consulting. And here's video of the cars rolling out for the two-hour Sunday Cruise. People throughout Courtenay, Comox, Cumberland, Royston, Union Bay and everywhere in-between, set out folding chairs and umbrellas in front of their homes to enjoy the cars driven by local enthusiasts as well as by people from all points on the island and lower [...]
Courtenay “Civic Centre” turns the big 5-0
Several hundred citizens were on hand to watch ceremonies marking the official opening of Courtenay’s Civic Centre complex by Premier W.A.C. Bennett. Bill Smith photo. Comox District Free Press Collection, September 15, 1971. Around 1889-1890, the Riverside Hotel was constructed at the corner of 5th Street and Cliffe Avenue. Right next to it on Cliffe, entrepreneur E.W. Bickle designed the Bickle Theatre which opened on June 20, 1935 with the movie Babes in Toyland. The Riverside Hotel continued as a well-known landmark in the area, but after Bickle's death in 1961, the theatre struggled and eventually fell vacant for several years. On [...]
September 2021 Stepping into Wilderness
Here now is an image from the museum's newest award-winning book Step into Wilderness – A Pictorial History of Outdoor Exploration in and around the Comox Valley. Photo credit: Katherine Capes, Ruth Masters and Peggy Sillence en route to Comox Glacier in September 1938. Photo: CDM Masters Collection. Page 102.