Latest News
Periodical Wisdom: May 2019
Some tips to help you iron out the wrinkles from the July 1931 edition of McCall's magazine. All kinds of helpful hints, recipes and practical "how-to" advice can all be found in periodicals from our archival collection.
Lecture: Cougar Companions
Time and Date: 7 pm, Tuesday, May 14, 2019 Location: Rotary Gallery of the Courtenay and District Museum Speaker: Judith Williams Tickets: $5 for Historical Society members; $6 for general public (plus GST). Advance tickets strongly recommended as lectures frequently sell out. Tickets can be purchased over the phone by calling 250-334-0686 ext 2. Author Judith Williams speaks about her latest book Raincoast Chronicles 24: Cougar Companions, Bute Inlet Country and the Legendary Schnarrs. Click for More Info
Lecture: Riding the Continent
Location: Rotary Gallery of the Courtenay and District Museum Speaker: Trevor Marc Hughes Tickets: $5 for Historical Society members; $6 for general public (plus GST). Advance tickets strongly recommended as lectures frequently sell out. Tickets can be purchased over the phone by calling 250-334-0686 ext 2. Note: tickets go on sale May 17, 2019. Riding the Continent is Hamilton Mack Laing's previously unpublished memoir about his 1915 transcontinental motorcycle trip. Laing's story explores the beauty of North America's bird life and describes the sights, scenery and people he encountered. Click for More Info
Historic Building Fire in Courtenay
DM 972.235.19 / The Riverside Hotel trees are visible on the left, as well as the McPhee Store with awning and the second bridge, which lasted from 1900 to 1923. Click for Larger Image CDM 989.69.56 / 5th Street (Union Street), c. 1913. The first J. McPhee and Sons building is visible on Anderton Avenue (Mill Street) behind the new McPhee Block at the foot of the hill. Click for Larger Image An unfortunate fire occurred at the former J. McPhee and Sons General Store building on Saturday, March 23, 2019. The building is the current home of the Cona [...]
April 2019 Watershed Moments
Here is the latest newsletter installment of an image from the museum’s award-winning book Watershed Moments – A Pictorial History of Courtenay and District. Photo credit: 6th Street view of Central Builders', 1932. Charles Sillence photographer. Photo caption: CDM Sillence Collection. Page 148.
Periodical Wisdom: April 2019
April is national oral health month so in the spirit of staying behind the times we present "Care of Baby's Teeth" from the December 1917 edition of The Christmas Peoples Home Journal. All kinds of helpful hints, recipes and practical "how-to" advice can all be found in periodical magazines from our archival collection.
Merville – 100 Years and Counting Bonus Poem
To the Builders of Merville Community Hall. “They who dig a deep foundation, Make a house both strong and sure. They who toil with faith and patience Long shall see their work endure. He who gives that all may profit, Nor spares what to him the cost, Gives himself, and all shall bless him, No true effort shall be lost. Where the forest once existed Ere the cedar and the pine. Fell before the eager woodsmen, Stands a building broad and fine. Built by hearts and hands that love it, Wrought for their community. May the efforts of their labour Bring joy through the [...]
Merville – 100 Years and Counting Part 4
Every community worth its salt needs a special gathering place. Merville got theirs with the official opening of the Community Hall on Saturday, May 22, 1954. Described in the Argus newspaper as having a grey, gaunt exterior but a light decorated interior, the 42 x 98 foot hall was built with volunteer labour. Jim Mathers chaired the grand opening celebration and reminisced on how meetings were first held in the school and then later in a dance hall built by Louis Biss. Here is the Comox District Free Press article of May 26, 1954:
April 2019 Gift Shop News
One of the newest items to hit our shelves are fun and fabulous tea towels! Decorated with animal designs by Charlotte Nicolin, they are made of 100% cotton and retail for $14.95 per towel. Designs available include hedgehogs, rabbits, birds, cows, moose and Canada geese. These towels have been such a hit that a second order has already been required. And (wait for it...) matching mugs are also on their way. These items would make a great housewarming gift or a treat for your own home.
It’s All There in Black and White: Kin Beach Origins in 1940
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.
BCHF Conference
The BC Historical Federation is holding its annual conference in the Comox Valley from June 6-9, 2019. A roster of presentations and field trips is now available online and open to all. Click for Details The British Columbia Historical Federation encourages interest in the history of British Columbia through research, presentation, and support.
Lecture: Don’t Never Tell Nobody Nothin’ No How
Time and Date: 7 pm, Tuesday, April 16, 2019 Location: Rotary Gallery of the Courtenay and District Museum Speaker: Rick James Tickets: $5 for Historical Society members; $6 for general public (plus GST). Advance tickets strongly recommended as lectures frequently sell out. Tickets can be purchased over the phone by calling 250-334-0686 ext 2. The real story of West Coast rum running presented with a bit of a twist. Click for More Info
March 2019 Watershed Moments
Here is the latest newsletter installment of an image from the museum’s award-winning book Watershed Moments – A Pictorial History of Courtenay and District. Click for Larger Image Click for Larger Image Photo credit: CDM Sillence Collection. Page 147. Photo caption: View of the empty corner lot of 5th Street and England Avenue, 1940, that would soon boast the E.W. Bickle Theatre. Charles Sillence photograph.