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December 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: Weekends on Forbidden Plateau were social and high-spirited. Top from left: Sheelagh Corfield, Jerry Macdonald and Jack Hough. Below: Roy Macdonald and Doreen Pope. Photo: 993.39.13. Page 207.
It’s All There in Black and White: Overwaitea Christmas Prices in 1991
Grocery costs continue to climb so it can be fun to exclaim and shake our heads about past prices. For your enjoyment, the Comox District Free Press of December 18, 1991 with advertised specials from the Overwaitea store at Driftwood Mall. With legacy support from the Bickle Family and the Comox Valley Echo.
November 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: Lee Vanstone (left) and unidentified friend oyster picking in Comox, 1948. S.B.W. (Dusty) d'Esterre photograph. Photo: 998.219.223. Page 150. Photo caption: '... the Comox Argus reported on April 28, 1948, that "a letter was read from the Superintendent of Lands, Victoria, advising that the application of the British Columbia Packers Ltd. to lease certain foreshore in Comox Harbour for oyster culture purposes had been approved, and that it had been decided that a lease should [...]
Comox Valley Santa’s Workshop
The dedicated volunteers of Santa’s Workshop are back for Christmas 2021! The Courtenay Museum will once again be a drop-off location for new or "gently-used" toys, books and games to help brighten the Christmas season for local kids and families.
Members Only Christmas Sale
It’s almost time for our annual Members Only Christmas Sale. From December 1st through to the 24th members will receive a 25% discount on most items in our gift shop. This offer does not apply to items already marked down or on consignment. Your valid membership card must be show at the time of purchase. Not a member? No worries! Purchase a membership and you immediately qualify for the special holiday discount. The museum shop has just received a ton of fabulous new stock. Come and check us out so you can start making your shopping list. s creating a new hands-on copy [...]
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, [...]