Latest News
Elinor Dunsmuir’s House in Comox
Elinor Dunsmuir’s House in Comox, British Columbia. Credit: Image courtesy of Craigdarroch Castle 2012.7.3
July 2020 Gift Shop News
Check out these new totes made by Thornback & Peel Co. of the UK. The totes are made from strong canvas and have a good size gusset that expands to create a large carrying capacity. A perfect bag for grocery shopping! We have two very attractive prints: Rabbit & Cabbage and Blackbird & Bramble. These totes are a great gift idea and retail for $14.95 each plus tax.
It’s All There in Black and White: Elinor Dunsmuir’s Home in Comox
The Dunsmuir family name is well known to British Columbians whether it be through the history of coal, rail or politics. But did you know that Elinor Dunsmuir, the subject of our temporary exhibit, had a home in Comox? Elinor's house, built in 1929 (not 1906 as reported in this article), was part of the unsuccessful "Save Comox Hill" campaign of the early 1990s. The final fate of her home is discussed in this article from the Comox District Free Press of May 11, 1994. With legacy support from the Bickle Family and the Comox Valley Echo.
July 2020 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: Boating party on the Courtenay River, ca. 1924. The girl at the front of photo in the white hat is Kathleen Stephens. Photo: CDM Stubbs Collection.
Culture Doesn’t Stop
Working together, Comox Valley Arts, Courtenay & District Museum, The Sid Williams Theatre and Comox Valley Art Gallery are making a plan in concert with the City of Courtenay to keep cultural activities going. Read the Statement Here
May 2020 Gift Shop News
Culture doesn't stop and neither does our gift shop. We're going to be featuring select items on our Facebook page for your perusal. You can then email us at info@courtenaymuseum.ca or give us a call at 250-334-0686 ext. 1 to purchase. Calls will be accepted Tuesday to Friday from 9:30 am to 1:30 pm. Payment can be made with either Visa or MasterCard. Then, you can make an appointment time for pick up or we can have the items mailed or couriered to you (a shipping fee will apply).
May 2020 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: Charles and Henrietta Simms relaxing in their picturesque garden, August 1931. Charles Sillence photograph. Photo: CDM Sillence Collection. Page 161.
Just For Fun
CDM 997.525.22 An example of a late Victorian trade card from our collection. Trade cards were an early form of collectible advertising. This one is likely from around the 1880s and is promoting the Toronto, Ontario Steele Brothers who were seed growers and importers. The two fellows pictured in the ad seem awfully annoyed with that perfectly legitimate beetparrot.
It’s All There in Black and White: Comox Valley and V-E Day
A time to join together and give thanks for victory in Europe played out in halls and churches of the Comox Valley 75 years ago this month. Find out more in this article from the Comox District Free Press of May 10, 1945. With legacy support from the Bickle Family and the Comox Valley Echo.
Father’s Day Gift Ideas
Father's Day is coming up on Sunday, June 21st and we have many reasonably priced gifts in the $5 to $35 range. Here's a top 10 list of suggestions for that special Dad. 1. Watershed Moments - A Pictorial History of Courtenay and District book 2. Dinosaur socks 3. Elasmosaur coffee 4. Bear/octopus/Vancouver Island t-shirt by West Coast Karma 5. Ammonite or fern design ceramic mug 6. Gift certificate for a Fossil Tour 7. Backroad Map books or waterproof map of Vancouver Island 8. Water bottle 9. Bear bells 10. Elasmosaur chocolate bar (milk or dark)
Thank you Wayward Distillery!
Courtenay’s Wayward Distillery has donated 2000 litres of its hand sanitizer to the Comox Valley Community Foundation for distribution to not-for-profits and emergency services in the Comox Valley and Campbell River. The Courtenay and District Museum is very pleased and grateful to receive three 20 litre pails to promote good hand hygiene for all visitors and staff. Dave Brimacombe, CEO of Wayward Distillery, reached out to both the Campbell River and Comox Valley Community Foundations as he is well aware of the broad reach of these foundations. “The team at Wayward loves to play and work right here, in this spectacular part of the [...]
From Our Library: Park’s Floral Guide
CDM 977.13.2 Park's Floral Guide for 1905 is a wonderful example of a nursery catalogue from the period. The lack of colour images may feel odd to our 21st century eyes but the booklet is illustrated with original detailed engravings. Note that George W. Park is the business owner. A seedsman and florist named "Park" - destiny fulfilled.
April 2020 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: A hand-coloured postcard featuring Moat Lake on Forbidden Plateau, 1930s. Preston L. Tait photograph. Photo: 975.36.10. Page 7. Photo caption: "Strathcona Park, designated in 1911, is the oldest park in British Columbia and includes 250,000 hectares in the Forbidden Plateau and Buttle Lake areas." Page 125.