Latest News
Merville – 100 Years and Counting Part 9
Merville’s importance as a soldier settlement precipitated the Prince of Wales’ visit to the Comox Valley on September 26, 1919. The Cumberland Islander of September 27 covered the event and you can read that story below. But what about those little details that didn’t make it into the article? For example, the royal car was part of a “parade” led by A.B. (Charlie) Ball down to the Agricultural Grounds. Jeff Hannay presented an ice cream cone to his Highness in the middle of the main street. And the royal route? It was E&N Station, down main street to the Agricultural Grounds, Dyke Road to [...]
AGM Coming Up
The Annual General Meeting of the Courtenay and District Historical Society will take place at 6:00 pm on Wednesday, September 25, 2019 in the museum Rotary Gallery. New members welcome!
Merville – 100 Years and Counting – Saunders Supply Co. Bonus Photo
CDM 972.208.1 Artifact from the original Saunders Supply Co.
August 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: These sheds in Lewis Park, 1930s, were used during agricultural fairs. Charles Sillence photograph. Photo: CDM Sillence Collection. Page 157. Photo: “People anticipated plays, musicals and fairs for months in advance and attended from all around the district. Fun was, and still is, a big word in the valley’s vocabulary.” Page 121.
Merville – 100 Years and Counting Part 8
Yet another fire was in the cards for Merville. The community had been devastated by the 1922 fire, but was hit again in 1930 with the loss of their general store. Read the article from the Comox District Free Press of July 22, 1930. Click here for a bonus photo
Periodical Wisdom: August 2019
Looking for some amusing "unplugged" activities to play while camping or hosting a summer picnic? Try these party suggestions from The Nor'-West Farmer of December 21, 1931. Helpful hints, recipes and practical "how-to" advice can all be found in periodical magazines from our archival collection.
It’s All There in Black and White: Car Bingo at Lewis Park
Now there was a innovative use for Lewis Park...car bingo! Loretta Favero (later Loretta Briggs) won a brand new Austin Healey sports convertible as seen in this August 6, 1958 edition of the Comox District Free Press. With legacy support from the Bickle Family and the Comox Valley Echo.
It’s All There in Black and White: Princess Margaret Visits Courtenay
Comox Valley Royal watchers were treated to a personal appearance in 1958. Princess Margaret visited Lewis Park, St. Joseph's Hospital and the RCAF airport in Comox. This article from the July 23, 1958 Comox District Free Press gives info on everything from what she ate for lunch to who she visited at the hospital! Click for Larger Image Click for Larger Image With legacy support from the Bickle Family and the Comox Valley Echo.
July 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: An impressive array of canned goods on display in the Safeway Store, 1932. Charles Sillence photograph. Photo: CDM Sillence Collection. Page 153.
Periodical Wisdom: July 2019
Our archives houses magazines and periodicals from the past that can often jog memories. Here’s one for all the folks who ever spent time down on the farm. The Nor’- West Farmer magazine (which billed itself as “The Pioneer Farm Journal of Western Canada”) of July 21, 1930 featured this informative ad about the 1 ½-ton Ford truck.
Merville – 100 Years and Counting Part 7
Say the name “Merville” to a local history buff and two topics spring to mind: the 1919 visit by the Prince of Wales and the Merville Fire of July 1922. This month marks the 97th anniversary of the fire. Readers looking for a concise wrap-up of events will find it in the following text from The Land of Plenty. “The Merville Fire of July 6, 1922, fanned by a north-east wind moved south from the Oyster River through standing timber “crowning” in great bursts of flame. It hit the felled and bucked timber of Comox Logging Camp 2 on the Oyster and gained momentum. [...]
New for 2019: Courtenay Heritage Walking Tours
There's a new tour in town...a guided Heritage Walking Tour of Courtenay. Learn about Courtenay's first commercial centre, the origins of the Native Sons Hall, the railway which ran through town, and the important role the river has played in the City's development. Tour guides will also explore industrial, military and recreational ties to Comox Bay and Estuary. Click here to find out more
Summer Fossil Tours
Interested in fossils? Do you like to try new things? Join us on a fossil tour! Let's dive into the past and uncover what was roaming the ancient sea floor at the time of the dinosaurs. Now is your chance to explore. You might even find an Elasmosaur! Click for Details