Latest News
Merville – 100 Years and Counting Part 6
Merville was home to the Stardust Drive-In Theatre from 1967 to about 1985. It opened Thursday, September 14, 1967 with a double bill of Fireball 500 and Muscle Beach Party - both starred Frankie Avalon and Annette Funicello. As an added attraction, Muscle Beach Party featured the film debut of "Little Stevie" Wonder. A press release described the theatre as having a 34' x 80' screen and the capacity to accommodate 440 cars. It was part of E.W. Bickle Ltd. which, at that time, also operated two indoor theatres, the Van Isle in Campbell River and the E.W. in Courtenay. Exact date of closure [...]
It’s All There in Black and White: Outdoor Pool Opening
The Courtenay & District Memorial Outdoor Pool officially opened on July 1st 70 years ago. Once the solemn dedication ceremony was completed, there was time for some shenanigans as reported in this Comox District Free Press article from July 7, 1949. With legacy support from the Bickle Family and the Comox Valley Echo.
Canada Day Open House 2019
Join us Monday, July 1st from 12 noon to 4 pm for exciting and fun festivities! The museum will be hosting an open house welcoming people of all ages to help celebrate our magnificent country's birthday. Click here for more details
Capes Escape: Ready for Summer!
Capes Escape Capes Escape, the museum's vacation rental property, is ready for summer guests. The 1700 sq. ft., 1930s heritage home is part of the Courtenay and District Museum visitor services. The Capes home, situated on seven acres of forested land on Cumberland Road, was donated to the museum by the late Katherine Capes. Located approximately 4 km from Highway 19, Capes Escape is only minutes from downtown Courtenay and Cumberland. If you've got company coming for a visit and are looking for a comfortable and convenient rental space, consider Capes Escape. Click here for more information
New Exhibit: Gold Mountain Dream!
June 7 to September 4, 2019 Be sure to visit our second floor gallery to take in this travelling exhibit from the Royal British Columbia Museum and Archives. Click here to learn more
Lecture: Food for Dinosaurs, Food for Thought
Time and Date: 1 to 4pm, Saturday, June 15, 2019 Location: Rotary Gallery of the Courtenay and District Museum Speakers: Ruth A. Stockey, Gar W. Rothwell and Alex Bippus Admission by donation A trio of paleobotanists from the University of Oregon will be on hand to discuss various fossil plants found on Vancouver Island. You don't have to be a botanist yourself to enjoy the wonderful world of plants! Click for More Info
BCHF Conference Reminder
The BC Historical Federation Conference starts Friday, June 6, 2019. There are a multitude of field trips, presentations and tours to choose from that are open to everyone. Click for Details The British Columbia Historical Federation encourages interest in the history of British Columbia through research, presentation, and support.
May 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: Laver's Store decorated for the 1937 coronation celebration of King George VI. Charles Sillence photograph. Photo: CDM Sillence Collection. Page 172-173.
It’s All There in Black and White: Comox Valley Milk Run
Remember the Milk Runs? Not just an excuse to get out in the spring sunshine, they also raised money for the BC Society for Crippled Children. This page from the May 2, 1980 Comox District Free Press is sure to bring back memories for people schooled here in the valley. Presented with apologies to the lactose intolerant. Click for Larger Image Click for Larger Image With legacy support from the Bickle Family and the Comox Valley Echo.
Merville – 100 Years and Counting – Violet Trotter
CDM 992.48.1 Violet Trotter with her Courtenay High School class of 1923.
Merville – 100 Years and Counting Part 5
The Merville community celebrated the one year anniversary of sod turning with a 1920 May Day celebration. It was a party with all the trimmings: Violet Trotter was crowned May Queen, a May-pole Dance was performed and there were treats, sports and a May Day Ball. Sorry Reverend Menzies but the Cumberland Islander newspaper begs to differ about Merville having the first May Queen. The May 10, 1919 edition lists Jessie Stevenson as the Cumberland May Queen a full year ahead of Merville. And an article appearing in the North Island Advertiser from May 1, 1976 tells of Courtenay’s first May Queen, Mildred Cunningham, [...]
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