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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
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: