Latest News
January 2018 Watershed Moments
Here is the latest newsletter installment of an image and quote from the museum's award-winning book Watershed Moments - A Pictorial History of Courtenay and District. Photo credit: The Riverside Hotel made an impressive sight at the corner of 5th Street and Cliffe Avenue, 1944. Charles Sillence photograph. Page 180-181. Photo caption: "When the Riverside was lost to fire in 1968 [January 2], people perhaps missed it most for the curved wall that marked the corner and provided a seat for those with time to spare. Here, they would comment on the passersby, venture an opinion on matters of local and national import, and [...]
It’s All There in Black and White: Neon Arrives in Courtenay
Bright lights, big city. Courtenay hit the big time in 1929 with the arrival of neon signs on our main street. This article from the January 17, 1930 Comox District Free Press will enlighten readers on the merits of the neon tube – all in the name of commerce! With legacy support from the Bickle Family and the Comox Valley Echo.
Holiday Reading and Gift Suggestions
Comox Air Force Museum The Comox Air Force Museum: Our First Thirty Years by Colonel (Ret.) Jon Ambler. Available for a $30 donation at the museum Gift Shop, with stock arriving by 8 December. Comox Museum and Archives St. Joseph's General Hospital - 100 Years of service Ghost Ships of Royston -Rick James (both available at the Comox Museum) Courtenay and District Museum Black Creek Settlement-- John Falk's Memoirs and More sells for $20; James' Stories of Our Founders for $15. Copies of the books are only available through the authors. For Memoirs and More email elvera.falk@gmail.com and for Stories of Our Founders call [...]
An Historic 2017 Thank You!
The Courtenay and District Museum staff are marking the 2017 holiday season by thanking the many supporters who help to keep the museum ticking throughout the year. They include: City of Courtenay, Comox Valley Regional District, British Columbia Arts Council, Service Canada, BC Gaming Commission, Comox Valley Community Foundation and the visitors, members, donors, volunteers and colleagues who provide support on many levels. Also, a big thank you to local history authors who continue to research and write books that inform the work we do daily. A recent example, authors, John Falk and Terrance James delivered a late November presentation to a full house [...]
Thank You Ruth Masters
Thank you Ruth. For your humour, for your energy in preserving cultural and natural history, for getting up, it appeared to be, every day of your life, and doing something that made a difference while constantly acknowledging each person, creature, and natural feature around you. Thank you for your legacy contributions that live on. Ruth Masters served on the Courtenay and District Museum Board for over forty years. Her support and creativity were endless. Thank you Ruth Masters. Please read Past President, Judy Hagen’s, tribute to Ruth
It’s All There in Black and White: Preparing for a skier’s paradise
Ah, 1976. When the Mount Washington Alpine Resort was just a twinkle in the eyes of promoters Alex Linton and Henry Norie. Find out more in this December 17th article from the Comox District Free Press. Click for Larger Image Click for Larger Image With legacy support from the Bickle Family and the Comox Valley Echo.
December 2017 Watershed Moments
Here is the latest newsletter installment of an image and quote from the museum's award-winning book Watershed Moments - A Pictorial History of Courtenay and District. Click for Larger Image Photo credit: The biggest and best dance floor in British Columbia: the Royston Imperial Pavilion, 1931. Charles Sillence photograph. Page 146-147. Photo caption: "From 1923 to 1940, the steady stream of traffic winding its way south from Courtenay on a Saturday night was heading for the Royston Imperial Pavilion, the largest, and reputedly the best, dance floor in British Columbia…In July 1940, as the band was setting up, a short in the wiring caused [...]
Holiday Hours
The museum will be closed over the holidays. Last day open: Saturday, December 23, 2017. First day back: Tuesday, January 2, 2018.
December 2017 Gift Shop News
Want the solution for those hard-to-buy-for folks on your holiday list? Here's a perfect idea: a gift certificate for the museum and shop. Now, you can purchase a gift certificate for any amount over twenty dollars. Friends, family and guests can put it towards a fossil tour, museum membership, or something special in the gift shop. If you haven’t been in the gift shop lately, you’re in for a surprise. We’ve expanded it and brought in even more wonderful holiday gift ideas which range from maps of the BC Coast, t-shirts, toys and stuffies, books, and beautiful, unique gifts to brighten your home for [...]
Seasonal Recipes from 1956
We searched the archives cook book collection to provide you with a few recipes for the holidays. A complete column of cookie dough possibilities from the St. Joseph's Hospital WA Cook Book compiled in 1956 provides four choices including the ever popular(?) Krinkly Uncles!
Holiday Wishes
A classically themed Christmas card from 1944 printed by Gehrke's of Vancouver. The inside inscription reads: "It's Christmas - and again to you Come wishes for Good Cheer, May all its Joy and Happiness Go with you through the year!" The Courtenay and District Museum board and staff echo these sentiments to you and yours for a wonderful and safe holiday.
It’s All There in Black and White: Gas Masks for Civilians
Some of the text in this article from the Comox District Free Press of November 19, 1942 might be a bit difficult to make out. To clarify the issue, here's what the Comox Argus had to say: "The ARP has received two tons of gas respirators for the use of the civilian population. The two tons represent 2790 masks. These masks will be sold to the public for $1.25 each and ARP instructors will be available to show the applicants how to wear them." Dig into the Free Press scan for a more detailed account.
November 2017 Gift Shop News
Special for Museum Members It's time for our Members Only 23 Days of Christmas Sale! From December 1st through to the 23rd members will receive a 25% discount on most items in our gift store. The recently expanded shop has some fabulous gift ideas with loads of new items suitable for both adults and children. Here's the "fine print" to the special offer: please note that the sale discount does not apply to items already marked down or on consignment. Your valid membership card must be shown at the time of purchase. Not sure what to buy a certain someone for a holiday treat? [...]