Latest News
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? [...]
Just for Fun November 2017
You won't want to miss this little gem from November 1962 called "How to Use a Dial Telephone in Courtenay." The flyer was part of a donation to the museum from a family home in Merville that was built in 1938 and housed several generations of folks whose surnames will be familiar to many: Adamschek, Richter and Keller.
November 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. Photo credit: Seeing the boys off. Valley residents turn up en masse to say farewell to the 102nd Canadian Infantry Battalion, 1916. Walter Gage photograph. CDM 972.55.20. Page 130-131. Photo caption: "The Battalion participated in a number of prominent campaigns in France and Flanders in the following years: the Somme and Ancre Heights in 1916; Arras, Ypres, Vimy Ridge, Hill 70 and Passchendaele in 1917. It played a major role in deciding the battles at Amiens, Scarpe, Drocourt-Queant, [...]
Remembrance Day Closure
The museum will be closed on Saturday, November 11th in observance of Remembrance Day.
Just for Fun
Personified produce from the Comox Argus of October 2, 1924. (Try not to think about it the next time you're chopping carrots!)
Genealogy Seminar
The Campbell River Genealogy Society is hosting a seminar with Dave Obee on Saturday, November 18th titled "What's in Your Toolbox?" To find out more about topics, fees and availability click here. Deadline to register is November 10, 2017.
It’s All There in Black and White: Canada’s First Female Governor General
Pop quiz. What trailblazing woman became Canada's first female governor general? Two hints: 1) she served from 1984 to 1990, 2) she visited the Comox Valley 30 years ago this month. Not sure? Check out the coverage of her visit that appeared in the October 14th edition of 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.