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February Watershed Moments
Here now is an image and quote from the museum's award-winning book Watershed Moments - A Pictorial History of Courtenay and District. Enjoy! Photo credit: View of original 5th Street bridge in Courtenay, ca. 1895. CDM 972.69.4. Page 46. Photo caption: "Settlement on the west side of the Courtenay River can trace its roots back to Pidcock’s mill and to Joseph McPhee, who in 1888 hired George Drabble to survey and divide ten acres of land he held with Pidcock. Businessmen, speculators and settler families soon began to buy the lots. In 1894, McPhee opened his general store just west of the Courtenay River [...]
Heritage Week 2017
British Columbia celebrates heritage week February 13 – 19 with this year’s theme “My Canada! My BC!” Be sure to check out the festivities planned by the Cumberland Museum and Archives including the Heritage Faire on Saturday, February 18. Click Here for Details
Valentine’s Day
CDM 983.24.1 Love was in the air in 1949 when popular recording artist Bing Crosby released his album St. Valentine’s Day. The sentimental album cover made this item from the museum’s collection a shoe-in for the February newsletter. Mr. Crosby was also known for his fishing expeditions along the BC coast including trips to Campbell River and Comox Bay. In fact, the October 18, 1951 edition of the Comox District Free Press featured an article entitled: “Salmon Fishing at Comox Boosted on Crosby Show.” The paper reported that Crosby’s radio show “extolled the fishing in Comox Bay in his light-hearted, easy-going manner [...]
In Memory of Rolf Ludvigsen
By CDM Board Member Rick Ross It is with much sadness we note the passing of Dr. Rolf Ludvigsen on December 10, 2016. Rolf was an amazing person, a world renowned trilobite Paleontologist, a teacher, an author, and to many, a friend. I first met Rolf in the early 80’s in the old Paleo Hut across from the current Courtenay Museum. He was sorting through fossils and holding court to many and all who came by. As avid amateurs, he patiently answered our questions and with dry wit pushed us to know more about fossils and their science. He will be remembered fondly by [...]
It’s All There in Black and White: Yeggmen at it Again!
Yeggmen were at it again! It was "one hit, two misses" as reported in this article from the Comox District Free Press of January 1, 1964. With legacy support from the Bickle Family and the Comox Valley Echo.
January Watershed Moments
Here now is an image and quote from the museum's award-winning book Watershed Moments - A Pictorial History of Courtenay and District. Enjoy! Photo credit: The wedding between adventurer, businessman and trader Adam Grant Horne and Elizabeth Bate took place on February 22, 1859. George Robinson photograph. CDM 978.36.1. Page 31. Photo caption: "Adam Grant Horne was an Orkney Islander recruited by the Hudson's Bay Company to work on Vancouver Island. He was a giant of a man, well suited to the challenges of trading... He opened the post in Comox in the summer of 1868, setting up the store close to the bottom [...]
Comox Valley Intelligentsia
During the 1950s, on the third Friday of every month, a group of the thoughtful and politically oriented elite of the Comox Valley met to stretch their intellects and voice their opinions on the weightiest issues of their time. Membership was exclusively male, and by invitation only. They met in members’ homes and the host was chair for the evening. When Geoff Capes, the owner of Courtenay Builders’ Supply on the corner of England and Fourth, and Mogens (Moggie) Stelling, a farmer from Fanny Bay, were invited to join in 1952 they were informed that the club had only two rules. The first was [...]
It’s All There in Black and White: Comox Valley Hijinks
Here is a Valley hijinks re-cap from 60 years ago as a Christmas treat. From the formation of the United Appeal, to the naming of the best actor on Vancouver Island, to the Condensory Bridge in flames. It's all here for your reading pleasure courtesy of the Comox District Free Press of January 2, 1957. Click for Larger Image Click for Larger Image With legacy support from the Bickle Family and the Comox Valley Echo.
Comox Valley Arts Survey
Join in and be counted! Comox Valley Arts is conducting an investigation into who, where and what is currently mobilizing the robust and enlivened arts sector in our community. This important work will allow local governments and local arts organizations to leverage the particular needs to support ongoing growth in our arts sector. The purpose of this survey is to understand exactly how many people are creating and working in the arts, and how many resources & facilities exist and are being used in the valley, and to note what is missing. This will help in managing our industry's overwhelming growth and the needs [...]
Museum Holiday Hours
The museum will be closed over the holidays. Last day open: Friday, December 23, 2016. First day back: Tuesday, January 3, 2017.
Christmas Recipes
Step away from the Pillsbury slice and bake dough and try your hand at a couple of festive recipes compiled by the Friendship Unit of St. George's United Church in 1966. You and yours might enjoy Lois Shopland's mincemeat cookies or maybe Jeanine Veitch's Dad's cookies. No doubt both are tried and true and delicious.
December Watershed Moments
Here now is an image and quote from the museum's award-winning book Watershed Moments - A Pictorial History of Courtenay and District. Enjoy! Photo credit: Jimmy Walker and his orchestra at the Native Sons Hall, 1939. CDM Sillence Collection, Page 141. Photo caption: "Over the years, the [Native Sons] hall served as a community centre for the arts, sports, conventions and car shows, and it played a central role until the early 1970s as gymnasium, dance hall, temporary post office, roller-skating rink and all things combined." Page 140.
Season’s Greetings from Courtenay & District Museum
As the festive season approaches, the Courtenay and District Museum board and staff would like to extend wishes to all for a wonderful and safe holiday. Season's Greetings and Happy New Year to you and yours!