Latest News
The “Stolen Church” Keeps Moving
In 1915, the pioneer farmers of the Grantham area decided to build a house of worship for the Anglican community. For the sum of $200, St. Mary’s church was constructed near the present Tsolum School. When the Soldier Settlement project was established in Merville in 1919, the need of a church there was apparent and the little church was skidded up the gravel highway with a Clee tractor. The first sacrament was held in March 1920. According to one account, a Sunday service was interrupted by loud squeals from beneath the floorboards. A parishioner’s pigs had followed them from their farm and were being [...]
The Finest on Vancouver Island
Heritage Commission and Museum Create Creamery Booklet In 1914, the Courtenay Herald enthusiastically described conditions in the Comox Valley for dairy farming, "It is doubtful if there are more suitable conditions for the breeding and feeding of livestock than are to be found in the Courtenay- Comox district and its fertile valley comprising some thousands of acres. For dairy farming the district is unquestionably the finest on Vancouver Island." Settlers had been producing dairy products since the late 1800s and the potential for a dairy industry was there. But many small farms could not afford the equipment they needed to process larger quantities of [...]
Before Television: Eaton’s in Courtenay
"Before Television" has been a newsletter feature that shares the Courtenay and District Museum collection with readers while at the same time highlighting the ingenuity and creativity of people as they added beauty and personal style to items from their home and work life. This month's installment may not highlight ingenuity and creativity but the cover definitely features some over-acting! In 1974 Eaton's Courtenay branch was located at 307 5th Street – still known as the Eaton's Building to longtime residents. The business closed in 1981 and the building was converted to the City Centre Mall in 1982. It is currently home to various [...]
It’s All There in Black and White: Premier W.A.C. Bennett and the Native Sons Hall
The Native Sons Hall has been the site of countless gatherings and celebrations over its 86 year history. Here's one you may not have seen coming...a testimonial dinner to honour then Premier W.A.C. Bennett recorded in the March 17, 1965 edition of the Comox District Free Press. Click for Larger Image Click for Larger Image
Gift Shop News
Big Bag Sale If you're looking for a fabulous gift, now is the time to visit the museum gift shop. Right now we have a large variety of bags and totes on sale for 30% off the regular price. Lots of designs to choose from - come in early for best selection. New Stuffies The museum has a great friend in Coral Dunn who is volunteering her time and talents to sew colorful elasmosaurs which have proven extremely popular. She's also created ammonites. These cute little guys are already a hit. Many thanks for all your work Coral! New Children's Items New items for [...]
Photos in the Attic?
The Courtenay and District Museum is looking for photographs of the “old Agricultural Hall” located at the present site of the Lewis Centre. This Agricultural Hall was built in 1936 and was described as having log siding with a shaked roof. The hall later became known as the CRA (Courtenay Recreation Association). The museum is looking for photographs of the exterior of the building in any of its various forms as additions and alterations occurred over the years. If you have images to share please contact Catherine at the museum 250-334-0686 ext 104 or email museum@island.net.
Easter at the Museum
Last year's Easter celebration was so much fun that we've decided to do it again! This year's big event will be on Saturday April 12, from 11am – 2:30pm. It's sure to be a fun time for the whole family. Admission is by donation. Activities planned for the day include: an opportunity to make an Easter-themed craft, a special display of over 100 amazing brightly coloured egg- shaped minerals and a visit at some point from the “Hot Chocolates” bunny who will be hopping by to give out some delicious samples. Of course the feature activity will be a petting zoo in the Rotary [...]
Before Television: Union Steamship Estates Creamer
What Happens When We Turn off the Remote The theme for BC's 2014 Heritage Week (February 17-23) is "Heritage Afloat". In that spirit we present a Union Steamship Estates creamer from our collection. The Union Steamship Company was founded in Vancouver in 1889. Its passenger and cargo ships were well known along the BC coast. The company expanded into excursion ships carrying holiday makers from Vancouver to Bowen Island. In the 1920s passengers might choose to take such an excursion as a moonlight cruise on Wednesday or Saturday nights where they could dance on board the Lady Alexandra's deck. When a hotel and other [...]
It’s All There in Black and White: Streamlined Design
Was there a watershed moment in design 80 years ago? You be the judge with this advertisement from the Comox District Free Press of February 1, 1934. With legacy support from the Bickle Family and the Comox Valley Echo.
A Fish Tale
Visitors to the museum have likely met our ever- growing African Lungfish “Pam” (that's short for Pamela Lungerson). We're currently raising funds for a larger tank and have a sign on display requesting donations. One of our youngest visitors took that sign to heart. A local three year old boy named Aiden saved up his allowance to give to the tank fund. Last week he very proudly brought in his donation of $15.60. Thank you Aiden. Aiden's donation brings money raised close to $350. Since we are looking to double the size of Pam's tank to 150 gallon size, we've still got a way [...]
It’s All There in Black and White: Look out! Aerials in Courtenay!
Look out! Aerials in Courtenay! This excerpt from the December 11, 1952 Comox District Free Press might lead us to believe that the new fangled idea of television could really catch on. With legacy support from the Bickle Family and the Comox Valley Echo.
Christmas Recipe
There's nothing better than getting a recipe from a battered and tattered home cook book. This book shows definite signs of loving wear. The originator was Mrs. W.P. Ferguson of Nanaimo and it came to the museum as a donation via her granddaughter Mrs. Isabelle Halliday. As for the recipe, "The proof is in the pudding" (plum pudding, in this case).
Museum Holiday Hours
Christmas: December 22, 23 – Closed December 24 - Open 10 am to 1 pm December 25, 26 – Closed Regular business hours resume Friday, December 27. New Years: Closed December 29, 30 December 31 – Open 10 am to 2 pm January 1 - Closed Regular business hours resume Thursday, January 2