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Over the past several months this newsletter has linked readers to our YouTube videos created as part of the Rural Economic Development Initiative (REDI) project. These videos were produced with Fox and Bee Media with funds from REDI and Community Futures Strathcona. If you’d like to see all the videos please visit our new YouTube channel.
Exhibit: Ties to Communities
CDM 2004.28.2102nd Battalion soldiers arrive via the E&N Railway to train at Goose Spit, 1915. Opening July 1, 2013 This new exhibit in our second floor gallery will touch on the tremendous influence of rail to the history and development of the Comox Valley from the late 1800s to mid-20th Century. The "ties" in the title reflects a play on words. Of course the actual railway physically connected people, settlements and industry. And a "tie" in railway terms historically refers to the wooden supports for the tracks which lay perpendicular to the metal rails. The exhibit is curated by museum staff and [...]
Racing Trophies on Display
Three horseracing trophies from 1934 will be on exhibit at the museum in time for our Canada Day Open House. The trophies were won by Mr. Bert Grieve and his horse American Motors at events in Nanaimo’s Old Home Week celebrations. The trophies haven’t all been together for many years. But thanks to a thoughtful loan from family members, the trophies, and the interesting story behind them, are together again to share with the community.
Summer Hours
Open Seven Days a Week The Courtenay and District Museum is now on its summer operating schedule and is open Monday to Saturday from 10:00 to 5:00 and Sundays from 12:00 to 4:00 until Labour Day. As always, members visit free.
July 1st Open House
On Canada Day, drop by the Courtenay and District Museum after the parade and help celebrate our country’s birthday. There will be free admission, balloons and door prize draws between 12 noon and 4 pm. Special activities will include cupcake walks for all ages and a hands-on craft for kids. Musical entertainment will be provided by The Wire Choir. Check out the revamped palaeontology displays as well as the new exhibit Ties to Communities about the importance of transportation and industrial railways in the Comox Valley. Canada Day is a great chance to explore history at the museum. Discoveries happen here!
It’s All There in Black and White: First Annual Ball
Could this have been the Comox Valley's most exclusive club 100 years ago? According to this article from The Islander of June 14, 1913, "members...reserve the right to reject any application." Sounds like best behaviour and formally dressed only need apply.
Race to the End of the Earth
The Royal British Columbia Museum in Victoria presents the exhibit Race to the End of the Earth on now to October 14, 2013. Race to the End of the Earth recounts one of the most stirring tales of Antarctic exploration, the contest to reach the South Pole. This exhibition focuses on the challenges that the Norwegian and British leaders faced as they undertook their separate 2900 km journeys from the edge of the Ross Ice Shelf to the South Pole and back. Click Here for Details
It’s All There in Black and White: Such Drama!
Such drama! Just for fun - an advertisement for a film at the Ilo-Ilo Theatre printed in the Courtenay Free Press April 21, 1931 edition. Click for Larger Image Click for Larger Image
Before Television: Comox Post Office Model
CDM 2002.102.1 While not created before the age of television, this model of the Comox Post Office certainly shows a dedication to handcrafting and embellishment. The model was made in 2002 by Dave McKay (b. 1930 – d. 2008) of Union Bay. Dave was well known for creating miniature replicas of Comox Valley landmark buildings. His replica of “old Union Bay” is on display in the former Union Bay School building. The Comox Post Office pictured here and modeled above, was built in 1913 and torn down in 1958 to be replaced by a modern facility. CDM P255-235a
Kids Discover!
The summer programme schedule is up and we are taking bookings already for childrens' programmes for July and August. Click Here for Details
100 Year Old Boom
From The Cumberland Islander Saturday, April 12, 1913 "Courtenay is on the boom, active business has commenced and the main street is now lined with building material. The Builders’ Supply Company have commenced to erect a large addition to their warehouse. O.H. Fechner, proprietor of the Riverside Hotel, is also doubling the size of his hotel and when completed it will be the most modern house on the north end of the Island. The foundation for C.H. Tarbell’s hardware store is nearing completion, with several other buildings in course of erection. The C.P.R. have their road graded into Courtenay." Stubbs Collection at CDM [...]
It’s All There in Black and White: A Perpetual Local Issue
In this Comox District Free Press article from April 30, 1953 you'll note that some stories just keep coming up!
On the Track for Happy Anniversaries
CDM 989.204.3Courtenay E&N station under construction. The Courtenay and District Museum is gearing up for the 100th Anniversary of the E&N Railway coming to Courtenay on August 14, 2014 and to the 100th Anniversary of the Incorporation of the City of Courtenay on January 1, 1915. To start on the right track, we'll be lending a hand to the Courtenay Rotary Club's Trail Along the Rails project by getting information out about their online auction. If you want to find out more about this initiative here's the link. In addition, the super curatorial team at the museum has been delving into archival, [...]