Latest News
It’s All There in Black and White: Pursued by a Prehistoric Monster
In this March 17, 1949 edition of the Comox District Free Press you will read about one man’s terrifying experience with a prehistoric monster. Click for Larger Image Click for Larger Image Click for Larger Image Click for Larger Image With legacy support from the Bickle Family and the Comox Valley Echo.
Register for Spring Break Programmes
March 26 to April 4 Spring break is on the way. This year we are offering three different sessions for kids to choose from: The Age of Dinosaurs, Go Fly a Kite! and Kid’s Rock! Continue Reading
Easter Celebrations – March 23, 2013
Easter will be coming to the Museum a little early this year! Mark Saturday, March 23rd on your calendars for a fun time for the whole family. Our Easter celebration will run from 11 am to 3 pm. Admission is by donation. There will be the opportunity to make some fun Easter crafts. Make a nest with baby birds, an Easter chicken or rabbit. A special display of over 100 amazing brightly coloured egg-shaped minerals will be on exhibit. The “eggs” are machine ground and polished showing their inner textures. The Hot Chocolates rabbit will be hopping in at some point to pay us [...]
Before Television: 1920’s Make-up Case
“Before Television” is a 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 item is a natty cigarette and make-up case from the 1920s featuring a needlepoint design. The case opens into several compartments: mirror, loose face powder, puff, and holder for seven cigarettes. With lipstick clamped firmly to the top, just grab this compact little number and you were ready to go.
Gift Shop Update
The museum gift shop is gearing up for spring break and summer visitors. Some new items that have already arrived are hoodies, mugs and totes with the up-dated museum logo. We also have a new range of brightly coloured cotton scarves, water bottles and travel mugs in stock. And expect to see a line of distinctly Canadian items in the near future – they make the perfect gifts for family and friends who live outside of the country. Remember: if you are a Museum Member you will receive a 15% discount on gift shop items (sorry not applicable on consignment items).
It’s All There in Black and White: St. Joseph’s Hospital Report 1927
2013 marks the 100th Anniversary of St. Joseph’s Hospital and this January 19, 1928 Courtenay Free Press article gives a nod to their past. It is the Hospital Report for 1927 which contains some very interesting facts and figures in regards to finances and patient care. Click for Larger Image Click for Larger Image With legacy support from the Bickle Family and the Comox Valley Echo.
Heritage Week: Heritage Homes and Neighbourhoods
February 18-24, 2013 Take a look back at what must have been one of the loveliest homes in the Comox Valley, The Fort, which was built for Sir Ernest and Lady Petter in 1938-39. The building still stands today at 156 Manor Place and houses professional offices. It is part of the Town of Comox Heritage Walking Tour. The three images that follow are from the Sillence Collection held here at the museum. And (what luck!) our archives file contained a wonderful description and details about the house’s interior and grounds from The Vancouver Sun of Tuesday, June 27, 1939. Fine Comox Mansion for [...]
Before Television: Baby Bonnet
What Happens When We Turn off the Remote Here's a charming little baby bonnet from the museum's collection. Probably from about 1910-1920, this bonnet is trimmed with angora - both cute and cozy for baby. In the 1909 edition of Mrs. Beeton's Book of Household Management, Mrs. B. describes the requirements and duties of the nursery governess. Of primary importance, "...love for children and a good temper…clean, neat, and refined in manner and speech goes without saying."... "A knowledge of needlework is also essential. It is not always stipulated that the nursery governess makes the clothing for the children, but it is always understood [...]
It’s All There in Black and White: T-Bar Opens on Plateau
Before Washington there was Becher. This January 20, 1965 article from the Comox District Free Press gives some interesting stats regarding the Mt. Becher T-Bar on its first, unofficial weekend of use. With legacy support from the Bickle Family and the Comox Valley Echo. Click for Larger Image Click for Larger Image
Member’s Holiday Discount Extended
In the spirit of Christmas we are extending the special 25% discount on all non-consignment items in the gift shop. This will end on December 22nd, 2012! So come in and pick up some Christmas gifts. We have many items perfect for children and grandchildren.
Museum 2012 Holiday Hours
Christmas: December 23, 24, 25, 26 – Closed Regular business hours resume Thursday, December 27. New Years: Closed December 30, 31 January 1 - Closed Regular business hours resume Wednesday, January 2.
Before Television: Goose Feather Christmas Tree
What Happens When We Turn off the Remote Behold an early form of artificial Christmas tree made from goose feathers – that's right...green-dyed goose feathers! These trees were popular in North America from about the 1920s to the 1950s. The little number pictured above belonged to Kay Williams who lived in both Cumberland and Royston. No doubt the tree is a later model as descriptions of early forms mention candle attachments and this one comes with its own electric lights. With the additional embellishment and personal touch of ornaments and tinsel this tree would have been quite a festive knock out!
Raffle 1934-style
CDM 997.277.1 This following Card of Thanks appeared in the December 20, 1934 edition of the Comox Argus announcements: "The Ladies Auxiliary of St. Joseph's Hospital take this opportunity of extending their sincere thanks to Mr. F. Leyland for the beautiful cake he made and decorated for the Christmas raffle, also to Mr. Robertson and all those who helped make the raffle so successful." Sadly, follow-up research did not reveal a winner. But it would have been a very nice prize to win at holiday time. The Master Bakery in Courtenay was selling decorated 5 lbs Christmas cakes for a whopping $2.25 [...]