Courtenay & District Museum




  • Historic Building Fire
  • Lecture: Don't Never Tell Nobody Nothin' No How
  • BCHF Conference
  • Spring Fling's almost here!
  • It's All There in Black and White
  • Gift Shop News
  • Merville - 100 Years and Counting
  • Photo of the Month
  • Periodical Wisdom
  • Your Membership and Donations Make A Difference
  • Watershed Moments
  • Museum Funding






  • Phone:
    250-334-0686

    Email:
    museum@island.net

    Website:
    www.courtenaymuseum.ca

    Mailing Address:
    207 Fourth Street,
    Courtenay BC,
    V9N 1G7





    Tuesday through Saturday
    10am to 5pm

    Sunday & Monday
    Closed





    President
    John Wilson

    Vice President
    Daryl Wright

    Past President
    April Shopland

    Rick Ross
    Jim Haggart
    Ross Dingwall
    Mary Everson
    Julie Fortin

    Secretary/Treasurer
    Elizabeth Braithwaite

    Member of...

    British Columbia Museums Association

    Canadian Museums
    Association

    Archives Association of
    British Columbia

    British Columbia Historical Federation





    Comox Museum

    Cumberland Museum

    Comox Air Force Museum

    Filberg Heritage Lodge

    I-Hos Gallery

    HMCS ALBERNI Museum and Memorial

    Nim Nim Interpretive Centre




     


    Historic Building Fire

    An unfortunate fire occurred at the former J. McPhee and Sons General Store building on Saturday, March 23, 2019. The building is the current home of the Cona Hostel and is located on Anderton Avenue in downtown Courtenay. Arson is suspected.

    To find out more about the building history and to view images click here.


     


    Lecture: Don't Never Tell Nobody Nothin' No How

    Time and Date: 7 pm, Tuesday, April 16, 2019
    Location: Rotary Gallery of the Courtenay and District Museum
    Speaker: Rick James
    Tickets: $5 for Historical Society members; $6 for general public (plus GST). Advance tickets strongly recommended as lectures frequently sell out. Tickets can be purchased over the phone by calling 250-334-0686 ext 2.

    The real story of West Coast rum running presented with a bit of a twist.

    Click for More Info


     

    BCHF Conference

    The BC Historical Federation is holding its annual conference in the Comox Valley from June 6-9, 2019.

    A roster of presentations and field trips is now available online and open to all.

    Click for Details

    The British Columbia Historical Federation encourages interest in the history of British Columbia through research, presentation, and support.


     


    Spring Fling's almost here!

    Petting zoo fun, crafts and games all in the name of Spring Fling and Easter Things on Saturday, April 6 from 11 am to 2 pm.

    Click for More Info


     


    It's All There in Black and White

    Big plans were stirring in 1940 as the Kinsmen Club of Courtenay began work on what we know today as Kin Beach. This article from the April 4 Comox District Free Press provides an interesting backstory to one of the valley's (somewhat) hidden gems.

    Read More

    With legacy support from the Bickle Family and the Comox Valley Echo.


     


    Gift Shop News

    One of the newest items to hit our shelves are fun and fabulous tea towels! Decorated with animal designs by Charlotte Nicolin, they are made of 100% cotton and retail for $14.95 per towel.

    Designs available include hedgehogs, rabbits, birds, cows, moose and Canada geese. These towels have been such a hit that a second order has already been required. And (wait for it...) matching mugs are also on their way.

    These items would make a great housewarming gift or a treat for your own home.


     

    Merville - 100 Years and Counting

    Every community worth its salt needs a special gathering place. Merville got theirs with the official opening of the Community Hall on Saturday, May 22, 1954.

    Described in the Argus newspaper as having a grey, gaunt exterior but a light decorated interior, the 42 x 98 foot hall was built with volunteer labour.

    Jim Mathers chaired the grand opening celebration and reminisced on how meetings were first held in the school and then later in a dance hall built by Louis Biss.

    Click here to read the Comox District Free Press article of May 26, 1954.

    Bonus
    An original poem by Gladys N. King dedicated to the Hall's builders. Click here to read.


     


    Photo of the Month

    CDM #995.101.16
    Looking up 5th Street from bridge, 1890s

    You can view more photos like this on our website. Click here to visit our holdings.


     


    Periodical Wisdom

    April is national oral health month so in the spirit of staying behind the times we present "Care of Baby's Teeth" from the December 1917 edition of The Christmas Peoples Home Journal.

    All kinds of helpful hints, recipes and practical "how-to" advice can all be found in periodical magazines from our archival collection.

    Click for Full Article


     

    Your Membership and Donations Make A Difference

    Purchasing a membership to the Courtenay and District Museum, now in its 58th year, supports heritage preservation in the Comox Valley through special events, lectures, education programmes, research and exhibitions. Your membership benefits these award winning programmes on a year round basis and we appreciate it!

    Becoming a member provides you with discounts in the gift shop and on lectures and an opportunity to support one of the most active regional museums in British Columbia. Thank you for your support.

    Click here to Join

    Click Here to Make a Donation


     

    Watershed Moments

    Here is the latest newsletter installment of an image from the museum's award-winning book Watershed Moments - A Pictorial History of Courtenay and District.


    Photo credit: 6th Street view of Central Builders', 1932. Charles Sillence photographer.

    Photo: CDM Sillence Collection. Page 148.

    Click Here for a Larger Version


     

    Museum Funding

    The Courtenay and District Historical Society was registered as a nonprofit society in 1961 to preserve and interpret cultural and natural heritage of the Comox Valley. It has functioned as an independent society since that time. Funds are derived from the generous support of the City of Courtenay, British Columbia Arts Council, Comox Valley Regional District, British Columbia Gaming Branch, and from museum generated revenues and donations.

    Proud sponsors of the Courtenay & District Museum:

    The City of Courtenay

    BC Arts Councils

    Regional District Comox-Strathcona

    British Columbia Gaming Commision