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Video: The Elasmosaur Discovery in the Comox Valley
The discovery of the Puntledge elasmosaur in 1988 by Mike Trask led the museum, and community, to opportunities that continue to stretch out internationally in areas of research, interpretation and partnering with fellow institutions such as the Royal Tyrrell Museum.
Discoveries are still being made today. As part of the museum’s ongoing video creation with Fox and Bee Media, The Elasmosaur Discovery provides an interview with Mike about the discovery itself and a look at the new elasmosaur exhibit. Many thanks to Mike Trask, Dr. Rolf Ludvigsen, the late Dr. Betsy Nicholls, Gilles Danis of Prehistoric Animal Structures and the many volunteers who supported this effort.
Watch this Video
Lecture: Esquimalt & Nanaimo Railway
Time and Date: 7 pm, Friday, May 10, 2013
Join Robert (Bob) Turner, a leading authority on transportation history in BC, as he discusses the story of the E&N Railway's CPR steam years.
During the days of steam power on the railway, the E&N was a distant outpost of the Canadian Pacific Railway's vast system, but it was a profitable one. It hauled logs and coal, fish and paper, strawberries and raspberries, beer and wine, automobiles and oil, and tons and tons of wood.
Click Here for Details
Easter Celebration Wrap Up
Our Easter Celebration at the museum was a fabulous success with over 300 visitors attending! There was a line up for everyone who wanted to make crafts; the most popular craft of the day was the rabbit mask. The mineral egg collection was also a hit.
We would like to give a huge thank you to the Shamrock Gumboot 4-H Club for bringing a vast array of animals for the petting zoo and to the volunteers who helped us prepare for the day. It was such a wonderful opportunity for all the children to be introduced to friendly farm animals. To top it off there was a visit from the Hot Chocolates Easter bunny who gave out some delicious chocolate samples.
On the Track for Happy Anniversaries
The Courtenay and District Museum is gearing up for the 100th Anniversary of the E&N Railway coming to Courtenay on August 6, 1914 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, map and document files to bring more information to the community about the impact of rails in the Comox Valley; whether it be the E&N, hauling logs to Royston or the creation of logging camps, railways have played a major role in development of the valley. This summer, the museum will be presenting an exhibition, From Camps to Communities, which will explore this wonderful history. The photos above is one of the images that will be included in the exhibit.
It's All There in Black and White
In this Comox District Free Press article from April 30, 1953 you'll note that some stories just keep coming up!
Read this newspaper article from our archives
With legacy support from the Bickle Family and the Comox Valley Echo.
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."
In the left foreground is the Riverside Hotel during its 1913 renovation. The hotel was built in 1889 or 1890 by John Grant. It was destroyed by fire January 2, 1968. The Fountain Plaza in front of the Sid Williams Theatre now occupies that space.
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
Your Membership Makes A Difference
Purchasing a membership to the Courtenay and District Museum, now in its 52nd 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
Photo of the Month
CDM #p315-131
You can view more photos like this on our website. Click here to visit our holdings.
Before Television
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.
Museum Sponsors
Dogwood
Arbutus
Fir
Seedling
Lawrence Burns
D. Mobley
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:
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CDM 989.204.3
CDM 2002.102.1
CDM P255-235a
