Latest News
Step into Wilderness Contest Winners
Congratulations to Heather and Craig Windley who are the lucky winners of Step into Wilderness books. Heather's name was chosen at random for sharing her favourite Comox Valley spot or outdoor pursuit. So, what was Heather's fav? "A walk or boat ride on Comox Lake with Craig Windley."
It’s All There in Black and White: The Toilet Bowl of Denman and Hornby
A look back 30 years to a gathering of competitors: Denman vs Hornby Island at the "Toilet Bowl". This article from the January 4, 1991 Comox District Free Press provides colour commentary to the football playoff that was held on the first day of every New Year. Click for Larger Image Click for Larger Image With legacy support from the Bickle Family and the Comox Valley Echo.
January 2021 Stepping into Wilderness
Here now is an image from the museum’s newest book Step into Wilderness – A Pictorial History of Outdoor Exploration in and around the Comox Valley. Photo credit: Doris Macdonald, Jack Hough, Roy Macdonald, Sheelagh Corfield and Jerry Macdonald on Forbidden Plateau, Christmas 1944. CDM 993.39.12. Page 106.
For a Limited Time: Legacies of the Comox Valley Quilt
This quilt titled “Legacies of the Comox Valley” was crafted by the North Island Quilters for Community Awareness and is a temporary addition to our Dreamland exhibit. It’s a recent donation to the museum and when we saw how beautiful it was we just couldn’t resist adding it to the display! The quilt was made in 2005 and was raffled to support the work of the Comox Valley Land Trust. It was donated to us by the estate of Terri Odeneal. Many thanks to Terri’s family and friends for this donation that allows us to share the quilt with the community. “Legacies of the [...]
December 2020 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: The Stewart Block building stands at the southwest corner of Duncan Avenue and 5th Street in Courtenay. At the time this photo was taken in 1932 it housed the Olympic Billiard Parlor and Barber Shop. Left to right: Unknown, Charles Rennicker (?), Cyril Newman. Charles Sillence photograph. Photo: CDM Sillence Collection. Page 146.
Christmas Crafts from the 40s
Are you looking for a way to re-use egg shells and cellophane? Then try your hand at fashioning this Christmas tree from the 1940 Stitchcraft magazine. The Results:
It’s All There in Black and White: A History of Mac’s Oysters
The December 30, 1970 edition of the Comox District Free Press gave a nod to Mac's Oysters, a longstanding Fanny Bay business run by the McLellan family. Check out the article to find out more about how Mac McLellan's oysters were his bread and butter. Click for Larger Image Click for Larger Image With legacy support from the Bickle Family and the Comox Valley Echo.
Christmas Gift Ideas from Comox Valley Artisans
With Christmas arriving in just a few weeks, it’s a great time to promote the local artisans whose goods we carry in our shop. Do come in and support them, and us, by buying local. Ding Ding Dillio Crafts Coral from Courtenay is the creator of some of our amazing stuffies. She recently produced an adorable new baby Elasmosaur! Coral also makes regular-size Elasmos, dinosaur tails, giant squids and even Slugzilla the African lungfish stuffies. GypsyChic Stylish Artisan Jewelry Beautiful jewelry by Royston artisan Cheryl Webster. All jewelry is lead, nickel and plastic free. Beads and charms are purchased from artists both [...]
Historic Holiday Recipe for Fudge
CDM 997.510.1 Homemade fudge as a Christmas gift sounds divine! This recipe from Mrs. E. Evelyn Hilton of Royston notes that the fudge is “Specially good for Overseas parcels.” The recipe comes from a local cookbook with a nebulous history as it’s missing the cover and publishing information. What’s for definite is that it was full of much-loved dishes as the pages are worn and covered in splatters from repeated use.
Support Your Local Museum!
All royalties from the sale of Step into Wilderness go to the Courtenay and District Museum. By purchasing the book, you’ll be supporting a non-profit society that’s been going strong for almost 60 years. The hard cover coffee table book features more than 150 photographs from our collection and is available for $39.95 plus GST. More than just a volume of beautiful photos, these images illustrate a community’s evolving relationship with the natural wonders surrounding it, as well as the emergence of outdoor exploration on Vancouver Island. Make sure to pick up your copy soon.Click to Order
Members Only Christmas Special
Museum members are in for a treat with gift shop purchases from December 1 to December 24 as they will receive a 25% discount on most items. The museum shop has many fabulous things to choose from so be sure to take advantage of this membership bonus. This offer does not apply to items already marked down or on consignment. Your valid membership card must be shown at the time of purchase. Not a member? No worries! Purchase a membership and you immediately qualify for the special holiday period discount.
Remembrance Day 2020
This Remembrance Day, we are proud supporters of all our veterans and first-responders who have given their lives for the Canada we enjoy today. This poppy season will look different but you can still find a poppy: https://www.legionbcyukon.ca/what-we-do/2020-poppy-campaign Also, a reminder - we will be closed on November 11th, in observance of Remembrance Day.
It’s All There in Black and White: Rationing in the Comox Valley
Thoughts often turn to the holiday season come November. This article from the Comox District Free Press November 15, 1945 edition proves that year was no exception. But 75 years ago holiday menu planning also had to contend with rationing. Food rationing on the home front allowed for equitable distribution of scarce products like sugar and meat. In Canada, food rations started in 1942 and ended in 1947. With legacy support from the Bickle Family and the Comox Valley Echo.