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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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: