November 11 is Remembrance Day, a day inaugurated in 1919 by King George V to remember and honour armed forces members who had died in the line of duty at the end of World War I. The tradition has continued through World War II, the Korean Conflict and other conflicts in which Canadians have continued to serve. We honour this important day by noting that 2022 marks the 100th anniversary of the Sandwick War Memorial.
The 100th Anniversary of the Sandwick War Memorial
Photo credit: CDM P90-99 - Watershed Moments, Page 138
It has been a century since the official unveiling of the stone monument located on Mission Hill at the intersection of the Island Highway, Dingwall Road, and Back Road.
After the Great War, the community needed a symbol to mark the loss of their sons and a loss of innocence. In 1921, the newly formed Great War Veterans’ Association suggested a Celtic Cairn of rocks from the farms that each man had left behind. The work united the whole community in the common homage to all who had served.
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Remembrance Day Exhibit
October 15th to November 18th
A temporary Remembrance Day exhibit will be on display in our second floor gallery from October 15th to November 18th. Featured items include the Ruth Masters scrapbook, “Lest We Forget,” as well as memorabilia from the 102nd Battalion and other items.
A Remembrance Day Poem
This Remembrance Day we remember the men and women who have served, and continue to serve our country during times of war, conflict and peace.
Under our feet
the grass is covered with a light layer of frost
Our breath visible to the naked eye
With the morning frost beginning
to drip off the tree branches from the rising sun
We gather together
to honour our soldiers who fought
for Canada’s freedom
and to leave no stone left alone
Row upon row
We slowly work our way
From headstone to headstone
Quietly reading out a name of the fallen
Gently placing a poppy
at the base of their stone
And reflecting....
....on their self-sacrifices made
So others could keep the freedoms
they have come accustom to
Poem written by: Amy Hrynchuk
Appears in The Prairie Journal, Issue #75
Upcoming Events:
November-December
The museum team has lined up a series of events that will take us into the Festive Season with enjoyment of regional: music, crafts, celebration, lectures and more. And, if you’re headed to the Native Sons Hall for the Comox Valley Farmer’s Market on Saturday mornings, this is a great time to stop in at the museum directly across the street. Thank you to the talented pros helping to make this fall 2022 a special time for all.
Saturday, November 5th @ 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Live Music: Blaine Dunaway, Violin
Blaine Dunaway is a local composer, music teacher, violinist, and trumpet player. Known Canada-wide, his experience composing music spans many styles, ranging from 15-piece bands to meditation tracks. He teaches cello, violin, flugelhorn, trumpet, and beginner guitar to students of all ages.
Tuesday, November 8th @ 7:00pm
Zoom Lecture: Tanya Richards - “Lest We Forget”
November 8th (7pm) Art Conservator, Tanya Richards, specializes in the conservation, repair, and housing of works of art on paper, archival documents, and books. “Lest We Forget” is a unique scrapbook created in the 1970’s by Ruth Masters, to commemorate the men from the Comox Valley who died in the First and Second World Wars. In this lecture, Tanya discusses some of her conservation projects and focuses on her conservation work and replication of the massive book. Zoom Link
Saturday, November 12th @ 11:00am - 2:00pm
Elasmosaur’s Birthday
Courtenay’s very own Puntledge River Elasmosaur is turning 80,000,034 this November! Join us at the museum on Saturday, November 12th from 11:00am - 2:00pm for a special birthday party for the Elasmosaur, BC’s provincial fossil. Come and join us for cake and celebration. treats!
Friday, November 18th @ 5:00pm - 8:30pm
Moonlight and Magic
The museum will be open from 5:00pm to 8:30pm for Courtenay’s 2022 Moonlight and Magic event on Friday, November 18th. Walk the streets of Courtenay and enjoy events, music, food, and shops open later than usual. Admission to the museum will be by donation while our hours extend into the evening for the public.
Saturday, November 19th @ 10:30-12:30
Live Music: Jordie and Franco, Cello and Guitar
Jordie Robinson and Franco Noviello are a cello-guitarist duo who have worked together for several years. Jordan “Jordie” is a University of Victoria Graduate who has toured with poet Shane Koyczan and has taught cello for over 14 years. Franco is a songwriter who has performed over the years with a variety of bands and musical duos and is also a well-known videographer.
Saturday, November 19th @ 1:30
Lecture: “All The Bears Sing” by Harold Macy
Join Author Harold Macy and friends for a reading and launch of Harold’s new book “All The Bears Sing” published by Harbour Publishing. This collection of short stories celebrates the characters and the land of Vancouver Island and British Columbia. “It is the human ties to the land that shine in Macy’s stories: everyday fishermen and loggers, gardeners and wildland firefighters, rock blasters and island homesteaders. From the rich bounty of the glacial loam to the wondrous stands of Sitka spruce, BC’s natural landscape is as much a character in Macy’s tales as any person.” Books will be available for purchase at this event or can be preordered at Laughing Oyster Bookshop.
Tuesday, November 22nd @ 7:00pm
Zoom Lecture: Christine Dickinson
Christine Dickinson, Author, educator will explore some of the highlights of the beginnings of tourism in the Comox Valley. Zoom Link
Saturday, November 26th @ 10:30am
Kids Craft
Details to be announced, check back soon!
Saturday, December 3rd @ 10:00am-12:00pm
Live Music: Alan Jossul - music, guitar
Alan Jossul is a local, nationally known, solo and ensemble guitarist. As an educator, he specializes in teaching students of all ages and levels to play and enjoy string fretted instruments. If you’ve been to the museum on Canada Day, you’ll be familiar with his beautiful original compositions as well as cover songs. Alan will also play on December 17.
Sunday, December 4th @ 1:00pm-3:00pm
Christmas Parade
Join us on 5th Street for this year's Christmas Parade on Sunday, December 4th from 1:00pm - 3:00pm. If you look carefully, you’ll see a familiar fossil in the parade!
Tuesday, December 6th to December 24th
Gift Shop Holiday Discount
Annual Members Only Christmas Sale begins. From December 6th through to the 24th, members will receive a 25% discount on most items in our gift shop. 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 discount. The museum shop has a ton of fabulous new stock.
Come and check us out to start making your shopping list.
Saturday, December 17th @ 10:00am-12:00pm
Live Music: Alan Jossul - music, guitar
Alan Jossul is a local, nationally known, solo and ensemble guitarist. As an educator, he specializes in teaching students of all ages and levels to play and enjoy string fretted instruments. If you’ve been to the museum on Canada Day, you’ll be familiar with his beautiful original compositions as well as cover songs. Alan will also play on December 17.
Saturday, December 17th @ 10:30am-12:00pm
Kids Crafts: Christmas Creations
Celebrate the holiday season with us at our free Christmas Kids Craft event on Saturday, December 17th from 10:30am - 12:30pm at the Courtenay Museum! Kids Craft Coordinator Hannah will provide the materials and instruction for your very own festive creation, which you’re welcome to take home with you.
Canadian History Week
This year Canadian history week takes place from November 21 to 27. This year’s theme is Arts, Culture, and Creators.
Canada History Week provides all Canadians with opportunities to learn more about the people and events that have shaped the country that we know today.
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Your Membership and Donations Make A Difference
Purchasing a membership to the Courtenay and District Museum, now in its 61st 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.
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Click Here to Make a Donation
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Also, if you come visit us or think there's something we may love, tag us using the hashtag #Courtenay&DistrictMuseum so we can see it! We would love to see your posts!
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New Products Arriving in the Gift Shop
Christmas is almost here and what is better than buying gifts for your loved ones then getting amazing, one of a kind gifts, all while supporting your local artists.
This season the Courtenay and District Museum gift shop has stocked up on some exciting new items by the local artisans at Grumpy Goat Soaps. These lovely soaps, soy candles, and lip balms are made in Black Creek, and will be available in our gift shop beginning in November.
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: