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Monday, October 25, 2010

Island Profile: A History Of The Comox Valley In Photos

A week ago, with the bright sun shining down on us, it was hard to believe that it was October. Seven days makes all the difference because a quick peek out the window erases any doubt that Fall has indeed arrived.

While most of us would prefer to stay at home on blustery days, there are a number of indoor activities to activate the mind. The Courtenay & District Museum, Archives & Palaeontology Centre provides a unique and interactive experience that allows visitors to get in touch with the roots of this unique community. While the hands-on museum features everything from fossils to photos, I’ve taken the opportunity to highlight some of the Comox Valley’s historical snapshots from the museum’s archives that truly are worth 1,000 words.

    Native Sons Hall, Courtenay, circa 1928

    P.J. Doheny General Store, Denman Island, circa 1915

    Post Office displaying earthquake damage, Courtenay, circa 1946

    May Day Parade, Courtenay, circa 1923

    St. Joseph’s Hospital, Comox, circa 1920s

    Westward view, Forbidden Plateau, circa 1947

    Comox Creamery Association, Courtenay, circa 1927

    Picnic, Little River, circa 1912

    Creech’s Livery Stable, Courtenay, circa 1905

    View of 5th Street between Cliffe Avenue and Duncan Avenue, Courtenay, circa 1910

    Townsite view from wharf, Comox, circa 1905

    Dominion Day Parade, Courtenay, circa 1940s

    Corfield Motors, Courtenay, circa 1920s

    St. Andrew’s Anglican Church, Courtenay, circa 1920s. This church still exists today, marking the beginning of Mission Hill leaving Courtenay.

    Post Office, Comox, circa 1918

    Island Highway Bridge, Black Creek, circa 1918

    E. W. Theatre, 5th Street, Courtenay, circa 1945. This art deco gem, which later became known as the Palace Theatre, was destroyed by fire on July 4, 2007.

All photos featured in today’s Island Profile are © the Courtenay & District Museum, Archives & Palaeontology Centre. More photos from the gallery archive can be viewed online. Those wishing to visit the museum will find it at 207 Fourth Street in Courtenay, housed in the former post office. Admission is by donation.

4 Comments
vancouverdrives.com

I hear the old hospital in New West is haunted as well! .. Not on the island, but still an exciting place to see!

Kat

I love the photo of the church and looking behind it you can see how much the valley has grown and changed.

Erin

Thanks for the trip down memory lane. What a beautiful land we call ‘home’.

Bob

It’s great looking at photos from this era. I came from Australia in 1999 and was so impressed with this beautiful island decided to develop a website to share worldwide. I have tried to develop the website to assist all travelers to get the most information possible before coming here to give them a cordial welcome to this great country of ours. Vancouver Island is the worlds best kept secret.
Bob

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