history

“Elaine Nurse, the lone tarot card reader at the annual Honeymoon Bay Christmas craft fair, poses for a photo beside her other booth at the fair, Mama Nature’s.” (Dorian Geiger/Lake Cowichan Gazette, Nov. 23, 2011)

Flashback: Elections abound and the village becomes a town

A look back into the history of the Cowichan Lake area

 

“It was a sombre atmosphere in front of the Lake Cowichan Legion on Remembrance Day as the parade’s participants — war veterans, their friends and relatives, the RCMP and other military factions — prepared to march to the Cenotaph.” (Dorian Geiger/Lake Cowichan Gazette, Nov. 16, 2011)

Flashback: Wildlife warning, ‘women heavy council’, water woes

A look back into the history of the Cowichan Lake area

 

“The placing of the wreaths, was one of Mayor Earle Darling’s last official duties last Monday during the Remembrance Day ceremonies. With him is Mayor-elect, Jean Brown.” (Lake News, Nov. 13, 1996)

Flashback: Christmas craft fair, telephone expansion, and school board budget increase

A look back into the history of the Cowichan Lake area

 

“Treat for Tot at Kinsmen Halloween party was the opportunity to be centre stage for judging of Halloween costumes. This raggedy ann tyke was obviously enjoying her turn in the spotlight, but mom had her hands full keeping child from taking a dive off stage at community hall.” (The Lake News, Nov. 4, 1981)

Flashback: Council news, boundary expansion and a mystery buyer…

A look back at the goings on around Cowichan Lake in years past

“Treat for Tot at Kinsmen Halloween party was the opportunity to be centre stage for judging of Halloween costumes. This raggedy ann tyke was obviously enjoying her turn in the spotlight, but mom had her hands full keeping child from taking a dive off stage at community hall.” (The Lake News, Nov. 4, 1981)
“Matt Heyne from the Cow Cafe and Cookhouse serves Rita Dustow (l) and Carolyne Austin (r) during the Friday night Salmon and Mushroom Festival Gala Dinner.” (Lake Cowichan Gazette, Nov. 2, 2011)

Flashback: Mushrooms, rhodonite, robbery and dramatic escape from fire

A look back at the goings on around Cowichan Lake in years past

“Matt Heyne from the Cow Cafe and Cookhouse serves Rita Dustow (l) and Carolyne Austin (r) during the Friday night Salmon and Mushroom Festival Gala Dinner.” (Lake Cowichan Gazette, Nov. 2, 2011)
Janice McMullen visited the Kaatza Station Museum in Lake Cowichan to take in a new exhibit about her father’s plane crash at Caycuse during the Second World War. (Photo courtesy Kaatza Station Museum)

Kaatza Museum in Lake Cowichan highlights dramatic tale of survival for Remembrance Day

Against all odds, Gainforth survived the crash

  • Oct 25, 2021
Janice McMullen visited the Kaatza Station Museum in Lake Cowichan to take in a new exhibit about her father’s plane crash at Caycuse during the Second World War. (Photo courtesy Kaatza Station Museum)
“Local mushroom enthusiast Ingeborg Woodsworth with her mushroom-loving cat Tiger, a basket of chanterelle mushrooms, and a brand-new mushroom-centred cookbook she’s written. This year’s 11th Annual Lake Cowichan Salmon and Mushroom Festival is set to take place this weekend, from Friday, Oct. 28, to Sunday, Oct. 30.” (Lake Cowichan Gazette, Oct. 26, 2011)

Flashback: Salmon, mushrooms, smart meters, murder and a big mill closure

A look back into the history of the Cowichan Lake area.

“Local mushroom enthusiast Ingeborg Woodsworth with her mushroom-loving cat Tiger, a basket of chanterelle mushrooms, and a brand-new mushroom-centred cookbook she’s written. This year’s 11th Annual Lake Cowichan Salmon and Mushroom Festival is set to take place this weekend, from Friday, Oct. 28, to Sunday, Oct. 30.” (Lake Cowichan Gazette, Oct. 26, 2011)
“Juicy Fruit for Pete Semchuk is a two pound tomato the avid gardener harvested from his bountiful plot on Berar Road. Semchuk was ready to sample fruits of his labour right where the plot thickened — his garden. Prize tomato weighed two pounds with at least two others vying for honors in the Semchuk garden.” (Lake News, Oct. 14, 1981)

Flashback: Child care closure, theatre needs help, A new mayor, fundraisers and layoffs

At look back at the history of Cowichan Lake

“Juicy Fruit for Pete Semchuk is a two pound tomato the avid gardener harvested from his bountiful plot on Berar Road. Semchuk was ready to sample fruits of his labour right where the plot thickened — his garden. Prize tomato weighed two pounds with at least two others vying for honors in the Semchuk garden.” (Lake News, Oct. 14, 1981)
”Lost for past 14 years, Dick McQuinn presents the watch found in the Royal Bank. (Lake News, Oct. 9, 1996)

Flashback: Road safety, elk, long lost watch, and more

Remember these stories from Cowichan Lake?

”Lost for past 14 years, Dick McQuinn presents the watch found in the Royal Bank. (Lake News, Oct. 9, 1996)
“Last-minute details are discussed among members of the three clubs sponsoring the new senior’s home. Matz Johnson (left) and George Majer are Kiwanis club members, Ted Forrest (right) is a Lions Club member. Other club involved is the Kinsmen Club.” (Lake News, Sept. 30, 1981)

Flashback: Man shot, election coming, paper gets pricey, seniors home opens

Remember these stories from Cowichan Lake?

“Last-minute details are discussed among members of the three clubs sponsoring the new senior’s home. Matz Johnson (left) and George Majer are Kiwanis club members, Ted Forrest (right) is a Lions Club member. Other club involved is the Kinsmen Club.” (Lake News, Sept. 30, 1981)
Camas flowers in full bloom. (Devon Bidal/News Staff)

Vancouver Island camas meadows reveal agricultural impact of B.C. colonialism

Lekwungen food expert Cheryl Bryce looks to raise awareness of traditional food systems

  • Sep 30, 2021
Camas flowers in full bloom. (Devon Bidal/News Staff)
Duncan United Church Minister Keith Simmons (left) and Bill Dennis with a plaque commemorating the “home children” sent from Britain to Canada that is now in place on church property. (Robert Barron/Citizen)

“Home Children” commemorated with new plaque in Duncan

Thousands of British children sent to Canada to face uncertain futures

Duncan United Church Minister Keith Simmons (left) and Bill Dennis with a plaque commemorating the “home children” sent from Britain to Canada that is now in place on church property. (Robert Barron/Citizen)
“Lake Cowichan librarian Diana Hutton reads a rabbit-filled pirate story to children during the library’s first Story Time session of the season, Thursday, Sept. 22. Hutton came dressed as a pirate, in celebration of Dress Like a Pirate Week. The story times will continue every second Thursday until the end of the year, beginning at 9:30 a.m. Next up for the library will be a Customer Appreciation Day, Thursday, Sept. 29, in celebration of the Vancouver Island Regional Library’s 75th anniversary. There will be refreshments, trivia quizzes, and prizes for those in attendance.” (Lake Cowichan Gazette, Sept. 28, 2011)

Flashback: Daycare closes, Tour De Rock arrives, Terry Fox, FRBC policy, and crime

A look back into the history of Lake Cowichan and area

“Lake Cowichan librarian Diana Hutton reads a rabbit-filled pirate story to children during the library’s first Story Time session of the season, Thursday, Sept. 22. Hutton came dressed as a pirate, in celebration of Dress Like a Pirate Week. The story times will continue every second Thursday until the end of the year, beginning at 9:30 a.m. Next up for the library will be a Customer Appreciation Day, Thursday, Sept. 29, in celebration of the Vancouver Island Regional Library’s 75th anniversary. There will be refreshments, trivia quizzes, and prizes for those in attendance.” (Lake Cowichan Gazette, Sept. 28, 2011)
“Last weekend’s 10th Annual Great Lake Walk had over 300 people make the 56 kilometre journey around Cowichan Lake, from Youbou to Lake Cowichan. Although mainly out-of-town walkers took part in the ultra-marathon, a number of Cowichan Lake area residents also took up the challenge. Left – Lake Cowichan resident Connie Croteau, right, with Shawnigan Lake friend Noella Trotter, posing for a photo after crossing the finish line. Centre – Local Great Lake Walk celebrity Joan Henn, 75, with one of five bags of cans she collected along the way. Henn walked with daughter Barbara Henn-Pander, from Burnaby. This was her 10th time participating in the Great Lake Walk. Right – Local walker Cheriee Strany enjoys some tunes. She walked with a couple of friends, who as a group raised $826 for the Tour de Rock cancer fundraiser.” (Lake Cowichan Gazette/Sept. 21, 2011)

Flashback: Weir safety, forestry funds and bus service

A look back at the history of the Cowichan Lake area

“Last weekend’s 10th Annual Great Lake Walk had over 300 people make the 56 kilometre journey around Cowichan Lake, from Youbou to Lake Cowichan. Although mainly out-of-town walkers took part in the ultra-marathon, a number of Cowichan Lake area residents also took up the challenge. Left – Lake Cowichan resident Connie Croteau, right, with Shawnigan Lake friend Noella Trotter, posing for a photo after crossing the finish line. Centre – Local Great Lake Walk celebrity Joan Henn, 75, with one of five bags of cans she collected along the way. Henn walked with daughter Barbara Henn-Pander, from Burnaby. This was her 10th time participating in the Great Lake Walk. Right – Local walker Cheriee Strany enjoys some tunes. She walked with a couple of friends, who as a group raised $826 for the Tour de Rock cancer fundraiser.” (Lake Cowichan Gazette/Sept. 21, 2011)
George Manning (right), seen here in the pressroom of one of the publications he oversaw, was a legendary figure and mentor in the local community newspaper industry. He passed away last week at age 81. (Facebook/Gail Manning)

Gazette founder leaves a legacy on Cowichan, Vancouver Island journalism

George Manning dies at 81, was key figure in the growth of Black Press on Vancouver Island

George Manning (right), seen here in the pressroom of one of the publications he oversaw, was a legendary figure and mentor in the local community newspaper industry. He passed away last week at age 81. (Facebook/Gail Manning)
“And they’re off… At the starting signal, 150 runners begin Sunday’s Terry Fox marathon”. (Lake News/Sept. 16, 1981)

Flashback: Chickens and dogs, amalgamation woes, Terry Fox run, house prices

A look back into the history of Lake Cowichan and area

“And they’re off… At the starting signal, 150 runners begin Sunday’s Terry Fox marathon”. (Lake News/Sept. 16, 1981)
An otter family during the pandemic. (Cim MacDonald photo)

New display at Duncan museum looks at wildlife during the pandemic

In the summer of 2020, scientists coined the term “anthropause”

  • Sep 6, 2021
An otter family during the pandemic. (Cim MacDonald photo)
“United Church Worship and Education Team members Lilien Kerr, Mikki Welsh, and Audrey Towle, from left, with reverend Greg Darjes. Behind them is the cross from the old United Church, which was saved from fire in 1990.” (Tyler Clarke/Lake Cowichan Gazette, Sept. 7, 2011)

Flashback: Back to school, Church anniversary and Coronation Street soap opera

A look back into the history of Lake Cowichan and area

“United Church Worship and Education Team members Lilien Kerr, Mikki Welsh, and Audrey Towle, from left, with reverend Greg Darjes. Behind them is the cross from the old United Church, which was saved from fire in 1990.” (Tyler Clarke/Lake Cowichan Gazette, Sept. 7, 2011)
“Mai and Emi Ikemura hug the cuddly and patient dog Eva, at Honeymoon Bay’s Central Park. The two Duncan youngsters played with with Eva during a visit with their Honeymoon Bay grandfather, Mitsu, earlier this month.” Tyler Clarke/Lake Cowichan Gazette, Aug. 24, 2011)

Flashback: Late Christmas card, toy tank used in assault, drama on Coronation Street

A look back in history at the Cowichan Lake area.

“Mai and Emi Ikemura hug the cuddly and patient dog Eva, at Honeymoon Bay’s Central Park. The two Duncan youngsters played with with Eva during a visit with their Honeymoon Bay grandfather, Mitsu, earlier this month.” Tyler Clarke/Lake Cowichan Gazette, Aug. 24, 2011)
“Left – Celebrating his 71st birthday the day after the race, Spaniard Bernard Hewitt beat out a group of much younger competitors during the annual Youbou Regatta 1/4 mile swim race, Saturday, Aug. 13. ‘This is the third time I’ve entered. It gives me something to aim for,’ Hewitt said. Spending winters in Spain and summers with a friend at Marble Bay, Hewitt has taken to swimming Cowichan Lake on a daily basis. While in Spain, he stays in shape by swimming in a pool. Hewitt was the oldest participant to complete the swim, while local youngster Emily Vaughan was the youngest. Middle – Local athlete Grace Fox placed second, followed shortly thereafter by fellow local swimmer Alyssa Porter, right.” (Tyler Clarke/Lake Cowichan Gazette, Aug. 17, 2011)

Flashback: Garden gnome games, ambulance blackout, strike end nears

What was making headlines this week around Cowichan Lake in years gone by

“Left – Celebrating his 71st birthday the day after the race, Spaniard Bernard Hewitt beat out a group of much younger competitors during the annual Youbou Regatta 1/4 mile swim race, Saturday, Aug. 13. ‘This is the third time I’ve entered. It gives me something to aim for,’ Hewitt said. Spending winters in Spain and summers with a friend at Marble Bay, Hewitt has taken to swimming Cowichan Lake on a daily basis. While in Spain, he stays in shape by swimming in a pool. Hewitt was the oldest participant to complete the swim, while local youngster Emily Vaughan was the youngest. Middle – Local athlete Grace Fox placed second, followed shortly thereafter by fellow local swimmer Alyssa Porter, right.” (Tyler Clarke/Lake Cowichan Gazette, Aug. 17, 2011)