Photo Record
Images
Metadata
Catalog Number |
2022.013.044 |
Object Name |
Print, Photographic |
Description |
A plaque unveiled in honour to Gerry Wellburn (right), founder of the BC Forest Museum (BC Forest Discovery Centre). The tribute additionally involved the planting of a Western Red Cedar tree. The plaque says: "This Western Red Cedar planted in honour of Gerald E. Wellburn founder of the British Columbia Forest Museum on the occasion of its 25th anniversary July 29 1989". |
Image File Name |
1989 - Plaque to Wellburn - Duncan - 2022013044 - jpg72 - 001 |
Date (y/m/d) |
1989/07/29 |
Place |
Duncan |
Provenance |
Born in Yorkshire, England in 1900, Gerry Wellburn moved to Victoria and later to Duncan in the 30s. Since a kid, Wellburn had been an avid collector first finding interest in stamps. In 1963, the Cowichan Valley Forest Museum Society (CVFM) was formed, and Wellburn, with the help of friends like Hector Stone, moved his collection of forestry artifacts (and more) from his home in Deerholme to a 15-acre site in Duncan overlooking Somenos Lake. It took several years of organizing and planning before the first visitors were welcomed in 1965. The museum was officially opened the following year. The name was changed to the BC Forest Museum (BCFM) in 1973. Gerry visited the BCFM for the last time in 1991 stating that, "I think you're finally getting it right." In 1999, the name was changed again to the current BC Forest Discovery Centre. Born in Yorkshire, England in 1900, Gerry moved to Victoria with his family where his father ran a grocery store at the corner of Pandora and Cook. Young Gerry had started collecting stamps in England so when he discovered both British Columbia and Vancouver Island had once issued their own stamps, he became fascinated. In 1923, he moved his wife Ethel May and daughter Lois to Courtenay where he worked in logging and sawmilling. In the early 1930's he founded Wellburn Timbers Ltd., a sawmilling and logging company in Duncan. In 1943 he sold the company to his friend H. R. MacMillan and continued on as manager of what is now the Shawnigan Division of MacMillan Bloedel Ltd. During his career, Gerry started logging with six horses; progressed to using steam yarders and was one of the first to use Caterpillar tractors and trucks. Other accomplishments of his include being: a founder of the Truck Loggers Association, made an honorary member of the Association of Professional Foresters, the president of the Duncan Chamber of Commerce and the Victory Bond sales drives, and the Chairman of the Duncan Hospital Society for 12 years. He opened the BC Forestry Museum (now the BC Forest Discovery Centre) opened in 1965. |
Search Terms |
People Wellburn western red cedar BCFDC Founder Grounds 25th Anniversary Plaque |
Collection |
BCFDC Institutional Memory |
People |
Wellburn, Gerry Walker, Tom |
Subjects |
People Documentary, Cowichan Valley |