Photo Record
Images
Metadata
Catalog Number |
2022.013.007 |
Object Name |
Print, Photographic |
Description |
Left to right: Ethel May Wellburn, Don Hammond and Jenji Kenishi at the luncheon get-together held at the BC Forest Museum (BC Forest Discovery Centre) that occurred before the official opening of the Cowichan Valley Demostration Forest. |
Image File Name |
1977 - Luncheon Before Opening - Duncan - 2022013007 - jpg72 - 001 |
Date (y/m/d) |
1977/05/04 |
Place |
Duncan |
Provenance |
The Cowichan Valley Demonstration Forest was officially opened on May 4, 1977. The goal of the forest was to act as an outdoor classroom to educate about forest management practices and had a number of signs and trails. The 5,000 acre forest straddled the Cowichan Valley Highway (Highway 18). It complemented the historical information provided by the B.C. Forest Museum (now BC Forest Discovery Centre). A sign linking the museum to the demostration forest was also made for the museum. Today, a number of the sites for the 'outdoor classroom' have unfortunately been abandoned or otherwise lost although some signs remain. 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. |
Search Terms |
People Cowichan Valley Demostration Forest Duncan Luncheon Grounds BCFDC |
Collection |
BCFDC Institutional Memory |
People |
Wellburn, Ethel May Hammond, Don Kenishi, Jenji |
Subjects |
People women Documentary, Cowichan Valley |