Editorially speaking…
One of the challenges of researching and writing B.C. history on a regular basis isn’t—usually—finding quality content, but finding quality photos to support that content. 100’s of 1000’s of wonderful photos exist in various vaults (archives, libraries, historical societies, private collections, etc.) but tracking them down is quite time-consuming.
Fun for the most part, but time-consuming.
It can also be expensive.
For years, the worst offender was the B.C. Archives which charged an extortionate 50.00 for the use (you rented it, in effect) of a photo or image from their collection. Which, when you think about it, was hardly in keeping with their mandate of assisting historians to save and promote provincial history.
But, recently—happily—they blinked and now allow the use of their images at no cost if you download them yourself, or for a 20.00 administration fee if they have to do it for you.
Many other Canadian and American institutions allow free use of their photos for just a credit line. What a deal!
Check out this beauty, about which I wrote a Facebook post:
—Courtesy of Vancouver City Archives
B.C. TOOTHPICK
How sad that most of the logs you see being hauled on trucks these days aren’t much bigger than Christmas trees—nothing (unless they’re first-growth) like the Cedar and Fir giants of old.
Like the 9-foot, 8-inch ‘B.C. Toothpick’ in this photo from the Vancouver City Archives.
Can you imagine falling then bucking this brute by hand?
Thanks to bestselling author and friend Eric Brighton who turned me on to the Vancouver City Archives, I’ve been digging into their extensive photo files and coming up with some real beauties, such as that shown above.
Time-consuming or no, I’ll be spending more time on the Vancouver City Archives site which contains (quite surprisingly to me), 1000’s of photos that are province-wide rather than just Greater Vancouver area.
Cool!
* * * * *
Closer to home, the Cowichan Valley Museum needs more TLC. The heritage E&N Railway station building needs new shingle siding and the Museum folks are appealing for help to pay for the job.
From their website:
This is an example of what needs to be done to save the Museum from further deterioration. —Cowichan Valley Museum
Do you remember the Next Great Save? Your votes helped the Duncan Train Station win that national competition!
Now it’s time to save the exterior of the train station building that houses the museum. Through generous support of local businesses and volunteers, the lower story of the station has been repaired and repainted.
Why not the upper story? That’s where you can help.
We’re launching our Buy-A-Bundle promotion to raise funds for shingling the second level. Each $50 donation will buy a bundle of shingles.
Our fundraising goal is $60,000 – that will pay for the shingles, installation, paint, and all the other work involved in conserving the upper story of the locally and nationally heritage designated Duncan Train Station building.
For the person who has everything, a donation in their name makes a great gift – just in time for Christmas. For each donation, you’ll receive a beautiful thank-you card and a tax receipt. You'll also get a warm, fuzzy feeling every time you walk by the Train Station and see your donation at work.
You can make your donation:
*At the Cowichan Valley Museum, located in the Duncan Train Station. We accept cash, cheque and credit cards.
*By cheque made out to the Cowichan Historical Society. Please mark “Bundle” on your cheque. Mail it to P.O. Box 1014, Duncan, B.C., V9L-3Y2, or drop it at the Museum.
*By e-transfer to cvmuseum.archives@gmail.com (a question/answer is required: please use Where is the museum? Answer: Duncan - and add Bundle in the comments)
Get on board and Buy-a-Bundle now!. Tax deductible receipt will be issued.
