Because the Leader published weekly, Christmas 1921 was four days old when readers received their newspaper; hence there was a single and short reference to the holiday just passed.
Read MoreSince we did Christmas In the Stores, the main feature on this week’s front page, last week, this is going to be an abbreviated ‘100 Years Ago’.
Read MoreProof as to how much things have changed in a century is this issue of the Leader’s main headline, POULTRYMEN’S BUSINESS.
Read MoreThere are two big news stories in this issue of the Leader.
Read MoreTwo full columns of this issue of the Leader are devoted to a public debate between the Hon. S.F. Tolmie, the Dominion minister of agriculture, and federal electoral opponent (and home candidate), city alderman C.H. Dickie.
Read MoreHow quiet it was in the Cowichan Valley, a century ago!
Read MoreAlmost three-quarters of the front page of this issue of the Leader is devoted to the week-old story of the unveiling of Duncan's Memorial Cross, better known today as the Cenotaph.
Read MoreIt was Remembrance Day, 100 years ago, too. It was also the day of publication for the Leader--meaning that a report on the unveiling of the new Duncan Cenotaph would have to await the next issue, a full week after the fact...
Read MoreThere's no having to guess the big news story of this issue of the Leader, the large, centre-page headlines crying out: ARRANGEMENTS FOR UNVEILING CEREMONY ON ARMISTICE DAY. The unveiling in question was that of the Duncan Cenotaph.
Read MoreThere’s no doubt as to the big news story of the day in this issue of the Leader. What makes it unusual is the fact that it’s in-house, so to speak, rather than the usual third-party.
Read MoreFirst off the mark for this issue of the Leader is a report on Duncan Council which had had a busy meeting, Mayor Pitt presiding. Ald. Whidden reported that the new concrete pavement of Station Street had been “thrown open” to traffic and all was well but for two drainage outlets which had clogged with fallen leaves despite the installation of wire grates.
Read MoreThe front page of the Leader in 1921 looks nothing like the front page of a contemporary newspaper. Today, you have maybe three headline stories with teasers for those within. The October 13, 1921 Leader has no less than 12 stories of varying sizes spread over six columns.
Read MoreThe headline that cries out on this front page of the Leader is a nasty one: ORIENTAL MENACE – Asiatic Exclusion League Aims Endorsed by Board of Trade Council.
Read MoreAs befitting its importance to the Valley’s economy, agriculture was the big news story of the day, Cowichan cattle having had “splendid success” at the Victoria Fall Fair.
Read MoreThis will be an abbreviated 100 Years Ago as fully one-half of this front page is dedicated to a report of the just-held Fall Fair and a list of prize winners.
Read MoreThe big news story of the day was the Union of B.C. Municipalities Convention in Alberni; the main topic of concern, at least for the Duncan delegates, Mayor Pitt and City Clerk Greig, was roads. (An issue that has ever been with us, it seems.)
Read MoreIn a world of constant change it’s heartening to know that the Fall Fair aka Cowichan Exhibition, is still with us (even if, in pandemic times, in a virtual state).
Read MoreFor the second week in a row the big news in the Leader was agricultural, this time headlined, GROWING SEED INDUSTRY - Cowichan’s Sweet Pea Far Superior to that of California -Harvesting Now.
Read MoreAgriculture, particularly dairy farming, is still a major player in the Valley economy, but nothing like it was a century ago. Back then, most residents operated their own small farms…
Read MoreIt’s by no means the biggest news story on this front page of the Leader but it’s the most eye-catching. Harry Blake, 74, had died in Chemainus hospital 16 days after falling onto a jagged rock from a haystack. He suffered fractured ribs and a dislocated spine.
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