The Beachcombers

The Beachcombers is firmly associated with Gibsons and the Sunshine Coast. Although the popular CBC TV series is long over, it remains imprinted in the memories of Canadians who grew fond of the quirky stories of the scenic seaside village, on the edge of Canada and away from big city life. Filmed in 'real time,' the comedy-drama ran from October 1, 1972 to December 12, 1990 and holds the record for the longest-running dramatic series ever made for English Canadian television. In all, 387 episodes were produced and it was viewed in over 60 countries around the world.

It can now be considered an important piece of Canadian film history, as well as valuable documentation of life in Gibsons.  It was a Canadian 'original' and one of the first major Canadian series that did not follow an American prototype. The show was also at the forefront of its time when it came to representing First Nations culture and actors. Squamish elder Chief Dan George often made guest appearances on the show. He is best known for his role opposite Dustin Hoffman in the film "Little Big Man." Dan George passed away in 1981.

Molly's Reach was home for the character of Molly Carmody and her grandchildren, Margaret and Hughie, for their boarder Nick Adonidas (and his log salvage office), and for Nick's partner Jesse Jim.

Nick, the Greek beachcomber, was the main character played by Bruno Gerussi. Gerussi was born in Medicine Hat and attended the Banff School of Fine Arts. He joined the Stratford Festival in 1954 to become a respected Shakespearean actor at Stratford and London. Bruno starred in other TV series, including "Celebrity Cooks". He passed away in 1995 at age 67. Robert Clothier played Relic, Nick's arch rival. He too was a veteran stage and TV actor. Clothier was born in Prince Rupert in 1921 and studied architecture before pursuing sculpting and theatre in England. He passed away in 1999.

Constable John Constable, played by Jackson Davies, was another memorable character in the series. Jackson Davies and Marc Strange, who co-created the series, are writing a book about Bruno Gerussi and The Beachcombers, as a part of next year’s 40th anniversary of The Beachcombers.

The CBC is streaming a Beachcomber episode from 1975 as part of CBC's 75th anniversary. Check it out at http://www.cbc.ca/75/2011/08/the-beachcombers-invisble-relic.html.

Be sure to stay posted for upcoming Beachcomber exhibits and events planned for the 40th Anniversary in 2012!

SCMA Visitor Survey Results

We are excited to announce the winner of the 2011 SCMA Visitor Survey is..... SHEILA KINNEAR!

The lucky winner will receive a $50 SCMA Giftshop prize pack consisting of copies of the Helen McCall Community Album,  Rough and Ready Times: The History of Port Mellon, 2 SCMA coffee mugs and a 2011 SCMA family membership!

Congratulations to Sheila and thank you to everyone who took the time to fill out our survey and help us in our continued evolution to be the best regional heritage destination on the West Coast!






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Kwekwinmut / Pieces of the Past opening

The SCMA’s latest exhibit  Kwekwinmut  / Pieces of the Past  opened on Tuesday, October 4^th to a crowd of excited spectators who witnessed a symbolic return of the Squamish people to their traditional land. Although many people are aware of the Shishalh (Sechelt) Nation's claim to much of the Sunshine Coast as their traditional home, many are unaware that for thousands of years, the Squamish Nation also thrived on this landscape from present day Gibsons all the way Robert's Creek.

Over a hundred visitors celebrated this symbolic return by witnessing a traditional welcome by Chief Ian Campbell, numerous speeches by Squamish elders, curators and local dignitaries. Afterwards, the audience was enthralled as they explored the stone tool artifacts that make up the heart of the exhibit, marveling at the craftpersonship and questions that inevitably arose:

How long would it take to make?

What was this used for?

Just how old are these stone tools? 

Well, I could give you the answers to these questions right now, but I think it is best for you to come down to the SCMA and explore the exhibit for yourself. There are real lessons to be learned about our surroundings, and Kwekwinmut  / Pieces of the Past is a great starting point in helping to redefine our perspective on this place that we call the Sunshine Coast.   

 

Exhibit Opening: "Pieces of the Past: Squamish Stone Artifacts from Ch'kw'elhp and Schen'k

Kwekwínmut: Skwxwú7mesh-ulh Smánitmut, tiná7 ta Ch’kw’elhp iy Schen’k / Pieces of the Past: Squamish Stone Artifacts from Ch’kw’elhp and Schen’k, is a collaborative exhibit that features ancient Squamish pieces from the Museum’s collection of stone tools. The collection represents the Early, Middle and Late periods of Northwest Coast archaeological sequence and come from a range of site types, from permanent Squamish villages to seasonal camps. These primordial objects exemplify the material expression of Squamish culture and provide insight into Squamish ways of knowing.

In 2010, Kimiko Hawkes, Sunshine Coast Museum Manager and Curator, sought input and direction from the Squamish Nation on the museum’s permanent exhibit of Squamish artifacts. Ms. Hawkes’ invitation began a collaborative process which started with a visit to the Museum and a viewing of the collection by Squamish Nation Councilors’ Julie Baker and Deborah Baker, Squamish Nation Education Department staff, and a Squamish archaeology undergraduate student.

The Elders Advisory Committee and Vanessa Campbell, Squamish language team leader, identified the objects by Squamish name and provided some description. This work continued into research, analysis and cataloguing of the collection by Dr. Rudy Reimer (Squamish), and members of the Archaeological Society of British Columbia.


Co-curator Damara Jacobs-Morris (Squamish), believes this exhibit allows visitors a chance to explore both the function and cultural significance of the stone pieces. Kwekwínmut / Pieces of the Past is presented in the Skwxwù7mesh snichim (Squamish language) and English. Visitors have the opportunity to hear Squamish being spoken in the exhibit’s soundscape piece that includes oral history interviews and the telling of the Squamish Origin legend.

Deborah Jacobs, Squamish Nation Education Department Head and member of the Exhibit Advisory Committee comments, “The land evokes a connection to Squamish place and provides our spirit with a rich landscape. You may come to value and understand the narrative that Ch’kw’elhp and Schen’k provide our humanity in a complex world.”


The Sunshine Coast Museum & Archives and the Squamish Nation invite the public to the Opening Celebration on Tuesday, October 4, 2011 from 1pm to 4pm. Chief Ian Campbell and Chief Gibby Jacob will start the celebration with a traditional blessing. Local dignitaries will give welcome addresses. The co-curators and Advisory Committee will be on hand. Admission is by donation and refreshments will be served. For more information, contact the Museum.

History of the Credit Union Video

Take a look at this wonderful video produced by Republic Digital for the Sunshine Coast Credit Union. It is a beautifully rendered production that explores the history of the Credit Union and it's role in the development of community here on the Sunshine Coast. It features a great interview with Lenora Inglis, a descendant of some of the first European settlers in the area as well as some beautiful pictures from our archives.

Here's an insider hint for you: take a look at the photograph at 1:12 : it portrays Lenora (on right) standing on the Gibsons wharf with her first child!

Saturday Point Duty and Visitor Questionairre

On a gorgeously sunny Saturday morning, we helped kick off the 44^th annual Sea Cavalcade with a new tradition: SCMA Point Duty!

Every Saturday for the rest of the summer, we will be setting up an information booth next to the Persephone in Gibsons Landing from 11am – 1230pm to speak with folks about the heritage of the Sunshine Coast. We will also be signing up new members, handing out  SCMA newsletters and giving people directions to our location just down the block. The idea is to put a smiling face to the great work that we do here at the museum and to help others get as excited about local heritage as we are. This particular Saturday, the street was lined with spectators for the Sea Cav parade which was making it's way down from Upper Gibsons.

I spoke with many folks about the museum and about the history of the coast and was pleased to meet a great reception from residents and visitors alike.  The SCMA was represented in the parade by Ian Thomson, Larry Westlake and the Driftwood Theatre group who were dressed in old-time clothing.

In conjunction with Point Duty, we are excited to be launching a new Visitor Survey questionnaire which will be distributed at the museum as well as at the booth. Asking questions such as: “How can we improve upon the services we provide?” and “What types of events would you like to see at the museum?”  we hope to gain valuable information about community’s  perception of the museum. Each participant will be entered into a draw for a $50 SCMA giftshop prize pack. 

Have you been to our giftshop? Have you seen all the crafty/wonderful items that we have down here? Enough said: Come down and fill out the survey :)

Our very own Wooden Boat Festival!

One of the fine modern craft shown at last year's Wooden Boat Festival, Joe Maynard's "Sarah" skiff.

 

Heritage Small Wooden Boat Festival

Sunday, July 24th

10:00 am to 4:30 pm

Holland Park, Gibsons

 

The Sunshine Coast Museum And Archive's Heritage Small Wooden Boat Festival started in 2003. In 2010 it was included with Gibsons Sea Cavalcade events for the first time. This proved a great success, and the Festival will be part of Sea Cavalcade again this year. 

 

On Sunday July 24th only, from 10am to 4:30pm, a large selection of wooden rowing boats, daysailers, canoes, kayaks, and runabouts will be on view on the grass in Holland Park in Gibsons, and their owners and builders will be on hand to share their enthusiasm and experience. 

 

The display will include vintage examples from the Museum's collection, replicas, classic oldies, new amateur-built craft, boats by professional builders and restorers, and modern recreational designs. Visitors will enjoy the variety and quality of the craft on display, and get to vote on their favourite for the "People's Choice" award. This event is a great opportunity for those who have been thinking about building or buying a small wooden boat, have one that they would like to proudly show, or just love looking at wooden boats. 

 

If you have one you would like to show, contact the organiser, Larry Westlake info@westlakeboats.com (885-0744), or pick up registration forms at the Museum (716 Winn Road in Gibsons, 886-8232).

 

Summer Hours

We’ve got new hours for the Summer! We’re now open on Sunday, so come on down.

Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 10:30 – 4:30
Wednesday: 10:30 – 4:30
Thursday: 10:30 – 4:30
Friday: 10:30 – 4:30
Saturday: 10:30 – 4:30
Sunday: 10:30 – 4:30

Climate Change Presentation- Thursday July 21st at SCMA

Are you a resident of the Sunshine Coast, BC?

Are you concerned about environmental change in your community?

On Thursday July 21^st the SCMA will be hosting a free public presentation by University of British Columbia researchers on the effects of climate change. From 7pm-8pm, researchers will speak of their work linking coastal communities in Canada and the Caribbean and will discuss the effects of a warming climate.  They will also facilitate a dialogue about the effects of climate change on the audiences' lives.

From the UBC press release:

"This study assesses people’s attitudes and beliefs about environmental risks, including those potentially associated with climate change. The results of this project will be used to improve understanding of how people view risks to provide elected officials and community leaders with a “snapshot” of how people in their community think about risks. We are interested in learning about what kinds of risks your community faces, what you think about these risks, and how prepared you and your community are to deal with potential hazards. The goal is to work with the Town of Gibson’s and the Sunshine Coast Regional District to better enable them to work with citizen’s groups, NGOs, the business community and First Nations groups to address current and potential future risks."

In conjunction with this study, the researchers are encouraging participants to take part in an online survey. After completing the survey, participants will be given the option to enter your name into a draw to win one of ten prizes of $100. In order to be entered into the draw, you MUST have an address within Gibsons or the Sunshine Coast Regional District
.

Come on down to the Museum on the night of Thursday July 21^st from 7pm – 8pm to learn more about climate change and how it will effect our waterways, forests and subsequently, our ways of life.

For information and the online survey, visit:

  

http://envirochange.ca/UBC/Home.html

My First Parade Ever

Canada Day has just passed and although the weather was not stellar the show must go on! The Sunshine Coast Museum and Archives was once again in the Sechelt Parade and had a booth at Hackett Park. The float was Larry Westlake’s replica Handliner which was decorated with little Canadian flags. I walked with Larry Westlake, his daughter Hannah Westlake, and Board Member Ian Thomson. We waved, smiled, and talked to the onlookers. Despite the clouds, the sidewalks were packed with people who were showing their support for all the floats.

After the Parade we headed over to our booth in Hackett Park where I oversaw our display of First Nations stone tools - a preview for our upcoming collaborative exhibit with the Squamish Nation. Our booth included a display from the Sechelt Archives, and archivist Ann Watson was there to answer questions. Despite the lower turnout than last year, we had a lot of people drop by. Some just browsed while others stopped and talked to us to share their own histories or stories of the Sunshine Coast community. Overall it was a fun day.

By Kelly MacKay

The Stories of our Names: Salish Sea

 Often, it is in the names of geographic places that the first hints of history unfold. When we take a step back and critically observe the politics and unspoken agendas that arise from certain names, it is clear that there is a power that arises from the names we choose. In North America, a movement of cultural recognition in the last decade has led to the renaming of many places with their traditional First Nations names. It seems as if enough time has passed for a more objective view on the colonial nature of the European naming process as many places are being renamed with a moniker more suitable to historical fact, not political agenda.   

  

Just last year, the term Salish Sea was officially recognized as the name of a vast body of water along the coast of British Columbia and Washington State. Stretching from the north end of the Strait of Georgia to the southern reaches of Puget Sound, the Salish Sea reaches westward to the mouth of the Strait of Juan de Fuca.

                      Map of the Salish Sea, Stefan Freelan, WWU, 2009

    The name comes from the Coast Salish people who were the first known inhabitants of the area and it honours their historical use of these waterways. While the previously existing European names will still be used, the term Salish Sea is meant to provide an over-reaching description of the area and highlight the interconnectedness of the waterways and people who use them. In this way, a more holistic world view of the land emerges and many hope that it will inspire a deeper environmental stewardship of the coastline. Who knew there was this much to a name!

Visit: http://staff.wwu.edu/stefan/SalishSea.htm to download the map, and for more information!

 In honour of the official recognition of the Salish Sea, the SCMA is featuring an absolutely stunning book entitled Islands of the Salish Sea in our gift shop. Containing beautifully artistic maps that depict the many islands that dot the Salish Sea, this is truly a book that should be on every coffee table on the coast. Essentially, the authors put out a request for the people who live on the islands to create maps to showcase the unique character of the places they live. The result is a rich collection of over 20 maps that  emanate local flavor and are a treat to peruse. If you couldn’t tell, I have spent a lot of time at home with my own copy of this book : )

Drop on down to the Museum and take a look at this wonderful release or ponder the origins of our local names…there’s no telling what kind of history you might uncover!

                                         Islands of the Salish Sea

                                         Map of Texada Island

Newspaper Archives Go Digital!

The Sunshine Coast Museum & Archives is proud to announce that we are one of twenty-one successful recipients of the 2011 B.C. History Digitization Program (BCHDP) funding awards. The digitization program, an initiative of the Irving K. Barber Learning Centre, was launched in 2006. It provides matching funds that help libraries, archives, museums and other organizations digitize unique historical items, including images, print and sound material.

We have received a $10,000 grant to create a comprehensive, publicly-accessible digital database of newspapers from the Sunshine Coast region. During Phase I, the issues of the Coast News/Sunshine Coast News in most urgent need of preservation (1945-76, 1983-87, and 1989) will be digitized and made available in an easily accessible web-searchable format. The original copies exist within the SCMA, but they are extremely fragile and off-limits to researchers because of their delicate condition. If they are lost, they will be lost forever. This project will permanently protect this important archival treasure in digital form and provide public access to this valuable resource.

The issues to be digitized cover 37 years during a period of tremendous growth of our coastal community. They provide information of outstanding natural, historical, scientific, artistic, archival and informational value to many segments of the Sunshine Coast population. Moreover, by providing easy public access to these archival records, we will encourage researchers to study the area, market the community, and promote tourism using a deep knowledge about the community’s unique history and strengths.

We'll keep you posted on how this project is progressing!

Gibson Day Celebrates 125th Anniversary

On Saturday May 28^th, the Sunshine Coast Museum and Archives in collaboration with local producer Robert MacDonald & director David Short, presented George and Charlotte Gibson Day to mark the 125^th Anniversary of the Gibson Family’s arrival on the Sunshine Coat. And what a fantastic event it turned out to be! To be honest, the morning’s rain showers had us a little apprehensive, biting our nails and looking at the swirling dark clouds rolling in from the west, but as the day unfolded, it seemed as if luck was on our side!  

The festivities began with a dramatical enactment of the Gibson’s arrival at Armours Beach. Actors portraying Charlotte Gibson and her children milled around in period costumes on the landing and there was there was a tangible excitement in the air as everyone awaited George’s arrival.  Rowing a small boat up to the dock with one of his sons, the audience cheered as they stepped ashore carrying burlap sacks to represent their belongings. During the arrival, ­­Tim Anderson’s narration told the story of how George Gibson ended up on the Coast very much by fluke as a strong wind pushed his vessel, the Swamp Angel, off course. And remember those present-day dark swirling clouds I mentioned? Well by similar fluke, the sun soon appeared and the Gibson’s began to pack up their belongings on an awaiting horse to travel to their new home. Walking along Marine Drive, the eager crowd followed the Gibson family as outspoken George provided comical and insightful comments along the way. Sunshine Coast history was alive!

As the group approached the museum, the crowd swelled, cheering and hooting wildly as George announced that they had finally reached their destination.  Gathering around props set up in front of the museum such as a kitchen table and a wash tub, the actors began to act out A Day in the Life of the Gibson Family. Again, Tim narrated each situation that the Gibsons portrayed, and the audience watched on as they prepared food, washed clothes and fetched firewood. We definitely took some artistic license with this but we made sure to let the audience know and everyone seemed to enjoy it. All too soon, the entertaining enactment was over, but Gibsons Mayor Barry Janyk, dressed in top hat and tails, continued with a historically themed speech, highlighting the changes that have taken place since 1886. As the sun continued to beam outside, much of the crowd gathered in the gift shop of the museum for the cake cutting ceremony. And let me tell you – it was an incredible cake, both to look at and to taste! Snacking on an array of refreshments, locals and visitors alike reminisced about the heritage of Gibsons, while many folks sat outside and basked in the beautiful afternoon. Soon, Matt Cavers presented an informative slideshow of historical photographs, providing insights and anecdotes to the enthused crowd. With the afternoon winding down, SCMA staff and volunteers marveled at how successful the event turned out to be! By all counts, about 150 people came out to the Museum to celebrate and take part in the festivities for the 2011 George and Charlotte Gibson Day.

THANK YOU’S to: producer Robert McDonald, director David Short, actors Roza Rogers, Olivia Perignon, Emily Diamond, Rochelle Perignon, Elizabeth Lyle, Nicolaus VanDerSaand, narrator Tim Anderson, photographer Dan Tsuji, and Julia Davidson (owner of horse); SMCA volunteers Ian Thomson, Mike Clement, Elaine Jackson, Ann Tasker, Lorraine Goddard, Sue Thompson, and Sharon Venechuck; the Town of Gibsons and Mayor Janyk; and Super Valu for the slab cake, IGA for the fruit and vegetable platters, and Tim Horton’s for the coffee.

For more photos and articles in our community newspapers, go to: http://www.coastreporter.net/apps/pbcs.dll/tngallery?Site=GW&Date=20110530&Category=SECHELT&ArtNo=530009999&Ref=PH

http://www.thelocalweekly.ca/ (June 2, 2011 – Vol. 9 Issue 22)

Olivia Perignon

Gordon and Elaine Jackson

Bruce and Makiko

Matt Cavers presenting a slide show on the history of Gibsons.

Curator Kimiko Hawkes with Heather McEadie, great grandaughter of George Gibson

Vintage lace dress donated as a prop by Ms. Heatherington

Awaiting the arrival of George and Ralph

George and Ralph rowing in to Armour's Beach

Mayor Barry Janyk and Narrator Tim Anderson

George and Ralph coming up the dock with supplies

George is feeling the strain after rowing ashore and packing in the supplies

The procession through town, pack horse and all!

Charlotte and the girls start doing the chores

The family poses for a group shot

Narrator Tim Anderson

Musical accompaniment by Matthew Lovegrove

Hear ye, hear ye! Mayor Barry Janyk presents a speech to the family

Great turnout!

Mayor Barry Janyk and guest Heather McEadie (great grandaugher of George Gibson)