History in Ladysmith is alive and well!

It has been suggested that we all "mine the history of Ladysmith". We know the coal mines are long gone, but the concept of digging up the history is alive and well. It is important to us that the residents help us to dig up the history of Ladysmith. And remember "history started just a mere second ago".

People who own houses have approached us already to give them the history of the building. Nearly every house below or near 4th has a historical significance attached to it. We actually found details on one house that told us it was designed and built by P. Leonard James, who also designed the Lake Louise swimming pool, the Royal Jubilee Hospital of 1921 to 25, and Crystal Gardens of 1924.

Our Society also does geneology searches. If you have any requests you are welcome to contact us. If you have information we would also like to hear from you. We are consantly expanding our search resources.

Because the website is growing so fast we are adding more information almost daily.  So, it is recommended that you return to the home page as often as you can where we try to keep the main index current.  Otherwise you just might miss something new!  As well, when you open a page you look at regularly use your Refresh/Reload icon (or just hit the F5 key) to make sure you have the latest information. 

A number of pictures are clickable for a larger image.  When you put your cursor on a picture (usually with a coloured border) it changes to a hand.  Clicking on the picture will bring up a larger image of it.  As well some text in articles is underlined or coloured.  That is a direct link to the appropriate topic and is clickable.

Because the official website name is a bit long, and perhaps hard to type we have linked this site to http://ladysmitharchive.org and http://ladysmithhistory.org Any of these two links will also link directly here.

Remembering Portuguese Joe Silvey

Portuguese Joe was a real adventurer with strong family ties in Ladysmith. In 2004 Jean Barman wrote a book on his many exploits. He sought gold on the Fraser River, whaled, fished, built boats and houses and had wonderful parties for his many friends where he always played his mandolin. He had one of the first saloons in Gastown at the same time as the famous Gassy Jack Deighton's. It is rumoured that he even might have done a little rum running.

On the death of his first wife he remarried and started to move around. He first went to Pender Harbour and eventually Reid Island.

In the time frame of Joe's life most of the Portuguese immigrants married First Nations women. Not too many single women immigrated from Europe. Both of Joe's wives came from prominant Abouriginal communities. And being a devout catholic he fit right in with their community. He taught them Seine Fishing techniques, boat building and carpentry. He actually pioneered fishing techniques that are used to this day.

On May 15 there was a celebration of the life of this remarkable man. A rough count showed 150 people showed up for a presentation by his extended first nations family, and many of his friends. The Mayor, Rob Hutchins introduced the Portuguese Council who gave a prayer in Joe's native tongue A video on his life was shown (copies of which can be provided by the Archive). A very interesting talk on is life was given by Jean Barham, the author of the book The Remarkable Adventures of Portuguese Joe Silvey.

The Archive has a display on Joe, as well as the book and his family tree. Due to the possibility of vandalism his grave marker has been loaned to the Archive for safe keeping. Drop by and visit any time (closed weekends and holidays).

For more information the following links are recommended:

They open in a new page, just close the browser to return here.

Researching for Ladysmith and District images and information?

Check out our "Research the Archive" link at the left or click here.  We have over 3000 images cataloged with descriptions.  It is part of the Barber Grant project mentioned below but has some really interesting information already.  If you want better resolution pictures for research or private use we only charge for the cost of reproduction.  Commercial use will require an agreement and possible fee for use.

We have not yet placed them on the website, but we have a fairly complete collection of the Ladysmith Chronicles. Also many documents from the Town such as census reports, etc. Contact the Archive for more information.

Free wireless internet connection (WiFi)

We do not make a big deal of it, but for those wishing to do research we have a free wireless connection.  This will allow research of both our resources and those of the internet.  You are welcome to bring your laptop and use these connections.  It has never been tested but it might even work in Tim Hortons on a good day.

 Work is progressing on the Irving K. Barber Grant Image Search project , part 2

Irving (Ike) Barber was a foremost entrepreneur in British Columbia.  A recognized pioneer and businessman in the BC Forestry Industry.  Graduating from the University of British Columbia in 1950 he went on to a distinguished career in forestry.  In 1978 he founded Slocan Forest Products a company he was chairman of till 2002.  His donation to his Alma Mater has resulted in substantial grants in his honour.  We were pleased to have been accepted as a recipient for 2009 to place 3000 of our photographs on the Internet. In 2010 we got a further grant for 2000 more images.  Work is progressing nicely. Click here to go directly to the image search.

There are a great number of notable private collections in our area.  There is one in Extension of mine ore cars.  There is an awesome one of tools and car badges right here in Ladysmith.  If you want your collection highlighted we would love to hear from you!  Doesn't matter if you are in our area.  We recently received photos of a small collection of tin plate auto engine demonstration cards.  You turn the crank and they actually work.  They belong to a Cowichan area resident who was kind enough to share with us.

Looking for a relative?.

The community is important to us.  We need your donations, not just cash but those things you have up in the attic down in the basement or out in the garage. 

We realize that the donation of any cash is important to us.  It helps us in the operation of our facilities.  But just as important is the donation (or loan) of artifacts, documents and photos.  Everyone has something somewhere of value to us.  Some of those seemingly trivial items that "grandma and grandpa" left to the family just might be valuable to us too.  As a "not for profit" society we also provide tax receipts.  Right now we are specifically looking for old movie projectors (and movies) and reel type tape recorders.  They don't have to be working, we have folk who can fix them.  We have an extensive collection of 8mm movies and reel tapes we need to catalog. But of course, any donation of cash is always welcome too!

Be sure to check our events and projects pages for all the latest happenings!

- click here to go directly there -

Have you gotten your copy? The Historical Cook Book!

Not just a cook book but a record of the people who built, worked and lived in Ladysmith.  Get a copy now.  We have bundled them together with the award winning book of Ladysmith's Anniversary.  $20 gets both.  Available from our office on Tuesdays and Thursdays. It is also for sale at Salamander Books and a number of businesses in town. .   Click here for details. Book 2 is now in the works. Look forward to it in time for Christmas giving. We also have an prompt sheet for anyone that wishes to create a new story for Book 2. Click to view it...

Ladysmith Cemetery, Heritage Buildings, Mayors...

Check our Cemetery Section for a clickable listing of the Ladysmith Cemetery.  There are 4 areas, A for Anglican, P for Presbyterian, M for Methodist (includes United) and C for Catholic. 

There is a new section on Heritage Buildings.  This is an ongoing project to compile some history of buildings past and relate them to today's buildings.  We invite comments and submissions of any homes or businesses for this new section.

Check out our section on the Mayors of Ladysmith.  We will eventually have a full collection of photographs and history.

Memberships and sponsorships are being promoted. Join the Society and become a participant in probably the most exciting project since the Ladysmith Centennial. Corporate sponsorships and donations are eagerly welcomed. Any donations or sponsorship will receive a tax receipt. Volunteers are needed to help with the projects!

Come to our meetings...

Our meetings are the third Tuesday of every second month at the Ladysmith Archive.

Anyone can attend the meetings, you don't have to be a member.

Not a member? Come to the meeting or drop by our office and we will sign you up.

You are encouraged to check back here often for more information, and when you do please click the refresh/reload icon (or hit your F5 key) to make sure you have the latest version.

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