Ladysmith Historical Society, Past News, etc.

We were honoured by the 2010 torch running through Ladysmith. In preparation for this the 49th parallel allowed us to set up a display in their windows. Drop by and read about the history of past participation in Olympics by our athletes.

Out in the sun... great parade we had an old truck loaned to us by the Williams family. We took home 2 ribbons. A 1st for theme, and a 3rd for costumes. Picture shows our depiction of early Delivery Room. Nurse Susan with a baby that is now over 50 years old, Ms. Rob Johnson (lots of hair) and Dr. Kit. Hope he wakes up in time.... Anyway getting serious. Uniform original loaned to us by Wilma Wickham. Examining table from Dr. Wickham. Wheelchair found in Thrift Centre. Truck (which almost made it to the end of the parade) by the Williams family. And of course Kit Wilmot... (picture is clickable).

And talk about "Deja Vu" all over again, picture at left is from 2004 Ladysmith Hospital Auxiliary float

Dr Tom Wickham, past President and Patron of the Ladysmith and District Historical Society passed away on February 14, 2009. He was a constant supporter of the society. Due to his efforts we are where we are today. He will be missed by many, but he will live on in the memory of the Ladysmith Archive. As a doctor in Ladysmith his life was dedicated to the area and its residents. In retirement he spent many years and countless hours in community service. Perhaps some day soon we can finish his dream of a museum for the Town of Ladysmith.

A memorial service was held at the Ladysmith Eagles Hall. Sunday March 1. A rough guess is that over 300 people attended Part of the family request was that donations can be made to the Ladysmith and District Historical Society in his memory.

May 2009 is the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Ladysmith Hospital Auxiliary. A group of volunteers who were actually founded a year before the first hospital was built. They worked tirelessly right off the bat raising money, sewing sheets and providing necessary help and financial support for both the patients and the staff. The Archive has many photos of the early days of the hospital, as well as some interesting artifacts. Shown are the founders; Susan Sanderson, Sarah Hulme, Mabel Pollock and Jane Steele.

As part of our community involvement we have partnered with a number of community and area organizations. The year 2008 was an exciting year. We had the Spirit Pole coming here as part of Spirit of Cowichan, a buildup to the BC Aboriginal Games. And of course our own Archive opening. Spirit of Ladysmith is an incentive to connect the youth of our area to our seniors and mentors. This project is a permanent record through the eyes of the young people of the folk that made our area what it is today. Click here for details .

Spirit of BC ...

February 2010, the Winter Olympics. One year away in February. The Archive, along with the Ladysmith Spirit Committee held an open house. Honoured guests were Brian Van Acker and Doug Brinham. Brian was in the suit he wore when he carried the torch. Doug, a life long ladysmith resident loaned us his olympic sweater and memorabilia. We will be maintaining a display for this event in the Archive.

September 16th 2008 was the big moving day. We have our new archive! Our official opening party was November 15. A good number of folk attended.

As a very unfortunate aside for our neighbours in the old location, we took the last items and computers (including the alarm and smoke detectors) out on September 17th. On the 18th the old building caught fire! This could have been a disaster for the archive as our collection and computers definitely would have been damaged. A further reminder that an archive has to be made as safe as possible, we cannot replace history!

Kay Grouhel, first and only woman Mayor of Ladysmith honoured in BC150 celebration

As the province initiated a program to honour "Women of Distinction" in British Columbia the Historical Society received a grant to honour Kay Grouhel, our first and only woman to be Mayor. It's a permanent display of all the things she brought to not just Ladysmith but the province of British Columbia. Initially presented in October, a month set aside to honour Women of Distinction and Seniors. It spent the month on display at the recreation centre. In November we took the display to the Royal BC Museum where it was on display in the exhibits area as part of the BC Museums Assoc. annual meeting. In the 60's and 70's it was relatively unheard of that women should hold positions of authority. Kay was an exception. Come to visit our display at the archive and also take a peek at a small web presentation we have prepared. Click here to see our presentation.

We are "Digging up history" with the Ladysmith Chronicle. Look for our monthly article. It is all part of our commitment to bringing History to Ladysmith. Be sure to check, it will be the second Tuesday every month. They are on line as well, a link is on our links page. Look in the Community section of the Chronicle.

The Ladysmith Air Cadet Squadron celebrated their 65th anniversary. Kit Wilmot is shown accepting the archives and historical documents on behalf of the Society. Part of the ceremony, as well as awarding new ranks to the cadets was a presentation about Ray Conti. Ray, a local cadet who went on to the RCAF, flying F86 Saber Jets. Unfortunately, during a mission in the UK he reported engine problems. The plane, and Ray were never seen again. A series of photographic murals were unveiled, which will be displayed at the Aggie Hall.