Series consists of cassette tapes of interviews with residents of Cortes Island and nearby islands, of recordings of events which occurred on the island, and of musical performances by island artists and groups. Twenty-six of the tapes are interviews about the history of the island and early settler families done by Oonagh O'Connor for the Cortes Island Seniors' Building Society in 1995. Other interviews were recorded by museum volunteers gathering information for exhibits.
In 2017 the 54 cassette tapes in the collection at that time (along with 21 cassette tapes from Fonds # 2007.001: May and Elmer Ellingsen, 1 VHS tape and 1 mini-DVD) were digitized with a $1,000 grant from the Terry Reksten Memorial Fund, administered by Friends of the BC Archives. There are three components to each item: the original cassette tape, an electronic .wav file preservation master made from the original tape, and an .mp3 access file. The electronic files are stored on archival quality CDs as well as on a dedicated hard drive and the .mp3 files are available on the Museum and the Archives computers.
Series consists of cassette tapes of interviews with residents of Cortes Island and nearby islands, of recordings of events which occurred on the island, and of musical performances by island artists and groups. Twenty-six of the tapes are interviews about the history of the island and early settler families done by Oonagh O'Connor for the Cortes Island Seniors' Building Society in 1995. Other interviews were recorded by museum volunteers gathering information for exhibits.
In 2017 the 54 cassette tapes in the collection at that time (along with 21 cassette tapes from Fonds # 2007.001: May and Elmer Ellingsen, 1 VHS tape and 1 mini-DVD) were digitized with a $1,000 grant from the Terry Reksten Memorial Fund, administered by Friends of the BC Archives. There are three components to each item: the original cassette tape, an electronic .wav file preservation master made from the original tape, and an .mp3 access file. The electronic files are stored on archival quality CDs as well as on a dedicated hard drive and the .mp3 files are available on the Museum and the Archives computers.
Storage Location
Cassette tape boxes 1 and 2
Geographic Access
Cortes Island
Related Material
2007.001 - May and Elmer Ellingsen fonds
2009.001 - Island Women's Club
An interview of Kathleen (Kay) Boas by Oonagh O'Connor. Subjects covered include Rollo and Kathleen (Kay) Boas' missionary work, including work for the Columbia Coast Mission. There is a short summary of the interview, written by May Ellingsen, in the cassette case.
An interview of Kathleen (Kay) Boas by Oonagh O'Connor. Subjects covered include Rollo and Kathleen (Kay) Boas' missionary work, including work for the Columbia Coast Mission. There is a short summary of the interview, written by May Ellingsen, in the cassette case.
Item consists of the continuation of an interview with Etta and Clarence Byers by Oonagh O'Connor. On Side A, Etta Byers talks about her childhood on Cortes, how she met Clarence and her married life in Seaford, Von Donop, Powell River and Courtenay. On Side B, Clarence talks about when his family moved to Cortes Island, and his experiences logging, starting at age thirteen. There is a short summary of the interview, written by May Ellingsen, in the cassette case.
Item consists of the continuation of an interview with Etta and Clarence Byers by Oonagh O'Connor. On Side A, Etta Byers talks about her childhood on Cortes, how she met Clarence and her married life in Seaford, Von Donop, Powell River and Courtenay. On Side B, Clarence talks about when his family moved to Cortes Island, and his experiences logging, starting at age thirteen. There is a short summary of the interview, written by May Ellingsen, in the cassette case.
This is the continuation (Part 3) of an interview of Etta and Clarence Byers by Oonagh O'Connor. Clarence talks about his family history; moving to Cortes Island, logging on Cortes in the Von Donop/Blue Jay Lake/Carrington Bay area; road-building; and the arrival of Japanese oysters to Cortes beaches in ca. 1938. There is a short summary of the interview, written by May Ellingsen, in the cassette case.
This is the continuation (Part 3) of an interview of Etta and Clarence Byers by Oonagh O'Connor. Clarence talks about his family history; moving to Cortes Island, logging on Cortes in the Von Donop/Blue Jay Lake/Carrington Bay area; road-building; and the arrival of Japanese oysters to Cortes beaches in ca. 1938. There is a short summary of the interview, written by May Ellingsen, in the cassette case.
Recording is an oral history interview of May and Elmer Ellingsen by Oonagh O'Connor. Topics covered include how Elmer came to the island and met May; logging experiences; Cortes roads and telephone system; and living at Von Donop Inlet. Several humorous stories are related. There is a short summary of the interview, written by May Ellingsen, in the cassette case.
Recording is an oral history interview of May and Elmer Ellingsen by Oonagh O'Connor. Topics covered include how Elmer came to the island and met May; logging experiences; Cortes roads and telephone system; and living at Von Donop Inlet. Several humorous stories are related. There is a short summary of the interview, written by May Ellingsen, in the cassette case.
Recording is an oral history interview of May Ellingsen by Oonagh O'Connor. May traces her family history and then talks about her childhood on Cortes and Hernando Islands; meeting and marrying Elmer; living in a float house at logging camps in Loughborough Inlet, Phillips Arm and Von Donop Inlet; and moving the house to Hague Lake in 1952. There is a short summary of the interview, written by May Ellingsen, in the cassette case.
Recording is an oral history interview of May Ellingsen by Oonagh O'Connor. May traces her family history and then talks about her childhood on Cortes and Hernando Islands; meeting and marrying Elmer; living in a float house at logging camps in Loughborough Inlet, Phillips Arm and Von Donop Inlet; and moving the house to Hague Lake in 1952. There is a short summary of the interview, written by May Ellingsen, in the cassette case.
Recording is an oral history interview of Robbie Graham and Ann (Robertson) Dewar by Oonagh O'Connor. Robbie talks about how his father, Hector Graham, moved to Cortes Island in the 1920s; early days on Cortes; schools and teachers; fishing. Ann talks about schools; her aunt Meg Shaw; her experiences logging, starting at age twelve. There is a short summary of the interview, written by May Ellingsen, in the cassette case.
Recording is an oral history interview of Robbie Graham and Ann (Robertson) Dewar by Oonagh O'Connor. Robbie talks about how his father, Hector Graham, moved to Cortes Island in the 1920s; early days on Cortes; schools and teachers; fishing. Ann talks about schools; her aunt Meg Shaw; her experiences logging, starting at age twelve. There is a short summary of the interview, written by May Ellingsen, in the cassette case.
Recording is an oral history interview of Dolly (Jeffery) and Harold Hansen by Oonagh O'Connor. Topics covered include the Jeffery family history; how Harold came to Cortes; logging; picking salal; and raising eight foster children. There is a short summary of the interview, written by May Ellingsen, in the cassette case.
Recording is an oral history interview of Dolly (Jeffery) and Harold Hansen by Oonagh O'Connor. Topics covered include the Jeffery family history; how Harold came to Cortes; logging; picking salal; and raising eight foster children. There is a short summary of the interview, written by May Ellingsen, in the cassette case.
Recording is an oral history interview of Duncan Robertson by Oonagh O'Connor at his home in Whaletown (Part 1 of 2). Topics covered include some family history; people and customs of the early days on the island; logging; fishing; hunting; cougars; Cortes in the 1950s and 1960s. There is a short summary of the interview, written by May Ellingsen, in the cassette case.
Recording is an oral history interview of Duncan Robertson by Oonagh O'Connor at his home in Whaletown (Part 1 of 2). Topics covered include some family history; people and customs of the early days on the island; logging; fishing; hunting; cougars; Cortes in the 1950s and 1960s. There is a short summary of the interview, written by May Ellingsen, in the cassette case.
Recording is an oral history interview of Duncan Robertson by Oonagh O'Connor (Part 2 of 2). Topics covered include Dunc's children Ann (Dewar) and Lynn (Summers); oysters; the Whaletown store; early telephone system; mining; the Robertson family; the ferry; changes in wildlife population he has observe over the years; and logging practices. There is a short summary of the interview, written by May Ellingsen, in the cassette case.
Recording is an oral history interview of Duncan Robertson by Oonagh O'Connor (Part 2 of 2). Topics covered include Dunc's children Ann (Dewar) and Lynn (Summers); oysters; the Whaletown store; early telephone system; mining; the Robertson family; the ferry; changes in wildlife population he has observe over the years; and logging practices. There is a short summary of the interview, written by May Ellingsen, in the cassette case.
Recording is an oral history interview of Nesta Stackhouse by Oonagh O'Connor. Topics covered include Nesta moving to Cortes to help the Boas at the Columbia Coast Mission post in Whaletown; the clinic in Whaletown; names of people living in the Carrington Bay/Coulter Bay area; involvement in local politics. There is a short summary of the interview, written by May Ellingsen, in the cassette case.
Recording is an oral history interview of Nesta Stackhouse by Oonagh O'Connor. Topics covered include Nesta moving to Cortes to help the Boas at the Columbia Coast Mission post in Whaletown; the clinic in Whaletown; names of people living in the Carrington Bay/Coulter Bay area; involvement in local politics. There is a short summary of the interview, written by May Ellingsen, in the cassette case.
Recording consists of a round-table discussion, held to gather information for the "The Von Donop Creek Story" exhibit. Participants were [CHECK] (See 1999.004.048 for Part 3)
Recording consists of a round-table discussion, held to gather information for the "The Von Donop Creek Story" exhibit. Participants were [CHECK] (See 1999.004.048 for Part 3)
Recording consists of a round-table discussion, held to gather information for the "The Von Donop Creek Story" exhibit. Participants were [CHECK] (see 1999.004.047 for Parts 1 and 2)
Recording consists of a round-table discussion, held to gather information for the "The Von Donop Creek Story" exhibit. Participants were [CHECK] (see 1999.004.047 for Parts 1 and 2)
Info on Carrington Bay history and early settler homesteaders from late 1800s onward; scans from Whaletown to 1930 album; scan of location for Department of Energy, Mines and Resources, 1945; park brochure; clippings about Carrington from 1982-2014; excerpt from interview with Clarence and Etta Byers, 2001; notes from exhibit curation (labels, photo captions, etc); excerpts rom June Cameron's Destination Cortez; topographic map of Green Mountain; emails about exhibit; printed photographs for exhibit. Keywords: drowing, Island Timberland, Coulter Bay, stream keepers
Info on Carrington Bay history and early settler homesteaders from late 1800s onward; scans from Whaletown to 1930 album; scan of location for Department of Energy, Mines and Resources, 1945; park brochure; clippings about Carrington from 1982-2014; excerpt from interview with Clarence and Etta Byers, 2001; notes from exhibit curation (labels, photo captions, etc); excerpts rom June Cameron's Destination Cortez; topographic map of Green Mountain; emails about exhibit; printed photographs for exhibit. Keywords: drowing, Island Timberland, Coulter Bay, stream keepers
Writing, emails and excerpts with info on early homesteaders, early postmasters, the first post box in Cortes Bay, Frabjous Bay/Frabjous Day, The Columbia Coast Mission, and the Rendezvous. Map of lots with some names of early homesteaders near Cortes Bay. Old postcard of Cortes Bay
Writing, emails and excerpts with info on early homesteaders, early postmasters, the first post box in Cortes Bay, Frabjous Bay/Frabjous Day, The Columbia Coast Mission, and the Rendezvous. Map of lots with some names of early homesteaders near Cortes Bay. Old postcard of Cortes Bay
Written info on Carrington Bay and Coulter Bay with info from late 1800s; info from Doris (Houghton-Brown) Henderson on Cortes Island early history, late 1920s. Ian and Mary McMillan's island in Coulter Bay listing, early 1950s. Info about Rendezvous Rock in Coulter Bay, 1953, from CIMAS photo albums. Excerpt from The Columbia is Coming!, Doris Anderson, 1982. Clippings from WNE with info on Coulter Bay, 1982-1992. Typed transcript of written letter from Mary McMillen to Doreen Thompson, undated.
Written info on Carrington Bay and Coulter Bay with info from late 1800s; info from Doris (Houghton-Brown) Henderson on Cortes Island early history, late 1920s. Ian and Mary McMillan's island in Coulter Bay listing, early 1950s. Info about Rendezvous Rock in Coulter Bay, 1953, from CIMAS photo albums. Excerpt from The Columbia is Coming!, Doris Anderson, 1982. Clippings from WNE with info on Coulter Bay, 1982-1992. Typed transcript of written letter from Mary McMillen to Doreen Thompson, undated.
Historical info on local forestry and early logging practices from as early as the late 1800s. Signed agreement between Elmer Ellingsen and Ernest Anderson, 1948. Invoices and other business documents, including handwritten notes "bills paid to Finning Tractor," for Ernel Logging Company, 1949-1952. West Coast Ballads sheet music written by Victor Couture from poems by Robert E. Swanson (BC Truck Loggers Association), 1969. Clippings and emails with info on historical logging practices and camps, local forestry, accidents, political influence, tourism, protests and controversies, 1958-2020. Excerpt from Goosegrass and Buttercups, D.C. Kirk, undated. Additional keywords: Ripple Rock; tug towed booms from Teakerne Arm; Carrington Lagoon; Squirrel Cove; MTV; the Ellingsen Jack; Forbes Bay; Von Donop; Island Timberlands; Tony Fhunka; Truck Loggers Association; Wildstands/Wild We Stand
Historical info on local forestry and early logging practices from as early as the late 1800s. Signed agreement between Elmer Ellingsen and Ernest Anderson, 1948. Invoices and other business documents, including handwritten notes "bills paid to Finning Tractor," for Ernel Logging Company, 1949-1952. West Coast Ballads sheet music written by Victor Couture from poems by Robert E. Swanson (BC Truck Loggers Association), 1969. Clippings and emails with info on historical logging practices and camps, local forestry, accidents, political influence, tourism, protests and controversies, 1958-2020. Excerpt from Goosegrass and Buttercups, D.C. Kirk, undated. Additional keywords: Ripple Rock; tug towed booms from Teakerne Arm; Carrington Lagoon; Squirrel Cove; MTV; the Ellingsen Jack; Forbes Bay; Von Donop; Island Timberlands; Tony Fhunka; Truck Loggers Association; Wildstands/Wild We Stand
Clippings with info on history, naming, geographical features, ecosystems, industry development, environmental concerns, and tourism of Desolation Sound and the Discovery Islands, info 1792 to 2019. Historical information on Forbes Bay, late 1800s to 2017. Info on proposed gravel pit in Desolation Sound, 2016. Excerpt from Bijaboji by Betty Lowman Carey, undated. Copies of Discovery Islands magazines
Clippings with info on history, naming, geographical features, ecosystems, industry development, environmental concerns, and tourism of Desolation Sound and the Discovery Islands, info 1792 to 2019. Historical information on Forbes Bay, late 1800s to 2017. Info on proposed gravel pit in Desolation Sound, 2016. Excerpt from Bijaboji by Betty Lowman Carey, undated. Copies of Discovery Islands magazines
Email exchanges with Heather Harbord, author of Desolation Sound, on book tour, 2007. Pamphlets and posters from CIMAS event for Desolation Sound with Heather Harbord, 2007
Email exchanges with Heather Harbord, author of Desolation Sound, on book tour, 2007. Pamphlets and posters from CIMAS event for Desolation Sound with Heather Harbord, 2007
Scanned photograph of Baron & Nellie Jeffery home at Smelt Bay, 1982. Smelt Bay Master Plan, Province of British Columbia, Ministry of Environment and Parks, 1987. Full issue of The Cottage Magazine, article featuring Smelt Bay midden sites, 1997. Excerpt from Seven Knot Summers, Beth Hill. Post cards and greeting cards featuring Smelt Bay, undated.
Scanned photograph of Baron & Nellie Jeffery home at Smelt Bay, 1982. Smelt Bay Master Plan, Province of British Columbia, Ministry of Environment and Parks, 1987. Full issue of The Cottage Magazine, article featuring Smelt Bay midden sites, 1997. Excerpt from Seven Knot Summers, Beth Hill. Post cards and greeting cards featuring Smelt Bay, undated.