Founding of the Shawnigan Lake Historical Society

1st Meeting and Formation of Shawnigan Lake Historical Committee

MINUTES OF THE SHAWNIGAN LAKE HISTORICAL COMMITTEE

November 2nd, 1976

Sara Tillie was appointed interim secretary

Mr. Henslow was appointed interim chairman

Father Leonard was appointed interim treasurer

Mrs. Gibson gave an explanation of the purpose of the meeting and a brief history. The purpose of the meeting being two fold;

a) the sale and printing of the histories

b) the fostering and promotion of archives

It was decided that the tentative name of the group would be the "Shawnigan Lake Historical Committee"

Mr. Henslow suggested a membership committee be formed. Mrs. Kennedy voiced that this might be too unwieldy and felt that a spontaneous turnout of people might suggest a deeper interest in the group rather than formally canvassing for members. Mr. Henslow further suggested that the committee be registered as a society, after a general discussion of what this might entail, Mr. Henslow said that he would write to the provincial secretary regarding this matter.

Mrs. Tate moved that the price of the books be set at $5.50 per copy Mrs. Kennedy seconded the motion. It was also decided that the addendum sheets be sold at 50¢ a sheet and that they be made available at meetings or through members of the committee.

1st site SLHS Artifacts

Mrs. Gibson stated that the archives (minute books, artifacts, etc.) were being kept free of charge in the vault of the Duncan Co-op Store Having been moved from the Shawnigan Lake Library because of the shortage of space there. Mrs. Gibson suggested that the old Anglican Church be used to house these artifacts. Mrs. Ruth Stephenson was questioned about the feasibility of this arrangement. She stated that the Church, to her knowledge, had not been de-consecrated further that the septic field was too small and that the building could only be used twice a week because of this.

There was a discussion of the money available. It was decided that the committee would deal financially with the "Royal Bank" in Shawnigan Village. Mr. Stillwell moved that the money be deposited by the treasurer in the chosen bank.

Mrs Kennedy suggested we plan an agenda for the next meeting. Mrs. Kennedy raised the issue of buildings in the area and felt that information could and should be obtained. It was decided that the next meeting would be held at S.L.C.H. the second Thursday in January. After a general discussion of historical anecdotes the meeting was dismissed.

2nd Meeting

Notes of a meeting of the Historical Society of Shawnigan Lake, held in the S.L.C.C. Hall

January 13th 1977 with fairly good attendance.

Minutes of the inaugural meeting were adopted as read on motion by Mrs. W. Kennedy

seconded by Mrs. R. Carr. Carried.

Suggestions from the Cowichan Regional District as to possible future meeting places were received. But no decision was made awaiting the arrival of Mr. Norman Carey, owner of the

old Anglican Church.

Whilst awaiting Mr. Carey, the meeting went on to discuss other possible sights or places, Legion Hall, if space should be made available a spare room of the school. The suggestion of Mr. Watchin's (sic) vacant printing shop, offered at a most reasonable figure, as it has to be moved away from its present site on Heald Rd., be studied at length at a later date, was noted. A suggestion was made as a display in the forthcoming Flower Show.

The remainder of the meeting was taken up with further reminiscing regarding past residents, houses and possible sites for a future secure site for permanent storing of village artifacts along with other historical information on hand.

It was agreed that the next meeting of the held should be held on Feb. 16th 1977 in the S.L.C.C. hall.

As Mr Carey had not attended the meeting it was adjourned at 9 P.M.

Acting secretary for the meeting Mrs. W.J. Cotsford.