Artifacts

Cortes Island Museum Artifacts

Our collection is composed of a wide array of artifacts, each with a story to tell about the lives of settler and modern-day Cortes Islanders. From everyday household objects to tools used in the early days of logging, our collection continues to expand through donations and acquisitions. 

While most of the collection is maintained in storage, artifacts are featured in our exhibitions and some, such as the classic Marswells wood stove (ca. 1970s), are on permanent display in the main gallery. The working National Cash Register (ca. 1912), still ringing sales through in the Museum shop, is a visitor favourite!

Some of the artifacts in our collection are featured below.

National Cash Register
National Cash Register, ca. 1912
Waffle Iron
Significance: This waffle iron, with its colourful ceramic top, shows the shift from utilitarian kitchen implements to more decorative items. With the advent of clean, electric energy, decorated appliances became a...
Michael Manson Shaving Mug
Significance: The shaving mug was used by Mr. Manson when, as an MLA, he represented Comox District from 1909 to 1916 and Mackenzie District from1924 until his death in 1932. Michael...
Personal Combination Ink Stamp
Significance: The stamp has 3 functions: pen, pencil and a stamp bearing the name, “Henry Hague.” Mr. Hague (b. 1859, d. 1945) was the postmaster at Manson’s Landing from 1925 to...
The Rochester Steam Sterilizer
Significance: The copper-lined medical instrument sterilizer was used in the 1950s by Columbia Coast Mission nurses at the Whaletown medical clinic. Date Range: circa 1907 Place of Manufacture: Wilmot Castle...
Little Jimmie
Significance: During the 1930’s and 40’s this Koestler portable electric organ, owned by the Columbia Coast Mission, was carried on shore for Sunday services whenever power was available at coastal...
Coleman Gas Iron and Stand
Significance: Despite the risk of fire, by the 1940’s the Instant Lighting (white) Gas Iron began replacing the wood stove heated flat irons of the early 20th century. Place of...
Butter Paddle
Significance: The paddle is part of the 4quart Dazey butter churn commonly used by Island families in the 1940’s and 50’s. Place of Manufacture: St. Louis, MO, USA Accession Number:...
Northern Electric Telephone
Significance: This is one of six magneto wall telephones purchased in 1955 by the Cortes Island Woman’s Institute at a cost of $5.00 each including the wire, insulators and batteries. To...
Camp Food Steamer
Significance: Perforated tin inserts allowed efficient camp cooks and home cooks to prepare a whole meal on one burner. Water could be added through a spout in the bottom layer...