Join the Ladysmith & District Historical Society October 8, at 7 pm, for a General Membership Meeting, which will include a review of ongoing society activities, to be followed with Barrie McDonald presenting stories and photos about Ladysmith’s Tyee Copper Smelter.

“Such is the reputation of [the Tyee Copper Company] and of the smelter that Ladysmith has come to be widely known as the Smelter City …”wrote The Daily Colonist, December 13, 1908.

The story of Ladysmith’s copper smelter, the “Tyee” smelter, is an important part of Ladysmith’s industrial heritage. The story involves a staking rush on Mt. Sicker, a mining town on Mt. Sicker that peaked at about 1,700 people, Dunsmuir family rivalries, smelters being constructed the same year in both Crofton and Ladysmith and huge construction projects completed within astonishingly short timeframes.

“It is an interesting Ladysmith story, a waterfront story, and the start of our ‘cadmium problem’ in the harbour,” says McDonald.

“This is a wonderful opportunity to find out how history continues to play a role into our present day,” says Quentin Goodbody, president of the LDHS.

The group is working on future talks that will explore contemporary topics through a historical lens. Some topics being considered are The Big One — Ladysmith and Earthquakes; Ladysmith’s water supply; Forest Fires and the Ladysmith area; and Ladysmith — landscape, geology and natural endowment. Suggestions of topics are welcome, says Goodbody.

Open to the public, the meeting and talk will be held in the Lower Level Meeting Room, 7 pm,  at the Frank Jameson Community Centre in Ladysmith. Everyone welcome. For more information, phone the Ladysmith Archives at 250-245-0100.

The Ladysmith Museum, Ladysmith Archives and the Comox Logging Historical Site Industrial Preservation Group are operated by the non-profit Ladysmith & District Historical Society.

Celebrate the season with a “spirited” night at the Ladysmith Museum on Tuesday, October 29, from 7 pm to 10 pm. Shiver to local ghost stories, explore the “haunted” museum and enjoy some ghoulish refreshments. Christine Brant will be offering palm readings. Christine is a Psychic and Spiritual Advisor living in Chemainus.

“After years of doing readings one of my friends suggested I start doing it for the public,” says Christine.

Palmistry is practiced all over the world, using hand predictions to learn about a person’s characterization. “The readings will connect me to the person’s energy,” says Brant. “I love it, it shows me everything about the person in one small snipe.”

Christine also offers Psychic Development workshops, rune stones, tarot and soul cards readings. You can contact her at 250-416-1318.

The fundraising event is in support of the Ladysmith Museum. Tickets are $30. For more information, call 250-245-0100 or email museum@ladysmithhistoricalsociety.ca.

Saturday, October 12, is the start of a weekend where many celebrate Thanksgiving. It is traditional that family and friends gather either Sunday or Monday to celebrate and have a turkey dinner.

Thanks to a local fisherman, you have an additional option. Our community is invited to come to the Aggie Hall, Ladysmith, at 5 pm, for a delicious salmon dinner. Freshly caught Haida Gwaii salmon will be cooked to perfection, along with a choice of locally grown vegetables and salads. This dinner followed by favourite desserts will be prepared by community volunteers.

This is an opportunity for old friends to connect and share their fishing memories from the “Gap” days and, for the general public, to make some new friends while enjoying fine food and music. The Nanaimo Community Concert Band will be there playing lively old-time favourites. There will be door prizes, draws and a silent auction.

A heritage slide show will update you on the progress made by the Ladysmith & District Historical Society’s Industrial Heritage Preservation group of volunteers, who have been working every Saturday morning at the original Comox Logging & Railway Co. heritage site for the past six years. Many of Ladysmith’s large “Heritage by the Sea” artifacts have been refurbished. See the amazing improvements to the 1923 Baldwin Locomotive #11, Humdirgen, Tube Tumbler and 1915 Box Car, all made possible through Town of Ladysmith Grants-in-Aid, donations and community fundraisers.

Also learn about our next steps going forward as our plans are to create awesome interactive and digital heritage experiences and displays that will excite both local residents and tourists.

All donations received at the Salmon Dinner will go towards our LDHS inclusive, activity-focussed project designed to make Ladysmith’s local culture and history come alive and be relevant to everyone.   – Shirley Blackstaff