From Facebook

In April 1888, William Cottell claimed the northeast quarter of section 30 in Township 13. He and his family farmed the land for years, and several of his children were born on the property. Fast forward to the 1940s and WW2, long after the Cottell family had moved on and others sold their land to the government for what would become HMCS Aldergrove. Then in 1949, one of the grand daughters of William and Mary Cottell married a young telegraphist who was stationed on what was her grandparents' property - and the place where her mother was born. Just another link in the chain of interesting events that make up Aldergrove's history.

#storiesmatter #localhistory #ourcommunity

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An interesting little story that was found while researching members of the Aldergrove Settlers Family Tree.

You can learn more about the Carmichael family by using the search feature on this page, we posted their story on 23 March 2021. It's worth noting that while Mr. Carmichael was referred to as both Frederick Alexander and Alexander Frederick, the latter was his legal name.

#storiesmatter #localhistory #ourcommunity

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Here is a look into the social lives of several navy families stationed at CFS Aldergrove in the spring of 1968 and autumn 1969.

#storiesmatter #localhistory #ourcommunity #royalcanadiannavy

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Jumping back in time to 1895 we found an extensive feature about the Fraser Valley, but we've only included the parts that cover West Abbotsford, Aldergrove and Langley. We learn lots of interesting bits in the article, for instance, we knew about the Broe hop farm, but didn't know that a Mr. J Wilson also had a hop farm.

The Minnesota Chief Separator belonging to Mr. JP Swanson mentioned in the article is quite possibly the same one that is on display in the BC Farm Museum. We've also learned the names of several school teachers, and also that Otter School has 33 students - most of whom actually attend school.

#storiesmatter #localhistory #ourcommunity

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Not the clearest of photos, but we can still see & recognize the faces. How many of the Aldergrove Volunteer Fire Department's slo-pitch players can you name?

#storiesmatter #localhistory #ourcommunity #lotsofgoodmemories

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Coghlan community 80 years ago.

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Upcoming community events to attend and lots of things to do - get out there and #makesomememories.

#localhistory #ourcommunity

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A look back at parts of #ourcommunity 80 years ago.

#storiesmatter #localhistory

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Celebrating the community's seniors back in January 1976. More than a few of you out there will recognize the names and faces, especially those whose ancestors are in the photos. =)

#storiesmatter #localhistory #ourcommunity

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Another unidentified photo from our files. Does anyone recognize their Mom/Grandmother/Great-Grandmother/Aunt? We don't know if this group has gathered to look back on a previous event or if it was a photo of a contemporary event (or both). The two ladies in the centre could be holding a cheque, or it could be a photo that they are perusing. Assistance is appreciated, we haven't located it in a local paper (yet).

#storiesmatter #localhistory #ourcommunity #whoisinthephoto

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We're looking forward to seeing the exhibit at POMO Museum.

#museumshelpingmuseums #localhistory

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Also found in our files is this undated photo of cadet inspection at HMCS Aldergrove.

#storiesmatter #localhistory #ourcommunity #royalcanadiannavy

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Another treasure found in the files - a photocopy of a group photo taken at Ross Bros Garage in 1939.

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Here is the Victoria Daily Times editorial that spawned the discussion regarding the certification of Aldergrove's teaching staff as well as that of other practices within the province's Department of Education.

#sd35 #ourcommunity #localhistory #storiesmatter

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From a question raised yesterday, it would appear from the 1887-88 report that all school costs - buildings, furnishings, maintenance, rents, salaries etc., were paid by the province with tax dollars. There are many other very interesting bits of information to be gleaned from these reports, especially for those interested in history and/or the provincial education system. One item of note is the subject of attendance, and how attendance can be a reflection of the teacher and the school itself. While the report does note that epidemics can play a part in low attendance, the report fails to observe that many of the children live on working farms, which in and of itself could interfere with a youngster's time at school.

#sd35 #ourcommunity #localhistory #storiesmatter

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Here are some ideas for the BC Day long weekend, as well as information about upcoming events in #ourcommunity

#makesomememories #takelotsofphotos #supportlocal

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Pursuant to yesterday's news article about Aldergrove's teacher, here is information from the government's report on schools for the year 1888-1889. Aldergrove had 3 teachers. Miss Murchie held a 2nd Class Certificate while Mrs. McKee and Miss Gibson both held Temporary Certificates. Miss Gibson did obtain her 2nd Class B Certification in August 1888.

Something else that might be of interest are the names of the three students who made the Provincial Roll of Honour. Miss Christina Shortreed went on to pass her High School entrance exam in 1889, and as most of you know, she went on to become a school teacher. You can find out more about her teaching career and life by searching her name on this page.

#sd35 #ourcommunity #storiesmatter #localhistory

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It seems that there was some teacher certification controversy in 1888, and Aldergrove's teacher may have been caught up in it. This will take some more looking into on a day when more time is available for research.

#storiesmatter #localhistory #sd35 #ourcommunity

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Cleaning out and sorting the museum's files has it benefits, like finding a photocopy of the 1932 senior class photo from Otter School. Unfortunately there's no names to go with it, but I know the name of one of the young men because he was my Grandfather. Burt Ross is the tall one 3rd from the left. Side bonus, his future sister-in-law is mentioned in the promotions list. =)

#sd35 #storiesmatter #localhistory #ourcommunity #familyties

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We haven't posted any Navy News from HMCS Aldergrove in a few weeks, so here's a look back at April and June 1967.

#storiesmatter #localhistory #ourcommunity #royalcanadiannavy

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Every once in awhile we find a news article that both confirms and adds to information that we already have, which this one does in spades. Sadly, it does not give us the answer to a couple of burning questions we'd have for many years. All the same, this is a very interesting articles about Aldergrove in the spring of 1889.

#localhistory #ourcommunity #storiesreallymatter #mygreatgreatgrandfatherisinthisstory

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Who remembers this store in the Aldergrove Centre Mall?

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The Aldergrove Legion has long supported local youth activities; here's a look back at March 1997 when one of our hockey teams needed to get to Williams Lake for a tournament.

#storiesmatter #localhistory #ourcommunity #supportlocal

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A look back to the 1990s as Parkside Centennial's students raised thousands of dollars jumping rope.

#sd35 #ourcommunity #storiesmatter #localhistory #schoolmemories

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