An interesting grave site is located within the Colwood Pioneer Cemetery. It is of two bachelors buried together with a large granite headstone marking the graves. Their friendship intertwined in life and in death. #yyj #yyjhistory #gravesite #westshore
Two Bachelors Buried Together
The lives of Samuel Morrow (1831-1907) & Matthew D. Martin (1860-1920)
westshorememories.substack.com
August 20, 2026 at 2:33 PM
An interesting grave site is located within the Colwood Pioneer Cemetery. It is of two bachelors buried together with a large granite headstone marking the graves. Their friendship intertwined in life and in death. #yyj #yyjhistory #gravesite #westshore
While Maltby Lake lies northwest of Portage Inlet in rural Saanich, it has a deep connection to the Highlands through the names of pioneer brothers. Subscribe and read the latest article at Westshore Memories! #yyj #yyjhistory #highlands #westshore
Thomas and Richard Maltby
A glimpse of brothers in the Highland District
westshorememories.substack.com
August 18, 2026 at 3:04 AM
While Maltby Lake lies northwest of Portage Inlet in rural Saanich, it has a deep connection to the Highlands through the names of pioneer brothers. Subscribe and read the latest article at Westshore Memories! #yyj #yyjhistory #highlands #westshore
On the evening of August 4, 1968, smoke began slowly rising from the slopes of Mount Finlayson...... #yyj #westshore #goldstream #YYJHistory #victoria
Bullets Start Forest Fire, 1968
Fire That Began with a Trigger Pull
westshorememories.substack.com
August 13, 2026 at 5:02 PM
On the evening of August 4, 1968, smoke began slowly rising from the slopes of Mount Finlayson...... #yyj #westshore #goldstream #YYJHistory #victoria
Live in the area? A Witty Event in Metchosin- Metchosin Schoolhouse Museum 4475 Happy Valley Road. Details below! #yyj #westshore #metchosin #colwood #sooke #langford #viewRoyal #yyjhistory #victoria #victoriabc
"A Witty Event" in August at Metchosin Schoolhouse Museum
An opportunity to discover more about Metchosin's defining Pioneer
westshorememories.substack.com
August 10, 2026 at 8:50 PM
Live in the area? A Witty Event in Metchosin- Metchosin Schoolhouse Museum 4475 Happy Valley Road. Details below! #yyj #westshore #metchosin #colwood #sooke #langford #viewRoyal #yyjhistory #victoria #victoriabc
Among the young men from the Westshore area who never returned from the Second World War was Flying Officer Harold Keith Langrish, a navigator with the Royal Canadian Air Force. Read about his story. #westshore #yyj #yyjhistory #victoria #WW2
Flying Officer Harold Keith Langrish (1918–1944)
One of the many men who did not return
westshorememories.substack.com
August 6, 2026 at 2:49 PM
Among the young men from the Westshore area who never returned from the Second World War was Flying Officer Harold Keith Langrish, a navigator with the Royal Canadian Air Force. Read about his story. #westshore #yyj #yyjhistory #victoria #WW2
Drill Baby Drill.....in Sooke? In 1910, a drilling rig stood at the mouth of Muir Creek near Sooke. Newspapers confidently declared, "News of an oil strike will be awaited with much interest." Many believed they were on the verge of changing the region's future forever. #yyj #yyjhistory #victoria
Drill Baby Drill.....in Sooke? 1910
Oil was there and ready for the taking, or so they thought.
open.substack.com
July 30, 2026 at 5:36 PM
Drill Baby Drill.....in Sooke? In 1910, a drilling rig stood at the mouth of Muir Creek near Sooke. Newspapers confidently declared, "News of an oil strike will be awaited with much interest." Many believed they were on the verge of changing the region's future forever. #yyj #yyjhistory #victoria
Around 1910, the Westshore was still rural, with farms, woodlots, open fields, marshes, and dense forests. Hunting required patience, familiarity with the landscape, local knowledge and a little rum. #westshore #yyj #yyjhistory #happyvalley #victoriabc
Gentleman Brown's Opportunity, 1910
A Night of Rum and Misadventure
open.substack.com
July 27, 2026 at 3:32 PM
Around 1910, the Westshore was still rural, with farms, woodlots, open fields, marshes, and dense forests. Hunting required patience, familiarity with the landscape, local knowledge and a little rum. #westshore #yyj #yyjhistory #happyvalley #victoriabc
Weirdly, I wrote this article before the latest 'jail break' from William Head on Vancouver Island. The escape of Francis Sykes, convicted of murder in 1950 became one of the first major incidents to tarnish the reputation of the “open” penitentiary. #yyj #yyjhistory #westshore #williamhead
"I'm Sorry to Ruin the Good Record of William Head Penitentiary" 1959
The escape of murderer Francis Sykes
open.substack.com
July 2, 2026 at 2:41 PM
Weirdly, I wrote this article before the latest 'jail break' from William Head on Vancouver Island. The escape of Francis Sykes, convicted of murder in 1950 became one of the first major incidents to tarnish the reputation of the “open” penitentiary. #yyj #yyjhistory #westshore #williamhead
Some people seem to have all the luck, whatever they do. Then there are those where bad luck has singled them out, and follows them no matter how hard they try. William Asher Rountree (Rowntree) had the ‘curse’ following him even to his grave. #westshore #yyj #yyjhistory #victoriabc
William Asher Rountree (Rowntree) 1859-1923
A Highlands bachelor that seemed to find trouble (or trouble found him)
open.substack.com
June 29, 2026 at 3:40 PM
Some people seem to have all the luck, whatever they do. Then there are those where bad luck has singled them out, and follows them no matter how hard they try. William Asher Rountree (Rowntree) had the ‘curse’ following him even to his grave. #westshore #yyj #yyjhistory #victoriabc
There was a time, not so very long ago, when the simple inkwell was an essential companion to daily life. This particular inkwell was obtained close to Craigflower Farm and School. #yyj #westshore #victoria #yyjhistory
The Travelling Inkwell
An essential companion whose importance is often overlooked or forgotten.
open.substack.com
June 22, 2026 at 6:21 PM
There was a time, not so very long ago, when the simple inkwell was an essential companion to daily life. This particular inkwell was obtained close to Craigflower Farm and School. #yyj #westshore #victoria #yyjhistory
The fortune of the Dunsmuir family was built during one of the harshest periods of industrial expansion on the west coast of Canada. But understanding the Dunsmuir’s also requires viewing them through the reality of their own era. #westshore #BChistory #yyj #yyjhistory #dunsmuir
The Dunsmuir Family: Whatever the Cost
Understanding the Dunsmuir’s requires viewing them through the reality of their own era.
open.substack.com
June 16, 2026 at 2:26 PM
The fortune of the Dunsmuir family was built during one of the harshest periods of industrial expansion on the west coast of Canada. But understanding the Dunsmuir’s also requires viewing them through the reality of their own era. #westshore #BChistory #yyj #yyjhistory #dunsmuir
Early Craigflower Manor, 1853 - A bunch of men wearing kilts and drinking heavily.... #yyj #westshore #yyjhistory
Early Craigflower Manor, 1853
A bunch of men wearing kilts and drinking heavily
open.substack.com
April 13, 2026 at 9:27 PM
Early Craigflower Manor, 1853 - A bunch of men wearing kilts and drinking heavily.... #yyj #westshore #yyjhistory
Limekiln Cove: The site was part of very early development in the area including limestone extraction, a sawmill, tannery, and a shoe factory. It is not far away from the Craigflower Farm. But its history goes back even further… #yyjhistory #westshore #viewroyal #victoria #yyj
Limekiln Cove
Thousands of people drive by, not knowing its important history
open.substack.com
April 9, 2026 at 8:58 PM
Limekiln Cove: The site was part of very early development in the area including limestone extraction, a sawmill, tannery, and a shoe factory. It is not far away from the Craigflower Farm. But its history goes back even further… #yyjhistory #westshore #viewroyal #victoria #yyj
A simple jar stamped with a maker’s name, and sent out into the world. But it’s more than just an object found in #ViewRoyal. It reflects the vast commercial web of the British Empire and the maritime routes that linked Leadenhall Street London, to our shores. #yyj #westshore #yyjhistory #victoria
A Jar's Mystery
From London to the Westshore
open.substack.com
April 2, 2026 at 5:25 PM
A simple jar stamped with a maker’s name, and sent out into the world. But it’s more than just an object found in #ViewRoyal. It reflects the vast commercial web of the British Empire and the maritime routes that linked Leadenhall Street London, to our shores. #yyj #westshore #yyjhistory #victoria
Recently, I came into possession of a household object with one of the most curious names I’ve encountered: a “Stone Pig.” - A what, you might ask? #yyj #westshore #history #antique #yyjhistory
A Stone Pig
It's not what you think....
open.substack.com
March 2, 2026 at 8:29 PM
Recently, I came into possession of a household object with one of the most curious names I’ve encountered: a “Stone Pig.” - A what, you might ask? #yyj #westshore #history #antique #yyjhistory
A New Island Highway, 1908 - a single wooden stake was driven into the ground approximately 400 yards east of the Goldstream Hotel, at the base of Skirt Mountain. #yyj #malahat #yyj #yyjhistory #victoria #westshore open.substack.com/pub/westshor...
A New Island Highway, 1908
The present road is almost useless....
open.substack.com
February 19, 2026 at 6:47 PM
A New Island Highway, 1908 - a single wooden stake was driven into the ground approximately 400 yards east of the Goldstream Hotel, at the base of Skirt Mountain. #yyj #malahat #yyj #yyjhistory #victoria #westshore open.substack.com/pub/westshor...
1885 - There was a special emphasis on the moral upbringing of girls, who were expected to embody modesty, gentleness, and “domestic virtue” from an early age. The Daily Times of Victoria reported when a girl was caught in Goldstream not dressed how she should have been…. #yyj #yyjhistory #westshore
Masquerading as a Boy, 1885
An unsettling sign of disorder
open.substack.com
February 16, 2026 at 7:33 PM
1885 - There was a special emphasis on the moral upbringing of girls, who were expected to embody modesty, gentleness, and “domestic virtue” from an early age. The Daily Times of Victoria reported when a girl was caught in Goldstream not dressed how she should have been…. #yyj #yyjhistory #westshore
Lord Rodney, Metchosin (1891-1973) - Widely regarded as the world’s first Boy Scout! #yyj #metchosin #yyjhistory open.substack.com/pub/westshor...
Lord Rodney, Metchosin (1891-1973)
The World's First Boy Scout
open.substack.com
February 12, 2026 at 9:10 PM
Lord Rodney, Metchosin (1891-1973) - Widely regarded as the world’s first Boy Scout! #yyj #metchosin #yyjhistory open.substack.com/pub/westshor...
Goldstream Hotel Wiped Out By Fire, 1923 - On January 31, 1923 horrible news came. The famous old country hostelry at the entrance to Malahat Drive was engulfed in flames, and burning to the ground. #yyjhistory #yyj #goldstream #westshore
Goldstream Hotel Wiped Out By Fire, 1923
Little more than embers were left
open.substack.com
February 9, 2026 at 4:46 PM
Goldstream Hotel Wiped Out By Fire, 1923 - On January 31, 1923 horrible news came. The famous old country hostelry at the entrance to Malahat Drive was engulfed in flames, and burning to the ground. #yyjhistory #yyj #goldstream #westshore
Goldstream Excitement Recounted, 1940. The Goldstream diggings created considerable excitement locally. At its height, about 300 men were at work on the river, looking for elusive gold. #yyj #goldstream #history #yyjhistory #victoria
Goldstream Excitement Recounted, 1940
Striking it rich was not so easy...
open.substack.com
February 6, 2026 at 3:43 PM
Goldstream Excitement Recounted, 1940. The Goldstream diggings created considerable excitement locally. At its height, about 300 men were at work on the river, looking for elusive gold. #yyj #goldstream #history #yyjhistory #victoria
Colwood District A Natural Playground, 1930 - There is no doubt that in the early days the public spent a lot of their free time in Colwood… #yyj #colwood #yyjhistory #Victoria #victoriahistory
Colwood District A Natural Playground, 1930
A Gem of Vancouver Island
open.substack.com
December 18, 2025 at 6:11 PM
Colwood District A Natural Playground, 1930 - There is no doubt that in the early days the public spent a lot of their free time in Colwood… #yyj #colwood #yyjhistory #Victoria #victoriahistory
Mr Black - A Man Reborn? William Head has been in operation since 1959, as a federal correctional institution The site was also originally a quarantine station. This article appeared in the Daily Colonist in 1961. #westshore #yyj #yyjhistory #prison #metchosin
A Man Reborn- Prisoners Wife Tells a Story, 1961
A happy ending?
open.substack.com
December 15, 2025 at 4:46 PM
Mr Black - A Man Reborn? William Head has been in operation since 1959, as a federal correctional institution The site was also originally a quarantine station. This article appeared in the Daily Colonist in 1961. #westshore #yyj #yyjhistory #prison #metchosin
Many have probably never heard of Corry Road. It’s location in the Highlands has largely been hidden away and forgotten, but it was once a vital link for early pioneer families. This article attempts to discover its hidden past. #highlands #westshore #yyj #yyjhistory #victoria #victoriabc
Hidden History of Corry Road, Highlands
Named after Frederick Charles Corry 1858-1943
open.substack.com
November 17, 2025 at 4:53 PM
Many have probably never heard of Corry Road. It’s location in the Highlands has largely been hidden away and forgotten, but it was once a vital link for early pioneer families. This article attempts to discover its hidden past. #highlands #westshore #yyj #yyjhistory #victoria #victoriabc
In Memory of All Who Have Served #remembrance #november11 #yyj #westshore #yyjhistory #victoria #victoriabc
In Memory of All Who Have Served
Ensuring their service and hardships they endured are not forgotten
open.substack.com
November 10, 2025 at 5:00 PM
In Memory of All Who Have Served #remembrance #november11 #yyj #westshore #yyjhistory #victoria #victoriabc
A Warning of Conscription - In August 1951, a growing forest fire in the Highlands District threatening homes, and onlookers hampering firefighters put the community and themselves at risk. Enjoy the latest article from Westshore Memories. #yyj #yyjhistory #westshore #victoria #fire #history
Conscription Faces Forest Fire Chasers, 1951
Highland area blaze highlighted a major issue
open.substack.com
November 6, 2025 at 3:37 PM
A Warning of Conscription - In August 1951, a growing forest fire in the Highlands District threatening homes, and onlookers hampering firefighters put the community and themselves at risk. Enjoy the latest article from Westshore Memories. #yyj #yyjhistory #westshore #victoria #fire #history