The Mayne Island Local Trust Committee has commissioned a photo display in recognition of the 35th year since the formation of the Islands Trust. The theme is special people, and special places on Mayne Island. This display will be available year round on Mayne Island, and it is an illustration of the environment, both human constructed and natural, and the people who make Mayne Island such a special place within the Trust community.
Mayne Island has long been known as the "Friendly Island" and proudly calls itself the "We Can Do It" Island. Since aboriginal people first arrived in this part of British Columbia, and following the much later arrival of early Europeon settlers in the mid-1800's, Mayne Island has provided sustenance for the body and soul of many different nationalities. All Islanders use what nature so generously provides, and with hard work and joy in their Island home they thrive. Today's community continues in this same tradition, balancing the needs of people and nature with the support of the Islands Trust and Local Trust Committees.
One familiar picture to all is the Mayne Island Agricultural Hall. Originally built in 1900 by the Maple Leaf Club, an partnership of Pender, Saturna, Galiano and Mayne Island who shared the Hall for special events until their own facilities were built. In 1962 the Mayne Island Agricultural Society took over the Hall as the Maple Leaf Club had disbanded. A major refurbishing took place at this time with the help of many volunteers. In 1971 the property immediately to the north of the Hall was purchased/donated by the West family, this was the Mayne Island Gaol, established in 1897 The Gaol now functions as a museum and the Thrift Shop also occupies this property. The Hall continues to thrive over 100 years later and recently hosted the 84 Annual Fall Fair in 2009. The Mayne Island Agricultural Society continues a long tradition of maintaining Mayne Islands historic places and event.
Our community photographer Brian Haller has used his talents to record these special events, places and people. It is with his skill we are able to have a visual record of our Island home. |
