LADYSMITH ART GALLERY
02/01/2025
In February
Of course we have Valentines Day, that's a given. However here are some other reasons to remember this month:
Black History Month: February marks the beginning of Black History Month in Canada, a time to honor and celebrate the contributions and achievements of Black Canadians throughout history.
Historical Events:
2003 – Space Shuttle Columbia Disaster – The space shuttle Columbia disintegrated upon re-entering Earth's atmosphere, tragically killing all seven astronauts on board.
https://www.space.com/19436-columbia-disaster.html
1960 – Greensboro Sit-in Begins – Four Black college students in Greensboro, North Carolina, started a sit-in at a segregated Woolworth’s lunch counter, a pivotal moment in the U.S. Civil Rights Movement.
Local Events in the Cowichan Valley:
2020 – Severe Flooding: On February 1, 2020, the Cowichan Valley experienced significant flooding due to a Category 4 atmospheric river that brought torrential rains to the region. The heavy rainfall led to numerous evacuations, road closures, and a state of emergency declared by the Cowichan Valley Regional District and Cowichan Tribes. Major roads, including the Trans-Canada Highway between Nanaimo and Duncan, were temporarily closed, effectively isolating parts of the valley.
Notable Birthdays:
1882 – Louis St. Laurent: Born on February 1, 1882, Louis St. Laurent served as the 12th Prime Minister of Canada from 1948 to 1957\
1895 – Conn Smythe: Born on February 1, 1895, Smythe was a prominent ice hockey manager and owner, best known for his association with the Toronto Maple Leafs.
Clark Gable (1901) – Legendary Hollywood actor known for Gone with the Wind.
Lisa Marie Presley (1968) – Singer-songwriter and daughter of Elvis Presley.
National Events:
1968 – Unification of the Canadian Armed Forces: On February 1, 1968, Canada's three military branches—the Royal Canadian Navy, the Canadian Army, and the Royal Canadian Air Force—were unified into a single entity known as the Canadian Armed Forces. This unification aimed to increase efficiency and reduce administrative overhead within Canada's military. https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/unification-of-the-canadian-armed-forces
Unconventional Observances:
National Ice Cream for Breakfast Day: Celebrated on the first Saturday of February, this holiday encourages indulging in ice cream as a morning meal. In 2025, it falls on February 1.
Spunky Old Broads Day: Dedicated to celebrating the vitality and vivacity of older women, this day honors "spunky old broads" who live life to the fullest. https://www.daysoftheyear.com/days/spunky-old-broads-day/
National Serpent Day: A day to appreciate snakes and their role in the ecosystem, promoting awareness and understanding of these often-misunderstood reptiles.
https://www.nationaldaycalendar.com/pop-culture-lifestyle/national-serpent-day-february-1
Robinson Crusoe Day: Commemorates the rescue of Alexander Selkirk on February 1, 1709, whose story inspired Daniel Defoe's novel "Robinson Crusoe."
