Daily weather forecasts for Victoria and Southern British Columbia first began on November 1, 1898 under the direction of meteorologist Edmund Baynes Reed who was joined later by assistant observer and forecaster Francis Napier Denison. They were also responsible for taking readings of the recently installed Milne seismograph, the first seismograph in British Columbia and one of the first routinely operated instruments of its kind in the world.

Baynes Reed died in 1916, and Francis Napier Denison took over as Director of the newly constructed Gonzales Hill Meteorological Observatory of which he had played a prominent role in designing. Numerous papers and articles on weather patterns and seismic observations were published by Denison to scientific journals and societies throughout North America and the UK. His reports of earthquake activity not only included epicentre and magnitude, but often exceeded similar reports provided by US counterparts where there was limited continuity or interest. Similarly, the marine warnings and weather forecasts Denison issued for the west coast were regarded with more favour as they were tailored to the Puget Sound area whereas the US forecasts for Washington State were generated in San Francisco.

In his 1923-24 annual report to the Meterological Service, Denison writes in part:

“From the first of July, 1923, a special weather summary and general forecast of the winds is sent out, …broadcasted to the ships within a radius of 3000 miles, and in some cases ships have reported receiving these messages at much greater distances, and appreciated knowledge of weather conditions both on the coast from Alaska to California, and also the positions and movements of some of the great Pacific storms are given westward to the 150th Meridian.

“Time is also sent out….. to shipping within a 3000 mile radius.”

“During the past year the Milne-Shaw seismographs have been in continuous operation and have given very satisfactory results. The total number of earthquakes recorded was 226… “

In 1936, after three postponements, Denison was finally allowed to retire after 37 years of service. He had not taken a statutory holiday in 21 years.

Forever the scientist, he appealed to the Board of School Trustees for a small amount of space, regardless of heat or light, in Victoria College to carry on his life’s work. In a letter dated May 6, 1938 from “Craigmyle” where he was boarding, he thanks them for their consideration:

Dear Prof. Cunningham,
Replying to your letter of April 30th, I am very pleased to learn that Principal Elliot and your Department will allow me the use of the small room in the basement of your college, and the key for the main door if required.
I have moved the seismograph into the new room under the stairs and find it will suit my purpose perfectly.
Thanking you for your kind service respecting the above,
I am sincerely yours,
F. Napier Denison.

Francis continued with his seismic research and weather observations at Craigdarroch using instruments he had either taken on loan from the Victoria Fire Department or built and erected himself at his own cost.

In a letter of October 1940, this time from the Stadacona Hotel, he sadly concedes that failing health will not allow him to continue and he graciously relinquishes his key and instruments to the College. He also encloses a copy of his last paper “Further Notes on Certain Horizontal Pendulum Movements” which was dated 1938 from the Victoria College address and published in the 1940 Bulletin of the Seismological Society of America.

Citizens of Victoria would lament the passing of “their weatherman” whose dedication to the service still provided competitive local forecasts from his hotel suite for several years even after his retirement. His “courtly, old-world manner” made him a most gracious host at the Observatory, and it was said that his clear and deep thinking, so often associated with the inventive mind, could easily describe in a few short, understandable phrases, any matter pertaining to his research.

As wrote the Seattle Post-Intelligencer of Francis Napier Denison:

“…(he) had something on the ball”.

Article by F. Tosczak, Restoration Manager, Craigdarroch Castle

For more great stories about Victoria’s past please visit the City of Victoria Website

Join us for the first of many Vintage Craft Classes this Winter and Spring at Craigdarroch Castle. On January 7th, Grace Morrison will lead “The Lost Arts of Darning and Mending.”

Class Description:   Have you ever felt like throwing out those socks with a hole in the heel is a waste? Ever wish you had a personal seamstress on hand to replace lost buttons or stitch pockets back on to your favourite shirts? With this course ‘How to Mend it’ we will work through the basics of repairing rips, tears, and holes of various sizes in your well loved clothing. You will learn the basics of darning socks, sewing on buttons, and repairing split seams. Bring your clothing in need of some love with you to the course and get some hands on help from an expert mender.

Date: Saturday January 7, 2012
Time: 10 AM ‐ 3 PM
Cost: $40/student
Materials Fee: $5.00

To read more about our upcoming classes, view the entire course brochure here.

Intructor Bio:  Hello!  My name is Grace Morrison, sometimes known as Juniper Grace, I am a crafty blogger and Etsy shop owner.  There are very few moments of my spare time when I am not doing something crafty or helping someone else accomplish their crafty desires.  Although I make coffee for a living I also enjoy many other activities like leading Brownies, playing my ukulele, and baking cinnamon buns.  I can’t wait to take part in teaching crafts and Craigdarroch castle.  I believe that crafts are an excellent connection to our past and history as people on this earth.  Come join me to learn a new skill and have a lot of fun too!

Listed below are a couple of this season’s performances:

New this Year – A Christmas Carol Christmas-at-Craigdarroch

A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens, adapted as a one-man play by Jason Stevens. His performance has been described as “perfect” by the Oak Bay News. Barry Bowman, well-known Victoria radio personality enthuses “To have this kind of talent, someone who can do this without lights, without props, is incredible.” Tickets $20 adults or $15 students. (Not designed for under ages 13.)

Members – $2.00 off. Reservations Required.

Family nights

Fun for the whole family when you join Kate the Parlor Maid or Christopher the Butler as they take you on a guided tour of the Castle. Find out about Victorian Christmas tradition, see a mummers play in the dance hall then enjoy cider and cookies served from the pantry after the tour. Reservations Required.

Reservations Required: 250.592.5323

Tickets $20 adults or $15 students. (Not designed for under ages 13.) Members – $2.00 off

Check out the full schedule on our events and programs page

There’s a  lot of other entertainment during the month of December so here’s a link to the entertainment calendar.  We’ve got a number of musical selections this year as well as additional children’s entertainment and of course, a visit from Father Christmas.

Materials Students must bring:  If possible, please bring something soft (an old pillowcase or scrap of fabric) to work on while you sew and glue. If you like to sew with a thimble, please bring that along as well.  (Please bring a lunch as well for this class.)

Course Title:             Heirloom Button Making – Beginner

Instructor Name:             Jean Betts

Date:                                     Day:  Saturday                   Date: January 28

Time:                                     10 AM – 1 PM

Cost:                                      $40/student                       Materials Fee:  NA

Class Size:                            Min. 5 -  Max.  10

Class Description: Learn to make needle woven buttons using small amounts of yarn.  Match an outfit or add beads for fun. Victorian woven buttons were used from about 1850 until 1920. An introductory class will start with a Dorset button and a following class will introduce variations and a fabric button.

Materials Students must bring: Students can bring yarn or embroidery floss if they have some.
The Instructor will be responsible for:  All materials (rings for the buttons, thread, needles, etc.)

Course Title:             Introduction to Crochet

Instructor Name:             Rebecca Hardy

Date:                                     Day:  Saturday                   Date: January 21^st 2012

Time:                                     10 AM – 1 PM

Cost:                                      $45/student                       Materials Fee:  NA

Class Size:                            Min. 4 -  Max.  12

Class Description(s):

This beginners workshop will allow you to learn a few basic stitches, how to read a pattern, and send you home with the warmth of a chunky weight slouchy hat.  Join Rebecca, a hobbyist crocheter to learn the trade. Within a few short hours of instruction, diagrams and assisted crocheting you will become familiar with beginning chains, single crochet stitch, double crochet stitch, increasing, decreasing, and joining rounds. The most exciting part—you will complete a project that will serve you, or a loved one well!  Keep those heads warm, and create it yourself!
Materials Students must bring:

-approximately 220 yards of “chunky yarn” (Paton’s Shetland Chunky or Bernat Softee Chunky is recommended) I personally recommend a colour blend to give a striped and colourful look to your hat.

-6mm crochet hook (may also be found as J or 5)
The Instructor will be responsible for:  Providing examples and samples.

Materials to be purchased from instructor:  NA  — Bring Your Own crochet hook and yarn.

Course Title:             Victorian embroidered sachet

Instructor Name:             Rebecca Hazell

Date:                                     Day:  Saturday                   Date: February 4, 2012

Time:                                     10 AM – 1 PM

Cost:                                      $75/student                       Materials Fee:  NA

Class Size:                            Min. 5 -  Max.  12

Class Description:

In the Victorian era, ladies made sachets filled with cotton balls infused with subtle perfume or delicate powder.  These they tucked into drawers to scent their favourite linens.  In this one-day workshop, textile artist Rebecca Hazell will teach basic embroidery stitches for you to use in creating your own one-of-a-kind sachet from authentic designs that she will provide.

Materials Students must bring: You bring your own embroidery or small scissors.  To finish this project at the workshop, bring your own scented cotton for filling your sachet.

The Instructor will be responsible for:  Basic materials will be provided: pre-cut cotton, patterns for you to transfer onto your sachet, transfer paper, embroidery thread and needles.

Materials to be purchased from instructor: NA

Course Title:             Decoupage  (Possibly a Valentine)

Instructor Name:             Julia Andrews

Date:                                     Day:  Saturday                   Date: Feb. 11, 2012

Time:                                     10 AM – 3 PM

Cost:                                      $75                                                         Materials Fee:  NA

Class Size:                            Min. 5 -  Max.  12

Class Description(s): We will design and personalize a beautiful keepsake to keep or to give as a gift to that special someone. You can bring in a small item of your own to decoupage or use one of the supplied pieces from the class. Using beautiful papers and decorative touches to create something really wonderful and unique.

Materials Students must bring: good paper cutting scissors, a small (up to 12”)wooden item they would like to decorate in the class and any special decorative paper they have. Please bring their own lunch.

The Instructor will be responsible for:  a wide selection of papers & decorative supplies, glues, glazes and paints etc.

Materials to be purchased from instructor: NA

Course Title:             Intermediate Crochet

Instructor Name:             Rebecca Hardy

Date:                                     Day:  Saturday                   Date: February 18th

Time:                                     10 AM – 1 PM

Cost:                                      $45/student                       Materials Fee:  NA

Class Size:                            Min. 4 -  Max.  12

Class Description(s):

Continue to Crochet!  (a D.I.Y wrist warmer or mitten workshop)

An intermediate workshop will teach you to shape a thumb hole, and offer the ability to include fancier textures to your creations. Rebecca will teach you to further read a pattern to allow shaping techniques and optional texture stitches to be formed.  You will practice previously used stitches such as, the beginning chain, single crochet stitch, double crotchet stitch, and increasing stitches.  You will further your skill with the front post stitch, the back post stitch, and learning to shape a thumb hole. A pattern will be supplied with options to suit your personal preferences.  Warm your hands with style!
Materials Students must bring:  -4 ply worsted weight yarn  (100g)  -size 4mm or 4.5mm crochet hook

The Instructor will be responsible for:  Providing samples and examples.

Materials to be purchased from instructor: NA  — Bring Your Own crochet hook and yarn.

Course Title:             Victorian Floral Watercolour painting

Instructor Name:             Rebecca Hazell

Date:                                     Day:  Saturday                   Date: February 25, 2012

Time:                                     10 AM – 1 PM

Cost:                                      $75/student                       Materials Fee:  NA

Class Size:                            Min. 5 -  Max.  12

Class Description(s):

One of the skills of a Victorian lady of refinement was the ability to paint in watercolour; flowers were a favoured subject.  In this workshop, artist Rebecca Hazell will introduce you to the basics of watercolour painting and provide authentic floral patterns for you to transfer onto the watercolour paper provided.

Materials Students must bring: Bring 2 buckets for rinsing brushes, watercolour paints & brushes if you have them.

The Instructor will be responsible for:  Basic materials will be provided:  watercolour paper, paints & brushes.  (Feel free to bring your own paints and brushes.)

Materials to be purchased from instructor: NA

Course Title:             Heirloom Button Making –Intermediate

Instructor Name:             Jean Betts

Date:                                     Day:  Saturday                   Date: March 3rd

Time:                                     10 AM – 1 PM

Cost:                                      $40/student                       Materials Fee:  NA

Class Size:                            Min. 5 -  Max.  10

Class Description:

Learn to make needle woven buttons using small amounts of yarn.  Match an outfit or add beads for fun. Victorian woven buttons were used from about 1850 until 1920. This intermediate class will introduce variations and a fabric button onto the Dorset style taught in January.

Materials Students must bring: Students can bring yarn or embroidery floss if they have some.

The Instructor will be responsible for:  All materials (rings for the buttons, thread, needles, etc.)

Course Title:                 Needle Tatting

Instructor Name:             Carolyn Bright

Date:                                     Day:  Saturday                   Date: March 10, 2012

Time:                                     10 AM – 1 PM

Cost:                                      $50/student                       Materials Fee:  $5

Class Size:                            Min. 5 -  Max.  12

Class Description:

Needle tatting is a method of making beautiful, sturdy lace, which reached the height of its popularity in the Victorian era. It can be used to make jewelry, edgings and insertions, doilies and tablecloths, veils, framed artwork and more. In this class, learn to tat a motif using a variety of basic tatting shapes, how to analyze the parts of that motif to make smaller objects from it, and how to read and design your own simple tatting charts and patterns.
Materials Students must bring: -pens and at least a piece or two of paper.

The Instructor will be responsible for:  -scissors (students cannot keep them)  -copies of the pattern for everyone (students can keep these)

Materials to be purchased from instructor: -1 skein of thread -1 tatting needle  $5.00

Course Title:             Fabric Flowers

Instructor Name:             Julia Andrews

Date:                                     Day:  Saturday                   Date: April 14, 2012

Time:                                     10 AM – 1 PM

Cost:                                      $50                                                         Materials Fee:  NA

Class Size:                            Min. 5 -  Max.  12

Class Description(s):

A flower explosion just in time for Spring! You will make several styles of fabric flowers perfect to decorate furnishings, hats, purses, brooches, headbands and hairclips. Beautiful fabrics to sew or glue and embellish to your taste with beads, buttons, sequins.

Materials Students must bring: good fabric cutting scissors

The Instructor will be responsible for:  a wide variety of beautiful quality fabrics and decorative trims, glue, threads, brooch backs, headbands, hairclips, and anything else they might need or want.

Materials to be purchased from instructor: NA

Course Title:             Leather Venetian Bookbinding

Instructor Name:             Vladimir Flad

Date:                                     Day:  Saturday                   Date: April 21, 2012

Time:                                     10 AM – 3 PM

Cost:                                      $140                       Materials Fee:  $60

Class Size:                            Min. 8 -  Max. 10

Class Description(s):

During this workshop you will create your own Venetian bound leather journal. Known as one of the oldest methods of bookbinding, these one-of-a-kind journals are not only visually stunning, but also fun to make. You will learn about different kinds of leather and how to work with it. You will also learn how to handle leather tools safely. These quality books will last for generations and can be used as sketchbooks, diaries, dream or travel-journals as well as photo-albums.

Materials Students must bring: Each participant must sign a disclaimer stating that I will not be liable for any injuries that could happen during the workshop.

The Instructor will be responsible for:  Providing samples and materials to be purchased.

Materials to be purchased from instructor: $60 – This kit includes leather, twine, archival paper, 1 utility scissors and a sewing awl for each participant. All other tools will be provided by me and shared between each other.

An additional optional tool kit can be ordered and purchased through me. This kit allows the participant to work with leather and make journals at the convenience of their own home in the future. Kit includes: 1 cutting board 18 x 24 inches, 1 straight edge, 1 fabric/leather cutting tool, 1 lace cutter, 1 hole punch tool, 1 exacto knife, 1 pliers, 1 marker and enough leather and archival paper to make at least 2 more journals. Cost for this kit is $250.

Craigdarroch Castle online pumpkin carving contest.

Carve your pumpkin inspired by Craigdarroch Castle and post your photos on our Facebook Page for a chance to win!

Prizes will be awarded for the following categories:

Most Creative:  Come up with the most surprising interpretation of a Craigdarroch pumpkin!

Technical Execution:  Show off your carving skills with detail and precision!

People’s Choice:  Generate the most “likes” of your photo for this prize!

Prizes include:

Family Membership (free admission plus discounts for special events and gift shop purchases for up to 4 people for one year:  value $75)

2 free passes plus a $50 gift certificate to the Museum Gift Shop (value $75)

One Individual yearly Membership plus 2 Tickets to see “A Christmas Carol” at Craigdarroch in December (value $75)

The contest begins today and continues until Monday, October 31^st.  Winners will be announced on November 1^st.

 Find us on Facebook at:  www.facebook.com/craigdarrochcastle

It’s been 11 years since Giggling Iguana Productions first started their site specific Halloween offerings at Craigdarroch Castle. In the past decade, audiences have seen the horrors of “Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde”, been assaulted by Martians in “The War of the Worlds”, met a young man who thought “I Might be Edgar Allen Poe”, and gazed upon “The Picture of Dorian Gray.” Each year audiences have experienced a unique site-specific production
using the magnificent interiors and grounds of Craigdarroch as the setting for these tales of mystery, horror and imagination.

This year, Giggling Iguana’s Ian Case will re-mount his adaptation of Edgar Allen Poe’s crumbling “House of Usher”. Renowned for his site-specific productions, Ian has a singular talent for exploiting the castle’s unique ambiance to perfect effect and audiences will not be disappointed. Scenes take place throughout the Castle and visitors
move from room to room as the plot progresses during the evening.

Thanks for your support! Tickets are Sold Out.