Scoundrels, Dreamers & Second Sons

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Tuesday, May 17th, 2016
7:00 PM to 8:30 PM

Join us for a lecture based on "Scoundrels, Dreamers & Second Sons, British Remittance Men in the Canadian West" with author Mark Zuehlke at the Courtenay and District Museum.

Beginning in 1880, thousands of young, upper-class British men with few prospects were sent to the Canadian West to distance them from British society. Still supported by their families, thus earning them the title “remittance men,” these men set out to continue their lives of leisure in this new land.

With education, respectable breeding and the belief “from birth that they were superior beings,” the remittance men descended upon Western Canada with expectations of accomplishing something great and increasing their wealth. In reality, they hunted, played games, courted women, and enjoyed distinguished pursuits that squandered their parents’ money and made hard-working Canadians raise their eyebrows.

Though their era in Western Canada was short, 1880-1914, “they left an indelible mark perpetuated by the stories and legends that sprung up around them.”

In "Scoundrels, Dreamers & Second Sons", first published fifteen years ago, Mark Zuehlke traces the path of the remittance men through Western Canada, highlighting their adventures, limited successes and glorious failures. Zuehlke’s many books include the Canadian Battle Series; the Military Heritage Series; and his award-winning Elias McCann Series centred around a modern-day remittance man.

In 2014, Zuehlke won the prestigious Governor General’s Award for Excellence in Popular Media, also known as the Pierre Berton Award. Copies of the "Scoundrels, Dreamers & Second Sons" will be available for purchase ($24.95, Harbour Publishing) and signing after the talk.

Admission to the evening is $5 per Historical Society member; $6 non-members (plus GST).

Advance tickets recommended. The Courtenay and District Museum is located at 207 Fourth Street in downtown Courtenay. FMI or to purchase tickets over the phone call: 250-334-0686 ext. 5.