1913 Advertisement For Corfield Farm Subdivision

Historic Duncan Advertisements

While doing some research on various topics, we came across this 1913 advertisement for the subdivision of Corfield Farm, which had been established by George Corfield and, until 1913, had been one of the largest family run farms in the Duncan area.

1913 advertisement for the subdivision of Corfirld Farm, along what is now Cowichan Bay Road and Bench Road (Duncan Sightseeing collection),
1913 advertisement for the subdivision of Corfield Farm, along what is now Cowichan Bay Road and Bench Road (Duncan Sightseeing collection),

Using the map in the above advertisement, we have tried to replicate the location on this Google Map by using the South Cowichan Lawn Tennis Club, 2290 Cowichan Bay Road, located at the intersection of Cowichan Bay Road and Tzouhalem Road, as a central location since it is located within the area shown in the advertisement map of the Corfield Farm subdivision.


Here is a Google Street View of what the area of Corfield farm looks like today:


Corfield family members Norman Tressidor Corfield and John Frederick Corfield were both instrumental in creating a landmark downtown Duncan building, the Duncan Garage.

In 1913, when the subdivision of their family’s Corfield Farm was being undertaken, Norman Tressidor Corfield was building the Duncan Garage for his automobile dealership and garage business, Duncan Garage Ltd.

Duncan Garage, Duncan Street, Duncan, B.C.
Duncan Garage, 330 Duncan Street, Duncan, B.C. (photo: DuncanSightseeing.com)

Another historic connection to Corfield Farm is through the poet Robert Service (1874-1958), who worked for George Corfield on Corfield Farm for four years as a cowhand and,later, as a storekeeper. Robert Service also acted as a tutor to George Corfield’s sons, Norman Tressidor Corfield and John Frederick Corfield, both of whom later became involved in the Duncan Garage business. This Times-Colonist story on Robert Service at Corfield Farm is excerpted from a biography of Robert Service by Enid Mallory.

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