1920- School Board firsts, Holidays and Bootlegging. The elections for the year 1920 made history as "this is the first time that the gentler sex have allowed their names to stand for school honours". After all was counted, Mrs. Margaret McVey, wife of John McVey, easily captured the first position. It was noted that "for the first time in her history Fort Frances school board will have a lady member on its staff. Mrs. McVey who is an ex-teacher, and is possessed with a splendid tact for business affairs will be an acquisition to the board. The welfare of the child is naturally of more concern to the mothers than to any one else, and they will now have a voice in regulating the welfare of the child during school hours." In January, just off the presses was "In the Hands of the Hun" a story of authentic facts concerning the treatment of our boys who fell into the hands of the brutish Hun. A thrilling and interesting story by Fred Breckon, it was advertised as worthy of a place in your library. Does anyone have a copy? In April the Wednesday half-holiday was announced. The people of this town can now look forward with pleasure, to the realization of a half-holiday on Wednesdays during the months of June, July, August. The officers of the newly formed athletic association deserved the credit for circulating a petition that was signed by the business men, merchants, lawyers etc. Envisioned was Wednesday afternoons sports activities at Pither's Point. It was desirous for other towns in the district to take similar action to cultivate and develop inter-town competitions. Accommodations at Sand Point were being advertised by the late manager of the Emperor Hotel. The tourist camp would provide a refreshment booth, dining room, bed rooms and tent accommodation. An hours run by boat from Fort Frances, no other spot on Rainy Lake affords better bathing. With bath houses and beach sun shades no doubt the site would attract many during the summer to spend a vacation. The temperance movement in full swing saw the license inspector Geo. Campbell confiscating liquor. It seemed that to store between 34-134 cases for home consumption was not conceivable. The feeling was that the amount of liquor being brought into the town has been beyond the wildest imagination of the average temperant citizen. In April a gang of American bootleggers made a bold attempt to get away with Canadian Liquor via a gasoline launch at the foot of Crowe Ave. Prevented from landing by the authorities on either side, the fugitives began to dump their consignment overboard. It was noted that " the upper bend of the river is likely to be a favorite "swimmin' hole this summer." With a number of empty cases floating in the river, no doubt a number of expert swimmers and divers would be hunting for lost treasure as soon as the water warmed up. A daring robbery in September saw five masked men holdup a camp full of lumberjacks, securing $800 at the Lockhart Mill on Rocky Inlet. The gang was later apprehended after a hold up in Northern Manitoba. Entering a bunk house while a pay-day poker game was in progress the gang robbed a dozen men. Soon 40-50 men joined the man hunt to catch the thieves. The initial run of the Government fish hatchery saw 26,730,000 pickerel fry deposited in Rainy Lake. Plans included hatching white fish and salmon trout during the winter season. In September, Mayor McTaggart had secured war trophies– two machine guns and one large 77 mm gun. Application was being made to place them in front of the court house as a memento to the achievement of our boys in the great war.1921- Prohibition, Bath Houses and Skating. On January 13 of 1921 Police Court news warned housewives that those "who thought it perfectly harmless proceeding to have a little of the beverage that intoxicates for decorating the interior of Christmas pudding, cakes, etc., had better beware. The license inspector is on the war path. Likewise, also such stimulants as lemon and vanilla extracts had better be placed in an inconspicuous place." A case before the magistrate charging a lady with the use of a little something in cake was however dismissed. The April referendum saw a vote with the drys claiming majority. In 1920, the 18th Amendment or Volstead Act became law, declaring the United States dry, providing a boon to Canadian brewers struggling under prohibition and the start of widespread rum-running. The prohibition movement also brought it's share of problems. A daring robbery in September saw some 160 to 170 cases of liquor stolen from Dunsmore Island, some eight miles east of Fort Frances. Cases were transferred to a barge and the canoes and row boats at the island as well as parts of the engine of the launch removed to prevent any chase. The provincial police as well as American authorities were alerted and the result was perpetrators were apprehended noting they were Americans from Ranier. The 1921 improvements by the Parks Board saw a new bath house added to the Point Park and a plank side walk added between the Dance Pavillion and old bath house. The outside of the buildings were to be painted white with green trim. The bath house contact was let for $615. On August 18th, the Fort Frances Memorial Arena Co. Ltd was incorporated. Plans saw for a curling and skating rink for the cost of $20,000. Season Tickets were set at $6 for gentlemen, $5 for ladies and children under 14- $2.00. Bands were to be secured for 2 nights a week. Skating hours were 8 pm and the ice cleared at 10:15 pm. Hockey clubs could arrange to practice after. The rink opened on December 29th. It was noted that hockey was receiving attention and in addition to men's teams a ladies' hockey team was organized. Mr. A. Dowker, formerly a brick manufacturer in McIrvine was leasing the gravel pit. Establishing a rock crushing plant for the purposes of first quality crushed rock for cement work or permanent road work, it was noted that "the permanency of this class of road surface has been amply tested in the road covering on portions of Church and Mowat streets. Notwithstanding that this surface was laid over ten years ago, the road is in excellent condition and stands up under all the heavy traffic of years." A monument to our boys who gave their lives in the great war was unveiled in October. The Army and Navy veterans assisted by the Ladies Auxillary had completed the arrangements for the completion of the monument at the Veteran's plot. One of the biggest fires since the 1905 fire razed the Northern Grocery building and stock on Central Avenue. The building was valued at $32,000 and stock at over $100,000.1922 -Banks, Parks, Phones and Radios On February 9 of 1922, the Dominion Bank moved into new Premises. The headline reads "One of Our Leading Financial Institutions Now Located in its Own New Home… Building is Well Appointed Throughout." Relocating onto Scott and Mowat, the bank remains a landmark today. The Dominion Bank had opened in the community in 1914 at 232 Scott Street. In 1984, the 1922 building was torn down to make way for the present facility. The Attorney General Vs. Shevlin Clarke hearing in 1922 reached a decision in early January. The headline notes "Efforts to Oust Shevlin-Clarke Company End in Failure – Full Settlement Effected Between Government and Company." The debate concerned the company not paying fair price for timber berths in the Quetico reserve. The settlement did favour the Province but an appeal settled the matter. With the only alternative of closing the mill it was realized that the "latter course meant everything to hundreds of old and faithful employees of the Shevlin Clarke concern." In April, J.A. Mathieu, Vice-President and managing director resigned from the Company claiming the opposition to the agreement forced upon the company. Mathieu served a 25 year tie with the company. Pither's Point park was to receive major upgrades with the addition of an athletic field. The field was to include a running track with the entire ground enclosed by a tight board fence. Tenders were to be called for the building of a road to "wind through the wooded portion of the park from South to North in such a manner as to destroy as few trees as possible." In other recreational pursuits, the Fort Frances Rowing club was organized. The colours of the club were royal blue signlet with sky blue sash, and the emblem crossed oars and with the crossing intersecting with a perpendicular paddle and the initials F.F.R.C.C. worked in the emblem in gold. The Ladies also organized a bowling club. This was outdoor of course and note was made that "you must resign your French heel shoes to the discarded when bowling Rubber shoes only permitted, and bowls must not be recklessly thrown at your opponent if you make a poor shot." The undertaking of Alberton to establish a municipal telephone system would create an all district service. Up to the present, the gap in the system was lying across the stretch of the small municipality. The cost involve included a switch board and an estimate $6 capital per subscriber annually. At present there were some 12 miles of telephone line operated along the Rainy River from Fort Frances through the municipality of McIrvine and the township of Roddick. A company organized in April for the purpose of developing radio communication. The installation of a large receiving and transmitting station marked the advance of the Rainy River District. The International Radio Development Company was able to get "interesting and instructive news… daily by radio" with a small receiving set and a fifty foot aerial wire hung about 8 feet above the roof of a two story building. By September the company installed two 116 feet aerial masts. They were testing small receiving sets, so as to be able to advise anyone who wanted one in their home. The technical department was only too pleased to help amateurs master the intricate parts of this wonderful invention. 1923- The International Falls Echo and Daily Journal offer a view of some of the major matters facing the town of Fort Frances in 1923. The request of EW Backus to expand his mill becomes an issue that will change the entire look of the central area. Front Street once ran around the corner past Mowatt Avenue on a north-south direction to Scott. The closing of a number of streets between Victoria Ave and Front St. were eventually achieved and included the loss of Hollands Avenue that once ran parallel to the river between Victoria and Front. Other events being promoted included the International Scottish Games at Pither's Point Park with a Calithumpian Parade from the Commons in front of Dr. McKenzie's Hospital. Field sports at the ball grounds, platform events of piping and dancing and water sports including canoe races, work boat races, motor canoes and a surf riding exhibition were part of the day's events. A highlight was Peavey's Jazz Band playing at the Town Hall with admission at $1.50 per couple and extra ladies for 50 cents. 1923 saw the establishment of a long time business-Green's in Fort Frances. The 1989 Salute to Family Business Edition of the Fort Frances Times. The four generation business began when R.V. Rusty Green began a funeral business in Fort Frances. The Green's had arrived in International Falls in 1904, when Frank G. Green, Rusty's brother opened Green's Hardware and Mortuary. Soon Rusty also purchased the furniture business of Smith and Shore. Renting half of a building at 517 Mowat Ave. it was noted that "it came with a wood stove, dishes, and a few couches. Rusty expanded within a couple of months due to the operations of a funeral parlor when there was a funeral going on– there was no room to get into the store. Of course today the Greens Furniture store operates across the street from the original location. Rusty Green proved to be an astute businessman. With Frank Keyes of International Falls, he formed Keyes-Green Limited. With other real estate ventures– the company eventually owned most of the Shevlin-Clarke Company's former lumber yards and eventually developed a popular new residential area there in the 1960's.1924-Board of Education and Kiwanis Club Established. In 1924 Town improvements included 2,500 yards of gravel to be put on Scott Street and the River Road between Crowe Ave and the railway crossing at the Point. The closing of Third Street north of the public school (Robert Moore) was approved. The Board of Education now had a continuous block the full width of the present frontage and running back to Fourth St. Much debate rouse out of a protest against the request of the Boards of Parks Management to remove squatters buildings at the Point Park. Following the policy that the Park at the Point be improved, maintained and beautified for the benefit of all the public these "private residences" were viewed "not only a menace to the safety of the park, but was wrong in permitting the few to make use of public domain at the expense of the public." Since 1919, the policy was to allow tents, but it was found that "starting with tents, later walls of mill canvas with wooden uprights, and still later wooden structures" were built. When the decision that these buildings be removed by May 15th was made, the ensuing debate led to the resignation of the Board of Park Management. The buoying of Rainy Lake was under consideration with town council passing a resolution to the Minister of Marine and Fisheries. "Wheareas the waters of Rainy Lake are navigable for passenger and freight traffic, to and from many beautiful summer resort locations and point of interest which lie at considerable distance from the main steam boat channels of the lake, and these waters and channels have never been properly buoyed….it was requested for 100 additional buoys be placed in the necessary positions." The statutory inaugural meeting of the New Board of Education was held in the Council Chamber of the Town Hall on February 6th. Committees established included Management, Finance, Supply, Property with Reverend Maltby acting as chair at the first meeting. The first order of business saw Mr. Alexander MacKenzie elected as chair for the first year and Mr. Maltby elected Vice President. Applications for Secretary-Treasurer were to be advertised. Motions of the meeting held on the 11th saw the appointment of Mr. F.H. Warner as Secretary-Treasurer of the Board. Mr. Sid Wall was appointed as Attendance Officer for a salary of $125.00. His duties included the High School pupils, with the sum of $75 be charged to the public school and $50 to the High School. The Kiwanis organized a Fort Frances Branch in 1924. It was noted that "if you see a number of our fellow townsmen going around with an emblem with the letter "K" on their coat, don't jump to the conclusion that they are members of the Klu Klux Klan." Membership was for leading business men and presented a cross section of the business and professional life of a community. The first president was A.F. Turner of the Bank of Commerce, Vice President, his honour Judge McLennan, Secretary Mr. MA. Malone Assistant Manager of the Shevlin Clarke Company and the Treasurer, Mr. W.T. Russell of the Dominion Bank. It was noted that "Meetings are held at a noon lunch for one hour and fifteen minutes, starting on time and ending on time. The first part of the meeting is devoted to fun and frolic and community singing. Educational subjects vital to the interests of the community are discussed. Four or five times a year the club entertains the ladies. These entertainments are among the most unique staged by any organization." 1925-Landmarks and Breweries In 1925 it was noted that "the large number of buildings and especially the new mercantile buildings being erected speak strongly of the general progress that Fort Frances is making. The Baeker Block was erected on the north west corner of Scott and Portage. G.G. Baeker well known druggist, constructed the facility that featured ornamented tile and stone lintels and openings. The second floor apartment featured oak trim through out and oak floors with an electric fireplace as an attractive feature in the living rooms. An office addition in the rear included two offices. The cost of the block was over $20,000 and was used as a drug store with the modern second floor suite for the use of the proprietor. The F.A. Pearson Co. also relocated to a newly construction building on the corner of Portage and Scott. The 26x60 foot building was divided into two stores with the Pearson Electric Co. and Mrs. R. Warner's millinery shop occupying the facility. Arrangements were made in early February for the construction of a Brewery, the Fort Frances Brewing Company began operation in September. The site was six acres of land with railway trackage located between the river and the road that leads to the Border Lumber Company Mill. (the present day overpass). The three story structure was crammed full of machinery and paraphernalia for turning out commercial beer. With a capacity of 70 barrels a day, 16 employees were engaged. The firm have adopted the slogan "the Beer without a Peer" A branch of the Brewery firm of McDonagh-Shea, Winnipeg also opened. Located in the Williams block on the corner of Front and Church St. the premises were to handle beer, ale and stout. A daily truck service catered to the household trade as well as hotels. The provincial government established regulations for the new 4.4 beer now being produced. The problems of drinking clubs were set to sell beer to members or visitors with members. Standard hotel permits included questions on age, nationality, married or single and how many children. The construction of beverage room included clear glazing to provide and unobstructed view from the street and restricted size and placement. History, music and golf were being organized by the citizens in 1925. An historical society affiliated with the Ontario Historical Society encouraged ladies interested in this work to come out and assist. In May the formation of a choral society saw an enthusiastic gathering of music-lovers at the Methodist church. Practices were to be held Wednesday evenings at 9 pm and membership fee was $1. In May the golf club and golf course was established at Point Park. A short 9 hole course was planned adjacent to the Pavilion. A petition for membership considered a $5 fee from 50 members sufficient to put the course in shape for the season. It was intended to also have ladies join, as no doubt "there are quite a number who will be glad to participate." Council concerns included dealing with garbage removal. A contract for the Mortuary Chapel addressed a long needed addition to the cemeteries. The John East tender for $3,158.65 was accepted and in December the mortuary was dedicated by local clergy. Local improvements included an estimated $12,500 for sidewalks. Construction included wooden sidewalks on portions of Fifth, Third, Armit, and Fourth Street and cement sidewalks on Armit, Church, Nelson, First, Scott and Third St. West. The Board of Education also authorized the planting of thirty elm trees at the price of $2.00 each. 1926- Council deals with Scott Street, Holidays and Traffic. 1926 saw council passing a bylaw to deal with "the congested traffic on main streets." Regulations included that "...no vehicle shall stop with its left side to the curb...horses must stand parallel to the curb...and vehicles shall only stop on the right hand side of a street" Parking was indicated by curb colours with red included as parking for taxis, black and yellow for discharge and take on of passengers only, and yellow stripes at an angle to indicate parking space for cars. When it came to turning, stopping or changing course the driver shall "extend and wave the hand or whip to give some visible sign outside of the conveyance as a signal to persons driving vehicles behind them, of their intention to make such a movement." Fines were $10 for the first and $25 for the second offence for any violations of the by-law. Streets were under consideration for the town, with Scott, Second and Front Street experiencing change and development. Of concern for the Scott Street property owners was that the street between Portage and Victoria be widened to the conform with the street west of Portage. In February resolution had passed to the Provincial Government to recognize that Third Street West and Scott Street were part of the trunk highway, taking the place of the former "Colonization Road" now unused. The council took steps to prepare for the opening of Second Street through the Shevlin Clarke Mill yard. To open the street to the east end, sufficient time was to be allowed for the mill to remove some 3 million feet of lumber and clean the site. The construction of a new papermill resulted in the closure of a portion of Front Street, and the relocation of a dock at Portage Ave. Work was expected to be completed by February 1927 and included enlarging the barking room and grinding room. A new double deck steel bridge was constructed across the canal to connect with the grinding room. Thirty ton transformers were being installed on special tracks in the new substation. Construction was also happening on Scott street. S. Roseman moved from the corner of Church and Mowatt to a very attractive building on the south side of Scott Street. Mr. L.J. Marsh was erecting a 38 x 60 foot stucco building to be used as an automobile show room. Mr. L.J. Truax built a brick business block on the east corner of Portage for a butcher shop. On April 9 (Vimy Day) a meeting was held to organize the British Empire Service League. By September the "Legion" was established in Fort Frances. With President Fred Breckon, committees included Housing, Entertainment, Refreshment and Advertising. The first event planned was a Labor Day picnic and sports at Pither's Point Park The May petition from business men and merchants for the usual weekly half holiday was received and authorized the many to proclaim that Thursday afternoons from the 20th of May to the 23rd of September inclusive were a half holiday. In August, the six day Chautauqua program promised Fort Frances its first introduction to real Chautauqua. The high class entertainers offered eleven complete performances Held in the big tent opposite the post office, the program featured Bible and Health Lectures conduced by a group of experienced evangalists. The health lectures were two fold in nature– Preventative and Curative with practical demonstrations. The program was to appeal to lovers of better music, and higher ideals of Literature and Art. "The efforts of those behind Chautauqua work is to uphold ideals and build better citizenship. Their efforts seem to be first Educational, second Inspirational."1927-Loss of Pioneers and Celebration of Jubilee Make the Headlines. The 1927 Jubilee was an opportunity for Celebration of the 60th birthday of Canada on July 1st. Plans included souvenir medals for every student and a monster parade. The sports committee had a very full program of land and water sports with various forms of physical contests to entertain and amuse the onlookers. The evening ended with a dance at the Point Park Pavillion and the Arena rink A brilliant display of fireworks at the Point included a huge bonfire on a raft on the lake. Scott Street businesses were growing in 1927, S. Roseman had made a twenty seven foot addition so as to expand his ladies wear line. Located at 225 Scott Street, the spring sale at Roseman's offered Spring Coats for $15, Men's Suites for $10.95, Ladies Porch Dresses for $1.25 and Sandals for $1.95. Nick Hnatiuk's building at 256 Scott was to be occupied by Economy's Chocolate Shop, a forty-eight seat restaurant offering business lunches and three and four course dinners. Mike Parnega opened a new butcher shop in the 400 block and The White Bakery opened at 422 Scott opposite the water tank. The death of Mr. Wilson in late January saw the loss of one of the oldest residents and pioneer businessmen of the district. He arrived in 1895 and his obituary describes "he came in over ice from Rat Portage (Kenora) and when Beaver Mills (Rainy River) was reached the river ice was breaking up and a delay of six days resulted. Finally a batteau was secured and the unwieldly craft was rowed and dragged the remaining ninety miles up stream to Fort Frances." Mr. Wilson operated hotels in Fort Frances, Mine Centre and Bears Pass. In February, the death of Charles Joseph Hollands saw the loss of on of our best and most respected citizens. In 1889, Mr. Hollands came to Fort Frances as a partner in the mercantile business with A.O. Butler. In due time he received the appointment of Crown Lands Agent and in 1895, became Police Magistrate. He opened the C.J. Hollands & Son fire insurance agency. Mr. Hollands always took a keen interest in any matters which were for the upbuilding of the town. He served as Reeve, School Board and Library Board Chairman and First Chief of the fire brigade. In December, the passing of John Henry Lyons recalls early travel. Mr. Lyons had arrived in the area in the early 1870's. Located at Kettle Falls and later the North West Angle, he was employed by the company operating the Dawson road from Lake Superior to Winnipeg. The Dawson Trail had opened in 1871 as a means to transport settlers into the northwest. The combination land and water route covered 131 1/2 miles of land and 59 miles of broken navigation and 308 miles of navigable waters and took six days to travel. Travel from Fort William to Fort Garry was $25. It was noted that "the traveler was conveyed partially in leaky, crowded boats and partially over rough courduroy roads interspersed with mud." The Dawson trail operated until 1884. By 1875, Mr. Lyons had come to Fort Frances and for twenty five years was the interpreter for the Indian Department. The large number of those who paid their last respects was evidence of the esteem in which Mr. Lyons was held.1928- Land Registry, Schools and Power Agreements top the headlines. In January of 1928, the establishment of an up to date Land Titles and Registry office at Fort Frances marked another step in the progress of this district. Over one year ago work was commenced on the building that opened on January 3 of 1928. The building construction embodied the last word in modern fireproof construction with walls of solid brick and facings of cut stone. With 17 foot ceilings, windows protected with metal rolling shades and concrete floors covered with battleship linoleum the vault was calculated to provide 25 years of storage. The first registry office was established in Fort Frances in 1903 with a registry building opening in 1904 on Portage Ave. Mr. W.J. Keating completed his 20th year as Master of Land Titles in 1928 at the age of eighty. In 1928, the Fort Frances Service Station opened on the corner of Scott and Portage by Mr. Jura Stinson featured one of the best equipped stations to be found anywhere. Of a "pleasing architectural design", a covered grease pit was also cited as a "novel idea". The 1928 appointment of town officers included the following salaries- J.W. Walker, clerk- $200; R.E. Readman, Fire Chief, Building Inspector and Caretaker of the Town Hall-$140; R.A. Taylor, pump station Engineer- $125 with a free house, light, water and fuel. In 1928 the Board of Education was busy with the opening of an addition to the high school and the construction of a new public school. In August sod was broken for the New School in the West end. A two room school brick school was being constructed for $27,055.50 by the John East Company. Due to the congestion in the central 24 room school ( Robert Moore). The primary rooms were alternating with half-day shifts so the need for the new school was identified. Located between Colonization Road and Third Street, the original intention was to erect the school adjacent to the cemetery. The property was now left at the disposal of the town for a central park The Board of Education also disposed of the old "Scott Street" school for $4,000 to the Canadian Legion of the British Empire Service League. In March an official banquet opened the new club rooms. The newly renovated upper floor presented a real gala appearance with framed pictures of their majesties decorated with wreaths and framings and panels with British flags profusely dispersed. Four tables laden down with viands and sparkling glass, snowey napery and shiny silver each featured a suckling pig. The Legion also wished to allay any fears stating that "the canteen conducted in the building would be a strictly dry one so as to bring no discredit on the association or the cause. " By spring, the Calm Lake power dam was completed in record time. Rock excavation had started on the 26th day of March, 1927. Flooding of the basin began March 26th to reach an elevation to start the power units. A rousing farewell banquet was held at the Backus-Brooks mess hall on March 31st for the purpose of getting a number of men together who were getting through with their work, and departing to other locations and activities. The negotiation of a power agreement was soon at the centre of debate when the citizens of Fort Frances protested against the Town Council consenting to the export of power (to International Falls) developed on the Seine River. The some sixty odd business men of Fort Frances who had recently organized a Board of Trade took an active interest in the protest against the agreement between the Town of Fort Frances and Mr. Backus' Ontario-Minnesota Power Company Limited. 1929-Gathering of Old Timers and Building of Landmark top news of 1929 In 1929, the Fort Frances Times was gathering a register of district old timers. Going back 50 years the earliest old timers had arrived in 1876. "Thousands from Town and District attend Old Timers Picnic" was the headline of August 8th when old timers day in Fort Frances saw a big reunion picnic at Pither's Point Park. An estimated crowd of 5,000 people and 500 cars were assembled in the big park. Features included the photographing of old time settlers. "These photos will no doubt be treasured by these older folks who have seen our fertile district progress. Many of them came here when a few scattered settlers along the river front marked the only evidence of the coming settlement. It was good to see these old timers meet with their friends of former years, who have been separated by the growth of the community. As one old veteran was head to remark, Well by gosh I haven't see you for about thirty years." From Rainy River at the extreme west all points of the District they joined in a real reunion. The opening of the "New Rainy Lake Hotel" featured the honourable Peter Heenan, Minister of Labour for Canada officiating the opening. A dance in the splendid ballroom and a banquet topped the evening. The hotel was planned by Arthur Hanford of Duluth and represented the best work of this well known capable architect. With a 110 foot frontage on Scott Street the front of the building is trimmed in white stone and texture brick of light cream, tan and salmon shades in design with a suggestion of the Spanish. Spanish tile in variegated shades of red covers the roof with a frieze of colours conforming with the architectural style. Ornamental stonework and a small tower adorns the centre of the building and is embellished with cut stone and a wrought iron balcony. A marquis in colour accentuates the entrance. The basement contained a beauty shop, barber shop, sample rooms, and a large ballroom with terrazzo flour and textured plaster walls. The first floor lobby was decorated in the Spanish manner with tile floor, a fine fireplace, rough plastered walls and a beamed ceiling. A modern grill room and a café were featured with two public toilets. 54 rooms on the second and third floors included 32 with private baths and a complete room telephone service. "Altogether the hotel presents both in design and finish one of the most modern and up to date hotels in the northwest." The construction of the tourist hotel was first proposed in 1928 and the Fort Frances Hotel Company was organized and stock of $150,000 issued. The Rainy Lake Hotel has received heritage designation under the Ontario Heritage Act as a significant landmark in the community.