1960- Community Linked and Enjoying Modern Shopping The August 1960 opening of the "Subway" was one of the first major projects undertaken in many years by Fort Frances. Ceremonies were held at the intersection of Portage Ave and Third Street. The Fort Frances Civic Band under the direction of Nick Andrusco played several numbers as a prelude to the dedication service. After the invocation by Rev. H. Colver of Calvary Tabernacle and speeches by Mayor J.T. Livingstone, CNR general superintendent, Issac Luca, and former mayor J.M. Newman, 8 year old Barbara Stachiw cut the ribbon held by Mr. Fred Zamalynski, one of the oldest residents north of the CNR. A cavalcade of cars followed the band through the newly opened subway. Negotiations for the subway with CNR had begun in 1957 and Mr. Newman was noted for initiating the project during his term as mayor. The subway consists of two 15 foot lanes for vehicles and two six foot sidewalks with handrails for pedestrians with a 14 1/2 foot clearance under the tracks. More than 200 pilings, some 65 feet long were driven in to to support the cement footings. Two piers 50 x 15 1/2 feet hold the main girder that supports the train tracks. The excavation for the project was 29 feet at its deepest, included the pouring of 2,200 yards of cement and 72 tons of reinforced steel. The project was estimated at $340,000 with the town paying one tenth. A temporary railway track was in place until the three regular tracks could be relaid over the overpass. With the opening of the overpass crossings on Victoria and Armit Avenues were closed and a ten year old pedestrian crossing serving Portage Ave. was removed. A new shopping experience was in store as customers praised the modern Safeway and Shop-Easy Supermarkets opened in 1960. In February, Safeway opened on the north west corner of Scott and Victoria with a 50 car parking lot, seven check-out stations, and all the latest in shopping convenience including self-serve display cases. In March, Shop-Easy welcomed customers to their grand opening, finding it necessary to control the number in the store at one time. At 375 Scott Street, the store boasted a 85 car parking lot and five speedee checkouts. With roomy departments and merchandise grouped for ease of shopping the supermarket had arrived. In June, the Fort Frances Brewery was expected to start brewing Beck's beer, a new product in the renovated plant under brewmaster William A. Beck. Having apprenticed as a brewer in Germany, Beck had 46 years of experience throughout the world and had spent the last 11 years in Columbia, South America. Beck took over the brewery in Fort Frances after it had been closed for a year. In November voters were asked to make a decision on Sunday Sports. The referendum asked " Are you in favour of public games and sports on the Lord's Day to be regulated by municipal by law under the authority of the Lord's Day (Ontario) Act." If the by-law was approved Sunday Sports would be restricted to the hours of 2 PM and 5 PM. Hockey, football, baseball, softball, ice skating, roller skating, golf, tennis, badminton, track sports, aquatic sports and bowling were included.1961-Breaking Links with Pioneer Past The August 3, 1961 edition of the Fort Frances Times sparks interest in the pioneer past of Fort Frances. "Beautiful Axemanship Revealed When First Town Jail is Razed" reads the headline. The original 20 X 30 foot building on Portage Ave. was being removed so that the north lane behind Scott Street could be widened. The building revealed the marvel of pioneer construction. Norway pine logs had been hewed square by men wielding broadaxes, the corners joined in dove-tail fashion and spliced with wooden dowels or "pins". A solid four inch thick roof completed the structure. A set of iron bars remained in the building with legend that another barred window was removed during WWI by force. The story recalls service men freeing their friends in the lockup by jerking the bars off from the outside. This jail building was originally located at the site of the present town hall. The jail and the jail keeper's residence were moved a block north when the original Town Hall was constructed in 1905. In 1907, the present jail facility was constructed. The jailer's residence became the home of AC Howarth. Perhaps this structure remains the most interesting architecture in the town today! (Look at the roof next time you walk by.) Soon after the razing of the jail house, Murray Howarth opened the House of Howarth in a new building on the site. The store boasted two selling floors, Bert Weidenhoft's TV repair shop, an appliance repair shop and continued to display A.C. Howarth's photographs. It was noted as the third move for Mr. Howarth. Originally located in the 300 block on the north side of Scott Street, the New Home Appliances had moved a door over in 1954 to larger quarters. After 32 years on Portage Ave., Howarth's returned to a Scott Street location in 1993. In 1961 Fort Frances boasted it's first native born mayor- John R. McVey. Mr. McVey held another record in becoming mayor- he was also believed to be the youngest. In April of 1961, the Kiwanis erected one of thirty-two peace markers on the International Bridge at Fort Frances as part of Canada-US goodwill week. The plaque reads "This unfortified Boundary Line between the Dominion of Canada and the United States of America should quicken the remembrance of the more thaN a century old friendship between these countries- a lesson of peace to all nations." Other plaques were placed at principal posts of entry across the country.1962-Forty Years Ago... As those of us born in 1962 reflect on entering our 40's, the community news showed growth and prosperity. The Health Unit was commencing new duties supervising Fort Frances health and sanitation and moved into 426 Victoria Avenue. A new mail route to serve the eastern suburbs of Idylwild and Rainy Lake was opened to an estimated 70 homes. Drivers were warned to watch for construction as they went to view the beauty of Rainy Lake atop the high rise of the Causeway. Not officially opened to traffic it was now possible to drive 10 miles east to the Windy Point bridge. On Scott Street businesses were opening and some boasted new locations. Betty's opened a new store with two floors of merchandise in the remodelled GH Ross site at 266 Scott Street starting a domino effect that resulted in Brockie's Jewelers opening a new store in Betty's old location at 255 Scott Street. The Petite Shop opened at the corner of Scott and Mowat in the former Brockie's site. Midway Marine opened at 600 Scott Street offering free packs of 6 bottle Stubby flavours with each $3 purchase of gasoline. 1962 saw Frank Stewart succeeding Frige Marine with Lakeland Marine at 401 Scott Street, and the closing of Andy's Candyland at 360 1/2 Scott Street with Bud's Office Supplies taking over the magazine stock at 350 Scott Street. The Guild and the Hobby and Gift Shop also joined the new businesses and the Canadian Tire Store opened at 116 First St. East with an expanded 6-bay service department. The Town N Country Dine and Dance opened five miles west of Fort Frances on Highway 71 and Mr. Wilkins was attracting attention as he transformed the West End ravine with two greenhouses. Louis and Len Cadiuex opened the New Lakeshore Gourmet House overlooking Rainy Lake and boasted 2,000 square feet of dining. It was noted that Pierre LaVerendrye would be on hand to greet guests. Ole Hake of Miscampbell took two years to carve the figure from northwestern Ontario trees. On display permanently at the restaurant were the works of the Fort Frances Palette Club. Construction projects included St. Michael's School and Alberton Central School. A $46,850 RCMP building was being constructed and the West End Community Centre opened. The First Baptist Congregation moved into a new building on Morrison Street. Their first home had been built in 1902 at 340 Scott Street. Originally several blocks removed from the business section, sixty years later, they found themselves in the centre and chose to move west. The talk of the town was the first triplets born at LaVerendrye hospital, Jim, John and Jean Bujold. The first baby was born April 1st, and was joined by his siblings twelve days later on April 12th. An important notice by the Brewer's retail reminded everyone that no old-style beer bottles would be redeemed after June 9. Only the space-saving compact amber bottles would continue to be refundable. The Kinsmen Klub Klocks Kauseway Kar Kontest was held and involved guessing the exact time a car placed on the ice of Rainy Lake would drop through. Placed just off the five mile dock, the car sank before ice out due to a causeway construction crew breaking ice nearby.1963-Community Reflects on Losses and Developments On February 14th of 1963, the community mourned the loss of "Mel" J.M. Newman. Mr. Newman came to Fort Frances in 1934, and became an important member of the community. He served as the 16th mayor of Fort Frances in 1957. His two terms included some important developments- the Portage Ave. subway, the sewage treatment survey, establishment of an industrial site, and the change to Bell telephone service. Mr. Newman also served two terms in the Provincial Legislature beginning in 1945. Mr. Newman was also noted for his contributions to the Victory Loan Campaign, Salvation Army, LaVerendrye Hospital, Fort Frances High School, Knox United Church, Kiwanis Club, Masons, and Shrine Club. As a businessman, Mr. Newman had learned the garage trade from his father. He arrived in Fort Frances as manager for the Tyne Motor Company and succeeded as Ford dealer in 1939. The Mel Newman Motors (later Voyageur Ford) site on Mowatt Ave. has now been the location of construction over the past months. On April 3rd of 1963, Mando opened it's new office building on Third St. West. The building was constructed on the site of Hudson Hill and was noted as "a striking contrast with previous facilities for some 65 employees". The 16,400 square foot facility boasted a steel frame and brick veneer. In March the Fort Frances Times announced that it would publish on Wednesday. Thursday had been the day of publication since the summer of 1894 when the paper was known as the Rainy Lake Herald. The change came at the request of advertisers as shopping habits were changing. Friday was replacing Saturday as the main shopping day for families. Disaster struck in December when the Knox Presbyterian Church was razed by Fire. The 37 year old brick building at Church and Victoria. Built for $19,464 in 1927, the loss was estimated to be $60,000. The church was rebuilt incorporating the original front and rear walls that were left standing. In 1965 the congregation decided to rededicate the edifice as St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church. By December of 1963, the community was awaiting the arrival of CBCTV. Some 2,695 residents of the Rainy River District had petitioned for the establishment of television facilities. A national microwave system had been put into operation and the delivery of service to this area was planned. This was however put on hold as the government adopted an austerity programming resulting in cut backs. Back on track by June of 1964, citizens were urged to get outside antenna, and avoid the rabbit-ears type. Local businesses promoted sales so everyone was prepared for CBC TV. For the new viewing pleasure Eaton's Viking portable 19" TV sets were available at a low cost of $169.00 Memories of watching the first television? Information on early Mayors, Churches, Businesses and Families are still being accepted at the Museum for the Centennial History Scrap Book.1964- Town Infrastructure Keeps things Flowing May 1964 saw one of the most extensive sanitary sewer programs ever carried out in the Town of Fort Frances in one year. Nineteen separate projects were approved with more than 200 homes waiting for service. Some requests were originally submitted in 1951 but did not proceed until Fort Frances decided on the future treatment of sewage. The existing system of release into the lower Rainy River was deemed not to be acceptable. As early as 1914, the International Joint Commission had noted that raw sewage was effecting the quality of the Rainy River. Over the course of the next fifty years, the situation did not improve. By the 1950's public awareness throughout the continent lead to the push for sewage treatment. In 1956 the Ontario Water Resources Commission was organized to investigate water pollution and access concerns. Provincial Legislation was established to give the Commission authorization for the planning, construction and in some cases operation of water treatment facilities. The new Fort Frances Sewage Treatment plant was officially opened on July the 15th and the "Town Lauded for Progressiveness". The two million dollar facility was a primary treatment facility with provision for the installation of secondary treatment equipment. The system was designed to treat 2 million gallons daily, the equivalent of a community of 12,000 and was noted as being unusual in that it was gravity fed. It was also noted that "the wisdom of building the plant can be seen in the increase in building permits...two and one-half times the figures for 1963". The largest development occurring was the Shevlin Park subdivision. By 1965 sixty homes were built in "Fort Frances' Finest, Fastest Growing, Planned Residential Area." Keyes and Green Investors Ltd. development included Second Street, Third Street, Fourth Street and Fifth Street between Frenette and Shevlin Avenues. A memory for the scrap-book- Some 35 years ago my parents purchased one of these new homes in the Shevlin Park Sub-division. I recall sitting on the rough ply-wood floor in the kitchen on our first trip to see the new house. I don't know if I was more excited about the house or the "take-out-dinner" we brought there. We moved in amid the piles of dirt and construction debris, joining the new young families filling the block. The setting of course was a perfect play-ground for children- I am not too sure if our parents appreciated it though. In the last 15 years most of the original home-owners have retired and moved on. Having moved one street over in the Shevlin sub-division, I am now raising my children here in my neighbourhood. I tell them of day treks with friends in the bush behind St. Michael's School taking the paths all the way to the rail-way tracks in days before Banta Blvd, Russell Bay, Baeker Bay, Patcin and Katelyn Avenue existed.1965-New Voyageurs' Highway Era On June 23rd of 1965, the Fort Frances Times headlines the opening of the Causeway. The new 85-mile section of highway 11 between Atikokan and Fort Frances opened with the high-level bridge over Rainy Lake the centre piece. Highway 11 was originally constructed for $18,000 and opened a key east-west artery for Northwestern Ontario. The most note-worthy feature was the three-and-a-half mile causeway built for more than $6,500. At the time many new engineering techniques were employed and at the time of construction, the total length of the three bridges represented the longest pre-stressed concrete structure in the British Commonwealth. The opening of Highway 11 restored one of Canada's earliest cross-country routes from Lake Superior west- the canoe route of the voyageurs. Since the first records of Jacques de Noyons in 1688, the route had been well documented for trading activity. In 1857, the route was recommended for settler travel. The report of Simon Dawson and Henry Hind, proposed improvement of the original Voyageur route to produce a 499 mile land and water route from Thunder Bay to Fort Garry which could be covered in three days. The project was estimated to cost $55,000 and opened in 1871 to settlers. The arrival of the railway in Kenora in 1884 changed the route of travel to steamboats crossing the Lake of the Woods and up the Rainy River and led to the demise of the Dawson Trail. In 1902, the railway became the link to the east when the last spike was driven at Atikokan opening the MacKenzie and Mann Canadian Northern Railway. In 1933 a road was constructed to the eastern edge of Rainy Lake. As a winter relief project the road from the J.A. Mathieu sawmill in Sand Bay was extended to the five-mile dock. With no way of hauling gravel across the ravine and creek and no pile drivers for building a bridge, the men made do with building a snow bridge, packing the ravine and hauling with team and wagon the gravel that was then placed by man and shovel on the roadway. In 1936, the Northwestern Ontario Associated Chambers of Commerce began calling for the construction of the highway from Fort Frances to Kashabowie to link with Thunder Bay. After years of lobbying at 3 pm on May 14, 1958 W.G. Noden M.P.P. for the Rainy River riding set off a small 48-hole explosion to mark the start of construction of the Causeway. In 1965, the Causeway would be named for him.1966- "The last of the Lumber Barons" "As he nears 97. J.A. Mathieu Builds His 10th Sawmill" reads the headline of July 13th, 1966. The new Mathieu mill was out on Rainy Lake, five miles from down town Fort Frances. This was the fourth mill erected on the Rainy Lake site. Born in 1869, at Alma Wisconsin, J.A. Mathieu had entered into the logging and sawmilling business at the age of 17. In 1902 he arrived in the district as general manager of the Rainy River Lumber Company. In 1912, sawmill interests moved to Fort Frances, when the large Shevlin Clarke plant relocated to the site of our present day "sorting gap" marina. In 1921, Mathieu struck out on his own, establishing his first Rainy Lake mill- The Border Sawmill. On November 23, 1966, the death of J.A. Mathieu marked an end to an era in the logging and lumbering industry that would never be repeated. James Arthur Mathieu was noted as a pioneer, Lumberman, modern conservationist, public servant, public-spirited citizen, benefactor of education and philanthropist. As a conservationist he created a sanctuary west of Fort Frances known as Bonnieview. Man made lakes provided nesting grounds for migratory waterfowl, deer, beaver and even swans and peacocks were included. He undertook the first large scale reforestation project in the district in 1951. As a public servant, JA Mathieu served as a member of the Ontario Legislative Assembly from 1911 to 1923 and 1926 to 1929. As a public minded citizen he served as chairman for Victory Loan Campaigns and was active with the Canadian Red Cross and Salvation Army . As a benefactor of Education Mr. Mathieu organized the J.A. Mathieu Educational Foundation in 1945 to allow district boys and girls to continue their education. In recognition of his interests the 1952 Auditorium addition at the Fort Frances High School was named in his honour. As a Philanthropist Mr. Mathieu was noted for his financial support throughout the district. Churches of all denominations, hospitals, boys and girls clubs, annual fairs, agricultural associations, community centres, arenas, curling rinks and athletic teams benefited from his support. Described as larger than life, JA Mathieu was noted as usually a cheerful man with a chuckle that reminded everyone of Santa Claus. Befitting his public-bestowed title of "lumber baron" Mathieu drove a large Cadillac, wheeling it over lawns, golf courses, and beaver dams like a jeep on his daily inspections at his Bonnieview estate. Stories even elude to his winning his first mill in a card game.1967- "Community Celebrates the Centennial" In 1967 the community of Fort Frances celebrated with the rest of the country the 1867 founding of Canada. Activities planned by the Fort Frances Centennial Committee included: the crowing of a Centennial Queen; a beard growing contest; a Pioneer Night- honouring the oldest man, woman and couple residing in Fort Frances; students presenting "fine Centennial tributes" and creating Centennial displays; a Voyageur Pageant- featuring a cross country canoeing expedition and a Voyageur Sprint with a race from LaVerendrye Hospital to the Pither's Point Park; Centennial Teas; an Interfaith service; a presentation of "Dancing through the Century"; Talent Competitons; a Centennial Arts & Crafts Fair; Cultural Celebrations- a Centennial Ukranian Buffett supper featuring traditional foods, sale of Easter breads, the decorating of Easter eggs and a display of costumes and other articles; at the town hall a birthday cake replica and staff in old-fahsioned costumes; a Centennial Friendship Quilt; special appearances by international performers; "Treaty Day" Celebrations; Beta Sigma Phi Centennial Cotton ball; a Centennial Baby Award; Murals on lamp posts by the Fort Frances Arts Association; aerobatic shows; a Military Tatoo; Marching bands; Centennial Costumes; a Canadiana Night-featuring ethnic food and entertaiment; the revival of popular activities of the past including the 1930's sprort of barrel jumping; tea-cup reading, costumes and special Centennial prizes at the strawberry social of the LaVerendrye Hospital Auxillary; a Pairs and Squares Centennial dance with a jigging contest and competions in the latest go-go manner; an annual fast-ball tournament; a Centennial Cook-book; and the sale of Centennial Toques and crests; Centennial Coins were offered by the Retail Merchants. Featuring a replica of Fort St. Pierre on one side, they became a unique souvenir and proceeds went to build a 2067 Centennial Fund. The lasting reminder of the Centennial of 1967 was the establishment of the museum in the Centennial addition to the Fort Frances Public Library. The Fort Frances Kinsmen also had prepared Fort St. Pierre ready for a public opening. For the 1967 Centennial, "the emphasis has been placed on a "bottom up" celebration of Canada's Centennial. That is the celebration should be by the citizens themselves and not neccessarily thrust on them from some governmental source."1968- "What the heck is that?" In the fall of 1968, a new sculpture was gracing the front lawn of Robert Moore School. "So what's it supposed to be anyway?" has been the question ever since. The Fort Frances Times of September 25th, 1968 notes " The Robert Moore sculpture erected on the lawn in front of the school is the work of Ron Baird, a young Canadian Sculptor of increasing fame." Mr. Baird had also been commissioned to do a large welded steel sculpture in front of the School of Architecture in Toronto and nine major works for Expo ‘67 as well as sculptured gates for the Centennial Building in Oakville. The Robert Moore sculpture is recognized in a 1984 exhibition catalogue of Baird's as one of eight sculptures commissioned in 1968. An abstract piece, mounted on a pedestal in front of the school, it was commissioned by the Fort Frances-Rainy River Board of Education by the art consultant, Margaret Lichtenstein. In answer to the question "So what's it supposed to be anyway?", the artist sites inspiration from subconscious but realizes the archetypal forms are recognized as patterns in nature. Joan Murray, director of the Robert McLaughlin Gallery in Oshawa in 1984 writes.."Ron Baird is one of the sculptors who have developed a new aesthetic form in Canada— sculpture in the context of architecture." It was noted how well Baird's sculpture related to architecture, demonstrating a natural affinity. Baird is also noted for humour and playfulness. Whimsy and wit show up in Baird's contemporary work in the way he plays with half organic, half machine shapes to convey a sense of movement. School officials were quoted as saying "In purchasing a Baird welded sculpture we feel that we have a work which will not only commemorate the past but is symbolic of the future." The money to purchase the work was raised by the pupils, their parents and the staff of Robert Moore School during the 1967 Centennial year. The purpose was to acquire something out of the ordinary to commemorate Canada's 100th birthday. 1969- "Exploration hits new frontier" 1969 saw mankind taking a Giant Leap as Apollo 11 headed for the moon in July. The first walk on the moon took the world's interest as this new frontier was explored. Fort Frances Motor Products took advantage in a July 16th ad promoting that "very few of us will voyage to the moon, but we can all tour Mother Earth in style comfort and safety with a 1969 model". The two door hard tops advertised included a 1969 Camaro Hugger from the clearout price of $3,041. Some 289 years earlier the Rainy River District was considered a new frontier. The community recognized one of it's early explorers in September, when a plaque honouring Jacques de Noyon, First Explorer to Rainy River District was unveiled. In 1688, de Noyon only 20 years of age made the trip exploring the trade routes to the west. Erected on the Rainy Lake Lookout on the Noden Causeway the Ontario Heritage Foundation plaque reads " Born at Trois Rivieres and bought up at Boucherville, Jacques de Noyon, explorer, fur trader, and soldier, set out in 1688 for Lake Superior. He ascended the Kaministiqua River, the first European known to have explored this route to the Northwest. Near Fort Frances he established a post where he traded with Assiniboine Indians. From them he learned of the route to the Red River. Returning to Montreal in 1689, he made a report on this route which was of value to later explorers, particularly Pierre de LaVerendrye in 1732. Noyon's Post of 1688 makes Fort Frances the oldest settlement of continuous existence west of Lake Superior." The plaque ceremony was arranged and sponsored by the Department of History of the Fort Frances High School with Murray Kitts, department head acting as programme chairman. Chief Raymond Bruyere, of Couchiching unveiled the plaque and included a performance by the Young Canadians. "Have you heard about Dirty Marbles?" in April of 1969, Francis Gailling's new game was hitting the shelves at Bud's Office Supply. Arc Industries was busy producing about 100 to 150 games a day. The marble and dice game was named for the dirty tactics involved.