1970- "LaVerendrye Plaque Unveiled" On June 6th of 1970, members of the District Horticultural Society unveiled an historic plaque commemorating Sieur de La Verendrye at Pither's Point in Fort Frances. The monument was erected through the Department of Public Records and Archives, acting on the advice of the Department of Public Records and Archives. The plaque reads, "Pierre Gaultier de Varennes, Sieur de La Verendrye, was born at Trois Riviers and saw military service in North America and Europe before entering the fur trade. While stationed at Lake Nipigon in 1727, he heard stories of the "Western Sea" which, INdians said, lay somewhere beyond Lake of the Woods. During the next twenty years, in attempting to reach this sea, he personally explored much of what is now north-western Ontario, southern Mantiboa and North Dakota, and directed the exploration of an even larger area. Throughout this territory he established numerous, important fur-trading posts, including St. Pierre on Rainy Lake, St. Charles on Lake of the Woods and La Reine on the Assiniboine River." This plaque joined a series commemorating the history of the fur trade in Fort Frances, in 1969, a plaque for Noyon, and in 1956 a plaque at the Northwest Company site. It was Mr. G. F. "Frank" Webster who became noted as an advocate for the recognition of the fur trade sites at Fort Frances. An editorial recognizing Mr. Webster in 1965 after his death, states that as "a resident of Fort Frances since 1897...a young man of 19, he saw the Town of Fort Frances incorporated... and took an interest in municipal affairs... It was in early history that Mr. Webster showed his greatest interest...The historical marker standing on the site of Athabaska House is a much a memorial to Mr. Webster and the late Leonard Williams as it is to the early voyageurs who came here for their supplies." Frank Webster was the son of George Webster, for whom Webster avenue is named. George Webster had purchased what was known as the Lillie farm from the late Herb Williams and during the early war years subdivided the property. Frank Webster had ensured that a reserve of land was set aside at the end of Fairies (now Keating) Avenue for a marker of the Athabasca House of the Northwest Company.1971- "30 Years ago- the landscape changes." 1971 brings us back 30 years in the History of Fort Frances. The changing landscape of the community included the construction of a new school, opening of a new industry and the loss of two major parts of the business district. On April 23rd fire claimed the Trading Post, Modern Exchange, Joe's Barber Shop and The Fashionette Beauty Salon when the Fontana block on the south west corner of Scott and Mowat was destroyed. Later on that year the A. Katz building on the northside met the same fate. The October fire destroyed the original 1905 building erected by J.C. Scott for his jewelry store. "Westfort a school for children" was the headline of the Fort Frances Times on August 18th. The doors were to open on September 7th with 347 grade 9 students expected to enroll. Constructed by Poole Construction Co. the 650,000 square foot school cost $1,624,214. Des Fleurie was the first principal of the transitional school- designed to take pupils from 12 district schools with a faculty of 16 full time teachers and nine part-time teachers. On November 24th, 1971, the headline read "O-M Kraft mill is now in production". $45 million was invested in the facility that would produce 400-500 tons of pulp a day. Based on a 1967 feasibility study, the company determined that it would be viable to have a mill to meet the need for chemical pulp currently purchased out side the company and to use the under utilized supply of jack pine. Construction of the facility began in February of 1970. The 18 months of construction saw some 20 train carloads of constructions materials, machinery and supplies crossing the bridge and included the largest and heaviest loads ever moved by the Dakota and Western Railway Company. The new facility employed more than 550 people including those employed in the woods with an annual payroll of $4 million.1972 "Park Praised for Enhanced Landscaping" During the summer of 1972, the Board of Park Management was noted for the landscaping enhancing the area. On May 17th the Fort Frances Times notes that "the Board of Parks Management had just in the past few years created the park south of the tracks, trees had been planted and the tower situated in the landscaped "point"". Photographs of the re-assembly of the lookout tower at Pither's Point were featured. The forestry lookout radar tower was located at Pal Lake, disassembled and marked to be transported to Fort Frances. Industrial Development Commissioner James Towse was responsible for the project estimated to cost $12,636 for the re-location. The 100 foot tower weighs an approximate 90 tons and was assembled in sections. Each section of the tower was lifted onto the one beneath it by the use of cranes. Leo Bernier, minister of natural resources opened the tower on July 1st after a short history by Mr. Ron Balkwill, a local forester. During the Fun in the Sun Activities 1,000 people climbed the tower. The Lookout Tower did hit a glitch in mid-July however, Council had requested that it be closed for safety reasons, requesting that the stair well be enclosed and that a sign be erected advising that persons were using the tower at their own risk. In 1975, the Museum Committee was established and began to plan a tourist orientated museum display for the Lookout Tower . Further additions to the Point Park in 1972 included the cairn commemorating Robert J.N. Pither after whom Pither's Point Park was named. The Cairn and Plaque were also unveiled on July 1st with the "landscaping enhancing the area". Robert John Nicholson Pither once lived at the "point of land where Rainy Lake discharges into Rainy River, giving rise to its name as Pither's Point". Born in Montreal in 1824, Pither entered the employ of the Hudson's Bay Company in 1846, and was at Fort Frances from 1853 to 1856 as postmaster and from 1858 to 1863 as clerk. Mr. Pither was involved in signing the first Treaty with the First Nations (No. 2 of 1871) and was appointed Indian agent at Fort Frances until being transferred to Rat Portage were he retired in 1891. Pither passed away in 1918.1973- "Boasting of the Largest Log Building in Northwestern Ontario" In 1973, the Kiwanis Club of Fort Frances took on the project of constructing a new dining hall and kitchen facilities at it's district children's camp- Sunny Cove. In August 15, 1973 a photo boasts that the 120 foot by 32 foot log building was the largest in Northwestern Ontario. It was noted that over 1,000 campers were making use of Sunny Cove Camp faciltities each summer and the local club took on the $40,000 project to expand its use. The Kiwanis had taken active management of Sunny Cover Camp in 1956. The camp itself had begun in 1935. Baptist Minister, Rev. Roy McGregor announced that a campsite had been secured for the girls and boys of Fort Frances to have "the privilege of camp life at a very low cost. The camping ground is located on a fine sandy beach about one-half mile from Rocky Inlet Station." Beth Caldwell continued to note the history in her 1996 article in the Fort Frances Times. "On the day of going to camp, each camper will be expected to bring (a few personal items) and a hamper of food. In order that no boy or girl will be kept away through lack of money, the registration fee has been set at .50 (for three days), which will include railroad fare." Rev. McGregor had purchases four acres of property from farmer Achilles Leger. During the mid ‘30's and early ‘40's the local CNR atrain would bring campers up to Rocky Inlet, then they would walk to the lakeshore property via the Leger farm. At the first bible camp in 1934, the children came prepared to sleep on the ground outdoors. Long army tents were available to sleep in before cabins were built. In 1935 McGregor Lodge was built to provide a meeting area, kitchen and staff room. In 1939, the operation of the camp was turned over to a board of trustees representing district churches until the Junior Chamber of Commerce (Jaycees) took over. The Kiwanis assumed ownership of the camp in 1957 and began to spend much time and money on providing ideal camping conditions for the boys and girls of the district. Once the Causeway was constructed , an easement was secured so that a road could be constructed to provide access. The new log structure was named for Mr. Kiwanis- W.T. Russell who retained his membership since 1924 until his death in 1968. 1974- "New Swimming & Socializing Centre Opens" On November 6, 1974, the Fort Frances Times Headline boasts that "500 Swimmers try out new pool on Monday Night Opening Swim." Approximately 2,000 community members were estimated to have viewed the new Centre. Opening activities included a show by the Thunder Bay Synchonittes of synchronized swimming. By November 27th the first swimming meet was held with a team from Dryden competing and diving included in the events. On September of 1973 the Kinsmen Club announced that it was proceeding with plans to construct the indoor swimming pool. Chairman George Wood reported that provincial government approval was received and federal approval was pending and a call for tenders was being submitted. Construction was set to go on October 4th of 1973. The Kinsmen Club pledged $100,000 to the half million dollar project. The pool was described as "a super deluxe 25 meters by 12 meters, sporting a dandy diving board over the nine foot six inch deep end of the pool. The huge spoon shaped four (sic) laned swimming and socializing centre comes equipped with boys' change rooms, sauna and showers and girls change rooms, sauna and showers; a hand ball court that'll be used for one-man or one-woman tennis matches with a little three and half-foot door for an entrance and a spectator area above, a few pieces of equipment will be available in the exercise-come-teaching room; but more exercisers stretchers, de-crampers, muscle pullers, and arm and leg shapers should be available later on." It was also noted that "Kampy kids and status hipsters will probably be dismayed a bit when they learn they will be unable to wear the latest swimming fashion- jean cut-offs and tee-shirts." Local swimming legend George Mayhew was quick to promote swimming writing a letter to the editor outlining the benefits of "the crawl stroke". Featured in a January 1975 article the by line under his photo reads that despite his 73 years he swims a mile a day at the new Fort Frances Swimming pool. The article notes that even after swimming his mile he "has plenty of spunk left in him to chatter on about the benefits of swimming."1975- "Public Works began early in Fort Frances" The headline of May 21, 1975 exclaims that "After 100 years, there's still hope for the canal". The article goes on to recall that on May 14, 1875, Hugh Sutherland, superintendent of public works, arrived in Fort Frances to commence construction of the canal on the Rainy River around Chuadierre or Alberton Falls. He brought with him 46 men under contract, four horses and a quantity of supplies which soon proved to be inadequate. Their first task was the construction of a boarding house 24'x60', a storehouse 24'x50' and an office 16'x26'. Henry I. Mortimer, resident engineer, completed a survey on June 29, and excavation of the earth was begun on July 1. The rock cut was to be lined with woodwork, chiefly red pine, obtained from the north shore of the Rainy River. Later the dimensions of the canal were altered to include only one lock, 200'long, 36'6" wide at its narrowest part and a total lift to vary from 22 1/2' during high water to 24' during low water. The work included the removal of of the 28,000 cubic feet of clay and granite with 14,000 feet of granite to be drilled. In November of 1875, Sutherland was advised to suspend work on the canal as a decision to build a railway to the north was made. Work on the canal did resume however so that the route could be opened to transport supplies for the CPR construction. The moving of heavy freight along this route however was deemed to be expensive and impractical. The value of the canal for local traffic was also limited due to the scarcity of settlement and the access to US. railroads. By 1878 work was indefinitely stopped. Provision for completion was made however, and included stipulation that in the construction of the dam, the canal would not be interfered with. The International Bridge also included a provision for raising the section over the canal so boats could use it. It was not until after WWII that the lifting structure was removed. Today the canal remains incorporated in the dam for the discharge of waste water into the lower river.1976- "New Seat of Government Opens" 1976 brought a new facelift for the Town's seat of government when the new Civic Centre opened for use. The photo caption of Aug 4th reads that "the Look of the new has replaced the Ruins of the old." A referendum was held for the building of the new facility in 1974. Approved by a margin of 1072 to 738 the building of a new town hall was a source of debate for the community. Official sod-turning for the project was held on December 21 of 1974. On January 28th of 1976 it was noted "work was reaching the finishing stages on the already year old project". One of the set backs included a strike by carpenters. Finally on Friday May 14th a large crowd gathered to commemorate the official opening of the $1.75 million civic centre. The mayor was happy to announce that "we will have to only issue a debenture of $250,00". The referendum had approved a maximum of $350,000. The ceremony also included the presentation of a Canadian Flag to Mayor Avis by the Fort Frances Branch of the Royal Canadian Legion. The new spacious building houses the town administrative officers as well as the police department and fire department. This must have been some relief to the Police department that had been operating out of the basement of the old Legion (now Fort Frances Museum) building. The new Council Chambers were perhaps the central feature of the new facility- acoustically designed with a sound system, a three tier public area accommodated approximately 130 people. It was also noted that "the walls are designed in such a matter as to permit a second floor to be added to the building if and when additional floor space is required in the future." The 20,748 square foot facility was built around the 1905 existing Town Hall. The "old town hall" was removed from the centre area after the opening. Landscaping and the addition of walkways, benches and flagpoles have quickly changed the area, removing any trace of the original building. We invite you to submit your story to the Centennial Community Scrap Book being compiled by the Fort Frances Centennial Book Committee. If you are having difficulty getting started- consider answering some of these questions- When did your family arrive in Fort Frances? Where did you live in Fort Frances? How did your neighbourhood change over the years? What type of jobs have you done? What types of recreational activities did you do? What groups or organizations were you involved in? Some questions that have come up this week include- does anyone know about the Griffith nursing home?, is anyone interested in writing a history of the "lunch basket" in the mill?, what is the story of the establishment of different ethnic neighbourhoods in our community? Feel free to contact the Museum to tell your story.1977- "Trains, golf, hospitals and day care hits the headlines" As the countdown to the 2003 Centennial continues we'll take a look at a variety of the happenings of 1977. The year proved to be an active one with the development of recreation, medical services and the loss of some business and gain of others. In early January the Acres on Highway 11 east of Fort Frances was destroyed by fire it was noted that the lack of water and freezing temperatures hampered the work of the Fort Frances fire department. The Pacific 66 gas station and Bill MacDonald Motors garage were demolished to make way for a new parking lot for O-M employees. The "Newest Fort Businessman is also the youngest" was noted when Bob Thompson took over the Dairy Queen operation from his father. (age will not be mentioned!) Plans included the landscaping and parking lot paving for the new store that had recently moved from the Pither's Point spot. The Lerman's shared memories of 50 years of business as they closed their store with George Mylenchuk stepping in to follow the successful formula of Alex and David under the name of Georgie's. The closing of Del Zotto's store was noted as Nona Emma Del Zotto retired after 31 years in business. She recalls arriving on Sixth Street before it had a road, telephone or electric lights. The DelZotto's store is noted as one of a series of small neighborhood grocery stores that graced our town. Perhaps in related news- Safeway opened it's new store at it's present location. The Armit and Scott St site was the third location of the store since it's opening in 1929. The Toronto Dominion Bank opened a new building changed original building after raizing the original 63 year old facility. By April the new Chronic Wing at La Verendrye Hospital was underway. At that time it was noted as the costliest building project undertaken for public use in Fort Frances. At a cost of $4,255,000 37 chronic beds were added to the 38 year old LaVerendrye Hospital. A Modern Manor on Sixth Street featured 35 units for senior citizens officially opened in the fall. The Wee Folks Day Care began operating under the auspices of the Native Friendship Centre out of the Calvary Tabernacle Church basement in the summer. By the end of the year a move to the Polish Friendly Alliance Society provided more space. The Museum Board was busy planning renovations to 259 Scott Street as town council gave approval for use of the old legion building. The Fort Frances High School was the site of staff changes as W.B. Book and L.D. Farago were noted as retiring Centerians with a combined retirement factor of 202 years (years of service plus age). Ralph Whetstone also retired as high school music teacher and as a memento of his years dedicated to the school band was leaving a trophy to be presented to outstanding music students. The new golf course was undertaking a membership drive to support the new $680,000 course and modern club house. The 18 hole course replaced the former nine-hole course leased on Point Park property originally started in 1926. The first all-woman fire-fighting team in Ontario was formed in Fort Frances. Kim Bruyere, Patti Sawchick, Pat Groom and Val Bruyere were hired by the MNR to fight forest fires here this summer. (wage $5.63 and hour plus overtime). Not to be out done- O-M hired it's first all-woman logging crew composed of Nancy Phillips, Lynn Germain, Janet Fisher and Anita Hahkala. A new traffic light graced the corner of Second and Third St. at Central Avenue. The Public Utilities hooked up the system to improve the traffic movement at this hazardous corner. The Manitou Access road was on its way toward completion with 32 kms remaining to join the 150 km route between Fort Frances and Dryden. As travel changed CNR announced the last of passenger trains in the district on July 31. We invite you to submit your story to the Centennial Community Scrap Book being compiled by the Fort Frances Centennial Book Committee. Let us know about those corner stores, travel on the 502 or early golfing.1978- "Doctor's Retirement recalls Medical Developments" On June 28, 1978 the Fort Frances Times reported on the roasting and toasting of Dr. W.G. Boyle who was honoured for 46 years of service. "Doc Boyle was "roasted" for his lifetime of thrift, auto speeding, golfing and fiddle playing." A graduate from Toronto Medical College, Dr. Boyle had arrived in the district in 1932 coming at first to Barwick from Detroit. Noticing an ad that the municipality would pay part of his salary, for the next three years he earned $50 a month from the Barwick council and eight or nine dollars a week from his patients because "nobody had any money." As a Fort Frances jail surgeon Dr. Boyle noted earning $16.66 a month for his services. Dr. Boyle served four years in the RCAF, returning to a position at La Verendrye Hospital which had opened in 1941. Boyle notes highlights of his practice included attending to victims of the Dance Fire in 1938, involvement with the hot stove murder, and the birth of the first triplets in Fort Frances- the Bujold's in 1962. It was also noted that his wife Germain was of great assistance- earning the recognition as the first woman anesthetist in the district during an appendectomy in a Barwick kitchen. She was also noted for learning how to use a bicycle pump for suction during certain operations. With Dr. Solomon, Dr. Boyle founded the original Fort Frances Medical Clinic at 221 Scott St. ( now Lidkea's Optometry office) . In 1957 the Fort Frances Clinic moved to it's current location at the corner of Victoria and Nelson with six doctors combining their practices. Dr. Boyle was joined by Dr. Challis, Dr. Morril, Dr. Skinner, Dr. Solomon and Dr. Soper with Dr. Amonson providing dental services. Carl Schubring notes that "in the pre-world War II years, Fort Frances was served by Drs. Johnson, J.E. O'Donnell, Ralph Hartry, Lyn Gunn and W.G. Boyle"