1990- "Local Cemeteries reveal history of district residents" In 1990, the "transfer of over 150 graves from the Fort Frances and St. Mary's cemeteries during the summer unturned several mysteries in it wake" writes Jeremy Loome. Burials were transfered to the Riverview cemetery when bank errosion along the Rainy River threatened the sites. Jewell Sutherland writes that "as one wanders through a cemetery, one feels steeped in history. One wonders about the pasts of these people, the way they lived and where their families are now. " In the spring of this year over a dozen volunteers discovered the history of the past residents when over 1,700 markers were inventoried. Memorials range from simple understated headstones to more elaborate engraved markers expressing the lifestyle of the person and even large monuments that overlook the entire cemetery. Large family plots become a great source of genealogy and an important link to community history. Monuments to the lives of community founders and developers include early mayors such as businessman Louis Christie, Dr. David C. MacKenzie, Joseph H. Parker, Dr. Robert Moore, businessman Herbert Williams, Archibald McTaggart, and Fred Morrison. Monuments to individuals involved in politics, education and early community service and business include J.A Mathieu, lumber baron and Member of the Provincial Parliament from 1911-1923 and 1926-1929; D. J. Gillon, early land surveyor; Charles J. Hollands, the first magistrate; William Phair, an early reeve of Alberton when Fort Frances was part of that municipality; J.W. Walker, public school principal and town clerk; George Webster, an early settler whose farm occupied much of the west end of Fort Frances; and Fletcher H. Huffman, teacher and school principal. Thanks to Lisa & Erica Strom, Marg Roussea, Mac Fischer, Dan Gallow, Vickie Wishart, Larry Wood, Mary Johnson, Jennifer Allan, Kendra Halvorsen, Joanna Cain, Angela Shoemaker, Amanda Galusha, Pam Hawley, Janet Bell, and Art Gunnell who completed the inventory of the St. Mary's and Fort Frances Cemetery. Plans are underway to inventory Riverview and Holy Cross cemeteries August 22nd & 23rd. Anyone interested in assisting can contact the museum at 274-7891. 1991- "Surveyors make mark on Community" In 1991, Jewell Sutherland of the Fort Frances Times wrote "Surveyors have very historical background". The centennial of the Ontario Land Surveyors was the opportunity to reflect on the important role land surveyors had played in the development of the district. The first mapper/surveyor/explorer in this area was Pierre Gautier de Varennes, Sieur de LaVerendrye in 1732. Following the lead of early explorers- he was searching for the "Western Sea". His mark is still in the community today with LaVerendrye hospital and the replica Fort St. Pierre named in his honour at Pither's Point Park. His arrival in the area lays foundation for our claim of being the "earliest settlement west of Lake Superior." Other early explorers followed the water route including Sir Alexander MacKenzie in 1789-93. David Thompson journeyed through this area in 1797 as surveyor of the international boundary and as he travelled and noted visiting the Rainy Lake House of the Northwest Company. Dawson & Hind published exploratory surveys between Lake Superior and the Saskatchewan River in 1859. It wasn't until 1875 that the Town Plot of Alberton was surveyed. Mr. CC. Forneri was resposible for much of these early surveys. The Dominion surveys were conducted in 1886, opening up the area for settlement. Early surveys were concerned with mining and timber claims- the wealth of the district. From the late 1800's Douglas John Gillon was responsible for much of the surveys conducted in the area. The November 25th, 1948 edition of the Fort Frances Times notes "Mr. Gillon knew the District of Rainy River better than any other man. As Ontario Land Surveyor, he not only plotted nearly all of Fort Frances but he also surveyed the greater part of the district. He also came to this district in 1896, travelling over the old Tower route, when the district gold boom was getting underway." The Town of Fort Frances honoured Gillon with the naming of a street forever recognizing the role of DJ Gillon in the development of our community.1992-Preserving Built Heritage- an important link to Community History As we continue to count down to the Centennial in 2003, an examination of the news shows that in 1992 an important landmark was saved from the wrecking ball. On Jan 15th "Last ditch appeal to council fails to save old CN Station from date with wrecking ball" proved to be a rallying cry for SOS- save our station. The Canadian Northern Railway Station had been built in 1913 when the original station built in 1902 proved to be inadequate for the level of activity taking place. The Fort Frances Times of 1913 describes the "New CNR Station Built at a cost of $40,000... the building is of red brick with cut stone facings, one story high with tower for dispatchers. It is 147 feet long, 24 feet wide and divided into several offices and rooms"... including men's and ladies waiting rooms, lavatories, ticket office, parcel office, baggage room, bonded wareroom, customs office and immigration office and a large roomy basement. "The entire finish is in quartered oak, the walls being tinted light azure blue. Electroliers in oxidized copper finish adorn the ceiling." The old station was moved to the east side of the new station and renovated to become a dining hall and restaurant which for a time was known as the beanery. In 1928 an 34foot by 24 foot addition was built to the east end of the station to handle freight and express. Since it's arrival in 1901, the CNR had been an important part of community life. Jane Leveridge recalls.."well do I remember the first time I heard the whistle of the work train". Zelma Howarth recalls the social impact of the train..." After the CNR came through a popular picnic trip was from Barwick to Rainy River on one of the passenger boats returning by train. On the first few trips the engine would uncouple and cross the bridge alone then back up for the cars when the safety of the bridge had thus been assured." The popularity of the passenger train to Winnipeg was noted on October 22nd, 1936- "Another 25 passengers made their way into Winnipeg Saturday morning, making a total of 75 taking advantage of the low fare over the weekend." In 1977 passenger service was suspended as uneconomical. The use of the CN depot for railroad operations was suspended in 1987. On September 30, 1992 the SOS was successful as the headline read "Deal completed to Save CN station". Now declared as a Heritage building- this link in Community History is preserved.1993-A New Era of Curling Begins... As we continue to count down to the Centennial in 2003, an examination of the news shows that 1993 "a new era of local curling history begins..." On February 9th, " It was an evening of pride, and a hint of the future, as the Fort Frances Curling Club held its official dedication and ribbon-cutting ceremony at the new six-sheet facility on eighth street. A Curling club had been established as early as 1897 and in 1898, the Fort Frances Curling Club was formed adopting the rules of the Royal Caledonia Club. With the erection of a Curling and Skating rink in 1898, the club ordered stones to be delivered by Wabigoon stage route as soon as ice the was safe to travel on. On October 13th, 1898 citizens were urged to "get your curling stones and skates in order as Fort Frances is to have a brand new rink, equal to any in the country." For a cost of $1,000 the new 48 x 165 foot "Army-Navy Arena" boasted waiting rooms and other conveniences with the newest feature- lighting of the entire facility with acetylene gas. This first facility was located beside the new school (Museum) facing Portage Ave. (were the Mid-Town Motel is now located) By 1920 a company was organized " with the idea of establishing a building suitable for skating, curling and all other athletic sports" Not to exceed the sum of $30,000 the facility was erected as a memorial to men who gave their lives in sacrifice. On Dec 16, 1920, the Fort Frances Times headline reads "the mammoth skating and curling rink opened its doors..." "Skating Rink was Crowded with Happy Skaters...Band Enlivens Fun with Music...Curlers Happy with Stane and Besom." This new 70 x 170 foot facility boasted 4 sheets of ice and was located between Church Street and Nelson Streets on Portage Ave. The popularity of curling was noted..."The four large sheets of curling ice are ablaze these nights with Scotch bonnets and plaid jacket. The noise is at times most distractin'. ..a large number of novices are wielding the broom the the enjoyment of those who are old at the game. The vigor with which some (?) of them wield the broom, when the stone reaches them near the other end is splendid. But what is the difference everyone is enjoying the healthy wholesome outdoor sport..." "There will be no curling in Fort Frances." noted presiden Roy Avis when the October 4, 1991 The Daily Bulletin of the Fort Frances Times headline read "Curling Club Condemned." The hiatus lasted until the 1993 opening of the new 1.8 million dollar facility proving that "Curling was alive and well in Fort Frances." 1995-Come Fly with Me. On August 9th of 1995 the headline read "Ottawa hands over Fort airport operations". The signing ceremony "transferred all federal chattels at the Fort Frances Airport to the Town of Fort Frances." The District Sun of 1975 recalls that records show that as far back as March 1930, Fort Frances has been chose as "the spot" in Northwestern Ontario where an airport should be established. Council passed a resolution in 1932, requesting that the Dominion Government be approached to establish a dry-landing airport at Fort Frances. The request resulted in the approval of a sea-base operation that failed to get off the ground. The first fly-in service had been established in the 1940's for access by fishermen to remote camps and outposts. Rusty Myers had begun flying as a hobby in 1941 when he bought his first plane. He gradually increased his staff and planes to become a long established Fort Frances business. Vern Jones of Rainy Lake Airways began operations in 1954 and Canadian Voyageur Airways operated by Bud Mallory began operations in 1965. An Airport Commission was in place since 1958, but it wasn't until 1969 when the site of the "Bornaire Limited Airport" was purchased that the dream of an airport became a reality. A terminal was constructed with the first scheduled flights by Canadian Voyageur Airlines, NorOntair made connections beginning in 1975 with Bearskin Airlines taking over in 1996. In February of 2000, a new terminal building was opened.1996- New Police in Place. In June of 1996 headlines read that "Ceremony pipes in OPP Switch" "marking a new chapter in policing in Fort Frances." as remarked by Mayor Witherspoon. Councillor George Blanc pointed out "that policing in Fort Frances has quite a history ...the first town constable also was the town lamp lighter, tax collector, and overseer of sidewalk repair." John Justus Knauff of Lachute Quebec had been appointed the town's first constable after incorporation. He kept this posistion for a year and was paid $50.00 a month. William J . Readman was Knauff's predeceasor and held the position for 15 years. In 1906, Readman also assumed the duties of Engineer of the Fire engine and caretaker of the new town hall and opera house. Some early resolutions pertaining to police duties included May 4, 1905 that the town constable was instructed to order a suitable uniform from one of the town merchants. Urgent police matters were dealt with on Oct. 23, 1906 when the running at large of milk cows within the town limits was prohibited. On July 15, 1912, the first Police Commission was appointed replacing the Fire, Water and Light Committee which had beed perviously been responsible for policing. On May 15, 1913, the Police Commission requested permission for Mr. Bishop to ride his bike on the sidewalk as it was impossible for him to look after the town's work on foot. Later a motorcycle was available with restrictions on morning use and recommendations that "During the night officers on duty will make one or two trips on motorcycle to the E & W end of town". In the 1920's Hampshire's taxi service was used by Police to answer calls. Chiefs of the Fort Frances Police Force also included Hugh Dennis, ( 19- 1996), Mike Solomon (1965-), Louis Camirand (1934-1965), Edward George Berry (1927-1934), Syd Wall (1919-1926). At one time the Police department operated out of the present Museum building on Scott Street. Memories of going on a field trip from Robert Moore School to be finger printed.1998- Celebrating 100 Years As we continue to count down to the Centennial in 2003, an examination of the news shows that 1998 was also a year to celebrate! Communities in the district were celebrating Centennials and town institutions were recognizing 100 years of exisistence. The Fort Frances Public Library had begun in 1898 as a branch of the "Mechanics Institute", a movement aimed at providing education for working men. Growing and developing with the needs of the community, construction of a Carnagie Library began in 1914 and in 1967, a Centennial addition established a Museum in the library. In 1998, Friends of the Library adorned Century costumes to host a tea in recognition of the event. The Fort Frances Museum, recognized the Centennial of it's building in 1998. Built as a school house in 1898, the building at 259 Scott Street was established because of the overflow of students attending the Little Red School House behind the Bank of Commerce. The site hosted continuation and High School Classes before becoming the Legion building. The 1998 Designation under the Ontario Heritage Act recognized the historical and community importance of this century old facility in the town of Fort Frances. The Grand Masonic Lodge had held their first meeting in 1898 in the new school house and in 1998 also recognized a 100 years of existence in the Community. In 1898, the Municipality of McIrvine was incorporated comprising of the Township of McIrvine and the Village of Fort Frances. It was 50 years later that the Town of Fort Frances would annex the township of McIrvine.1999- Lights, Camera, Action! In the fall of 1999 the much anticipated Townshend Theatre opened to the public. "Theatre rings with applause at grand opening. People gave high praise for support" read the headline as..." Natalie McMaster received the first standing ovations in the facility." Fort Frances Time Sept 22, 1999. It was almost 50 years earlier that the J.A. Mathieu auditorium opened as the prime location to enjoy the theatrical arts. The Fort Frances Board of Education, in recognition of Mr. J.A. Mathieu's interest in education, named the Fort Frances High School Auditorium built in 1952 after Mr. Mathieu. The east ring of the Fort Frances High School was rebuilt after being destroyed in the fire of 1950. At that time the auditorium was named in honour of J.A. Mathieu who had laid the cornerstone for the addition. The central feature of the 1952 addition to the Fort Frances High School was the large gymnasium-auditorium was a versatile room which...could accommodate an audience of about 800 persons viewing events presented on the roomy stage. Probably the earliest theatre stage was built in the original Town Hall Building. Known as an opera house the theatre occupied the top floor. The site was the scene of many popular plays including popular Gilbert and Sullivan plays. Competition eventually lead to the demise of the opera house when the Rainy Lake Hotel opened its ballrooms in 1929 and the original Memorial Arena built at the corner of Scott and Portage as a memorial to men who gave their lives in World War I opened in 1921. The Rainy Lake Hotel ball room provided a terazzo floor, textured plastered walls, checkroom and stage with all the accessories. Even when constructed on the Memorial Arena began in 1949, "the need for a large auditorium as planned...was demonstrated..when an overflow crowd jammed the town hall auditorium." Fort Frances Times and Rainy Lake Herald, January 27, 1949.