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Kaarine EvansIn 1918, black diphtheria swept through Turku, Finland. Within one week Jalmar and Elizabeth Salonen lost their two children. Their doctor advised the stricken parents to have another child. On March 22, 1920, Kaarine was born.
The Salonen family immigrated to Ontario in 1923. They lived in Sudbury, Timmins, and in 1929 moved to Kirkland Lake where they were to spend the rest of their lives. At that time Government Road was not yet paved.
Kaarine excelled as a student, attaining high marks and participating in cultural and athletic activities. While attending Kirkland Lake Collegiate and Vocational Institute she became the first female President of Student Council and was chosen valedictorian of her 1938 graduating class. The next year she graduated from Shaw's Business College and was employed by the Canadian Bank of Commerce for 8 years.
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Women of Kirkland Lake Exhibit - Civic Display Kaarine Evans Case8 June 2012
The Museum of Northern History
Credits:Image loaned from Museum of Northern History
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At KLCVI she met Ted Evans. They married in 1945 following his return from overseas where he had served with distinction as a Spitfire pilot. Kaarine assisted Ted in establishing his General Insurance business, and in 1970 Kaarine purchased Algar's Jewellery. Their children Lyn and Russell also chose to build their lives in Kirkland Lake and, like their parents, have been deeply involved in the education, business, and cultural needs of the community.4
KLCVI - Kirkland Lake's Public High SchoolCirca 1950's
Kirkland Lake, Ontario, Canada
Credits:Image from Museum of Northern History Collection
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Some of the organizations and activities in the Kirkland Lake area that Kaarine was a part of included: President of the Kinette Club and Hospital Auxiliary; Vice President of the Chamber of Commerce and Teck Pioneer Resident's Council; Director of the Kirkland Lake Hospital Foundation and K.L.E.D.A. Corporation; as well as volunteering with the Ontario Hospital Auxiliaries Association, Santa Claus Express, KLCVI Reunions, YMCA, Royal Canadian Legion Branch 87, Canadian Cancer Society, Horticultural Society, and the St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church Women's Association.Kaarine was well known for the many awards she received in appreciation for her service to the business, social and cultural life of this community, including some of the following: CJKL Lifetime Achievement Award (1995), Community Hero Award (1997), Ontario Horticultural Association District Service Award (1998), Ontario Horticultural Association Award of Merit for valuable contributions to the cause of Horticulture (provincial award).
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Algar's Jewellers Newspaper Article (part 1) - Kaarine Evans28 April 1994
Kirkland Lake, Ontario, Canada
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Algar's Jewellers Newspaper Article (part 2) - Kaarine Evans28 April 1994
Kirkland Lake, Ontario, Canada
Credits:Image loaned from Museum of Northern History
Article from Northern Daily News
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Well known as a convener of a variety of social events, many remember Kaarine as a great cook, gardener and the "hostess with the mostest"! She also served as Treasurer of the Santa Claus Express for 28 years, and helped by portraying "Mrs. Claus" for 17 years.While Kaarine lived at Teck Pioneer Residence, she took an active role serving on the Residents' Council and the Auxiliary. She was also the proud and loving grandmother of Tina, Peter, Jonathan and Christopher and great grandmother of Alexander, Adrianna and Joshua.
Kaarine Evans attended the opening of this exhibit despite being quite ill at the time. She died on July 11th 2012, within two months of the opening. Kaarine was a treasury of stories about her life, family, friends, travels and the 83 years she lived in and loved Kirkland Lake.
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