July 9, 2004 Day trips will keep you close to home

The following are several items that may be of interest to history buffs looking for an interesting day trip this summer. 

Nipissing University 

I wrote recently about Nipissing University’s new Institute for Community Studies and Oral History which records and collects important historical material from the area.  On June 25^th the Institute was officially launched in a ceremony in the Foyer of the University.  A large group of guests including representatives from various museums, Mayor Vic Fideli, and the North Bay Normal School Reunion Class of 1949-50 were present.  For further information on the Institute contact www.nipissingu.ca/ICSOH/, pick up their brochure at the university history department, or contact Francoise Noel Executive Director of the Institute at 474-3461 ext. 4496 (Fran @nipissingu.ca) 

The Kiosk Heritage Highway (630) 

On Saturday June 26^th an all day event launched an project to publicize the history and businesses on Highway 630.  Known as the Kiosk Road it runs from Hwy 17, 45km east of North Bay, 30km to the Kiosk Access Point in Algonquin Park.  A Trillium grant provided funding for the publication of a new brochure with old photos, many of interesting places and their history and various businesses.  The brochure which includes a map is available at Information Centres and at businesses on the road beginning with the Algonquin North Outfitters at the head of the road at Hwy 17. 

Dennis Whalley logging truck that cut the ribbon on the Hwy 630 Project.  Clem Duquette, Caren Gagne, Wayne Belter and Sandra Smyth L to R and MPP Monique Smith behind.

The event was opened by Sandra Smyth chair of the project, MPP Monique Smith, Wayne Belter, Trillium representative , Clem Duquette from Calvin Council and Caren Gagne Chair of NECO which also helped with the project.  A huge logging truck cut the ribbon across the highway recognizing the important role of logging in the area’s history.  There were tours, demonstrations, food, music etc.  All of the Federal Election candidates were present with their wives.

Nugget reporter Arnie Hakala looks over new Kiosk Road brochure with another guest at the event.

By the way, the annual Kiosk Reunion for former Kiosk residents takes place August 21 in Mattawa.  Call 705-744-0016 for information. 

New Boardwalk on the Mattawa River 

Another Trillium Grant has provided a beautiful walkway along the southern bank of the Mattawa River.  MPP Monique Smith, Wayne Belter from Trillium and Mattawa Horticultural Society President Richard Lebel along with Society members and guests officially opened the boardwalk on June 26^th. 

Mattawa Horticultural Society members and guests at opening of new boardwalk

The boardwalk is just one of many features that make a trip to Mattawa worthwhile.  The Museum on one of the most beautiful sites in Canada is now open.  Numerous bigger than life carvings of historical figures adorn the town at numerous locations and more are coming.  Mattawa has a new business plan encouraging people to sample various businesses in town.  More on the carvings and business plan in a future article. 

Don’t forget the Mattawa Voyageur Days July 22-25 and note that the Mattawa Museum will be celebrating its 20^th Birthday in a special event on July 24^th. 

Haileybury Centennial 

Haileybury will be celebrating its Centennial July 26 to Aug 12 with numerous events.  Watch the Nugget for details and take advantage of the opportunity to visit this interesting community, its museum, art gallery, etc. 

North Bay Walking Tours 

The North Bay Area Museum provides an excellent opportunity to look at the history of North Bay on a walking tour.  Call 476-2323 for details.  The Museum has a new Royal Ontario Museum exhibition on the Arts of China.  The Museum also has an Archaeology Quest dig July 19-23 looking for old artifacts from our native and Voyageur past. 

The North Bay Heritage Festival and Air Show is on from July 30 to Aug 2. 

Marten River 

Marten River has its Lumberjack Days July 17 and 18. 

South River Festival of the Arts 

South River continues its tradition of an exciting community event featuring history, art, music, courses, etc. from August 12-15. 

Commanda General Store Museum

The Commanda Museum has a fascinating Art and Literature Show and Sale fund raiser on Saturday and Sunday July 17& 18, 10-5 each day.  (729-2113)  Well known artists and authors will be present with their work.  The Art Show will also be shared with the Sunlight and Shadows Centre at Patchouli Park in Restoule on Commanda Lake.  The Centre has a wide variety of other activities beside the art including a miniature pioneer village and walking trails.  Phone 705-729-5047 (kodiak@efni.com) 

Algonquin Park 

The annual Algonquin Park Loggers Day will take place at the Loggers Museum near the East Gate of the Park on Hwy 60 on July 24.  The Information Centre on Hwy 60 has an excellent historical display, book store, restaurant, etc. 

All of the above provide opportunity for day trips, history, art and in some cases creative purchases.  Watch your local paper for details on these and other events of interest throughout the area.