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April 7, 2000
Columnist hopes to bring area history to life
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I look forward to the exciting and challenging task of providing heritage
perspectives on the area around North Bay. Fortunately, our libraries,
museums, local historians, newspaper columnists and others have paved the
way for this endeavour.
Getting Involved
Some of the things I will write about will be a review of heritage work
already done, while some will be new and original. My hope is to
provide information that will encourage people to get involved in experiencing
their heritage by visiting museums, archives and other sites, and by searching
out information regarding their own personal or local history. Indeed,
more than just merely something interesting to read about, history can
be deeply relevant to all our lives.
The North Bay Nugget has always done a good job in recognizing our heritage
but this publication, focusing specifically on the area outside of North
Bay.
The current “Our History, Our Heritage” Millennium Feature by Cup Gunning,
and the long-standing Pine Cones column by Gord McCullough are excellent
examples of the Nugget’s interest in local history. The Nugget Feature
articles by Bill Steer and the old Hartley Trussler Reflections columns
are also invaluable resources. Space does not allow for extensive
reporting on topics here, so I will try to be specific about the location
of any material I use so that those who are interested in further research
can do so on their own.
Personal history—or genealogy—has become a passion for people all across
the globe thanks in part to the accessibility of information via computers,
by the development of family name associations and other genealogical organizations.
The Ontario Genealogical Society, with a central office, numerous publications,
conferences and twenty eight branches, makes family history much more accessible
than it has been in the past. The Nipissing Branch has a resource
centre in the North Bay Public Library and has a remarkable collection
of material and knowledgeable volunteers on hand who are more than willing
to help. I hope to report on some of their activities and resources
for those outside of North Bay who wish to begin or expand upon their interest
in family history.
History becomes much more meaningful if it is experienced first hand.
Visiting museums and historical sites or participating in conferences or
reunions makes our heritage come alive.
Heritage tourism economic boon
Heritage tourism trips or holidays are not only fun and informative, but
they are also good for the local economy and progressive communities are
tapping into this as a viable economic resource. I recently attended
a conference in Pembroke on “Cultural Heritage Tourism in Ontario” where
my son gave a talk on collecting oral history to enrich heritage sites.
The 175 page Conference Proceedings clearly indicates that heritage tourism
has the potential to be a major social and economic force in Ontario.
North Bay is very aware of this growing trend and has extensive plans for
programs that we can all enjoy. The Timber Train in Mattawa and the
Canadian Ecology Centre at Samuel de Champlain Provincial Park are also
major examples of the recent growth of heritage tourism in our area.
In small communities all around the North Bay area other heritage initiatives
are being developed. The effort to develop the old South River train
station and the current interest in revitalizing the Commanda Museum are
only two of the many examples that I hope to report on in this column.
Many communities have heritage themes as part of their community events,
and this provides great opportunities for people to explore their past
first hand. At this time of year, for example, maple syrup festivals
are in full swing. One of several such events is the annual Powassan
Maple Syrup Festival which will be held on April 15. Details of this
event are provided elsewhere in this publication. Come along and
join in and see some of Powassan’s heritage. This traditional celebration
features the age-old maple syrup ritual with tours, demonstrations, a pancake
breakfast (served with maple syrup of course!), live music and more.
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In 1998, Powassan buisinessman Gary stillar refurbushed this wonderful
Main Street building built by Edward Topps in 1891. All of the people gathard
round the restored buisiness are dressed in period costume for Powassan’s
Dicken’s Christmas Week last winter. |
Preservation importent
one last theme I hope to touch on in this column is the importance of the
conservation and preservation of our history. Ian Wilson, Canada’s
National Archivist, was a keynote speaker at the above mentioned conference.
In his presentation “Heritage is More Than Nostalgia” he quoted the work
of the U.S. National Trust for Historic Preservation which provides guidelines
for the conservation and protection of heritage resources all over the
United States. One local example of such heritage preservation is
shown in the photo above. This building on the main street of Powassan
was built in 1891 and was fully restored—complete with the authentic signage—in
1998 by Gary Stillar, for his plumbing and electrical business. The
narrow upper windows above the plate glass at the front of the store were
covered for years but opened in the restoration. The diary of Edward
Topps, the carpenter who originally built the building, indicates that
he earned $2 per day, or $1.50 with board!
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Beneath the row of bricks at the top of the first story
of theis Powassan Main Street building was found a bank of shallow windows
ahich add a special charm to the renovated buisiness. |
Heritage Perspective Home Page
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