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Memories wanted for Temiscaming book celebrating 100th anniversary

Submissions accepted until Nov. 1 for publication in early 2021
temiscaming Cover 100th Anniversary
An anthology of Temiscaming, Que. memories is in the works for the town's 100th anniversary celebration next year. Submissions are being accepted until Nov. 1.

There’s still time to be part of a book featuring memories of Temiscaming celebrating the town’s 100th anniversary next year.

Gary Pickering said he has 90 contributions so far and he’d like to have at least 100, noting the deadline is Nov. 1.

“The idea for this project came to me in August 2019 when I noticed how responsive people from Temiscaming were to memories posted on Facebook,” Pickering said, adding proceeds from the book sales will be given to local charities.

“Not only does the resulting collection of memories provide for interesting reading, all the profits from the sales of this legacy publication will help charity organizations in Temiscaming.”

Pickering said the stories from people who live in Temiscaming now and former residents are as short as 125 words although the average is between 250 and 500 words.

Examples include Ginette (Gigi) Vaillancourt’s ‘Days of Yore’ description of her youth and the general feeling all was well.

“That carefree childhood, playing in the back lanes, visiting neighbours like they were relatives as they tended to their vegetable gardens, maintained their homes and manicured their yards,” she writes. “There were no six or eight-foot high fences. There were some a few feet high with a simple latch – nothing padlocked.”

Vaillancourt described how fortunate they were to have so many opportunities to enjoy the outdoors.

“The places to play as a child were abundant,” she said, adding the children were watched over by everyone. “The days of the front porches and verandas … they were the eyes and ears of our community. Children felt safe playing in the street because there was always someone looking out for your wellbeing.”
Terry (Pickering) Hodgson writes about Friday nights at the arena.

“The old arena was open for public skating. You had to pay 25 cents to get in but there was always somebody trying to sneak in for free by ducking down below the counter of the ticket window,” she recalls.

“There were always young boys fooling around trying to trip you and would get called out. A lot of dating couples would be skating around holding hands and usually a figure skater at centre ice doing her spins, etc. Younger kids would sometimes skate between hand-holding couples who would raise their arms to let them through.”

“After skating, many of us would go up the street to the Plaza Grill for a pop.”

The book will cost $20 to $25 depending on the final page count. Details about where and how to buy the publication are still being finalized. 

To make a submission of your memories or photos, email [email protected]


Dave Dale

About the Author: Dave Dale

Dave Dale is a Local Journalism Initiative reporter who covers the communities along the Highway 17 corridor Mattawa to West Nipissing. He is based out of BayToday
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