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Then and Now

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Then and Now shares historical photos and personal stories of past people, places, and events and connects them to their significance today. They are made possible through the continued support of Girones Bourdon Kelly Lawyers as part of our Community Leaders Program.

First 'talkie' ever filmed in Canada and British Empire shot locally

First 'talkie' ever filmed in Canada and British Empire shot locally

The first movie with full sound was screened in Timmins in 1929
Alligator boat was a key part of early lumber industry

Alligator boat was a key part of early lumber industry

'When the alligator was working, (the workers) lived on a place called the Scow, on an island on Night Hawk ... They would get the odd weekend off and rotate in'
Sport of cricket attracted many to work in gold mines

Sport of cricket attracted many to work in gold mines

William Place was the first to hit a 'century' locally
Frederick House trading post closed after murder spree

Frederick House trading post closed after murder spree

In 1813, a local Hudson's Bay Company site was closed after the post was attacked over the winter
Selecting a city name showed old divisions from amalgamation

Selecting a city name showed old divisions from amalgamation

Timmins, Porcupine and Timmins-Porcupine were ballot choices
Provincial desire to link major routes led to Highway 101

Provincial desire to link major routes led to Highway 101

Porcupine Camp pushed for improvements early on for its Connecting Link
Battle for Schumacher created a political firestorm

Battle for Schumacher created a political firestorm

In the '40s, the Town of Timmins tried to annex land, including two mine sites, from Tisdale Township
Hollinger Mine spearheaded efforts to build housing

Hollinger Mine spearheaded efforts to build housing

Bunkhouses, iconic Hollinger houses and even duplexes were built for to house workers and families
Amalgamation plan sparked a bitter battle in the Porcupine Camp

Amalgamation plan sparked a bitter battle in the Porcupine Camp

2023 marks the 50th anniversary of amalgamation, but the area has an interesting history of annexation well before that
Remember this? Take a walk through the past with these stories

Remember this? Take a walk through the past with these stories

Take a glimpse at the local history stories showcased in our monthly feature in 2022