History

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History Event Timelines
YEAR	PLACE	EVENT
1937	Town of Geraldton	Incorporated
1945	Beardmore (Improvement District)	Incorporated
1952	Longlac (Improvement District)	Incorporated
1957	Nakina (Improvement District)	Established
1976	Beardmore(Improvement District)	Becomes a Township
1978	Nakina (Improvement District)	Becomes a Township
1982	Longlac(Improvement District)	Becomes a Town
1985	Area of Beardmore	Enlarged by the addition of the geographic townships of: Eva, McComber, and Summers
2001	Beardmore and Nakina (Townships) and the towns of Geraldton and Longlac	Amalgamated as *Greenstone (Town)
* At the same time parts of some unsurvyed lands and the geographic townships of Abrey, Ashmore, Colter, Croll, Daley, Dorothea, Errington, Fulford, Hipel, Houck, Irwin, Kilkenny, Kirby, Kitto, Lapierre, Leduc, Legault, Lindsley, McQuesten, Oakes, Salsberg, Sandra, Vincent, and Walters were annexed to the new town. Information from http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~onthunde/places-municipalhistory.html

History Tidbits for Geraldton, Ontario

Thanks for sharing Clark Furlong / Tom Salmi

I just spoke with Tom Salmi and he informed me that Clark Furlong had done the research and put
everything together.

Phoned Clark and he wanted some pictures (history of Geraldton) for the walls in his restaurant at the
"Silver Nugget"

We greatly appreciate your hard work Clark and greatly appreciate Tom Salmi for posting them on
facebook from where I seen, copied and pasted to this website.

Without either of you we wouldn't be able to share a little bit of history of Geraldton with our family
and friends.

Thank you.

Thanks for sharing Doug Magee
Mildred (Penttila) Cyr, first baby born in Geraldton, 1937 & Granddaughter, Cynthia Gordon.

May 16, 2012

I would like to thank Matt Lemieux for sharing the "Premier Gold website with us. You will notice new pic's that were posted today.

Thanks for sharing Donna Newhouse

Donna...1936. In front of the geraldton hotel. The old (honey pot) collection ...

Thanks for sharing Donna Newhouse

Donna...Here's an old johns ville croud. Again the only ones I recognize Is Carl Newhouse, Mory Mikkonen,
Rymo and Errol Newhouse. That's it,,taken around 1945-1947?

Thanks for sharing Kim Lamothe
Kim...My grandpa (Jules Morneau) and myself (Kim Lamothe) with GoGo55

Thanks for sharing Ron Miron

Ron Miron...Heres some pictures from when the track was where the landfill site is now. Across from the park.

Chris O'Brien...Ernie White raced the old teapot if i remeber right and Roger Letourneau

Murray Wylie...These are terrific pictures and many bring back fond memories of Geraldton. The comments by
many fill in some of the gaps in my memory. Let's keep these coming!

Thanks for sharing Doug Brydges

Doug Bridges...A summer 1981 Heat Race rounding turn two at Barker Memorial Raceway. The two
                     front cars were regular visitors from Thunder Bay. Behind that were: Johnny White in
                     the white Mustang; Dave Johnston in his '67 Camaro beside 'Boom-Boom' Quirion in
                     his '69 Chevelle (outside); Brideau Brothers '67 Chev Biscayne; Ernie White (club
                     senior) in his Ford Torino followed by Rufus (Rory) Groulx in his '70-ish Chevelle 'tank'.

                     Yes, I remember Rex well, he was the Association's first Vice-Pres in 1979... that's 33
                     years ago! Where did the time go? :)

Yvonne Poshtar...I've got a few pix of the races at Barker's...will dig them out

Thanks for sharing Kim Lamothe

Kim Lamother...Think I may even have some pics of the snowclub as well.

Thanks for sharing Ron Miron

Thanks for sharing Ron Miron

Thanks for sharing Yvonne Poshtar

Rich Batog...the blue car was a cyclone driven by one of the Sutherland brothers Brian maybe?

Thanks for sharing Ron Miron

Ron Miron...This one is from the track that was at Barkers Field

Ron Miron...To Doug Bridges
To this day i still cant thank you and the others that dedicated there time to get this track up and running..
We sure had a ton of fun racing here. Due to the amount of fun we had at this track, I just couldnt think
abou...t ending the fun, so as you know I continued to travel to Thunder Bay for years to race. Without
you's dedicating your time like yous did, I would have never had the opportunity to do the amount of racing
I did and still do. :o)

Anna McKenzie...thanks for the pictures and postings Rick. Makes me homesick for the great north country!

Thanks for sharing Michel Lafrance

Micheline Dumont...Dan Flynn, Joel Letourneau and myself were working there then. My car is in the photo... lol

Roger Beaudoin...Saw this picture on the internet a while and JUST KNEW where it was from..............

Thanks for sharing Clark Furlong / Tom Salmi

This was us in 1935, just before Geraldton was incorporated in 1937.

Signs are from left:
Geo. W. Matthews & Co. Stocks and Bonds; Pool Room, Barber Shop; Geraldton Cafe.

Thanks for sharing Clark Furlong / Tom Salmi

“The Pattenick & Clavir Dept. Store, which was located at the corner of Main and Third Ave. S., (South
of Chapples) opened to the public on Sat. Aug. 28, 1937. It was one of a chain such stores, with most
being located in well-established communities in southern Ontario.

The Geraldton outlet – being located in a somewhat under-populated more remote part of Ontario -
was only given the go-ahead after ‘careful investigation’. The manager in Geraldton was
William Clavir, a prominent executive with the company.

The then modern store boasted ‘spacious show windows’ that allowed customers to see
the store’s wide range of merchandize. The various departments included clothing for women, men
and children, house furnishings, furniture, electrical appliances and groceries! Although Chapples
offered similar merchandize, Pattenick & Clavir appealed to customers by promoting ‘moderately
priced’ goods that were ‘in popular demand’. The business eventually changed hands and for those
of us who grew up in Geraldton during the 1950s, the more familiar name for the store in that
location was the – ‘Geraldton Department Store’.

(Comments by Ken R. Johnson)

Thanks for sharing Clark Furlong / Tom Salmi

Doug Brydges...I'll take a guess that it's the interior of the original Rexall Drug Store that was on the south corner of
                      Main and Third Street East, back when they had the light lunch and soda counter. The old Prescriptions
                      sign is visible near the top right of the photo. The druggist's (and owner) name was Zeno O'Neill if I recall.
                      Lenny Tremblay's mom worked there in the old days too I think.

Nadia Davis..I remember the Blue Bird that Mrs. Flynn had, loved going there with my mom (if I was home from school
                   sick, ahem) and looking through the comics.

Antoinette...I've always remembered the Blue Bird. Just something about it that was special.

Barb Berday...Fred and Dick sat on the stools in 1939 and drank milkshakes and i would go after my music lessons and
                    have a root beer float!

Thanks for sharing Clark Furlong / Tom Salmi

Bowling Alley in Geraldton...Wish we still had them.

Thanks for sharing Donna Newhouse

Donna...I have this old phone directory wow couldn't forget someone's 1 or 2 digit phone #

Margaret Ann Darling...I don't remember G-town using 2 digit phone #s, but I remember having
                                 to go through the operator to call Jellicoe for 2 digit phone #s...and only
                                 dialing 2 digits to call when in Jellicoe! :) Was it the 80's when they finally
                                 added the 879-25 before the 2 digits? I think it was the same time they made
                                 Jellicoe & Longlac local phone calls?

Thanks for sharing Clark Furlong / Tom Salmi

Comment from Doug Brydges...

The White Star Taxi company, which operated out of a small office in the corner of the Geraldton Steam Laundry &
Dry Cleaners (2nd building from the right) which later became (and probably still is today) the lower floor of Marino
Hardware.... The cars appear to be early 1939 to 1941 Buicks or Pontiacs.

The first building on the right was Stafford Brothers Clothing store (now the parking lot between Marino's and the
RBC), and on the other side of the Laundry building were the Beaver Lumber Supply store and Cochrane Dunlop's
Hardware & Supply.

‘ Apparently, The Geraldton Drycleaning and Steam Laundry, was the first business of its type in
Geraldton. Their March 1941 newspaper ad offered an Easter special on cleaning that included –
two ladies skirts - $.75; 2 pair of trousers - $.75 and men’s 3-piece suits - $2.00! The date the
business closed is not known at present, but it could well be during the early 1940s. It appears
that the John Marino purchased the site ca. Nov. of 1944, and moved the original structure to the
back of the property (to be used as a warehouse). A new store front was erected, starting
August, 1946. The store eventually offered customers ‘a full line of ...hardware merchandise’.
(For a more comprehensive write-up concerning the history of Marino Hardware – see the
Sept. 1, 1947 edition of the Times Star).

(Submitted by Ken R. Johnson)

‘‘Steven’s Lumber Yard was advertising in ‘The Times’ newspaper as early as March of 1938 -
and possibly sooner. Mr. Frank Stevens - who was a member of the local Gyro Club – also
served as the agent for J. Lars Lahti (Lahti’s Camp). Mr. Stevens encouraged people who
were in rental units,to consider building their own homes, and offered assistance with
respect to locating competent contractors, plumbers and other craftsmen.

He also offered an up-to-date home plans service and recommended that people visit him at
his office on Main Street. Apparently the business was responsible for the construction of a
number of homes in the Geraldton area at that time.

In later years, I recall the small office building being used as the Public Library (can anyone
else confirm this?) and during the winter, the empty lot in behind was the site of a well-
maintained skating rink - complete with a heated shed. The rink was a very popular spot
for kids during the winter months’.

(Submitted by Ken R. Johnson)

Thanks for sharing Stephen Wilson

Stephen Wilson..My late grandpa, Clarence Joa, at the White Star taxi stand.

Thanks for sharing Stephen Wilson

Grandpa proudly washing his White Star cab.

Thanks for sharing Stephen Wilson
My grandmother, (the late Erna Joa nee Taphorn) against my grandpa's White Star taxi. Year unknown.
Late 40s or early 50s.

I've only lived in Geraldton 7.5 years but my grandparents, (Clarence and Erna Joa) lived here during the
late 40s and early 50s. My grandpa worked at White Star and then Brewers Retail. My mother was born at
the Little Longlac Hospital. I guess fate had me move back here.

Thanks for sharing Stephen Wilson
Bustling Geraldton Main Street - Late Clarence Joa

My grandpa, (the late Clarence Joa) - furthest to left, and several unknown gentlemen at one of the mine sites.
Year unknown.

Thanks for sharing Clark Furlong / Tom Salmi

Jason Boracheff...This is from my grandfathers taxi stand i still have the cab licence and his #1 taxi badge!

Thanks for sharing Derek Curiston

Comment from Clarence Michon...Hello Derek. I found this photo one time? Anyways, was practicing my Photoshop and
made a mock-up postcard. It'd be interesting if I can do more. As part of what I do when working on documentaries, I am
often doing photo restoration. Thanks for the share. See my postcard here http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z295/clarencemichon/Geraldton75thPostcard2.jpg

Thanks for sharing Clark Furlong / Tom Salmi

Thanks for sharing Clark Furlong / Tom Salmi

Thanks for sharing Derek Curiston

Thanks for sharing Clark Furlong /Tom Salmi

Thanks for sharing Clark Furlong / Tom Salmi

Thanks for sharing Clark Furlong / Tom Salmi

Thanks for sharing Clark Furlong /Tom Salmi

Thanks for sharing Clark Furlong / Tom Salmi

Sept.long weekend 1947 - Geraldton’s Main Street during the 1947 Jamboree celebrations. Depicted is
the ‘Midway’ with its games, side shows and various related attractions. This photo was likely taken the
day of the parade. Due to heavy rainfall, some of the floats didn’t turn up for the event. The celebrations
apparently attracted over 1,000 visitors to Geraldton!

(Submitted by Ken R. Johnson)

Thanks for sharing Mike Magee

John Magee..

Here is a long winded story but TRUE. Me and cousin Doug went to the store to get some candy one afternoon we didn't
have any $ but I did have a rock in my pocket. Asked for the candy and laid down the rock for payment. Mr.Ondusko
humoured ...us by giving us the candy and taking the rock for payment. Well this was the best ever..we ran straight home
loaded our wagon with rocks..brought that wagon and it's payload up them stairs into the store and began shoping for
everything within reach...I still recall what Mr. Ondusko said..."YOURKO"S get that wagon and rocks out NOW !!! LOL

.

Thanks for sharing Clark Furlong / Tom Salmi

Thanks for sharing Tom Salmi

Thanks for sharing Clark Furlong / Tom Salmi

It took me a few minutes to figure out what this building was.  I don't know why, I've spent every
chance I could at this arena, skating.  We lived just up the hill, Little Long Lac Townsite. It was sold and was then
called Errington Lumber. With new owners, it is now called Home Hardware.

Doug Brydges...Errington Arena when it was first completed. The front was destroyed in a fire around 1857 or 58
when town Council rented it out to Majestic Pipelines to use as a repair shop while they were building the Trans
Canada Pipeline north of Geraldton. Majestic paid the full cost of rebuilding the new front section in concrete block
after the fire... it was an improvement then.

Bill Magee..Anyone Remember Mrs.Axelson with her speed skates and Mr.Milner gliding gracefully to the music on
                public skating nights? That old arena sure had character along with a whole lot of memorable characters
                connected to it..

Terry Drillen-Iwaniw...I remember Mr. Milner skating, my mom used to skate with him also

Antoinette MacIver...I remember, but didn't know the lady's name. I think it was so awesome the way they skated
                              to the music.

Marc Dumont...remember watching the Goldminers play there and i will always remember a japnese player called
Massy Fokachima or something like that. He was quick as lightning and in those days in my eyes the best player
on the ice.

Thanks for sharing Yvonne Poshtar

Micheline Dumont...WoW... Ed's Radio / Furniture store... The Bay. Look where the water tower was....

Yvonne Poshtar...Yup was north of town then...I think the new one was finished the following year

Thanks for sharing  Clark Furlong / Tom Salmi

Lise Lepine - Nicol...Apparently, there were also 2 classrooms on the 2nd floor of the Rectory. It would be interesting
                            to hear from those who went to school there as well as the school that once stood where what is
                            now Chill on the Corner's parking lot. What years would those have been?

Carole Boulay...The new church was built in 1969, I think

Thanks for sharing Clark Furlong / Tom Salmi

Yvonne Poshtar...My old school...1966 til it was destroyed by fire.

Nadia Davis...don't remember exact year but did it burn down in 70 or 71

Comment from Bill Magee..

Went to school there from Grade 1 (Mrs Sedgwick)to grade 8 (Mr.Sedgewick). I remember the fire but
not the year it burnt.I was in High school maybe in grade ten.
My Brother and I went to watch up close as it was burning and aided the fireme...n who put up a foam
machine in the East wing doors .I remember one fireman but can`t recall who :went in Mr. Macodrums
classroomm to save his rock collection.I think he got most of it out. When the night was over the only
thing I remember standing was the Brick chimney .

Laura Wood...I think it was in 1970 cuz I remember having to complete grades 7& 8 in the high school???

Yvonne Poshtar...I think you're right Laura. We did make it into the new school for the last 2 weeks of gr 8
                         & that was in 1973.

Nadia Davis...Hey Bill I had Mr. & Mrs. Sedgwick as well and remember them both fondly :)

Sheila Jackson..All I remember was that it was my brother Jimmy's birthday May 21st...he was over the
                      moon about not having too go to school.

Marlene Starka-Mishquart...I will always remember our family being there and watching the fire.

Susan Byerley Kampela...Johnny Duhaime was the first baby born in the new hospital. Still have pamphlet that
                                    was put out.

Thanks for sharing Clark Furlong / Tom Salmi

“The small photo in the lower right-hand corner appears to be the former well-respected and
much-loved, pioneer Public School Teacher, Miss Beatrice Webster. Miss Webster, along with
Fellow teacher Miss Alice McQuitty, retired from teaching in 1955 and both were honoured at
a reception that was hosted by the Board of Education in late June of that year.

For anyone interested in learning more about Miss Webster’s major contribution to the
education of Geraldton’s youth over the years, they should read the article (photos included) -
‘Geraldton Bids Adieu to Miss B. Webster – Miss A. McQuitty’ - that was published in the
June 23, 1955 issue of the Times Star.

After retiring, Miss Webster apparently lived in two other communities – Athens and
Gananoque. She returned to visit friends in Geraldton in March of 1958,
and was the guest of Mr. & Mrs. D. Neill. She died on Dec. 12, 1972 and was buried in
the Lyndhurst Cemetery. (references: Geraldton Times Star – June 23/55; Mar. 6/58;
Dec. 28/72)”

(Submitted by Ken R. Johnson)

When I was a student nurse in Kingston ON in 1963, I encountered Miss Webster manning the patient library cart as a volunteer. She was living in Gananoque at the time. I had her for a grade one teacher. She recognized me and called me by my nickname.

Hilda MacPherson (Morrow)

Thanks for sharing Clark Furlong / Tom Salmi

Thanks for sharing  Clark Furlong / Tom Salmi

Comments from...

Bill Magee...How many of you remember Milk delivered and empty bottles with tokens in them in
                                        a milk door in your house?

Derek Curiston...I do Bill, that was one of my first jobs helping on that truck. lol

Ron Miron...sunshine daries..he would drive and give us change to run the bottles to the door..that truck stunk...lol
                  So many nice pictures Tom.

Tom Salmi..Thanks. I see that many people have alot of memories. Nice to hear about.

Fred Jennings...you guys must be old.

Derek Curiston...I agree Fred, Bill is old as he was the driver........lol

Bill Magee..To Derek And Fred :Yes I was the Driver and this is what happened to me one fine morning.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q9YL0yHohts

April 8 at 11:13am ·

Derek Curiston...Excellent Bill

Frans Koevoet...I remember in 1974 John Taphorn being the milkman . Anyone els recognize that name ?
He left Geraldton around 1976 I think

George Darling...yup I recognize it and also ed valley delivered milk as well

Bill Magee..

Yes I recognize Mr.Taphorn`s name: but milk wasn`t delivered door to door in 1976 at least I don`t remember so.
Mr Valley was our milkman when I was just a little kid and we used to have bread delivered also.Any one remember
the Bread Man de...livering bread door to door..Con Valyen comes to mind as well as Mr. Westover who was the
Baker at Geraldton Bakeries.(I worked there for a couple of months in I think in 1974.) (Oldtimers disease LOL)

Doug Brydges...Yepp

Bonnie Milne-O'Quinn...Mr. Taphorn left Geraldton in 1978. He passed away earlier this year

Rick Miron...I remember Walley Ellis dellvering milk door to door in Longlac
                 But then again...Im not even close to being as old as Derek is....LOL

Derek Curiston... I must be old Rick, it was John Taphorn that I used to go out on the milk Truck with.

Ken Johnson...‘For anyone interested in reading more about the history of the Palm Dairies –
                       Geraldton, they can consult the book entitled: ‘Milk Bottles and Dairies of
                      Thunder Bay and Region’ by Wayne Pettit & Dave Maclean. Perhaps the local
                      library has a copy; if not, perhaps inter-library loan services could bring in one
                     for interested readers’.

Little Long Lac Gold Mine and Townsite (~1937)
I would like to thank Matt Lemieux for sharing the Premier Gold website with me for this pic.
Taken from...website: http://www.premiergoldmines.com/s/hardrock.asp

Thanks for sharing Clark Furlong / Tom Salmi

‘Steven’s Lumber Yard was advertising in ‘The Times’ newspaper as early as March of 1938 - and possibly
sooner. Mr. Frank Stevens - who was a member of the local Gyro Club – also served as the agent for
J. Lars Lahti (Lahti’s Camp).

Mr. Stevens encouraged people who were in rental units,to consider building their own homes, and
offered assistance with respect to locating competent contractors, plumbers and other craftsmen.
He also offered an up-to-date home plans service and recommended that people visit him at his office
on Main Street. Apparently the business was responsible for the construction of a number of homes
in the Geraldton area at that time.

In later years, I recall the small office building being used as the Public Library (can anyone else
confirm this?) and during the winter, the empty lot in behind was the site of a well-maintained
skating rink - complete with a heated shed. The rink was a very popular spot for kids during the
winter months’.

(Submitted by Ken R. Johnson)

Thanks for sharing Clark Furlong / Tom Salmi

Ron Miron...rexall is back...see the orginal sign

Thanks for sharing  Clark Furlong / Tom Salmi

Anna McKenzie...The picture brings back memories and I remember the church in the background, but what church
                         was it?

Doug Brydges...I think that church was the one started by the congregation that later built St. Andrews Presbyterian
                      Church. I 'think' Dorothea Neill (Terri-Lee's grandmother) was instrumental in getting both churches
                      going.

Anna McKenzie...Wasn't Neil MacOdrum the Presbyterian Minister's son? He was quite a cut up in high school. The son
                        that is, not the dad.

Doug Brydges...Yes. Neil was my Sunday school teacher back in the late 50s... classes were pretty 'loose'. (lol) His dad -
                      the 'Rev'd' - married Darcia and I in February 1971.

Ron Adams...Hey, you guys are bringing back memories to me!!

Renee Belisle...I remember the golden griddle, or some restaurant named like that...

Nadia Davis...There was the Silver Grill run by Art and Marie Mah, then years later taken over by Ken and Gloria Koroscil.
                   That was the place to hang out for sure.

Anna McKenzie...I remember the Mahs. Nice people!

Renee Belisle..Silver Grill, yes, that's it!.

Doug Brydges...Must have eaten a ton of cheseburgers with shoestrings, fried onions & gravy at the old Silver Grill -
                      'cholesterol conditioning' for sure. What would life have been like without it?

Yvonne Poshtar..Marie wouldn't let you sit without ordering something :D

Antoinette MacIver...And believe me, with Marie, it had to be on the menu. I remember when I moved back to town
                             and stayed in a rooming house and wanted something different. I'd ask and she'd say, is it on
                             the menu, I'd say no, but you have all the ingredients, and she's ask again...Is it on the menu.
                             Very good old stubborn lady LOL she stuck to her guns, not on the menu, you don't get it LOL

Thanks for sharing Clark Furlong / Tom Salmi

Thanks for sharing Anne Myers Darren Gillespie
The Thunderbay Hotel , My very good friend Yvonne Ondusco, one in which I have lost contact with unfortunatley
( I was too young to go inside) but The Silver Grill next door was the hang out and the fries were kick ass

Debbie Anzinger-McKay...I think it was the Thunder Bay Hotel that was beside the Silver Grill.
                                    Definetely awesome fries and a great hang out.
                                    Pete the Chip Man was the best .. he had a truck parked in front of Marino's ... best fries
                                    in town .. I still miss them .. He served them in paper cones.

Suzie St. Pierre...omg Debbie ... i loved Pete the Chip Man and your right he had the best fries ever .... i think it was
                        the paper cones! lol

Debbie Anzinger-McKay...lol ... the cones were the key ... someone needs to bring that back .. it was all the salt and
                                    vinigar left at the bottom that made it the best!!

Suzie St. Pierre...don't know about you but we used to actually drink that stuff!! and it was delicious ..... lol

Anne Myers Darren Gillespie..thanks you Debbie, once I seen an old picture of the Geraldton Hotel I was on my way
                                         back to correct my mistake.
                                         Pete the chip man... mmm mmm good. i used to dump vinegar and salt like crazy over
                                         my fries. Why did we have to grow up!
                                         Bring back paper cones and home made fries.

Debbie Anzinger-McKay...Thanks for sharing that Sue .. I did't want to say it outloud. Sometimes when I do the salt
                                    and vinegar cucumbers I hide in the kitchen to get the leftover salt and vinegar juice .........
                                    tooo much sharing eh!!

Sheila Jackson..I remember Pete telling me I shouldn't drink it, that it wasn't good for me, but I did any ways...They
                      were the best fries. The Silver Grill was the best for fries and gravy and you had to like the mini table
                      top juke boxes..

Anne Myers Darren Gillespie...AND The FRIES... yes how healthy was it to drink the vinegar and salt right.. Pete must
                                          have thought we were crazy... I would do it to this day, a small Ice cream place or 2 out
                                          here serve those fries but no CONES... The cones grabbed all that good stuff hahaha

Marlene Starka-Mishquart..Annie, Yvonne passed away from cancer at a young age, around 20-25 years ago. I had lost
                                      touch with her also. Her aunt phoned me to let me know..

Yvonne Poshtar...So sad to hear about Yvonne O. :(

Bill Magee...

The Silver Grill was a teen hangout for many years next to the Thunder bay Hotel.Marie the most curteous waitress ever
(LOL)and Art bring back memories.Spent a bit of time in that place during High School years. ... The Thunder Bay Hotel
was a business opprtunity for shoe shine boys when I was pretty young.We set up old wooden coke cases on the side
walk and shined shoes for the slightly tipsy customers who came out of the establishment.Sometimes they could tell if
we used the wrong color polish to buff up their footwear for a nickel.LOL

The Silver Grill was a teen hangout for many years next to the Thunder bay Hotel.Marie the most curteous waitress ever
(LOL)and Art bring back memories.Spent a bit of time in that place during High School years. ... The Thunder Bay Hotel
was a business opprtunity for shoe shine boys when I was pretty young.We set up old wooden coke cases on the side
walk and shined shoes for the slightly tipsy customers who came out of the establishment.Sometimes they could tell if
we used the wrong color polish to buff up their footwear for a nickel. LOL

Paulanne MacPhail...AND The FRIES... yes how healthy was it to drink the vinegar and salt right.. Pete must have thought
                             we were crazy... I would do it to this day, a small Ice cream place or 2 out here serve those fries but
                             no CONES... The cones grabbed all that good stuff hahaha

Pentti Makila...I think Pete deep fried those addictive chips in melted lard. Interesting that we all remember them so well.
                     Mmmmm, mmm good.

Chris O'Brien...The Apple cider or Malt vinegar was the touch.

Antoinette MacIver...I've tried making fries and buying different vinigars to get that taste, never could do it. They were
                              The best. Wish he would have given his special recipe or left his special touch behind :)))

Chris O'Brien..Steve's Lunch was a favorite of mine, Dad and i would stop there have burger and Shake.Donny Nazarques
                    Dad owned it .It was across from Watons Grocery..

Yvonne Poshtar...I remember Steve's Lunch too...:)

Donald Abbot...at the corner of Main and Queen St.,my mom was a waitress there

Roger Beaudoin..Worked and lived at the Thunder Bay Hotel for a couple of years in the early 70's. Silver Grill had the best
                        shoestring fries. Is Shelly Ondusco related to Yvonne? Cause I know her, she lives here in Ajax, see her
                        quite often.......

Yvonne Poshtar..Yes they were cousins.

Roger Beaudoin...And Shelley's dad, Joe owned the variety store by the Times Star and the Pepsi bottling plant too.....

Yvonne Poshtar...I remember old Mr. & Mrs. Ondusko working in the store

Roger Beaudoin..Joe's parents. Did you know Shelley? I'm gonna try to add her on this site..

Yvonne Poshtar..She is a few years younger than me but I did know her. She was good friends with Judy Marino (MacIver)

Roger Beaudoin...She's a few years younger than I as well, she remembers going to school with a couple of my younger
                         brothers, I left town in '73, would we have gone to school together?

Thanks for sharing Clark Furlong / Tom Salmi

Rotary Park

The Old Water Tower - Can you remember where it was, before they built the new one?

The Old Hospital

The Roman Catholic Separate School

The School was started in 1938 with Mr. Tyne and Mr. Langton teaching in Burdon Block. Two years later the pupils were transferred to the church for two months and then in 1940 when Sister John Marie, the principal, Sister Angelique and Sister mary Regis arrived, school was taught in the Rectory. After four years in the rectory two rooms were rented at Mrs. kremick.

Five years later a new school dedicated to St. Joseph was opened. This was in 1949.

This school is a six room structure with five classrooms and one dinning room. Four religious teachers, Sister St. Germaine (Principal), Sister Veronica, Sister Marie Suannne, Sister St. Dorothy and one lay teacher Mr. Lamarche form the entire teaching faculty. At present there are 142 pupils in the school.

St. Joseph School 1959 - 1960

The years 1959 - 1960 is remarkable in the story of the school. Many events are worth remembering. On account of an increase in enrolment in 1958, the Members of the Board decided to build a new building. Construction of the new school was started in July 1959 and the happy children first came to their new quarters on January 8, 1960. The school staff and students were very grateful towards the members of the School Board, who worked at the arduous task of building such a modern and ideal place. Their names are: Mr. G. Pelletier (chairman), Mr. C. Ouellette, Mr. Weedmark, Mr. A Boucher, Mrs. MacGillvray, Mrs. Vaudrin and Mrs. J. Loftus (secretary).

Generous donators contributed in giving a religious atmosphere to the classrooms and halls. The statue of St. Joseph was a gift of the "Father Marleau Council" Knights of Columbus, blessed by Jather Lampron on March 8, 1960. Mr. & Mrs. Eugene Furlong were the generous donators of crucifixes in each classroom. The big crucifix in the main entrance is a gift from the Daneff Family.

The present members of staff were:

Sister Jean Luc                    -- Grades 1 & 2
Miss Alida Leroux              -- Grades 2 & 3
Mr. R. St-Jean                     -- Grades 4 & 5
Sister Marie Suzanne          -- Grades 6, 7 & 8

Sister Joseph Anthony        -- Grades 1 & 2
Miss F. O'Keefe                  -- Grades 3 & 4
Mrs. Madden                       -- Grades 5 & 6

I apologized but due to the photocopying I am not able to read the last part.

Thanks for sharing Clark Furlong / Tom Salmi

Thanks for sharing George Darling

Comment from Ron Lindsay...My Dad worked here and loved his job.
                                                 I worked there also.

Comment from Doug Brydges..The photo on that brochure looks like one taken
                                                   by local photographer Mike Goulet many years
                                                   ago before it was re-painted by the Town of
                                                   Geraldton. Mike worked at the Times Star
                                                   for many years... does he still work there?.

Comment from Kim Fournier...Doug, he sure does

Thanks for sharing Michel Lafrance

Kelly Gallagher...awesome picture!

Chris O'Brien..Yes it is ,but they almost burnt it down while doing some welding on it during the restoration. I was working on the
site that day removing old buried cable..

Hardrock Mine Discovery Point (1938)
I would like to thank Matt Lemieux for sharing the Premier Gold website with me for this pic.
Taken from...website: http://www.premiergoldmines.com/s/hardrock.asp

Little Long Lac Gold Mine Office
I would like to thank Matt Lemieux for sharing the Premier Gold website with me for this pic.
Taken from...website: http://www.premiergoldmines.com/s/hardrock.asp

Underground Drilling
I would like to thank Matt Lemieux for sharing the Premier Gold website with me for this pic.
Taken from...website: http://www.premiergoldmines.com/s/hardrock.asp

Thanks dor sharing Donna Newhouse

Donna...This was important to my dad. It's a crest from the little long lac gold miners. 1939 that was the year
he was born. And at the bottom is a picture of the little long lac gold mine. Which is the slimes now
(Cyr's lived there)

Discovery Point Geraldton Gold Camp (~1936) -- I would like to thank Matt Lemieux for sharing the Premier Gold website with
me for this pic. Taken from...website: http://www.premiergoldmines.com/s/hardrock.asp

I would like to thank Matt Lemieux for sharing the Premier Gold website with me for this pic.
Taken from...website: http://www.premiergoldmines.com/s/hardrock.asp

MacLeod Cockshutt Gold Mine (~1934)
I would like to thank Matt Lemieux for sharing the Premier Gold website with me for this pic.
Taken from...website: http://www.premiergoldmines.com/s/hardrock.asp

Tombill Mine (~1937)
I would like to thank Matt Lemieux for sharing the Premier Gold website with me for this pic.
Taken from...website: http://www.premiergoldmines.com/s/hardrock.asp

MacLeod Cockshutt Mine (1937)
I would like to thank Matt Lemieux for sharing the Premier Gold website with me for this pic.
Taken from...website: http://www.premiergoldmines.com/s/hardrock.asp

MacLeod Mine Stack
I would like to thank Matt Lemieux for sharing the Premier Gold website with me for this pic.
Taken from...website: http://www.premiergoldmines.com/s/hardrock.asp

Elmos Mine Barton Bay (~1938)
I would like to thank Matt Lemieux for sharing the Premier Gold website with me for this pic.
Taken from...website: http://www.premiergoldmines.com/s/hardrock.asp

I would like to thank Anne Elchuk for sharing

MacLeod Mine
I would like to thank Matt Lemieux for sharing the Premier Gold website with me for this pic.
Taken from...website: http://www.premiergoldmines.com/s/hardrock.asp

Magnet Mine (1938)
I would like to thank Matt Lemieux for sharing the Premier Gold website with me for this pic.
Taken from...website: http://www.premiergoldmines.com/s/hardrock.asp

Pouring of first Gold-Brick at MacLeod Cockshutt Gold Mine (May 20th 1938)
I would like to thank Matt Lemieux for sharing the Premier Gold website with me for this pic.
Taken from...website: http://www.premiergoldmines.com/s/hardrock.asp

Man Holding a Gold Brick at the Mine
I would like to thank Matt Lemieux for sharing the Premier Gold website with me for this pic.
Taken from...website: http://www.premiergoldmines.com/s/hardrock.asp

Masonic Opening and Mines Geraldton
I would like to thank Matt Lemieux for sharing the Premier Gold website with me for this pic.
Taken from...website: http://www.premiergoldmines.com/s/hardrock.asp

Mosher Mine 1950's
I would like to thank Matt Lemieux for sharing the Premier Gold website with me for this pic.
Taken from...website: http://www.premiergoldmines.com/s/hardrock.asp

No 1 Shaft
I would like to thank Matt Lemieux for sharing the Premier Gold website with me for this pic.
Taken from...website: http://www.premiergoldmines.com/s/hardrock.asp

No. 1 Shaft
I would like to thank Matt Lemieux for sharing the Premier Gold website with me for this pic.
Taken from...website: http://www.premiergoldmines.com/s/hardrock.asp

No.2 headframe and mill Porphyry Hill (post 1938)
I would like to thank Matt Lemieux for sharing the Premier Gold website with me for this pic.
Taken from...website: http://www.premiergoldmines.com/s/hardrock.asp

No.2 Headframe & Mill
I would like to thank Matt Lemieux for sharing the Premier Gold website with me for this pic.
Taken from...website: http://www.premiergoldmines.com/s/hardrock.asp

Geraldton, Little Long Lac MineGeraldton, Little Long Lac Mine
I would like to thank Matt Lemieux for sharing the Premier Gold website with me for this pic.
Taken from...website: http://www.premiergoldmines.com/s/hardrock.asp

Geraldton Mine
I would like to thank Matt Lemieux for sharing the Premier Gold website with me for this pic.
Taken from...website: http://www.premiergoldmines.com/s/hardrock.asp

Geraldton Mine
I would like to thank Matt Lemieux for sharing the Premier Gold website with me for this pic.
Taken from...website: http://www.premiergoldmines.com/s/hardrock.asp

Geraldton Mine
I would like to thank Matt Lemieux for sharing the Premier Gold website with me for this pic.
Taken from...website: http://www.premiergoldmines.com/s/hardrock.asp

Thanks for sharing George Darling

Thanks for sharing Clark Furlong / Tom Salmi

Thanks for sharing George Darling

Nadia Davis...Almost look like the fellow that is partially cut off could be Terry Leach,
CO from the MNR many years ago, can anyone confirm

George Darling...it is terry leach the one with his back to the camera is randy walen and
the one putting is george darling not sure who the other one is

Thanks for sharing Clark Furlong / Tom Salmi

Thanks for sharing George Darling

Thanks for sharing Michel Lafrance

Thanks for sharing the photo with us Michel Lafrance

The T-shaped building in the foreground is the original Cochrane Dunlops Hardware Ltd. The company's head office and main store was in old Fort William, now Thunder Bay.

The part facing the rail tracks was the warehouse, which had the only... Otis elevator in town to lift inventory up to the second floor after being unloaded off rail cars. Marino's is actually behind the long part which faces Main Street. The 'new' part of Marino's now extends into the old Cochrane Dunlop property.

This photo was probably taken by Harry Fisher, local photographer, before 1940 from the roof of the Post Office which was built, I think, in 1938 by Otto Kristjanson (Cory's great grandfather). Mascotto's store wasn't built yet in the large empty lot across from Cochrane Dunlop's store.

Thanks for sharing the story about this picture with us Doug Bridges.

Thanks for sharing Paulanne MacPhail

Thanks for sharing Michel Lafrance

Thanks for sharing Michel Lafrance

Thanks for sharing Michel Lafrance

Thanks for sharing Michel Lafrance

Thanks for sharing Derek Curiston

Thanks for sharing Yvonne Poshtar
Co-op Store's Easter ad from 1964...made by my dad

Murray Wylie..I remember working many hours at the Co-op when I was going to GCHS. The Manager
was Allan Poshtar....

Thanks for sharing Clark Furlong / Tom Salmi

Thanks for sharing Clark Furlong / Tom Salmi

Thanks for sharing Clark Furlong / Tom Salmi

Thanks for sharing Clark Furlong / Tom Salmi

The Clarin’s business sign is just visible in behind the driver’s head/shoulders in this photo. As at 1945-1948 they had three businesses open in Geraldton. Included were ‘Clarin’s Beauty Shop’, ‘Clarin‘s Ladies Wear’ and ‘Clarin’s Second Hand Store’. The latter was located next door to the ladies wear outlet. The address for all three businesses was ‘Main Street’; the phone number was listed as 140’. (Submitted by Ken R. Johnson).

Thanks for sharing Clark Furlong / Tom Salmi

Doug Brydges...A Ford Model A sedan buried in snow in front of Daneff's Food Market

Marc Dumont...Not sure what year this picture was taken but i see that Daneff's grocery store existed
                      back then so would it be safe to say that Daneff's Food Market whic is currently owned
                      by the Santerre family would be the oldest still standing business in Geraldton ? or is there
                      older ones still in operation today that someone else can think of ? We moved away in 89
                      therefore not sure what still stands today.

Lise Lepine-Nicol...The old train station still stands though not in the same location. It is being used as a
                           garage and kennel at Wildgoose.

Doug Brydges...Yes, Nick Ewacha - who used to be a trucker with K-C (lived on the west side of Main Street
                       south of the old Lutheran Church) bought the old CN station and moved it out to Wildgoose
                       Lake for use as a summer cottage. Andy Anderson and his crew did the move, I think.

Paul Karolea-Chapman...My Dad (Steve Boychuk) was the station agent at the CN station. We lived there in
                                  1966 for a couple of years before they shut it down. Lots of memories... Moved to
                                  3rd ave.

Yvonne Poshtar...Had many good times here!

Nadia Davis...Awesome!

Antoinette MacIver...I remember on Friday & Saturday nights, it was always packed. Lots of dancing
and great times.

Thanks for sharing Clark Furlong /Tom Salmi

Thanks for sharing  Clark Furlong / Tom Salmi

This looks like our theatre we had in town, which is now the Country Club. Not sure what year it was
built.
Right next to it, on the corner, my mom (Henriette Leblanc-Patry-Michaud-McQuade) bought this building
in 1971.  She said this building was built in 1938 and is sure this is where the first Royal Bank started.
Mr. Tom Tweedie commented that this building "The Gordon Block had started being built in 1934.

Doug Brydges...

I remember when the old building on the corner was torn down and Public Works tried to remove the
old bank vault. It was one solid, reinforced concrete block, about 10' tall above the ground floor and a
solid block from the floor going into... the ground (muskeg) for another 10' or so. It was impossible to
pull out so they just excavated a bigger hole around it, pushed it over on its side, and buried it under
the parking lot that's there now.

Geraldton Photo (in History section) – Strand Theatre under construction, with the Gordon Block
adjacent to same.

____________________

“The Strand was owned by the Theatre Holding Corp. Ltd./Premier Operating (Toronto, Ontario).
It was built during the Sept.– Nov. 1936 time slot and opened to the public on Nov. 13 that
same year.

It originally served as a movie house and as a place to hold charitable concerts, meetings and –
during World War Two - bond sale rallies. Mr. Alfred C. (Alf) Schwartz was appointed Manager;
he - along with his wife Myra and two daughters Ellen and Ann - resided in the apartment that
adjoined the theatre (also under construction in this photo).

Mr. Schwartz was a well-known lawyer, and had his office in the section of the residence that
faced the street. The very capable Projectionist was Mr. Joe DesLauriers. Early on, the ticket-
taker was usually Mrs. D. Rose. She was also the individual who ‘kept a lid on things’ when
the town’s excited children attended the Saturday matinees!

As youngsters, we periodically enjoyed playing inside the theatre on Sundays, and along with
the Schwartz girls, we would run up and down the aisles and play ‘Simon Says’ in the front
lobby. It was all great fun.

During the late 1940s/early 50s (and possibly earlier), the Strand hosted ‘special Christmas
shows’ for the youngsters of Geraldton. They were usually held mid-Saturday morning,
the week before Christmas, and being ‘free’ were a cause for much anticipation and merriment.

The Schwartz family eventually moved to Toronto. It appears that the last movie shown in the
theatre was Rocky IV (?); the Strand closed its doors during the week of Feb. 28, 1986’

‘The Geraldton Drugs Limited – which opened in 1934 - was located in the Gordon Block,
next door to the Geraldton Branch of the Royal Bank of Canada. The drugstore was sold
by Leon Scher to Mr. C.D. ‘Court’ Nugent. It was then renamed Nugent’s Drug Store.

In turn, Mr. Nugent sold the business to Robert Colquhoun in 1945 and it became known
as Colquhoun’s Drug Store. Mr. Colquhoun eventually purchased a drugstore in Fort William,
and along with his wife Margaret and children, relocated there. The Geraldton store’s
closing-out ad appeared in the April 26/56 issue of the Times Star. A highly-respected
Second World War veteran, Mr. Colquhoun often served as the Parade Marshall during
Geraldton’s Remembrance Day Ceremonies.

(Submitted by Ken R. Johnson)

Thanks for sharing Clark Furlong / Tom Salmi

After paying for your ticket to get into the show, you turned to see and go through these doors and give
the ticket lady your ticket.

Comment from...

Jaqueline Dumont...Yvonne & I've been working at the ticket window for a while when Mrs Heroux was there and so was my son Gaby selling goodies.

Thanks for sharing  Clark Furlong / Tom Salmi

The side door that you see, leads you to go upstairs to get to the apartments. There were 6 of them.
When I was a child I remember going to the dentist, Dr. Dewar, and his entrance was at the back of
this building .

The building behind it would be Joanne's Flower Boutique and beside that would be the Queen's
Hotel. Not sure if that was, what it began as.

Tom Salmi...Its sad to see all is gone now. The building behind though is still here.

Antoinette...When Mom had it, she had a restaurant to your left in front and on the right it was rented
                  out to Leo Chabot as a ski-doo shop, with apartments upstairs. Behind this building would
                  be Joanne's Flower Boutique.

Debbie Anzinger-McKay...Antoinette ... prior to my aunt opening up Joanne's Flower Boutique, the building
                                   was a restaurant owned by my grandparents - Sunnyside Food Bar. - The Queens
                                   Hotel was right next to it.

Antoinette MacIver...Thanks for the info Debbie.

Sheila Jackson...Before your mom bought it, it was a furniture shop...I bought the kids bunk beds there.

Prissy michaud...It was a furniture shop after Toine and my moms restaurant.

Micheline Dumont...So... after that would this have been Bill Vanderploeg's Furniture Store ? Once he closed
                            the furniture store it was then Bingo Variety and Arcade. I worked there too at 17.

Prissy Michaud...Ya..that's who mom sold it too. I remember the last name

Micheline Dumont...Now I remembe.... r it was called J & W Furniture when it was the furniture store and later
                            on Bingo Variety and Arcade..... Bringing back memories....

Chris O'Brien...Think Fred called it Bill's Space Place,Lol

Ellen P. Mocha...Funny that I can still remember the decor at Sunnyside Food Bar...

Murray Wylie..The front right was the first Royal Bank in Geraldton. The store on the left of this was a drug store
                     and soda fountain run as I recall by the a family who used to live next to Kristjanson's and the
                     District Forester. The side office was Dr Dewar - the dentist. This building was on the corner next
                     to The Strand Theatre..

Anna McKenzie...I don't know if it is the proper spelling or not but I remember a Colquhoun's Drug Store there
                        next to the bank. Anyone else remember?

Lise Lepine-Nicol...After it being the Royal Bank, it became a Thrift Store. That must have been in the 60s. Had
                          gone there with my Mom and she bought me a used doll house.

Paulanne MacPhail...Just talking to my aunt, Anne Elchuk, this building was build by the Goldners. she worked at
                             Calhouns drug stoer back in 46/47. She said the building showing behind it where the Dois
                             lived in was the post office. Where Joannes Boutique is was once a pool hall, then Assada had
                             a grocery store then my grandparents had a restaurant there for awhile.

Thanks for sharing Paulanne MacPhail

Thanks for sharing Floyd Havens
A picture of the Queens burning on morning of dec. 24th

Paulanne MacPhail...Remember the Queens Hotel...burned down Dec. 24, 1975

Thanks for sharing Clark Furlong / Tom Salmi

Thanks for sharing Clark Furlong / Tom Salmi

“Kemp’s Jewellers (see sign across the street from Chapples) was owned and operated by Mr. Gordon Kemp, who apparently relocated to Geraldton from the Lakehead. As at July, 1937, he was promoting ‘the greatest watch values on the easiest credit terms’. The brand names sold included – Ranger, Canadian Clipper, Phantom and President’. He also advertised that Kemp’s was the agent for Skyway Express Limited, which offered daily service, express, and passenger travel by air’. It appears that Mr. Kemp’s jewellery business was located in the same building that later housed Clarin’s Ladies Wear. There was also a Dr. Kemp, Dentist, in Geraldton in late 1939, but it is not known if the two individuals were related’.

(Submitted by Ken R. Johnson)

Thanks for sharing Clark Furlong / Tom Salmi

Thanks for sharing  Clark Furlong / Tom Salmi

Wow this is the good old days.

Roger Beaudoin...My birth certificate says Erringtown Township as well ...........

Marc Dumont...All those born prior to the summer of 63 would read Errington Township. I believe the
                        new hospital opened that summer orsometime around there.

Kim Rainville-Fournier...The mine rescue station was where the Swereda's live now, that white building on the right
                                         hand side going into Rosedale. Sandy Wilson was the head of the mine rescue station and
                                         they lived there, too. Sandy went on the run the Crown and Anchor hotel years later.

Thanks for sharing  Clark Furlong / Tom Salmi

Chris O'Brien...Old homestead far left, you kinda see a house it was Cornell's. They owned the
                         Thunder Bay hotel,middle was Zeran's, Ken owned Sunshine Dairy and wife Audrey had
                        Bell togs. Next is Stafford's

Murray Wylie...Is that Austin Airways in the front right?

Donald MacDougall...

The aircraft is a Buhl Airsedan, Model CA-6, manufactured by the Buhl Aircraft Company, Marysville, MI.
This one, registed as CF-OAS was one of four operated by the Ontario Provincial Air Service (Department of
Lands and Forest) from 1937 t...o 1958. In this picture it is tied up to Orville Wieben's Superior Airways dock.

The hanger, building to the right, was torn down and their office moved back from the lake to it's current
position. It's the blue building being used by Premier Gold.

Donald Abbott...I recall while growing up thru the 60,s n 70,s that Lyle Cunningham,keep his Cessna docked
here also the call letters where CF-OIL

Thanks for sharing Clark Furlong /Tom Salmi

Antoinette MacIver...I was trying to figure out where this could have been taken, then finally realized
at MacLeod Park. To the far right it looks like second bridge.

Thanks for sharing Clark Furlong / Tom Salmi

Sam’s Clothing Store was owned by Sam Chesine. He arrived in Geraldton in 1936, and based on an old Sept. 1937, Daily Times newspaper ad, was the local representative for ‘Nash Custom Tailors’. Sam left Geraldton at one point, and apparently spent at least three years in both Nipigon and Fort William. He returned to Geraldton in 1946 and in September of that year, opened his ‘men’s furnishing shop’ on Main Street. He remained in business until ca. Oct. 1949. The premises were then occupied by Superior Men’s Wear. If memory serves, the structure was destroyed by fire ca. 1951-2 (?).

Comments by Ken R. Johnson

Prior to being named the Geraldton Tea Room(s), the restaurant was sold several times. Over the years it also had different names including – Murphy’s Restaurant, Alice’s Tea Rooms, Thompson’s Lunch, Mabel’s Tea Rooms and Helen’s Tea Rooms. The restaurant was originally upgraded in early 1937 – complete with a ‘modern kitchen’. As at April 1938, customers could purchase a breakfast for $.25 and dinner for $.30. An affiliated restaurant – also on Main Street – was the Royal Café. From what is known, the Chinese businessmen/owners operated both using a very effective system of co-operative management’.

(Submitted by Ken R. Johnson)