Daylight savings time changes have been an annual tradition in the Lakehead region for decades. In fact, Port Arthur and Fort William were the first to implement this change back in 1908. This change began to promote summertime leisure activities and allowed residents to access more sun in the evening to better enjoy the summer…
Curling at the Lakehead | TBPL Research Blog
The sport of curling has a long history within Thunder Bay. Reports of Fort William and Port Arthur residents enjoying the game of curling date back as early as 1887, when a rink was created in Prince Arthur’s Landing at Egan Street. Outdoor rinks were created so curling lovers of all ages could enjoy the…
The Flying Saucer Frenzy of 1950 | TBPL Research Blog
Unidentified flying objects in our Thunder Bay skies have been a phenomena scattered throughout our city’s history. To promote January’s National Science Fiction Day, let us tell you the story of the Flying Saucer Frenzy of 1950. This tale begins March 14, 1950 in Geraldton, with a casual observer of the night sky noticing a…
Christmas Catalogues | TBPL Research Blog
Living here in Thunder Bay, and across this country, some of us may be old enough to have childhood memories of the iconic Christmas catalogues! The arrival of the Christmas catalogue was a highly anticipated and special holiday tradition that won its way into the heart of Canadian homes. I well remember the excitement of…
Murphy Mansion: A History | TBPL Research Blog
One of Thunder Bay’s most admired homes, the Murphy Mansion sits at 431 Selkirk Street South and fills an entire city block with its grounds, landscaping, and home itself. The home is named after its original owner, James Murphy. James Murphy was born in West Liberty, Iowa in 1863 and moved to Fort William in…
What are the Henderson Directories? | TBPL Research Blog
Ever wonder who lived in your house when it was first built? Or have you ever wondered where your Thunder Bay relatives lived? Can’t remember what the name of the cornerstore you grew up next to was called? Our collection of Henderson Directories from 1884-2004 at our Brodie Location can help you find the answers…
Sabotage at the Nipigon Bridge | TBPL Research Blog
In 1914, as WWI commenced and soldiers began deploying overseas, a major concern for the Canadian government was the safety of key infrastructure, industry, and supply lines. Spies within Canada, loyal to the enemy, could pose a threat to the Allies in their own backyard. The Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR) Bridge in Nipigon, Ontario, was…
The Sailor Graveyard of Lake Superior | TBPL Research Blog
The Great War between the Allied and Axis forces wreaked havoc across European soil, with naval battles fought furiously in the Atlantic Ocean and wartime materials being built swiftly worldwide. In the final year of the war, the November 11th armistice was signed, ending the First World War, but manufacturing contracts still existed, and nations…
The Mystery of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s Silver Islet Séance | TBPL Research Blog
Why would the famous Sherlock Holmes author and spiritualist, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle visit the Lakehead, let alone stay long enough to conduct a séance? Doyle visited the Twin Cities on two separate occasions; the first time in 1914 that appeared to just be part of his travels through Canada, however he did buy property…
A Brief History of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada | TBPL Research Blog
Content Warning: This post discusses the Residential School System in Canada. If you are a Survivor and need support, a national crisis line (the Residential School Survivor Support Line) is available 24 hours a day at 1-866-925-4419. In 2006, the Indian Residential Schools Settlement Agreement between the government of Canada, The Assembly of First Nations…
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