[Institutions], (p. 67). This page of photographs shows City Hall, the Public Library, the District Jail, the District Court House, and the Home of the Aged.
“Canadian National Railway,” (p. 21-23). The Canadian National Railway which runs through North Bay is actually an extension of Upper Canada 's oldest railway, the Ontario , Simcoe and Huron Railway. As the Grand Trunk, until 1906, it carried the CPR's traffic to the West which originated from the Toronto area. The General Superintendent for Northern Ontario of the Canadian National system was located in North Bay in 1925. The pioneer spirit remains but the “North” has moved further north.
“Indian History,” (p. 9-11). This is the ‘story' of how Jean Menet stole the daughter of a chief, and although they lived happily together, the murder of Etienne Brule might have been in revenge for this. It continues with the voyage of Champlain through Lake Nipissing and his visit to the Hurons. The Iroquois at this time were known as the “Bad Iroquois” and had become a “barbarous race”.
“Mayor's Greeting,” (p. 6). The hopes for more prosperous times and sees North Bay as starting to come out of the worst of the depression. He also notes that with new and better roads it is increasingly becoming more of a tourist and convention centre. The OHW celebration is the result of months of preparation by local organizations who have worked together to make it happen.
“Member's Message”, (p. 7). J. Harry Marceau, M.L.A. pays tribute to the pioneers who built the north, the prospectors, lumberjacks, railway builders, and farmers. He also recognizes that one asset the north also has is its beauty and its wild life, things which help to attract tourists.
“North Bay and the C.P.R. They Grew Together,” (p. 23-27). North Bay and the C.P.R. grew together. When deciding on a route, south or north of the Lake , it was its situation with respect to the Lake which made the northern route attractive as there was nothing there at the time.
“North Bay Churches,” (p. 55). Records of the early days are not well kept but it seems that the first service was by Silas Huntington, a Wesleyan Methodist minister, in 1884. Roman Catholic missionaries were here before the fine Cathedral built in 1905. The many churches and institutions built are a tribute to the first Bishop, D.J. Scollard who died in September 1934. St. Rita's was built by the Italian RCs and St. Vincent de Paul Church, completed in 1933, by the French RCs. The Anglicans have two churches, St. John's and St. Brice's. The Prebyterians who did not join the Union in 1925 built their own church. The Baptists have their own church on Main Street . Mention is made of suburban churches of the United Church built in Ferris and on Laurier Avenue . The Salvation Army is in North Bay . More recently there is also a Pentecostal Assembly, Gospel Hall, Lutheran Church , and a Jewish synagogue administered from Toronto . Photographs of the various churches are included, that of St. Mary's Cathedral being larger than the others.
“North Bay Police Department,” (p. 73) shows photos only of the Deputy Chief, Chief Constable, two Sergeants and five Constables.
“North Bay Schools,” (p. 17-19). This is a very short history of North Bay 's educational institutions. Primary schools are not named. The progress made with higher education is noted with reference to Scollard Hall, St. Joseph 's Academy, the Vocational Department added to the Collegiate Institute and the Normal School. In this department North Bay “takes a back seat for no other center of similar size.”
“North Bay , “The Trailblazers' Crossroads”,” (p. 11-12). North Bay stands at what was a favourite resting place for the voyageurs traveling the Mattawa— Lake Nipissing route to Georgian Bay . Their names will not be forgotten. After them came the lumbermen. They were the ones who went on a “bender” in the spring when they raised Hell. North Bay misses them.
“Quintuplet History,” (p. 35-39). This long article details the early history of the Quintuplets. A full page photo of Doctor Dafoe faces the article and there is also a full page ad from North Bay Garage showing that Dr. Dafoe uses a Chevrolet to attend to the Quints. A half-page ad from Bee Hive Golden Corn Syrup claims that it was used in the first feedings of the Quints. The article begins with the statistical probabilities of a quintuplet birth. It gives two factors in their survival – the first being that that they are from hardy French-Canadian stock, one of the strongest known, “coming originally from the Nordic Race, from Sweden , Denmark and Northeastern Europe .” The second is the care provided by Dafoe, “a quiet, unassuming country doctor.” The mid-wives who attended the birth, the nurses who worked at the hospital afterwards, and the various people who assisted as well as the two boards of guardians are named and details given. The Red Cross is seen as particularly instrumental in helping out. Interest in the Quints is such that on a recent Sunday, 4000 visitors were counted and it is likely the number will continue to grow. Cars are from every part of Canada and the United States . Visitors have a really good road, built at the cost of $75,000 by the Ontario Government, to travel on where before there was only a trail. This road is expected to link up to the Ottawa-Toronto link of the Trans-Canada Highway later. Advertising and picture contracts have been signed and the Quints already have an estate of $200,000. The Quints have had opportunities not granted every child. They are truly the world's babies.
“T. & N.O. Railway,” (p. 27-29). This government road was built to link to the clay belt for farming but in the process silver and later gold were discovered and it grew to serve the mining sector, and later pulp and paper mills and power projects, eventually reaching James Bay. It opened up the vast mineral wealth of the North to development.
“The Dionnes : ‘The World's Sweethearts,'” (p. 31-33). Born on May 28, 1934 , the five baby girls were in precarious health at first and the chances of their survival low. Dr. Dafoe did the best he could. An incubator was brought in and mothers' milk provided by the Toronto Junior League. At first they could not be seen, but there are now arrangements so that they can be viewed at specified hours every day. A board of guardians was established and a hospital home built across the road from the Dionne homestead. They were moved there on September 21 and Dr. Dafoe thought it saved their lives. Traffic to their home was stopped when their health was in jeopardy by a special constable posted there by the guardians. They have two nurses and Dr. Dafoe is their medical guardian with absolute control over their rearing. They are no longer in danger and visitors are allowed to see them when they are put out on the verandah twice a day, making for 4 visiting times. Newspapers have printed so much on them that they truly are “The Sweethearts of the World.”
“The Founding of a City,” (p. 15). North Bay was founded on the shores of Lake Nipissing (Big Water) because the surveyors of the CPR decided that they had to pass there. Little remains to remind us of the “displaced savage” except for the Lake which remains the same and will continue to for future generations. North Bay is at the crossing of two great highways and a new highway, the Trans-Canada Highway , is being built which must also pass through North Bay whatever its route afterwards. North Bay will be on Main Street for Canadian motorists as it was for the rail systems. It truly deserves to be called “THE GATEWAY CITY.”
“Tourists' Paradise ,” (p. 41). The region is a choice summer playground. It has historical interest and romance since every body of water saw the passing of Champlain and other pioneer explorers. Lake Nipissing has a long shoreline and sandy safe beaches. The French River and Trout Lake are also good for fishing. Other game can be hunted in season. It is a healthy vacation.