Breaking History - An Unofficial History of Red Rock

 While a scant few lines are available when looking into the history of Red Rock, I have deemed it necessary to dig into these matters myself to see what I can come up with. Through the use of some historical information and insight from photography, and some storied knowledge: I will do my best to break Red Rock's history into manageable time segments and shed some light into the 'dark ages' of the town, prior to 1938.

Red Rock May 23, 2021

The first people present on the northern shores of Lake Superior are thought to be the Maraneg people, who were eventually absorbed into the growing Ojibwe tribe. They endured the brutal elements year after year, survived by hunting and fishing in a vast and rich ecological environment, and making tools of first rock, and then of copper as time progressed. The Cuesta found to the northwest of the townsite became a sacred place to the early peoples, where trails led to its base, where sacred red rock was gathered and shaped into special ornamental sculptures like that of the peace pipe. The Mayans are also thought to have made their way up to this sacred mountain as the finely crafted rock has been traced to this very Cuesta. Though it may be, that the natives travelled south by hunting trails and canoes, visiting and trading with neighboring clans as the crafts slowly made their way into the hands of the Mayans, who then had the largest cities on the continent.

Also of note are the pictographs found on the opposing side of Nipigon Bay across from the town. Through thousands of years of living in this environment a culture is sure to come up with legends and beliefs based on what they have seen and understood, passed down from generation to generation. Living beside such an unpredictable and often dangerous inland sea, they believed an underwater creature like that of a panther, lived deep within these waters, would come and swiftly swallow up unsuspecting victims. It was called the Mishipeshu. It was a powerful underwater spirit, known for its unpredictable and dangerous behavior, likely derived from thousands of years of watching the lake in all it's rage and tranquility.

The people of old believed safe passage in this area was given, by the Memegwasi, (rock medicine man, little people) who lived in the rock itself, and along the sheer cliffs, where the water met them. The Memegwaysa protected travelers from this underwater being as they travelled the treacherous Nepigon river. In days of old, dogs were offered to the little people at this rock, as well as prayer sticks and tobacco as they knew these little people were not to be trifled with. These water gods would protect them in their journey if they respected them and made offerings. A painting was made to show all where the little people were and what they looked like so that none would forget. It was also believed a tunnel from the pictograph site led directly to Gull Bay in Lake Nipigon where these Lake Superior fish would be caught, as these were different in girth and length from Lake Nipigon fish. 

Memegwesi - Art Laframboise

In about 1658, the first Europeans arrived in the area which resulted in intense exploration, mapping of the area, and the beginning of the fur trade era. From 1770-1780 the land proved highly profitable to both France and England as traders flooded in taking advantage of the rich and diverse animal population found here.

Peaceful war games were said to have been on the Red Rock site, held annually with a feast and drumming, where the shores from Red Rock to Nepigon were said to be completely lined with TeePees from neighboring tribesman from all over, to participate in the tournaments. Chief Tawagnum (Drum) used a word for the area which translated to red rock and was often used to differentiate between Nepigon and the latter in reference to the sacred Cuesta.  

TeePee's along the Red Rock Shore - Dee McCullay

The Red Rocks November 2019

It was also stated by my great, great, great grandfather John Hardy that the Iroquois had made their way to the area, up the Nepigon river, attacking the village, killing the old men, fighting the able bodied, stealing the women and children. The hill and beach at Lake Helen are said to be full of bodies of both Ojibwe and Iroquois, laid to rest, wrapped in birch bark. A testament to the harsh times once endured by the local peoples.

Rivalry between the French North West Company and the English Hudson's Bay Company had by this time, been longstanding. Even to the point of skirmishes and the taking of prisoners. In 1786 the North West Company set up the first post in the Nipigon basin, where they were at odds with their nemesis, the Hudson's Bay Company, on this very profitable vein to power and glory. In fact several posts were made on the Nipigon River from both camps, each trying to gain the river and control the area. The land jutting out on to Nipigon Bay beside Red Rock mountain is known as 5 Mile Point, and was frequented by the Voyageurs as a place to stop and ready themselves for a night on the growing and lively village of Nepigon.

5 Mile Point May 22, 2021

In 1863 steamboats were a staple of the lake, traveling up and down the shores transporting goods and people in and out of the area. It was the only accessible way at that time, aside from traversing a dense wilderness full of black flies.

Hudson's Bay Company - Red Rock Post at Nepigon

In an effort to unite the people spread across Rupert's Land and deliver trade-goods from one end of the country to the other, the Canadian Pacific Railway was begun, employing thousands of laborers to build a trackway, often in dangerous terrain, and overcome impossible odds. In early 1883 grading eastward from Port Arthur to Nepigon had begun. On May 26 rail was being laid from Port Arthur and Red Rock saw it's first rails down on November 21, 1883. A financial crisis had halted completion of the line at Nepigon in late 1884. In 1885, the North-West Rebellion was raging, and 3,000 troops from Kingston and Quebec had to slog through 10 miles of slushy ice from Kama through (what would be) the future site of Red Rock to rejoin the completed track westward. Later that year the track was finally completed. Along the CPR Mile 66, a man named Beniameno Medalla (or Wedalla) had accidentally blown himself up in a dynamite accident on December 21, 1912. Many deaths in the area had occurred in combination with the CPR construction, which will be listed at the end of the article. With many left out of work with the completion of the track, many began early life in the Nipigon area as lumberjacks.

In 1915 the first pioneer settler in what would be Red Rock was Mr and Mrs Arve Adolph Arola, of Port Arthur, along with their children who cleared the land at the end of what is now Red Rock Road number 3 Buchanan Road. It is said to be quite a ways back and the footings of the home can still be seen as stated by Mr Whent. For one reason or another the family picked up and moved to what is now the end of Red Rock Road number 4 beside the track. The farmland consisted of a homestead and smaller buildings, while down the road at what is now the start of Red Rock Road 4 was a large barn with some smaller out buildings, well and pump. In those days, access was only via a bridge over the creek, which eventually became 2 leading from the Koski homestead. The grounds were found to be acceptable for raising crops, and the creek a good source for large Trout. 

Arola Schoolhouse/ Superior Lodge May 2021

Arola Schoolhouse and Koski Homestead on other side of creek

The School from Homestead

Arola Schoolhouse/ Superior Lodge as it appears today

By 1917, John Aho and wife Katie settled westerly of the schoolhouse on a single wood homestead with their daughter Tirra age 6. Sadly their youngest daughter of almost 2 years of age, Alisa died of Diphtheria on May 21, 1919. She was born here in August 11, 1917.

In 1918 the hydro-electric dam was being constructed at Cameron Falls providing power to the area. This also meant land was being cleared to run the tower lines and smaller power poles to Nipigon. From here electricity would be sent to Lake Sulphite Pulp and Paper Company in the late 1930's.

In 1919 the future townsite of Red Rock would see more men come through with the construction of the Canadian National Railway. The Kinghorn Line would pass Westward down from Longlac to Nipigon to Port Arthur and beyond.

A man named Robert Crawford, Hudson's Bay Company Factor - Red Rock Post at Nepigon in service from 1854 -1877, was also the inspiration for the planned CPR Station to be erected on the Red Rock site, then to be called Crawford, (you can still see Crawford Point on local maps behind Red Rock mountain.) However delays took their toll, and a CPR siding slash post office was finally established, but it was 3 miles South at Everard in 1920. In those days, settlers planning to send or receive mail had to walk an hour or more. 

Everard - Site of First Post Office

190 meters East of the CPR track on Red Rock Road 4 was where another homestead can be found. It was constructed ca 1921 by Albert and Alfina Neimi. It also featured 2 buildings alongside and yet another building a little further back beside the well. The site was confirmed by Mr Paju, Billy Inget and Danny Whent as the Neimi homestead. The keyed style log structure can be plainly seen to this day while the others fall into a heavier state of decay.

The Neimi Homestead

Among the first inhabitants in the school vicinity were Henry Danio (future school board member) with his wife Emma, and children: Joel, Edwin, Anna, Alma, Walter, Neil, Wilma and Elizabeth. It is not yet known where their homestead was located.

Some old homesteaders here (Year unknown) Some missing or removed

John Paakkari, (future school board member) lived with his wife Mary and daughter Hilda, age 9 at the time, in a single wood home at Concession 4 Lot 3 according to the 1921 census, which was located on Buchanan Road today.

Hilda Paakkari cutting wood on the original Arola Farm 
(Cee Cee Barbados Collection Red Rock Historical Society)

Hilda Paakkari atop the homestead
(Cee Cee Barbados Collection Red Rock Historical Society)

After some time of searching for this homestead location by drone, and on foot, mapping and lining up photos I believe to have finally located this historical home complete with rhubarb, trash collection, well, farm implements, and stable nearby.

Paakkari homestead location

The Paakkari house was located along the ridge at Trout Creek not 200 feet from the large barn on Buchanan Road.

Nipigon Township 1921 Census Map

Based off the 1921 Census of Nipigon Township, the community of Red Rock did not exist then, thus being listed under Nipigon Township in those days. with no official map from the town office, I have devised a map from the census and old 1972 map, reconstructing what it would have looked like back then. Here are some of the names and farms from that census and their Concession and Lot numbers. Heiki Henrickson Conession 3 Lot 2. William Allen Concession 3 Lot 4. Henry Danio and Otto Koski Concession 4 Lot 2, John Paakkari Concession 4 lot 3. John Aho Concession 5 Lot 3. Also worth mentioning it seems Heiki Henrickson lived in a homestead on the backside of Red Rock mountain, otherwise known as Howe mountain with lodgers William Raiko and Erar Lellara.

Heiki Henrickson ("Hendrickson") is listed on an old map (undated) from what I can tell, as having a homestead in the vicinity of Lot 206 Concession II in the years 1930-1931

Hendrickson Homestead 1930-1931

The Arola's barn was converted into a schoolhouse due to a need for a small growing population to receive schooling and opened on September 13, 1922. It became known as School Section #4 West, alternatively better known as the "country school." It featured a schoolroom, two cloakrooms, a library and three rooms servings as the teacher's living quarters on the Southwesterly side. The school board consisted of locals Arve Arola, John Paakkari, and Henry Danio.

Students at Arola School

There were 9 pupils attending that first year with Mrs. Westwood as teacher. The photo above was likely taken about 1930 as the population grew larger. Eventually the school would move locations to Trout Creek Bridge, to Rankin Street, to finally Salls Street & Frost Street as of late. Children who attended the school were: Simmons, Inget, Maatson, Jalkanen, & Koski.

Sirkka Maatson (Bobrowich) and sister Gertrude "Gertie" Maatson (Cantley) would have to leave by sleigh in winter (pulled by Mr Jalkanen and horse), with a hay bottom and under horse blankets, for the long trip to school, sometimes over "corduroy" roads (logs laid parallel to each other in order to cross over swamp land.) "The first year Gertie and I went to school there were only 3 of us, and I wasn't supposed to go that first year, but I didn't want to stay home by myself. Any way, I got to go. Mr Jaulkenen (down here), he had his horses in winter, and he had a little box built on a sleigh, with two runners and he would put hay on the bottom and horse blankets on there for us, and we couldn't put our nose out when it was cold. And that's how we went to school the first year. Later on they built a little cabin on the sleigh, and they had a little stove in there, but it took a long time to get there from where we lived on the farm." The original Maatson Estate is found on the end of Red Rock Road 8, home of Leonard and Tynne Maatson, which originally was a very, very large acreage, and a small 20 by 23 foot home beside a small garage. They also had a sawmill down toward Oswald Mousseau's grave. The sawmill got turned in a forest fire that reached from there all the way to Stillwater. "To drive all the way into Red Rock, horses din't go that fast. Then there was old Mr Henrickson, he drove - well he had this black horse - you use to hear him down there, and he didn't come to the house, he stopped at the end by the driveway. He used to holler at these horses, and we use to laugh at him: "Git up ahead, back up ahead!" Telling his horse to back up ahead. Mr Henrickson had a Essex car, and they were doing work on the highway down here, right across from the Bellvue. It was really wet, there was what was called a "corduroy" road, where they put logs across, and he would have to take a good speed to go over that. We would go bouncing all over and the doors would fly open. I was kind of scared of falling out of there. Well, we did get there.Life was different in those days - it was like everyone was the same. You didn't have a TV or even radio at first, but we found things to do. We had dogs that we harnessed up and gave us rides. We would ski down the hill - down there, and we skied in the back, you made your own fun" - Sirkka Maatson (Bobrowich)

Oliver "Ollie" Inget would also have a long trip to the Arola school. He lived with his parents in a homestead located in the field beside what is now Billy Inget's home. He would walk down the road to McGuire's Hill (the McGuire Farm today), and trek along side the base of the mountain, (where the Maatson family also had another homestead) and from what I am told was a road in those days which lead to the CP Rail track. From there he'd walk all the way down and get off the rails through the field beside Arola's farm (John R Clark's today, prior to that McGuire and Ligifalvie), and a walk down Road 4 and meet up with Tony Koski, cross the bridge and start the school day. Children certainly put 110% effort into their schooling in those days.

Furthermore in speaking to Jim Bobrowich I learned that the homestead that was at the base of McGuire's hill also had a cave which was used as a cold storage! They once tried to get a look inside but the amount of rock that had fallen made a lot of work to be done, just for a peek inside, so Jim and his friend left it the way it was. Interest spurred me on to speak with Mr Phillip McGuire who also confirmed the homestead's location and courteously mentioned we can take a walk in next month to go have a look. He said about the cold storage, that the mountain is always cold, and you can look down in the rock and see ice.

A view of McGuire's Hill from the relatively new driveway 

William Allen settled in a single homestead by the mountain in those days and I believe this may have been it. I'm afraid it doesn't stand tall any longer as age has not been kind, and the 4 sides can be easily missed, as I found out. Eventually upon returning with friend Todd Dampier who pointed it out to me in my surprised excitement, as I had only seen the wash basin and pot. It turns out earlier in the morning I had stepped inside and taken photos of the artifacts and never even knew!

William Allen homestead (believed)

In those days if you wanted to go to a Saturday night dance, you would have to walk the tracks to Nipigon and then a long dark walk home, through Mile 66 into 67 at Red Rock.

The Port Arthur to Nipigon highway, was started in 1923 while work continued through many shut downs through to 1925 according to EC Everett. The foreman in 1931 was Mr George Gordon, who oversaw work by the red rocks along what would be the King's Highway 17. The 'red rock road' was just that. A rough and rugged road, made for horse and buggy to join up the King's Highway to the railway in this particular section where farms were few and far between. The year for the 'red rock road's' construction may actually have been 1921 as sections of the King's Highway were completed in various places and times. Recently I had also heard an ultra-rarity, a rumor of what was said to be a Blacksmith shop on Grettler's corner, and speaking with some, they had not heard of it.

The original Red Rock Road - Horse and Buggy Trail Still Visible

Along the Red Rock Road was another farm and homestead, that of Holgar Stenlund, featuring large plowed fields for gardens. I am not sure what year all this work was done, however the road to the tracks definitely connected up all these neighbors into a more accessible community.

William Edward Simmons (Veteran of World War 1&2) lived on a homestead said to be at the end of what is now Sprucewood Road in about 1922, and family stories abounded of having to walk the tracks to the school. W.E. Simmons held much property all over the area, possibly including a land deal with either John Aho or Arvid Johnson for the property at the entrance to Red Rock (Lot 5 Concession 5). In 1928 forest was cleared by Mr. Simmons and family at the entrance to the 'red rock road' and a small shack was built, while some large gardens were also made in the fields. This eventually (over nearly a century) became much larger and is now the McCauley house. William is also said to have cleaned the Arola school.

William Edward Simmons ca.1975

Otto Erland Myylikoski (Koski) and family lived in a homestead by the Arola farm, 90 meters from the schoolhouse (over the creek.) It consisted of a large wood home and farm. Tauno Koski was born in the homestead in 1923, so if I were to guess, the homestead and land cleared would have taken at least a year or two placing the Koski Family homestead as the second or third home built in Red Rock, about 1920.

Koski Homestead across from Schoolhouse Photo courtesy Fay Koski Boudreau

Mr Koski was a carpenter and also helped construct the monumental Red Rock Inn, and Lake Sulphite Pulp and Paper Company mill. Some of the land was also acquired by Mr Bernard (Barnie) Sarrasin and Arvo Paju in years passing. In time, with the teachers moved on, to the Red Rock Inn, the living quarters were vacant. A terrible fire destroyed the Koski homestead and the family was relocated to the Arola school's living quarters for a time.  

Middler House 1930's Photo Courtesy of Fay Koski Boudreau

The young Koski family eventually moved in to a small house on Road 4 (known today as Middler's house) in the early 1950's until 1956, then moved to Nipigon with their children.

Middler House as it appears today

On Red Rock Road 3 (known today as Buchanan Road), you will find a turn-off before the bridge over Trout Creek, where Kenny "Shorty" Buchanan's large barn is situated. Originally found nearby here was John Paakkari's homestead, complete with an old stable a distance away directly North, which is now been cut down to a smaller size and used as lookout. The original was 8 times the size of what it is today.

Paakkari/ Heino barn - Courtesy of Laurie Bellamy

Hilda Paakkari and unknown on barn - Year unknown
Red Rock Historical Society, Cee Cee Barbados Collection

A time later, another home was found along the creek maybe 50 feet West of Paakari's along the same creek bank, and this was where Mr Heino once lived, followed by Nicki Krezonski, and finally Mr Pineau. There was Frank A Heino, (wife not known), Frank Eric, and Dorothy (believed). Over the years, the home ended up in such a state of disrepair it was torn down.

Ed Heino/ Pineau House (year unknown) - Courtesy of Laurie Bellamy

Another home was built further down the road, across the creek, this is where Swansons now live, nestled cosily in nature. If you follow a ways further up, across the old CN track, you will find where a large garage once stood. These days only a cement pad is there, however you can see the old time grader which would be either pulled by a large truck, or steam operated (though there seems to be no place for the engine), and various dumpers. Buchanan's had worked the potato fields (before getting into the logging industry). They had a large potato house where potatoes were sorted and stored. The potato house may have been turned into the garage mentioned earlier, which unfortunately burned down. Mr Laurie Bellamy and others had worked in the fields and in the potato house as youngsters.

Buchanan's Barn

Old-Time Grader at Buchanan's - Photo courtesy of Terry Cartwright

Kenny's father, Fred Buchanan had a home over the CN tracks beside the garage. You will notice the cluster of farms all close together in this area, that of Arola's, Neimi's, Buchanan's, Koski's all situated within walking distance of the CPR and CN Tracks.

1935 ca. Carl Nyberg built a large Hotel on the corner of the King's Highway 17 and the Red Rock corner called the Main Hotel. It burned during construction and had to be rebuilt from scratch. The Hotel would become a social hub in the area for decades.

The Main Hotel ca. 1949-1950 (Ray Begin Far Right)

The Main Hotel ca. 2006 (Photo Mrs. Houston)

Many locals and no so locals have fond memories of the Hotel/ Tavern playing pool, having drinks, meeting friends, renting videos, to buying burgers, fries, ice cream. The stand next door about 200 feet away was where many were also employed during the Summer making burgers and fries for all the hungry folks who loved their food. Some may also remember the fun times being had at the miniature golf course featuring 18 holes and 18 creative obstacles. I also remember painting touch up work on the course with my brother and cousin in 1990. A further 150 feet beyond was a large building in about 1985 which held fruits and vegetables and a lot of candy, I also remember family friend Gordy Hyde working here for a time, a very kind man who also worked as the Butcher at Zechners Nipigon.

Management: 

Carl Nyberg (mid 1930's builder)

Isaac Toukas & Mr. Pamell (ca 40-48)

Hugo Stenlund (ca 48-53)

Paul Jaison & Armand Drouin (ca 53-58)

Louis & Margaret Aubin 

  with Gabriel & Noella Aubin (ca 58-62)

Victor & Ann Orzech (ca 62-77)

Jack & Millie Wallace (77-85)

Mike and Judy Lasook (85-2001)

"Judy and I ran the Main Tavern for almost 20 years made a lot of friends still have them on my mind." - Mike Lasook 2020

Sadly, the main Hotel, which became the Main Tavern, closed it's doors in 2001. Eventually the building would be demolished in 2006 and we said goodbye to a legendary landmark of local history in the Red Rock area.

The date of construction is not known, but I will add it here anyway, a building is seen on a map just down from the Quebec Lodge. A place which was called the "Pocahontas Lodge", which burned down from sparks from the old trains passing by. There use to be a set of steps which led up, but nothing is on the site anymore, except for a pipe sticking up from the ground and an odd shaped piece of concrete about 6 feet wide. One foot down from the corner it cuts in about 2 feet, and from there, a 90 degree angle down the other 5 feet. It looks much like a square with a smaller square attached to it. You will also find a hole in it, but we can only speculate what it could have been. Maybe where a flag pole once stood. Mr Bellamy went there in his younger days and remembers seeing a small fireplace, unfortunately is nowhere to be seen today.

Location of the "Pocachontas" Lodge as it was said to be called

The concrete at the water's edge

Mr Bellamy surmises that the cement block found at the water's edge was used for landing and tying boats. This block is almost in direct line of the said lodge, found about 20 feet in the bush-line.

Concrete Slab

1937 was the game changer for the site. Land was purchased beside Lake Superior and plans were put in place to construct a mill. Lake Sulphite Pulp and Paper Company brought in hundreds of men to clear the land for it's operations. In one photo you can see the future townsite ablaze with smoke billowing high into the air as it is prepared for commercial use.

Mill Clearing May 19, 1937 Everett Photo

Originally settled in Nipigon on Hogan's Road in 1923, Arvo Paju and his family had constructed a large home here and eventually moved on to the Red Rock Road still in it's infancy, found about a kilometer away from the Arola Farm. By 1937 a two level home was constructed on the property with neatly cleared fields surrounding it.

Red Rock saw a spur line making its way off the CN track (laid in 1919) leading up to the mill site, along with large footings concreted in place for the main buildings. There were over 30 buildings erected here to house workers along with dining halls and kitchens, while higher level employees would be staying at what is now the Red Rock Inn, also being built the same year. 

Construction of the Red Rock Inn 1937 - Charlie Sodergren & Father Pictured (Foreground)

Photos show that many of the houses built for employees were not built on what would be the lower end of Rankin Street, but around the Red Rock Inn. Houses on Brompton Road (The site was purchased by the Brompton Pulp and paper Company after World War 2) and what would be Timmins Street. It looks to be a total of 15 houses built here. The only thing on the lower end of Rankin Street is a very large storage shed on what would now be the township of Red Rock's Garage. As was the way of it, all homes in the area were originally rail service until the road was begun.

Lake Sulphite Pulp & Paper Company ca.1941

With all the work going on in the area, the 'red rock road' was now extended from the King's highway to Paju's. The mill had its own road (now Baker Road) from the CN/CP tracks, however you will notice in the bottom right of the photo, there is still no 'Red Rock Road' passing over the sets of tracks in 1941. Is it possible the 'escape road' was the original road in to the town itself, extending out across from Paju's farm? Mrs Malone gave the go-a-head to the town to make an 'Escape Road' in case of emergency at the mill. Or perhaps the men working on the Red Rock Road simply had not made it this far, by the time the 1941 photo was taken. In the 1937 photo, horse teams and work vehicles can be seen readying for another hard day on the road. 

Emile Anderson at Paju Farm - Construction of the Red Rock Road July1937 - Everett

Effective July 20, 1961 an order-in-council officially deemed the Red Rock Road to be Highway 628, and in 1966 the gravel road was paved in it's entirety. The road has seen a few changes in its course since then, with straightening the curves and widening, and work along the bridges. The original very thin Red Rock Road can still be seen and walked on in a few areas where it has been paved, or (even in some cases) still the original gravel road. Other contractors who have worked on the Road were Hockwell.

Early people found to have died in Red Rock prior to 1938 are as follows:

A Minns: 1882 - June 6, 1907 milepost 40 Nipigon

Harry C Allen: 1890 - June 14, 1912 CPR Accident (Brakeman)

Alexander Ross born 1867 - June 14, 1912 Red Rock Railway Accident Immediate death

Alexander McQuaig born 1862 - June 14, 1912 Red Rock railway Accident Immediate death

William Burke died June 14, 1912 Red Rock Railway Accident Immediate death

Oscar Johnson: November 13, 1912 Suicide Drowning (Laborer)

Beniameno M/Wedalla: 1886 - December 21, 1912 CPR Mile 66 Dynamite explosion

Bajo Jackich: February 13, 1913 CPR Dynamite explosion

Steve Sava Salopia: February 13, 1913 CPR Dynamite explosion

Saba Salatia: 1889 - February 17, 1913

Myram Snarus/ WH Stearns: January 9, 1916 CPR Train collision Hemhorage, shock, burns (Locomotive Engineer)

Robert J Connort(s) McConkey: January 9, 1916 CPR Train collision crushed & burned (Brakeman)

Fred Carr: 1893 - December 7, 1918 Heart Disease (Watchman)

Alisa Aho: August 11, 1917 - May 21, 1919 1yr, 9mos, 10 days Diphtheria

Isaac Rakks: November 13, 1922 Suicide - Shot through chest (Forestry laborer)

Daniel McLean: 1869 - December 11, 1926 Accidental drowning (Motor Dealer)

Henry Ruotanen May 5, 1929 

Oswald Mousseau: 1872 - September 1932 Suicide (Homesteader 20 yrs+)

Fred Fraser: 1901 - August 14, 1937

William Stefanko: 1893 - August 14, 1937

Louis Kardos: 1900 - September 11, 1937

I hope to have shed some light on our history, as everything following 1938 seems to be quite tangible. I am glad to finally cover this topic as it has been on the back burner for quite some time. 

~ Dee McCullay - Dark History