The history of Timmins is alive and well on Facebook,and at the Timmins Public Library.
Next Saturday, March 30th, the main branch is hosting a local history discovery afternoon.
Reference librarian Karina Douglas-Takayesu says members of the Facebook group “Timmins Then and Now” have been invited to talk about the group that has grown to 95-hundred members in four years.
And the library’s own artifacts will be on display.
“We do have the newpapers on microfilm,” she relates. “ the Porcupine Advance, which covers 1912 to 1950; we also have the Daily Press going back to 1933. There are a couple months that have been missing throughout the history but we actually do have that archived right back to the founding of the first and second newspapers here.”
A similar event last year turned up some gems that even the most ardent local history buff would have no way of expecting.
“Somebody brought in a straw hat from Timmins 50th anniversary in 1962,” says Douglas-Takayesu. “ People have brought in other things like old photo postcards from family, just even things like corporate souvenirs. A business every year would give out a calendar. So just the names of these businesses that no longer exist.”
The event starts at two o’clock at the main branch. It’s free, but you are asked to pre-register.