A job well done

Dear editor,
The local mill has provided unending families with not just a living, but a good living over the last 100 years.
Its closing does not mean the end of Fort Frances, but its opening on May 14, 1914 certainly helped this town and the people in it to prosper and live full lives.
When we think about the workers over the last century, there are so many good things to celebrate and so many hurdles of the changing times that were overcome. From the very basics of folks at the beginning speaking different languages and unable to comprehend their union contracts to the amazing leaps and bounds of technological changes that have taken place in that time span.
During the war, there were women who worked in the mill while the men were away. There were products invented in this mill, too. Many milestones have been accomplished.
Please stop by the museum this May through August and see the amazing photos, as well as the history of how the mill has affected and enriched so many families in our district.
There are so many great things that have happened over the years and so many friendships and families that came together, building a community of fellowship, at the M.E.C. club family functions, family fun days, fishing derbies, and mill-sponsored sports teams, etc.
And, of course, many have been able to enjoy so many great extras, like seasonal toys, travelling with our kids to their hockey, figure skating, curling, or swimming events, or just travelling in general. It has been an enriched life.
I can remember a time when the young fellows would buy a fast new car or truck, you knew they got a job at the mill. That was a time when you got a job at the mill, and it gave you a sense of pride and accomplishment.
Let’s remember those good times.
Working life at the mill brought many camaraderies with co-workers, a lot of laughs, and a lot of support from co-workers during the hard times. And, of course, those people in some areas that drove everyone crazy, who helped us all to learn tolerance.
From every parcel delivered to every bearing greased, every single person was an important part of the workforce that made our work days—and years—fly by.
Thanks to all, some amazing safety records were made at this mill—and we can’t forget some of the crazy things that went along with that. There were unsung heroes like the admin staff, who kept the place and their people together and on schedule (these folks were worth their weight in gold) until it was felt they no longer were needed.
And outside the mill, those local businesses and contractors who, during the worst times, didn’t get paid but stuck it out until the end, and realized that the local folks had no control over the situation. Thank you for that.
In the last five tough years of working at this mill, many challenges were given to the workers. It was said that if you can accomplish this . . . the equipment will run. Every worker can be proud that every challenge given to this mill was accomplished and, in most cases, exceeded. The workers rose to every challenge and succeeded, even when it meant giving concessions to keep the place running.
We all can be proud that the closure of this mill was in no way due to the local workforce.
Although each individual and family will have their own unique set of circumstances to deal with, the workers here—from all generations—can be proud of the good living that they have had and given to their families by working at the mill (I know you can’t take that to the bank, but they also can’t take that away from you).
I am the second generation of my family, my husband the third generation of his family, that has worked at this mill. Let’s honour and have pride in our past and all the good things that have come from our experiences at the mill.
Thanks to all for a job well done. . . .
Respectfully submitted,
Shirley Whitefield
Fort Frances, Ont.