The 1955 headline reading “Plan to Raze Williams Block; To Use Site for Customs Area; Propose One-Way Traffic Routes” seems like deja-vu.
By mid-August, 1955, a new Customs area opened on the corner of Church Street and Mowat Avenue. The razing of the Williams block removed a 50-year-old cement block building erected by the late Herbert Williams.
Following the fire of 1905 that destroyed the Front Street business section, Mr. Williams rebuilt on the Church Street corner.
Over the years, the building was the location of such businesses as Watson and Lloyd, the Fort Frances Drug and Book Company, and the Canadian Bank of Commerce. The site had been last vacated by G. McLean Co. Ltd.
Meanwhile, in June, 1955, Rotary—with its “Service Above Self” motto—organized a club in Fort Frances. Some 25 local business and professional men joined this worldwide service organization.
Throughout the years, the local Rotary Club was able to establish a north-end park, organize the Santa Clause parade, support families in economic hardship, and support high school activities.
They also provided student scholarships and educational travel, financed sports and athletics, and purchased hospital equipment and services.
The Rotary also started the first Fort Frances Culturama, provided a band for social events, and at parades and Rainycrest. They participated in the international polio program and organized tree giveaways and fish frys.
Other projects included Adopt-a-Highway, the Fort Frances Recreation Trails, Rotary exchanges, and sponsoring local high school students at the Model United Nations Assembly and for the Rotary Youth Leadership Award.
In 2002, the decision was made to disband the Fort Frances Rotary Club. The past 47 years reveal the significant contribution it had made to our community.
Sr. Marie Tougas reviewed the history of the new school for nursing assistants in an article dated Oct. 6, 1955. She outlined the need for and realization of a certified nursing assistants’ course in the community.
Since the inception of the general hospital, the need for qualified nursing assistants had been constantly felt.
Finally in 1955, the employees’ residence was converted into a school for nursing assistants, and arrangements were made with the high school for the use of its nutrition laboratory facilities.
The course offered a couple of weeks of theory, lectures, demonstrations, study, and supervised practice on the hospital wards. Uniforms, books, laundry, and room and board accommodations were
provided for free.
Miss Shirley McLeod, RN, was the full-time nursing instructor to 12 students.
Centennial celebration ideas? How about a reunion of graduates from the nursing assistants program! And let’s not forget to recognize the contributions our service clubs have made to the community over the years.
The 100 year countdown continues to the centennial. The Centennial Celebration Advisory Committee needs your input—sponsor an event, volunteer your time.
2003 is a year for celebrating community. Let’s make it one to remember.