Atikokan Historical Park
The Atikokan Historical Park features local history exhibits from the lumber and mining industry. You will find old pieces of equipment that were used in the mining of Steep Rock. Please stay off the equipment. 1. Lima Shay Locomotive, was used by the Shevlin-Clarke Company between Clearwater Lake and Turtle Dam from 1913 to 1924, when logs were floated through the river system to the mill in Fort Frances. 2. The Canadian National Caboose was built at the Pointe St. Charles Shops, in Montreal Quebec. This caboose saw service on main and secondary lines across Canada. In the Western Provinces it was attached to grain, potash, coal, and sulphur unit trains. In the Eastern routes it was the conductor's office at the end of the train. 3. The Golden Winner Mine operated from 10 months 1899-1990. The company milled 15 tons of ore and profited on $70.00, at the 1900 price. Sleigh ruts of the lumber camps were iced on purpose, using a water tank on runners. There were holes in the tank bottom to drain water along the roads. The roads would freeze overnight providing a fresh ice surface for the next's day's hauling. 4. The Barienger Brake was often referred to as a crazy wheel due to its complexity. Six steel drum pulleys, wired with strong cable is actually a large block and tackle system, providing an incredible mechanical advantage moving large loads on wagons and sleighs down inclines. This capstan was used at Dashawa Lake. The capstan was powered by horses walking in a continuous circle winding in the rope that pulled booms of logs (as large as 2000 logs) across lakes. The capstan was anchored on a wanigan (large raft about 15 meters long and 10 meters wide) which worked in concert with the winch boat. 5. The underground iron ore car holds a ton of ore and was used in the B-1 Shaft on the south side of the Errington ore body of Steep Rock Iron Mince. Running along tracks like a train, the ore cars hauled iron ore from shafts 800 meters deep to production dumps, when conveyors lifted the ore 400 meters to surface bin to be loaded into rail cars. 6. The dredge anchor weighs 365 kilograms. Steep Rock Iron mines and Caland Ore Company used four dredges to de-water the lakes; The Marmion, the Steep Rock, the Joseph L. Block and the Clarence B. Randall. 7. Blasting shelters protected the blaster and the foreman from the concussion of the blast. Dynamite, sirens, and earth-moving machines were the principle methods of open-pit mining. 8. The monitor Hose was used during the sluicing operation between 1944 and 1950 when more than 20 million cubic yards of over-burden covering the Errington ore body was reduced to a slurry that could be pumped away. The principle of the Bucyrus Erie Churn Drill was quite simple. The gasoline or electric power unit drove a crank arrangement through a belt drive. This imparted reciprocating action to the hoist rope, which caused the bit to be continuously raised and dropped in the hole to break up the rock, clay and sand particles. The drill bit consisted of a steel rod sharpened to a chisel point. Water poured into the drill hole and formed a slurry from the churning action of the drill bit and the drill cuttings. 9. the first Euclid dump truck held 45 tons of ore that was scooped up with electric shovels. In the final years of mining their capacity was increased to 65 tons. These trucks hauled ore to the crushing and pelletizing plants. The Historical Park is also a landing site for the Path of the Paddle and The Great Trail. You will find signs along Main Street that direct portages to their next entry point. How to Get There: Starting at the Atikokan Centennial Museum, turn left onto Main Street East and make your way over the foot bridge. From there roam around the point and see the different exhibits on display.
Atikokan Injured Workers Memorial
This Atikokan Injured Workers Memorial and plaque are in memory of those who lost their lives accidentally at work. Mining, logging, construction and the CN Railway are represented. A memorial Cross with the inscription, "Turning words and ideas into actions." The cross was erected by the Atikokan Injured Workers Support Group in memory of those workers who died or were injured at work. Remi Labonte, 26-8-1990 is situated on a pedestal next to the plaque. Remi's back was seriously injured while working in the logging industry. He received the third Spinal Neurological Stimulation Implant in Canada, which had only been available for six months. The implant allowed him to sit, walk and exercise free of all drug dependence. HOW TO GET THERE: Head back towards the museum, and head towards Burns Street. Turn right at the post office and continue halfway down the block to the memorials.
The Path of the Paddle Main Street Portage
Path of the Paddle is a canoeing route through the Atikokan region, which is part of The Great Trail. The Quetico Trail Head is opposite the Museum. Paddlers are welcome to leave their packs at the Museum while they pick up supplies in Atikokan. The portage along Main Street enables paddlers to bypass a meandering section of the Atikokan River and reach the Maukinak Trail Head, also known as Pinkerton's Landing. Robert and Kathrene Pinkerton arrived in Atikokan in 1912. Robert worked as a cub reported on the Milwaukee Free Press and was later telegraph new editor for The Journal in Milwaukee. After their first fictive effort, a 30,000 word novelette sold to Munsey's Magazine, they departed for the wilds of Canada and built onto a cabin about eight miles from Atikokan where they continued writing. Kathrene wrote Wilderness Wife and Two ends to our Shoestrings and photographed the years spent at the cabin. Robert's writing included fiction, a history of the Hudson's Bay Company, as well as one of the most widely accepted books on canoes and canoeing. The Pinkertons visited Atikokan regularly for supplies and mail by canoe and dogsled for the next five years. HOW TO GET THERE: Retrace your steps to the corner of Burns and Main Street. Walk past the Post Office, turn right onto Main Street. The distinctive logo of paddlers in a canoe is attached to signs and lampposts on Main Street.
The Diamond Drill
The Diamond Drill was donated by Morissette Diamond Drilling, a division Longyear Canada Inc. In March of 1938, Julian G. Cross searched for iron ore deposits, 200 feet below, at the bottom of Steep Rock Lake using a diamond drill operation. A painting by Harold Nelson in the Atikokan Museum depicts that cold winter operation. In 1897, a map issued by the Geological Survey of Canada displayed the findings of two field Geologists, W.H. Smith and W. McInnes, who had mapped the area around Steep Rock Lake the previous summer. Their report claimed that "an iron-bearing horizon with hematite of good quality appears to be generally covered by the waters of the lake." They only way to prove the existence of the ore body was to drill into the lake bed with a diamond drill. Julian G. Cross talked to many developers before he met Joseph Errington who could read the maps and plans and was familiar with the concepts that Cross was trying to sell. HOW TO GET THERE: Continue walking on Main Street, cross over O'Brien. The Dimond Drill is situated on the edge of the green space on Main Street.
The Iron Ore Car and The Atikokan Story Mural
May 3, 1956, the first car of underground ore from Steep Rock Iron Mine went to the markets of North America. The Errington Underground Mine was designed to mine the ore that was to be life in the ground after the open pit was mined to its economic depth. This underground car was donated by Zeretin Equipment of Atikokan. The Atikokan Story depicted in the mural was painted by the high school students. Featured on the mural are fur trade routes, the first European explorers and settlers, logging and mining. The murals featured in this tour were spearheaded by Heather Schmutzer, the art teacher in Atikokan for thirty years. Heather involved her students in the mural project. HOW TO GET THERE: Only a few steps forward you will come to the iron ore car and the mural The Atikokan Story on the side of the Royal Canadian Bank building.
Chips R Us
Chips R Us is a fast food outlet that is operated by Community Living Atikokan from May to September. Their Training and Leisure Centre provides employment training and leisure alternatives from developmentally-disabled adults. Supported Employment Services provides yard maintenance, laundry contracts, mail delivery and catering enabling clients the opportunity to work as paid employees within the community. Community Living celebrates their 50th anniversary of operation in 2019. HOW TO GET THERE: Continue on Main Street, crossing over Gorrie Street.
The P & H Shovel Bucket
The P & H Shovel Bucket was donated by B.R. Davidson and Built by Clayton Company Limited. The Iron Mine building was generally referred to as the Union Hall for Local 3466 of the United Steel Workers of America. It opened in March of 1951, and was built by volunteers. It housed an 8-lane bowling alley, a lunch counter and was a popular sports Centre in the community. IN 1959 Barnett-McQueen Construction Company built the upper story addition allowing for offices, a furnished board room and an auditorium (seating capacity of 550) with high ceiling, hardwood floors and a large stage. If the walls could talk, no doubt we'd hear the voices of miners, the music of Saturday night dances and the laughter of people enjoying themselves. The "union Hall" is a significant Atikokan landmark. HOW TO GET THERE: Continue on Main Street. Tea Spa Wellness is a welcome retreat any time of the year and offered ice cold drinks, hot organic drinks and snacks. walk past the Atikokan Economic Development Corporation to the corner of Marks and Main Street to the P & H Shovel Bucket.
Atikokan Municipal Office
Stop in the lobby of the Atikokan Town Hall to see a large painting by Elsa Kosola, a well known local artist. The Atikokan Tartan was designed and created by two talented local spinner, Irma Hicks and Jack Fraser. The tartan was created for Atikokan's 100th Anniversary. HOW TO GET THERE: Head south on Marks Street towards Mackenzie Avenue.
Chapel of the Immaculate Heart of Mary
The chapel of the Immaculate Heart of Mary was built in 1931. initially, this church serviced both the Ukrainian and Roman Catholic parishes. In 1970 the Catholic Church sold the chapel to the St. peter and Paul Ukrainian Catholic congregation. it is presently owed privately. Painted on the interior arch is a mural by Mary Hegler (1915-2010). the mural of clouds and angels bears the inscription Ave Maria Gratia Plena. Mary Hegler was the president of the Atikokan Art Club, circa 1960s, an instructor in watercolor, oil painting, silk screening and creative writing. She was commissioned to pain the Canadian Service Ship, The Nova Scotia and designed the totem pole carved by Obie May and installed at Quetico Centre. HOW TO GET THERE: Continue walking towards Mackenzie Avenue and turn right and the corner of Marks and Mackenzie.
The Economic Hub of Old Atikokan
The Atikokan Hotel has been here through the ebb and flow of the community. The first building was known as the Pioneer Hotel, built by Tom Rawn and opened in 1900. The first building was destroyed by fire in 1935 and rebuilt the following year. Opposite the Hotel are the steps to the station platform. The tracks are still used, by passenger service (once the only way to reach Atikokan) was discontinued on the 29th of July 1977. The Canadian Northern Railway, completed in Atikokan in 1900, was built to challenge the monopoly of the Canadian Pacific Railway. Later purchased by the federal government from Mackenzie and Mann to become known as the Canadian National Railway. HOW TO GET THERE: Continue along Mackenzie to the intersection of Clarke Street.
Atikokan School Section No. 1
Atikokan School Section No. 1 was established in 1902. The first school teacher was Miss Brown and her salary was $35.00 per month. By 1921 a new school was needed. The present building was constructed by the John East Company of Fort Frances from $17,430.00. In the early 1900s and eight grade education was the customary level of education for young people growing up in the Northwestern Ontario. many living in isolated railway sectional homes, lumber camps and trappers lodgings received much less until the education initiatives of the 1920s. By 1949, the opening of Steep Rock Iron mines and the logging industry created sufficient demand so that the trustees were required to expand their course offerings to the level of a Continuation School. By today's standard that would equal the first two years of high school.
M&C Motors
M&C Motors was purchased by Frank Covello and Joe Maronese in November 1954. At that time both families lived in the upstairs apartments. The business ran twenty-four hours a day and had a staff of thirty. The name now stands for Main & Clark, but it is still known as the place “Where Customers Send Their Friends.”
The Atikokan Wellness Centre
The Atikokan Wellness Centre is a swimming pool and ice arena complex. Both facilities are associated with the athletic activity of the community. The cartoon panels of hockey players created by local artist Bob Stark are featured in the ice arena and the feats of the Nakokita Swim Club in the main lobby.
The Atikokan Native Friendship Centre
The Atikokan Native Friendship Centre. The aims and objectives of the ANFC are to carry out programs consistent with those of a non-profit organization for the social, cultural, educational, and economic advancement of the Native People. Traditional workshops, and healing circles are offered throughout the year.
Atikokan Youth Initiatives
Atikokan Youth Initiatives opened a Youth Drop In Centre which offers a place for Atikokan youth to gather and play board games, play musical instruments, play pool or air hockey, socialize. Organized events are scheduled on a regular basis.Look for the flowers and vegetable gardens along the side of the building, enhancing this colourful site on Main Street.
Walt's Dry Goods
Walt's Dry Goods established in 1950 by Walt and Millie Beyak, is now owned and operated by their son Randy Beyak. In 1948 Walter Beyak purchased the land for his store from the Canadian National Railway for $350.00, site unseen. Stories of the rapid expansion plans for Atikokan were known in the Rainy River District and they captured his interest and imagination. The Beyak family business has endured the boom and bust cycles of a mining community and the store is central to Main Street, Atikokan.
Atikokan Home Hardware Store and the Gardner-Denver Drill
Gardner-Denver Drill is to the right of the entrance to the Home Hardware Store. The Gardner Governor Company merged with the Denver Rock Drill Company in 1927, creating one of the best-run manufacturers of rock drilling equipment for the mining industry with portable air compressors for the construction industry.The Atikokan High School mural is located on the side of the building, facing Gorrie Street. Pictured in the lower right corner are the students who painted the mural and their teacher, Heather Schmutzer. The mural was restored in 2014.
The Enchanted Florist
The Enchanted Florist is owned and operated by Karen Vandoorne since 20005. Born and raised in Atikokan she earned her diploma from Humber College before apprenticing with a Dutch Master in White Rock, BC. Karen also has a diploma in horticulture from Guelph University.
The Pictograph Gallery
The Pictograph Gallery is artist-run, and operated by volunteers. Shows of local and regional artists are presented each six times a year. There is an annual Silent Auction and Flea Market fundraiser and a Christmas Market. Established 1987 this is a must see for visitors and a regular stop for citizens who appreciate the bounty of local talent.
The Spirit of the Miner & The Earthmovers Murals
The Spirit of the Miners illustrates the mining pits filling up with water and nature reclaiming the lake. The miner's image was inspired by a photograph take by local photographer, Joe Marohnic. The Earthmovers depicts the loading of a Lectra Haul truck with a P&H Shovel.Lectra Haul trucks depicted in The Earthmovers mural came into use in 1968. They were powered by a 1,000 hp GM 12V 149T diesel engine and were the first engines of this type to be purchased in Canada.
The Landmovers Mural
The Lakemovers was composed in 1992 from photographs selected from the collection in the Atikokan Museum, painted by local artist, Heather Schmutzer. The dredging operations of both Steep Rock Iron Mine and Caland Ore Company are featured with each end anchored by miners to emphasize the role they played in the diversion and lake removal projects. A group of miners look on as dredges drain the lake to make mine that would become the lifeblood of the town for 40 years. It is fitting that these men are larger than life – the development of Steep Rock Iron Mines and Caland Ore Company was no less than an engineering marvel.
Revive Resale
The merchandise in Revive is artfully arranged, always changing and very reasonably priced. Opened in 2014 and operated by Jana Anderson.Local authors sell their books in Revive.There are an astonishing number of Atikokan authors, and many award winners. Subjects range from practical guide books, poetry, novels, short stories to history. For a complete list of Atikokan authors visit the Atikokan Museum for an amazing reading list.Little Bits Gallery is operated by Barb Thurier and offers jewelry, yarn and stained glass.
The Atikokan Public Library
The Atikokan Public Library was built in 1967, but a library has been in existence since the earliest days when one borrowed a book from a rented corner in a local store in 1952. In A History of Atikokan compiled by Allan A. Vitta for Atikokan's 75th anniversary he states that “the story of Atikokan's Library has been one of community spirit and co-operation – of desire and determination. It is a story of dedicated people, and a fairy godmother in the person of Madge Hogarth.” The interior of the library is graced with a tall-case clock that is carved with woodland animals, paintings by Atikokan artist's Alanna Marohnic and Elsa Kosola. Pen and in drawings by Elsa Kosola and Gisela Ewald. Pause and look around for the memorial plaque to Major General Donald Hogarth, took over as President of Steep Rock Iron Mine after Joseph Errington's death, 1942. Hogarth had a successful career in the military, in politics and in business before his tenure as President, 1942 to 1950. The original “A” ore body was named Hogarth Pit, and the Hogarth name was perpetuated in the Hogarth Memorial Library in Atikokan which was started with a generous donation by his widow. Don Park, a sub-division is also named after Donald Hogarth as he personally donated the land for construction of housing for Steep Rock employees.Effie Munn became the first full-time librarian and served from 1959 to 1971. Doris Brown served as librarian 1981 to 2005. In 1997 the Ontario Library Board Association awarded her the W. J. Robertson Medallion for outstanding leadership in the advancement of public library service in Ontario.The modern concept of town twinning was promoted after 1947 and was intended to foster friendship and understanding between different cultures, to encourage trade and tourism. In 1967 Atikokan was twinned with the community of Schifferville, Québec.
The Cutting Edge Mural
The Cutting Edge is an illustration of the huge cutter on the dredges used by Construction Aggregates Corporation at both mines. CAC was a Chicago based veteran of the dredging industry. The contract for the Steep Rock dredging job was the largest single dredging job ever let, 50 million cubic yards of over burden were to be moved over a period of fie years and required special equipment. A cutting edge was on the business end of each of the dredges, grinding through the rocks, mud and boulders to expose the lake bottom.The Rand “Little Giant” Drill was part of a three drill complex which was used in 1906 for sinking the shaft of the Minto Goldmine, located approximately six miles north of Sapawe. This drill was developed by A.C. Rand and George Githens, patented in 1892. Among the earliest successful rock drill types, it used compressed air and water pressure to operate a piston and tappet system for turning the drill bit. Widely adopted throughout the Lake Superior iron and copper country, the “Little Giant” was also used in the Panama Canal and on the site of the new Pennsylvania Railroad Terminal, New York City.
