Extra Credit is video series that examines topics related to history in the Thunder Bay District and exploring that history.
The Pigeon River Lumber Company operated in what is now the city of Thunder Bay from 1900 until the late 1920s. It had a profound impact on the industrial development of the area and was the largest local employer until the opening op the Port Arthur Shipbuilding Company in 1911. The company built a large sawmill on the waterfront and harvested logs from several areas, most notably the Pigeon River area which forms the border between Ontario and Minnesota. They also had a sizable operation on the Minnesota side of Gunflint Lake, hauling the logs to Port Arthur via their own rail line, the Gunflint and Lake Superior, as well as the Canadian Northern Railway Duluth Extension (former Port Arthur, Duluth and Western or Pee Dee Railway). This episode, the first of several, tells about the formation of the company and its impact on local history.
Extra Credit is video series that examines topics related to history in the Thunder Bay District and exploring that history.
We venture outdoors once again to trace the railway grade from just outside of the village of Rosslyn west to Stanley, Ontario. In this area the modern roadway known as Harstone Drive is built directly upon the old right of way, so we get a nice first person perspective of what it would have been like to travel this stretch. We pause to investigate an old ballast pit spur, then enjoy the beautiful views alongside the Kaministiquia River before stopping in Stanley for a walkabout at this once important railway station. Enjoy!
Extra Credit is video series that examines topics related to history in the Thunder Bay District and exploring that history.
A huge part of producing videos for platforms such as YouTube is the editing. Unfortunately it can be a long and sometimes tedious process. Additionally, organizing and preparing to edit the videos can be complex and time consuming as well. This video will give you a behind the scenes view on how I prepare and edit my historical exploration videos for this channel. There is a lot of work that goes into creating each and every one.
Enjoy!
*The video I edited: CNoR/CN-Kinghorn (Dorion) Subdivision MP 22.1-25.7 VIII (Warneford Station) https://youtu.be/h1zRQQxLto0
Extra Credit is video series that examines topics related to history in the Thunder Bay District and exploring that history.
Ever wondered about the challenges of actually getting out to do historical explorations? Part of the experience of heading outdoors in getting there. Whether your destination is a few minutes or a few hours away, the drive is always an adventure. In the past we’ve looked at such things as hiking gear, bikes, etc., so I thought we might as well look at one of the most important parts of any exploration. While everyone’s perspective is a little different, I provide my thoughts on vehicles, tires and pet accessories. This is Part 1 of a multipart series, so be sure to have a look at Part 2 as well.
Extra Credit is video series that examines topics related to history in the Thunder Bay District and exploring that history.
This episode , the fifth in sub-series on the former Kinghorn Subdivision, takes us to the area north of Nipigon near Hogarth Station and the Cash Creek Trestle. As you will hear me describe in the video, this was an impromptu video as I was not planning on visiting this area until maybe next year. In any case, you will get to see this very scenic stretch of the grade with its very sandy and unique geography. The first part of the hike is dotted with high embankments which later give way to large cuts. You will see a unique sight, which is the remains of a small section house located near Milepost 107. The highlight however is the Cash Creek Trestle, which is the second highest bridge on the entire subdivision and was built back in 1924. Along the way you’ll witness some of the issues that have arisen on the line this year after heavy snowfall has caused the grade to become blocked with vegetation.
Extra Credit is video series that examines topics related to history in the Thunder Bay District and exploring that history.
This episode , the fourth in sub-series on the former Kinghorn Subdivision, takes us to the area between Nipigon and Red Rock where the grade parallels the still active Canadian Pacific mainline for several miles (officially the CPKC Nipigon Subdivision). Here, one can witness the immense work that the Canadian Northern Railway (the original constructors of the line) did to build their grade outboard of the Canadian Pacific line. It was obviously very labour intensive and expensive, and as you will hear, not without human cost as well. This area contains some amazing geography and stunning views of the Nipigon River and Bay. In the links below you can see more of the area, including the video on the accident, and the full-length version.
Extra Credit is video series that examines topics related to history in the Thunder Bay District and exploring that history.
This episode , the third in sub-series on the former Kinghorn Subdivision, takes us to the Geraldton area where follow the grade to the site of Keemle Station. We begin at Wildgoose Beach Road (Milepost 130.4/29.6) travelling west 3 miles to the station at Milepost 133.2/32.4. Along the way we pass milepost markers, a long rock causeway and the remains of the siding at Keemle. This station was once home to a water tank and section house and on this visit I uncovered the concrete base of the tank and located what I believe was the site of the section house. In the links below you can see more of Keemle, including the results of my archaeology work, and the full-length version video.
Extra Credit is video series that examines topics related to history in the Thunder Bay District and exploring that history.
This episode is a continuation of an earlier episode on photography. In Part II we will examine how to use your SLR camera or phone to do historical exploration, specifically looking at lenses, cases and the importance of wide angle/wide field of view.
Extra Credit is video series that examines topics related to history in the Thunder Bay District and exploring that history.
I always get a lot of questions about my explorations and local history. Over the years I have had some unforgettable experiences while hiking, so this episode is all about the best and worst moments.
Extra Credit is video series that examines topics related to history in the Thunder Bay District and exploring that history. GPS can be a powerful tool for many types of applications.
For historical explorations, it can used in conjunction for satellite imagery and maps, both current and historic, to identify features that once existed on the ground. In this episode I demonstrate how I use Google Earth map overlay to identify points on old maps and then transfer that data to my GPS. Additionally, you will see how that process is validated once it is compared with the data that was gathered from the actual exploration.
Poverty, Agony, Distress & Want! 