In its almost 70-year history, Elliot Lake now has its first historical society with plans to properly document the city’s long and at times difficult past.
About 25 members attended the first Annual General Meeting (AGM) Wednesday evening electing its first board of governors and outlining some of the work planned to fully establish the society here and move ahead with documenting Elliot Lake’s boom and bust history.
Elected as chair of the board were Marie Murphy-Foran and vice chair Edo Ten Broek who have spearheaded the drive to establish a historical society in the city. They are joined by secretary-treasurer Geraldine Robinson and directors at large Nancy Ewen, Doug Souliere and Margaret Dean.
With its creation, the local society joins over 400 similar groups across Ontario.
Ten Broek noted the rich heritage and history Elliot Lake has formed since it was first established as a mining community in the mid-1950s. He also noted the many people of different nationalities who made a mark in the community, in particular the Indigenous people who have worked, lived, and cultivated life and history throughout the area for thousands of years.
Murphy-Foran said the society members will have to do some “mining” to recover some of the documented histories that will play a part in the overall work planned by the historical society.
“We’ve had some real nuggets over the years that we can build on from a historical point of view,” she said referring to documents covering different stages of life in Elliot Lake, some that exist and some that will have to be found.
The plan for the society includes putting together a start-up budget, looking for possible office space, initial funding and sponsorship, marketing and promotion and a membership campaign.
Those plans, which the society will eventually formalize as it moves forward, sparked some considerable discussion among those attending the AGM.
“The purpose of the Society is to preserve and promote heritage, history, and culture of the region through sharing memorabilia, conversation, events, education and information,” a release from the group stated.
Murphy-Foran expects the board to meet monthly starting at the beginning of next year.
Those interested in working with the society or wishing for more information email [email protected]. or contact Edo Ten Broek at [email protected] or call 705-849-8106.