A city rich in history

Sudbury has become the centre of Northern Ontario in many ways. We have a new, state-of-the-art hospital, a skilled workforce, many colleges and universities, 330 clear, beautiful lakes within city limits, 1,200 kilometres of groomed snowmobile trails, an OHL hockey team, great hunting and fishing, and a thriving mining industry.

I enjoy Sudbury, and all of what it has to offer its residents. Since I relocated here in 1990 from a small town in Cape Breton, I have made it my home, and I have always felt “at home” here.

When I was growing up, my parents shared stories of how, when they were dating in 1965, my dad moved from Cape Breton to Sudbury to work at Murray Mine, which was owned by Inco (now Vale).

My mom told me that shortly after, she joined him, arriving by train at the CN Railway Station in Capreol, with her wedding dress in a box. Oh, how I loved hearing their stories!

I would listen attentively as my mother spoke about how she worked at the Mine Mill Hall on Regent Street in a restaurant located in the basement, and how I was named after one of the good friends she made here, Janet.

My parents were married at St. Clement’s Church in the West End, and lived in an apartment at 251 Elm Street, and their landlord was named Oscar Lalonde. My dad told me he would often go to the Nickel Range Hotel after his shift, with co-workers, to have a cold beverage or two.

My parents remained in Sudbury for about a year, and then were able to move back to Cape Breton when a job became available in the coal mines for my dad.

After I finished my studies at the University College of Cape Breton (now Cape Breton University) in 1989, I was unable to find employment. One day I saw a job ad in the Cape Breton Post which caught my attention.

I quickly sent my resume (by snail mail), and was hired. I accepted a job in Killarney, Ont. and packed my bags, leaving all of my family and friends behind. At the time, we did not have Google so I really didn’t know what I was getting myself into, and I had no idea that Sudbury was so close to Killarney.

One of my days off that summer was spent exploring Sudbury, and I decided I would move here when my job in Killarney ended in the fall. I explored all the places my parents spoke of, including the famous Big Nickel, and fell in love with the place.

I enjoy history and I love museums. Every year, our city celebrates “Doors Open Sudbury,” where residents are invited to visit heritage buildings free of charge.

I participated in 2009 and visited many buildings and museums all over Greater Sudbury, and was able to indulge in many stories from the well-versed museum staff.

Over the years, I’ve noticed prominent pieces of history being plucked from the landscape; the latest being the Ash Street Water Tower.

I felt sad that it was being eliminated. I drove by it every day and took pictures of its demise. I documented it so that whenever I want, I can look back and see the way things used to be.

Technology has allowed us to experience amazing things. The Internet makes the world a smaller place. News travels almost the minute it is happening. We are living in exciting times.

But sometimes I look at old pictures or videos of the way things used to be, and I regret that I did not get the chance to experience the simpleness of the past.
The other day while driving to work, I was stopped at a red light on Elm Street and noticed the old CIBC Bank Building. The architecture is beautiful. My mind started to wander. I wondered when it was built and when it ceased being used as a bank. I wondered if the old safe may still be in there.

Above is a picture of the Flour Mill Silos, which were erected in 1910 by the Manitoba Flour Mill Co. It has been sitting vacant since 1920 and has been designated a heritage site, so it is protected from demolition ... for now.

Janet Young is an amateur photographer who likes to share community events with Sudburians.