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Then and Now

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Then and Now shares historical photos and personal stories of past people, places, and events and connects them to their significance today. They are made possible through the continued support of our Community Leaders Program.


Then & Now: In 1972, the Soviets nearly beat us at our own game

Then & Now: In 1972, the Soviets nearly beat us at our own game

The 1972 Summit Series between Team Canada and the Soviet Union is still considered a watershed moment in Canadian history and the Cold War. Even 52 years later, Canadians remember where they were
Then & Now: The deadly 1963 Hanmer gas station explosion

Then & Now: The deadly 1963 Hanmer gas station explosion

On Aug. 2, 1963, as people ate lunch in at a gas station and lunch counter in Hanmer, fuel from a tanker truck leaked into the basement and exploded the building, claiming eight lives and injuring six others
Then & Now: That time Roosevelt vacationed in Birch Island

Then & Now: That time Roosevelt vacationed in Birch Island

History enthusiast Jason Marcon brings us back to Roosevelt’s fishing trip in this part of the province at the height of WWII
Then & Now: the pageant that is the Olympic Torch Relay

Then & Now: the pageant that is the Olympic Torch Relay

Although most pay attention to the sporting events, there are some in Sudbury who will never forget the journey to the games: the Olympic Torchbearers of Sudbury, 1988
Then & Now: Touring Science North with British royalty

Then & Now: Touring Science North with British royalty

Science North has had its share of famous visitors, but the British Royals might take the cake of the centre’s biggest fans. Not only did Prince Philip and Queen Elizabeth visit, but so too did Princess Diana and then Prince Charles, who enjoyed the facility so much they sent Prince Harry and Prince William for a visit in 1991
Then & Now: Murder, mayhem and the 1928 great train robbery

Then & Now: Murder, mayhem and the 1928 great train robbery

In August of 1928, two men boarded a CPR train at Romford Station and stole bags of loot, leading to a night of murder and mayhem from Sudbury to Parry Sound
Then & Now: The history of Science North as it turns 40

Then & Now: The history of Science North as it turns 40

Sudbury’s science centre remains a popular attraction in the Nickel City. In this first of a two-part series, history writer Jason Marcon tracks the history of this iconic structure
Then & Now: Thelma Jo Walmsley was in a league of her own

Then & Now: Thelma Jo Walmsley was in a league of her own

You might recall the 1992 ‘A League of Their Own’ that highlighted the all-female leagues that kept baseball alive during the 1940s. What you might not know is that a woman from Copper Cliff was a star in All-American Girls Professional Baseball League
Then & Now: Chasing the Phantom Finn at the Boston Marathon

Then & Now: Chasing the Phantom Finn at the Boston Marathon

In 1934, Finnish immigrant Taavi “Dave” Komonen won the prestigious Boston Marathon, becoming the only Sudburian in history to earn that honour
Then & Now: A 93-year-old cold case of city’s first murdered cop

Then & Now: A 93-year-old cold case of city’s first murdered cop

Const. Albert Nault was just 34 when he was murdered in cold blood on Dec. 21, 1931, leaving behind a young wife and four children, and several unanswered questions