Highway11.ca Holtyre Comments from 2008-2012

When I added a comment feature to each community profiled on Highway11.ca in 2008 I never expected anyone to really use it. To my great surprise, those who did often expressed interest in some of the smallest communities on Highway 11.

Between 2008 and 2012, many current and past residents of HOltyre, amongst other loyal visitors, posted more than 400 comments on Holtyre alone – often putting up with extensive, uncontrollable and automated spam. Below are all of the comments that were posted, with the oldest comments appearing at the top.

Please click here to go back to the Holtyre community page on Highway11.ca.

datetime: 20080604T220924
name: Noreen

location: Ramore

Sorry to say, the full extent of Holtyre is what you saw. No store, no bank or gas station. You have to go into Matheson.

datetime: 20080618T042840
name: John Harper

location: stony plain ab

Holtyre was the best place in the world to grow up in as a young boy in the 50's. We all were Tom Sawyers or Huck Finns, hunting and fishing, camping out in both winter and summer, riding our bikes to Maude lake with no adults around and swim all day.Great hockey and ball teams, and as far as I know everyone went on to live a life of reasonable comfort,some more comfortable then others but no one as far as I know fell through the cracks,at least i hope not.Sad to see the old town the way it is now, but there will always be a little piece of my heart left in Holtyre and a little bigger piece for the whole of North Ontario, hope to get back next year spend a few days with my brother Harry out at Pike lake...

datetime: 20081021T040254
name: jack

location: ottawa

anyone remembers the name of the post office couple who ran the place in approx. 1950 or so ?

datetime: 20081126T142928
name: John

location: stony plain

to Jack from Ottawa, I believe it was Ernie Trottier and his wife, sorry don\'t know her name, really cannot remember her but I do remember him.

datetime: 20081231T154933
name: Emma

location: North Bay

I grew up in Holtyre and agree with John Harper. As far as I am concerned Northern Ontario is God's country. It is sad to see Holtyre today.

datetime: 20090103T204558
name: Philippe Lalancette

location: Batiscan QC

Glad to hear from ''HOME'' I was born there in 1934 the year the Ross Mine started operations and lived ther till 1942 when my family ''came down'' to work in the war shops. My dad had a farm on Guibbord township road and I went to school there RC separate in the same building as the public school. Went back in 52 to work at the CJM's Munroe mine for 2 years. Would like to har from guys I went to school or worked with. Planning to go next summer for a ''Pilgrimmage''Happy 2009''
Philippe L.
Would greatly appreciate an reply

datetime: 20090124T170858
name: phyllis duval

location: helena, montana

I have owned for several years some property approx. 6+ miles east of holtyre. Can anyone tell me about that area there? I have never been to it but hope to get there this summer. I have waited, not to patiently, to get back to canada. Any help will be appreciated on this area. thanks

datetime: 20090131T041843
name: Dwight

location: London

I grew up on a farm just outside Holtyre, about 1 km outside town.

In July of í81 as a teenager, I went to visit extended family in Toronto for a couple weeks, and took the train from Matheson. On my return, I was sitting next to an elderly couple who looked to be in their 60ís. They were quite talkative with everyone around them, and were going back north from spending time in the south ñ from what I recall they got off the train in Kirkland Lake. I donít remember their names, but I recall part of a conversation that we had.

The gentleman noted that he had recently retired from the mining industry and had been all over the world in the exploration field (Europe, the Middle East, South America, Africa, and all over Asia). He then said that I should enjoy this area as this is ìGodís countryî (his words). I could tell he was sincere and meant it. That said, I thought he was nuts! How could this part of the country ever measure up to the exotic places he had been.

Well, almost 30 years has past since that train ride, and I left that area for good several years afterwards. I went on to see some ëinterestingí places and ëthingsí in this country and beyond. Iíve also been back a couple times to visit the overall area, and can now say that what that elderly gentleman said in the summer of í81, was right....

datetime: 20090202T013928
name: Francoise Guindon

location: Calgary AB

Holtyre was the best place to raise kids. Lots of dances in those days also good curling my daughter Danielle won Miss Holtyre and then went to win the big one Miss northern Ontario so lots of opportunities there

datetime: 20090206T043937
name: Edmund

location: Kirkland Lake

Greetings Dwight and to all those good folks from Holtyre. I grew up in Ramore and attended Ecole Sainte Therese and Ecole Secondaire Iroquois Falls Sec School. I liked the area so much that I could not move too far away.
Phyllys from Helena, the place famous for the famed Devils brigade, hope you have a good trip up to Canada. Once up here you will have to go the the Matheson Town office were they may have info about your property. Good Luck!

Historical note about Hwy 572, it used to be Hwy Ferguson (Hwy 11) going north to Matheson. Years ago it apparently looked like a bush road.

datetime: 20090303T215152
name: Harry Harper

location: North Bay Ont,

Ah Holtyre. Even though I left almost 50 years ago I still Call Holtyre home. Like they say. You can take the boy out of the country but you can"t take the country out of the boy. The fun we used to have. Mr Hughes and Mr. Moffat had some of the best gardens to raid. Not saying that I did of course. Thats just what I heard. Try to get up once or twice a yearif possible. Will have to this year because we need more blueberries. Hello to everyone past and present from Holtyre.

datetime: 20090308T224628
name: phyllis

location: helena,montana

thanks Edmund for the advice. I will definitely go there. I cant wait to get there. I am really disgusted with the states and am looking forward to the Holtyre area!

datetime: 20090527T202907
name: Vanessa

location: Burlington

My mom grew up in Holtyre and I spent many summers there visiting my memere and pepere. Once he passed away my memere moved to North Bay and now we have no reason to visit. Summers were great, we kids were always able to keep ourselves busy and our uncles told us stories of monsters called the Lustecrew??? or something of that nature. Holtyre was never booming while I was there but my pepere was able to run a successful gas station when the mine was open, who's grass he continued to cut even 10 years after he retired.

datetime: 20090620T185651
name: Susan Errington

location: montreal quebec

I lived on the base in Ramore from 1964 to 69,went to english school in Holtyre grades 4-5-6. Then went to school for grade seven in Matheson.Will always remember that two room school across from the french school. Used to have fun at the skating rink in the winter.Had a friend called Elisabeth philipps who lived next door the the mine. I remember when the store burnt down, I think that was around 1967. If anyone remembers me send me a line.

datetime: 20090710T053526
name: Sharon

location: Thompson Mb

My husband and I raised our 3 children in Holtyre for almost 10 yrs before moving out of province. My husbands father still lives there, I will be coming home for a visit at the end of this month. It was a great place for my children to grow up. I sometimes miss the small town very much.

datetime: 20090718T225335
name: Zita Petozzi

location: Stoney Creek

I was born in Holtyre in 1934 just before gold was found there. It was then called Cooke County (or Township). I was one of seven Serafin children. My siblings were Ida, Irma, Romeo, Lina, Rita and Bruno. It was a hard life during those years. We lived on a farm and walked 2 miles to school, which wasn't easy during the winter. With hip deap snow and cold.I remember up to 60 below zero (yes 60). Not often, but once is too much. When it came time to go to high school, I went to Kirkland Lake, leaving the house approx. 6:30a.m. and returning as late as 7:00p.m, walking to and from Holtyre from the farm and busing to KL. My dad, John worked in Ross mine and on the farm and my mom MarieAnge stayed at home. She had more than enough to do with the kids, and all the farm animals etc. etc.
My siblings and I enjoyed ourselves, making up games or playing cards.
I occasionally go back (but not to the farm as the road is no longer accessible. The postmaster during my years was Mr. & Mrs. Ernest Trottier. I don't remember if he was still there when I left in 1952. It is really sad that Holtyre has nearly become a ghost town.

datetime: 20090721T211417
name: Philippe Lalancette

location: Batiscan, QC

To Zita P. I remember those days, as I was born in Holtyre (Matheson hospital) in January 34. Dad worked with yours at the Ross but we left in '42. I went back in '52 to work at the Munroe asbestos mine.You were my mom's clock to send us to school, as she was saying '' time to go, the Serafin's are coming!''. I remember your father's tractor on wich he installed tracks in the winter because the road was not opened. And that get together at your dad's place when I returned for work and RomÈo came in from Ottawa! The next day at work was loooooooong and hard! Your dad made such good wine! The road to your place was nice at the end of June this year whyen I went back for a visit. I'd have a lot more to say, maybe another souvenirs session later.
Philippe Lalancette
Batiscan, QC.

datetime: 20090725T024511
name: John Harper

location: stony plain

good to see people keeping this going, maybe some day a reunion could be held,could you imagine getting all the people back,even all the ones from the USA who went to school with us. Just don't make it in the winter, I also remember -60 I also remember my dad coming home from the Johnsmansville mine and it had been - 72 yeah 72 below 0.. no wonder i spend my winters in las terrenas dr....

datetime: 20090728T004514
name: Harry Harper

location: North Bay Ont.

I remember Rita Serifin and a Jules Lalancette who lived on a farm about a mile out of town on the way to Ramore. I think he joined the RCMP, I remember when Mr. serifin moved to the house just across the creek.You will have to forgive my younger brother being afraid of the cold he was always a bit of a whimp. I come on this site once a month or so just to see if anyone else from the old days is still around. I to was born in Holtyre. In a house on main street. Mrs Trottier was my godmother and christy gleason was my godfather. Be what it may Holtyre was and still is home to a lot of great people.Iwish them all the very best.

datetime: 20090730T153803
name: Philippe Lalancette

location: Batiscan QC

To John Harper:
I was in Holtyre at the end of June. Quite a change from the early 50's. Jules is now retired from the RCMP. The house across the creek was the Gagnon's before the Serafin moved in. I was boarding at Roy Amireault's across the road. No traces left of the old bowling alley or St-Jean.s. When was your dad at CJM. I'm trying to geet in touch with peoples I worked with. My superintendant was Skidmore who came from the Asbestos QC mine and the foreman was Ferguson.
Phil.

datetime: 20090731T151348
name: Harry Harper

location: North Bay

To Phil Lalancette in Batiscan P.Q. Hello our Dads name was Ellwood and he worked at the JM from the mid fiftys until it closed. He died in Dec 1964. I remember Mr. Amireault very well. Went fishing with him to the falls on the Little Pike river many times It was fun to watch him fly fishing. Never got good at it myself, but I tryed. It is so good to hear from people that used to live in Holtyre. Maybe as we get older we have more time to reflect on our past. Seems to me there were a lot of very good times even though things were a lot harder than they are now. Not to many people I know now lived on rabbits and partrigde and potatoes. But I\'d do it all over again. If you ever see Jules or talk to him give him my best regards.

datetime: 20090806T233425
name: Zita Petozzi

location: Stoney Creek, Ont

To Phillipe Lalancette. You must have seen my dad's tractor and tasted his wine when you returned to Holtyre in 1952. That was the year I left for the big city to chase my dreams as they say. I have been back often over the years and still do once in a while to visit. My cousin Marcel Bouchard still lives in Holtyre, but I don't know too many people there now. It is always nice hear about old days, like when we would walk through the bush to swim in Maude lake. On our way we would stop and say hello to memere & pepere Bouchard who lived on the way.

datetime: 20090821T174416
name: Jasmine

location: Matheson

Umm, there is two stores in holtyre, one of which has a gas station, the owner of the bus company lives close by but im not sure if theres a caisse.

atetime: 20090821T183732
name: Vanessa

location: Holttyre

Holtyre is a very nice place to live. I been living here since i was born and i love it here.Now i'm 13 years old and I still love to play and have fun with my friends in this town. There is onw store and a bus station also there is a fire station and a realy big park. It is a good place to grow up for kids. There is hardeley any trafique so you can go and play in the streets if you want. You can do almost anything you want here and that is why i love to live here.lol

datetime: 20090826T030841
name: john harper

location: stony plain

To Vanessa, you are so right, for a young person like yourself it is the best, enjoy your youth because time slips by quickly. Yes I remember walking and riding my bike to maude lake swim all day and not an adult around, possibly because the ice left the week before. Well brother Harry, not going to the dr this year, going to margarita island, got a 2 bedroom condo so if you guys want to break up the winter.....

datetime: 20090826T031619
name: john harper

location: stony plain

To Phillippe, As Harry said our dads name was Ellwood but I think he was called Bill on the job site.

datetime: 20090826T132418
name: Philippe Lalancette

location: Batiscan QC

To John & Harry,
Bill was the name I knew your dad at the mine. If you ever come across other former CJM's employees of the pre 54's, I'd like to hear from them. To Zeta and all those who knew her, I had the visit of my cousin Monique Provencher last week. We spent some good moments and brouht up old memories looking at this great site. Anybody knows what became of the John Caty family?
Phil. L.
Typing mistakes corrected

datetime: 20091019T054755
name: Mackenzie Camirand

location: Edmonton,AB

Hi there my name is Mackenzie Camirand and I was wondering if any of you knew my grandparents or great grandparents? I believe they lived on Joseph Sreet across the creek and their names were Lillian and Edouard Hebert? My grandparents are Aurore Camirand and papere who has passed was Aurel Camirand? I as well had an uncle Ernie and Aunt Libby who I know that they were close with. If anyone knows them I would like to know..I grew up in Holtyre, I was there for 18 years before I moved to Ottawa. My parents just moved 4 years ago and I can go anywhere but Holtyre is home. Biking to Maude lake, blueberry picking, baseball games, Octoberfest, the curling hall, the old school, three roads :) Incredible..anyways, if anyone has any stories please let me know..thank you

datetime: 20091019T213609
name: Harry Harper

location: North Bay

Made it up to Holtyre for a couple of days hunting. Good to know that the partridge hunting is still as good as it was years ago.To Phil Lalancette. The last I heard of the Caty\'s was they were living in Montreal. My older brother Bill called them once when he was passing through. But that was quite a few years ago. I was out around Emmins(Little pike )Lake and got lots of Blueberries along with the partridge. There sure are a lot of wolves and bears around. You people up there are going to have to look after that wee problem. The old town sure has changed. Some of it should be torn down before it falls down. Did\'t see a person I knew. Sure is sad. But time changes everything.

datetime: 20091102T012733
name: Dwight

location: London

Go to YouTube for the CBC documentary of Holtyre and the Ross Mine that was done in 1971. Search the word 'holtyre' and you should find the files. Each file is called: ' holtyre pt 1', 'holtyre pt 2', 'holtyre pt 3' and 'holtyre pt 4' in case you have a harder time finding them.

Recognize any familiar faces from those years???

datetime: 20091103T210731
name: Harry Harper

location: North Bay Ont

To Dwight from London. Thanks for the info on you tube. Enjoyed seeing the old town. Even remembered a few of the people. Mrs. Gleason,Paul Derosier, Bob Rhodes,Ron Andrews and a couple I wasn\\\'t quite sure of. Raymond Gadorys house with the moose head, We lived just across the street and a couple of houses down. Just don\\\'t remember there being any horses around town except for Mr.Laland. He used to pick up the garbage and empty the outhouses. In the winter we had lots of pucks to play road hockey.Once again thanks for letting us know it was there.

datetime: 20091104T011444
name: Dwight

location: London

Hi Harry - glad you enjoyed, I know I did. I recognized quite a few people myself. From what I was told when I asked the same question about the horses, they belonged to the Rivest family who lived outside town (and I recall they had horses). Some faces I recognized (even those you can see for a few seconds):

Johnny & Denise Martineau, Christie Gleason, Butch Geoffroy, Jeff & Jackie Geoffroy, Judy Hebert, Mr. Gauvreau, Mr. Dumouchel, Father Martin, the voice of Red Philips (mine manager(?) at the time), Bernie Jones. A few others, but I'll have to watch it again!

datetime: 20091120T162506
name: Philippe Lalncette

location: Batiscan

To Dwight from London Thanks for lettingus know about those scenes. Makes me remember of the Hotel Lasalle and St-Jean's. Read somwhere that it burned. The others I can't remember but it makes me feel like a dinosaur (LOL) because I was gone for almost 20 years when they made it!!! Seriously, if anybody ever drives around MontrÈal or QuÈbec city, I'm halfway betweeen those 2 cities and would like you to stop by.
Philippe L.

datetime: 20091209T103339
name: Patrick E. Tracy

location: Lake Stevens Wa. 98258

I lived in Holtyre from 1959-1961 as a US military dependant. We lived in a blue shingled house facing a small creek out front and you could walk out the back door and were standing directly and literally Euclid st. which was nothing but a dirt road. John I remember that you used to wear,I think it was your brothers Navy Flat hat, to school. We were in Mr. La Sarde\'s class. Also we had Mr. and Mrs. Mc Pherson? as teachers another year. I remember Jackie Vance,Kathleen Engelshiem? Allan edgar, Rick Peters,Tommy Moffatt, Donny and Doug McMillan, Loyd Philipps, Wendy ? who lived on Euclid, Hellen McDonald?who lived the other direction toward the French School and also Billy Hughes. I remember when we were on the softball team, the Royals,Our color Gold and Black, sponcered by the Jeffries bus station and the US radar site at Raymore. We went to the regional play offs that year and we took second place. Only because when we won the the final game a protest was filed by the other team about a call that was made. so we had to play another game and they won. we filed a protest because they were using 1st basemans mits on 1st and 2nd base. the final call was for the other team as winners in the end. We still got to drink a lot of orange pop compliments of Mr. Jefferies. Even though I am American Holtyre is and will always be my home. in all of my years of life and experience I treasure that time and place most of all. I miss everyone there and I hope too see you again some day. In answer to your Q.about the post office, in 1960 it was just a very small shed like building not too far from the La Salle Hotel before it was the Holtyre hotel. I remember an old man named ?Olie?? who stayed there over night. To answer Susan, My name is Pat Tracy from America, I lived in Holtyre from 59-61 and even though we never met, I used to play at the Philipps\'s house which was just past the schoolyard ball field toward the mine and Lloyd was Elisabeth\'s older brother I believe. She had reddish blonde hair?? Lloyd had read hear and lots of freckles. His dad was a foreman at the Ross mine and was known as \'Red\". John, Do you remember Mrs. Impe the Missionary lady who came to the school with the hand carried pump organ? It was one tues. a month and we would have a time in the afternoon for about 2 hr. with poetry and missionary stories. I still have the Gideon\'s New Testament She gave us. I do also have pictures of when Jeffries garage burned down and of StGene\'s Store while it was still there. Also a few shots of my house and my brothers 16th birthday party. 1st Holtyre Scouts pictures also. Please feel free to contact me if you would like, My address is Patrick E. Tracy PO Box 1104, Lake Stevens Wachington 98258-9112. Ill give you my cell # later, if you like God bless you my friend and I hope that someday we can meet again. Your friend always Pat.

datetime: 20091209T111734
name: Patrick Tracy

location: Lake Stevens Washington

Mackenzie, I knew your grand parents when I was 10 yr. old. I lived behind their house on Euclid. There was a family named Boushard? directly accross the street from them. Lillian made sweaters and mittens and hats from knitting. she made me a pair of mittens 1960. I used to go there every morning to get Carlotta and we would walk to school. Her so was Danny and I believe a few years after I moved from there he died of asbestosis. He was a fast pitch softball player for the mining team in summer and a wild one. I think my left kidney is still bruised from the day I tried to hit a wild pitch he made out back between our houses.I remember the Minced meat pies that your grandmother made for our family and your grandfathers deep voice even though he was frail and thin at that time. As an american family 1 of only 5 that lived there at that time. Your grand parents were very close to my parents and helped us to adjust to our new life in Canada and Holtyre. I will talk to my older brothe who is 5yrs older than I and see if he recalls anything of that time. Too me they were very speacial. My e-mail is indefinatly down right now I lost my password. You can reply through here and I will check it daily. .

datetime: 20091215T011656
name: John Harper

location: Stony Plain

Hi Pat, I remember the time in front of your house a flock of geese flew over high up heading south and you could not see both ends of it, you don't see that any more. I remember losing that bball game and it still gives a bad taste, the reason we lost is there was no way they were going to let a team from holtyre to go on an represent north ontario, it was so bad that even people from
Timmins were upset and went to get the " officials " but to late.
Are you living in Washington state
or Washington dc.I have been out west in Alberta for a little over 3 years so not far from washington state.Did you stay in contact with any of the other people from the US who lived in Holtyre.I remember the Mccravens,
Billy, Bobby and Randy. They were a black family so it was different for them and us as well but they sure fit in,also hence the reason we did so well in the ball games, not to mention our coaches were also black fellows and one of them had played in the
old negro baseball league so we had the best of coaches,cannot remember their names but they were sure a benifit to the youth of Holtyre at that time.I remember
the old fellow his name was Ollie
Olandquest....spelling on the last name may be off, I understand that when they got him into a nursing home and they got to talk to him he could remember things that happened in his lifetime well over a hundred years.Yes i remember Mrs. Impe but I believe i got my little bible from one of the men from Gideon assocation who came to the school.I'm glad you posted about some of the things that went on because ihad forgot about them. I believe Carlotta was a Hebert, her brother Danny just past away a few months ago and I do remember him pitching.Well i hope we can keep in touch and i'm sure that as people google Holtyre this site will probably come up.....John Harper Stony Plain alberta.

datetime: 20091216T035158
name: Patrick Tracy

location: Lake Stevens WA. 98258

John, It is great to hear from you. You are right about Timmins coming to our rescue on that game. I had forgotten about what such a camotion was cause that day. I just remember the deal I made with Mr.Geoffry? about how if I hit a home run I could have all the orange pop I could drink. Sort of self serving at the time but it worked!! I reported in my adress to Makenzie that my E-mail was down but it is now running again. If you would like to talk via the phone my # is 1-425-327-9246 and my home is in Washington State. I certainly hope the years have been kind to you and your family. I talked to my older brother Mike and he has given me other names and some things he remembered. For about 10yrs I lived in the state of Minesota south of Winnipeg Manatoba and visited there a few time with my family as winter tourists. I visited the web site about Holtyre and my son who is very good with electronics made a video from the 4part series on CBC. He also included the 5th segment done in 2008 by someone who drove through town with a video camera and recorded what was left of the town. It was sad to see. I found the town listed now as an official ghost town as only 3 people live there now. I have a news paper clipping from the ball game with pictures and all of our names and the coaches. call me and I can get a copy made for you and send it out. Back to the video I remember Jackie Vance and how my first job was to set pins at the boweling alley for .10cents a game. Plus our first campout as scouts when we were all in a big tent with Moffets B. Hughes Mike my brother and Charlie Shannon to mention a few. We had fire watch out front at the camp fire and finally were so tired we went in and passed out at the late hr. of about 9:30. I have some photos also of my neighborhood while living in Holtyre. I would also love to get a reunion of as many from town. I can't help with the other US families as we were the last bunch of (5) Us families to live in town before the RCAF assumed command. All the US families were sent out all over the world. One of the hazards of being raised in the Military knowing many people for only a short time. Holtyre and all of its people and my friends made the greatest impression on me to this very day. Ill go for now but will view the site and thank you John for your faithfulness to Holtyre and for not forgetting an old guy who was a young kid there for such a short period of time. God Bless you and look forward to hearing from you Pat Tracy and Family. PS. Merry Christmas.

datetime: 20091223T134550
name: John

location: stony plain

pat it was nice talking to you
i'll give you a call again in the spring when we get back home.
To everyone past and present from
Holtyre I wish each and everyone of you a Merry CHRISTmas and a
Happy New Year and all the best in the new year...

datetime: 20091223T210125
name: brooklyn

location: holtyre

i have lived in holtyre for about 13 years we have had some problems though but like vanessa said it is a great place raise kids it is also a great place for the elderly its nice and quiet accept their is quite a bit of atv\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\'s in the summer and ski-doo\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\'s in the winter driving around even i drive my dirt-bike and ski-doo around all the time in the back of holtyre their is alot of cabins in the bush we used to have a hotel,bowling alley,school,and many more i think their should be more people moving in but we need more houses rebuilt though i wish we had more stores to.

datetime: 20100111T234147
name: Daniel (Danny) Rose

location: Toronto, Ontario

Anyone who lived/worked in Holtyre, Ontario in the 1940s and 1950s remember Mr. Anthony (Tony) and wife Lillian(nee Lebarron???) Rose? Tony is/was my uncle, brother to my father, Mr. Daniel Rose, of North Bay, Cochrane and finally Rouyn-Noranda, Quebec. I have lost track of my first cousins from that marriage, a few names being Margaret, Anne, Doris, Carl and others, can anyone enlighten me further. Oh yes, uncle worked for many years at the Ross Mine. Thanks.

datetime: 20100112T221526
name: Harry Harper

location: north bay

To Daniel Rose in Toronto. Yes. I knew the Rose family in Holtyre and have informed Ann that you are looking for the family. Hopefully this will help you somewhat. Regards.

datetime: 20100113T121905
name: Judy Ann

ert@cogeco.ca
location: Thorold, ON

so glad to read these comments! btw, Holtyre is not a GHOST TOWN with only 3 people living in it!!! For heaven's sake, there are more Geoffroy's still living there than that! My maiden name was Hughes, we lived 2 houses away from the Harper boys and my mom and their mom were the best of friends. I still make Muriel Harper's pineapple squares recipe and have the little gray plate that she used to bring time to me whenever she made them! My parents were Jack and Jo Hughes, both deceased. My brother Bill lives in Timmins with his family. Our sister Jackie Lou passed away over 10 years ago now. She was married to Jeff Geoffroy (also gone), bought the bowling alley after it was closed for some time after Vant's left...they had 5 kids who all live in St. Catharines.
That CBC video was such a big deal when that was made...so funny to watch it now! Were any of us ever that young?
Susan Errington? I remember you! I still have a class picture with you in it! Elizabeth Phillips is married with lots of kids and lives in Barrie. I will let her now that you are looking to reconnect with her.
Pat Tracy...did you have a younger brother who would have been in grade 1 with me in 1960 (Dickie?)..Shirley Gonder was our teacher? Then came Helen and Hugh McPherson.

datetime: 20100114T035022
name: Daniel (Danny) Rose

location: Toronto, Ontario

Thank you to Mr. Harry Hopper from North Bay, Ontario for knowing the Anthony Rose family from Holtyre, Ontario and trying to put Anne Rose(her birth name) in touch with me.ure hope it happens soon. Incidentally, my roots lie in North Bay, Ontario being both sets of grandparents Mr. & Mrs. Giovanni (Carmela) Grassi and Mr. James "Jim" (Stella) Rose who both lived on Douglas Street in North Bay for a good number of years. My "Grassi" grandparents moved in the 1950s to Rouyn-Noranda, Quebec(where I was born) and my "Rose" grandparents moved to Cochrane, Ontario around 1904. My father, also Daniel "Dan" Rose and who was born in 1898 in North Bay, Ontario. My only other relatives we got along well with were Mr. & Mrs. Lionel??? Tremblay, auntie being Leonora "Lil" Grassi, both deceased and were interred in North Bay some years ago but I need to know more about the Anthony Rose family of teenie-weenie Holtyre, Ontario and I thank you again for all your help in this matter.

datetime: 20100114T043515
name: Bill Hughes

location: Timmins, Ont

Great reading about Holtyre days in the 50's & 60's. Thanks to all who have posted memories and info.
I was raised on Euclid from a yr old to when I went to away to Michigan Tech in 65. I came back to this area in 82 and have been enjoying the 4 seasons ever since.
The American ball coaches who organized & coached the ball league were Hubert McCraven CUBS,
Tony Luciola GIANTS, & Joe Morgan
ROYALS. Another airman, Harold Lawson helped get Scouts started.
I think for us youngsters of that time we owe a debt of gratitude for their initiatives and time.
Certainly it made my world and its possibilities much larger.
Just being involved in team sport
at an early age and all the life lessons it teaches made a difference. I'm trying to remember family names here so I'll start South then onto Euclid
going north then back up to Guibord. Rivest, Mathieu, Amireault, Provencher, ? ? Serafin, Martin, ? Popliewicz,
Bouchard & Goulet later, O'Connor
? Gadoury, Gelinas, Hughes, Scott, Harper, Dugauy, Valliere, ? Andrews, Holland, Moffat, Rose, Totten, ? Lessard,
Quine/Tracy, Hebert, Bouchard, Alarie ? ? ? Pinczuc, Gleason, Durocher, Byberg, O'Connor, Gleason & Lehman. That's my tour
for now and I look forward to being correctd. Wishing you well..

datetime: 20100114T213335
name: Harry Harper

location: North Bay

Was just reading some of the names Bill Hughes had entered and would like to add a few of my own just to see if anyone remembers them. First off do you remember that we had a doctor at one time? Dr, Cran. Lived in the house that Draves lived in before moving to North Bay. Out by Amireault on the corner lived an old fellow Mr.Viyet, is house burnt down once. Some of the names will be spelt wrong, but that's the best I can do.Martel,Pettie,Paul Cameriand, Gus and Gerttie Sustrick,Ekensweller,Coulis, Ayres<Oakes, Joe Morris had a little store,Bugow, Crrier also had a store , Rody, Gagnon, had the biggest store in town. Two floors. Bowers,Walten, Smith, Sweet, Cady,Elliot, Zemell,Guillemette. Lived where Hughes lived and had a little stable out back. Got some of the freshest milk there. Right out of the utter.Mitchel,. I could go on for a long time but don't want to take up to much space. I keep thinking of the good times that we had. Damn it was fun.

datetime: 20100114T223843
name: Philippe Lalancette

location: Batiscan, QC

To Harry Haarper: You are getting close to my day's!!! Between Amireault and Veillette was William ''Bill'' Provencher. Both Amireault and Provencher were my uncle's and were built on lots they bought from my father. And what about Paul's Motor Service in town? I used to rent his car in the winter because the road was not opened to Ropy Amireault where I boarded. I do you remember the pleasure of reading your paper under the 25 cycle current we had? And the U.S. Air Force providing the ambulance service from the base. And so much more!

datetime: 20100115T020733
name: Judy Ann

ert@cogeco.ca
location: Thorold

Remember Joe & Eileen Welsh in the little green house on the corner of Main and Pearl right across from Ross'? Believe it or not, Mrs. Welsh is living in North Bay and just celebrated her 100th birthday! I swear she doesn't look any different than when she was 60!
I remember Lalancette's farm...well no...I guess I remember the road to Lalancette's off of the dump road on our way to the base and Maude Lake. I remember taking a header in a rut in front of the little wooden bridge at the bottom of the long hill biking to the lake with Doris Rose...it didn't stop us from continuing on to the lake though we did walk our bikes the rest of the way.
I started grade 1 at the Public School and there were lots of kids (by 2 room school standards) because the Americans were still there. I guess they left during the summer because there were only 3 of us in grade 2 and I was all alone in grade 3!
Susan Errington...you are a bit younger than me - along with you and Babs Phillips, there would have been Frannie Williams (lived in the trailer park at the base), Betty Jean Finan (her Mom was the telephone operator), Debbie Hebert, Jill Simmers, Rosemary Simpson???, the girl I went to Brownie camp with...Wendy Stevens. Wow I haven't thought of some of those names for years! I love this site!!!!
How about Sunday afternoons in the winter down at the rink watching hockey?...sitting on the snow banks watching my brother Bill playing goal for the men and wearing, I think, a catcher's mask that Mom made him wear...who else was a goalie then Bill? Roger Lapierre? ...getting back home in time to watch Lassie on t.v.

datetime: 20100115T032047
name: bill hughes

location: Timmins

AaHHh, the Holtyre Gardens. This site, I'll never get any sleep!
Eddie Dowe was the first I remember making ice there. Then I think Buck LaCroix? They'd pull that 2" air hose all over the rink watering the low side (east) first and last to get leveled working from south end back to the shack then throw all that length into shack to keep it from freezing as they would lift over their head to drain and then coil it. Geez that was a cold job but I figure they had the anti-freeze in them to make the shift. It was from Eddie Dowe I bought my first actual Goalie skates and some old pads, a belly pad, some quilt arm pads. But they had been in cold storage so long they pretty well fell apart when the gear thawed out. I did wear the pads tho' after some serious stitching and the skates which were too big by 5 sizes ( I was 11 or 12 yrs old )
came in very useful as the toe caps were a thick burnished and hard leather, so I pulled them off
and taped them to the used skates Dad used to get me in KL. The blades would only last a month or two them get broke by a shot so I,d tape Mr Dowes toe caps to another soft toed used pair. I did that until I
was 15 in KL when the Legion bought me my first goalie skates. Sweet. The other goalies were I think, Lloyd Byberg and Danny Hebert. Marcel Camirand has great old photos of those days and what a crew it was. I remember Marcel skating around the rink to set a record or something, anyway it wasan incredible 100 laps, now he'll probably say each way but I'm not so sure about that. I know his eyebrows and snot were all frosted up that night. Big barrel stove in the middle of rink shack and everybodies grey socks with the red rim of stitching at the top hanging over the protective piping around the glowing stove. What a stench! Jokes and belly laughs all around!
There were real good shooters in Holtyre, I remember Rheal Drouin (who just passed away 2 mos ago I'm sorry to report) Moe Hebert had the hardest shot and spent a lot of extra time giving me a workout, & Earl Berlinghoff, Terry Draves; remember bruises but not many names. Down memory lane; how lucky I was to have the Holtyre experience.

datetime: 20100115T120416
name: Patrick Tracy

location: Lake Stevens, Washington

Bill,I'm truly excited at the the response this site is getting. It's as though we are at a reunion without being there. I believe that is because Holtyre was a very special place. In all of my travels I have not seen or come across another place like it. I believe that it was because everyone truly cared and looked after each other. from our parents down to us as children. I still have my Canadian scout patches and yes my scout hatchet. also my red and yellow signal flags, belt buckle,and leather neckerchief slide and our green and gold scout neckerchief. I was in the Night Hawk Patrol. One of my long standing desires, ( silly as it may seem) is to go out west of town just beyond the pete fire field and cut another Scout staff from the same grove of trees i got my original from. It was made from a ?? Bamagillia ?? tree and they were very straight. Mine nlasted until about 16 years ago and was broken in storage. I still have my tenderfoot to Queen scout manual and a Golden Arrow book. Our staff was 5'6" tall all skinned and marked. Some of us put scout slogans on them and we met at the mine hall for our meetings. It was the big wooden dance hall. About the Ball team, I have been trying to find out if Joe Morgan is the same Joe Morgan that is in the Baseball hall of fame here in America. He was a second baseman here and I think that Our Joe, of the Royals told us that he had played in the american league befor he was in the US Air Force. I'm not sure. I remember when Mr. La Sarde was our teacher at public school, we played soccer on the Ice rink every Tues. and in the fall and spring we all got muddy playing in the school yard. espeacially after they put the gym in under the schoolhouse. My older brother Mike has stories about that Job.

Judy, I do have a younger brother but his name is Terry, and at that time I,m not sure if he went to the school or not. he was only 5 yrs. old at that time and if he did go it would have been like a preschool. I believe there was in 61 because I remember having to bring him home. I would like to encourage everyone to stay in touch as it would be a terrific blessing if we could actually have a reunion before many more of us get to a point where we couldn't make it to one. It would be great to bring as many pictures and stories as possible and to maybe make a photo album book for all of us and let people know what a wonderful place it was to live. I don't say this lightly, as there are web sights from both Americans and other Canadians who served on the Air Base at Ramore, and the one common comment was that the Base was a speacial place and so was Holtyre for those who lived there. I talked with John Harper by phone before Christmas and we will be in touch again in the spring. My phone # is open to any of you that remember me and my family. Lloyd Phillips if your out there please contact me if you can. My best to all of you Pat.

atetime: 20100116T010115
name: Bev

location: Timmins, ON

To Danny Rose
My mom is Ann Rose. She married Daniel Hebert ( passed away July 27, 2009) I have told her you are looking for her and she will post as soon as she can. She still has dial up so bear with her..lol. Take care.

datetime: 20100117T010325
name: Zita Petozzi

location: Stoney Creek, On

To Philippe Lalancette and Bill Hughes. It was interesting to read about all the names from the olden days. I will add a few as old Mrs Ross who lived on a farm across the road from Mathieu's who's son married Flo Beaton (widow of Angus who was killed at the Ross around 1946 or 47. There was also the Rondeau's who lived past the Mathieu farm and just before our farm. They moved to Hamilton in 1951. Yes Philippe the St. Jean store burned down and Mr. St. Jean died in that fire (If I remember correctly). Do either one of you remember the trajedy that befell Ramore and Holtyre in 1947. My uncle Alphonse was giving free boat rides to the children on a beautiful August day at Maude Lake. At one point too many climbed in the boat and he did not want to disappoint them. The boat capsised and all but 3 were drowned. My uncle, and six children from the age of six to fifteen perished. At the moment I do not recall their names. I have not been on the sight for a while and had a lot of reading to do. Keep it up.

datetime: 20100117T032018
name: Ann Hebert nee Rose

ert@sympatico.ca
location: Sudbury, Ont

To Danny Rose-Hi, it has been a long time for sure. I am here in Sudbury. It would be good to catch up on what we have been doing for the past 50 years or so. My number is 522 1282.
Hello to all the former Holtyre-ians! Good memories return to my mind-sliding down the hill behind Moffats when we were yougsters and the hill seemed so long. When I went back with my kids to show them where we had so much fun, the hill looked so small! And do any of you remember the trips on the Holtyre Flyer in to KLCVI! The kids from Kirkland Lake called it that because we were usually late at least once a week in the winter because of break downs or freeze ups. What a ride! and Pops the driver with one leg trying to keep it on the icy road. I don't know how he ever did it lol.

datetime: 20100120T164502
name: Daniel (Danny) Rose

location: Toronto, Ontario

Thank God for small mercies, so the saying goes... (and to Mr Harry Harper of North Bay, Ontario) for helping me in my search for some of my "Rose" family members but specifically the children of Mr. & Mrs. Anthony "Tony" Rose. I had a brief lapse of memory a few weeks back and couldn't remember one of my cousin's names who is in fact "Marie" who I believe has passed on many years ago and who had married Maurice(spelling????)"Moe" Hebert mentioned in one of these blogs. Ann, who posted here and whom I thank sincerely for responding: "I will be in touch with you shortly by telephone--thanks for giving out your number publicly. It has been 50 years if not longer in the disconnect"......

datetime: 20100120T205941
name: Harry Harper

location: North Bay Ont

Was reading some of the postings and thinking back over the years, and can remember one warm august afternoon crawling up a row of peas in Mr. Hughes garden when I saw a pair of size 12 boots in from of me. Boy wish I could move half as fast now as I did that afternoon.I can just remember the accident on Maude Lake. But if Zita haddent, it would have been gone from my memory. Now a days that's not hard to do. Sure am enjoying reading what other people have to say. Like Ann said the hills seem to have shrunk since we were kids. But we spent all day on them. Maybe I should have spent more time on school work. Nah. It was more fun outside.

datetime: 20100121T113342
name: John Harper

location: Stony Plain

Zita, I remember that the boating accident on Maude lake was mentioned then that was it no one talked about it.It sure is nice to see so many people jumping on this forum, maybe we should start trying to get a reunion going, mite be kind of hard as we are spread out allover, any ideas. To Pat Tracy i think the Joe Morgan that was in Holtyre was a little to young to be the hall of famer that Joe Morgan was born in 1943.Anyone here remember the punt to paddle across the big pike river to go fish speckle trout at the little pike falls, slideding down the little limestone shoots into the pool below to cool off,after you fished it for pickeral of course.Anyone remember that booming voice you could hear all over town at meal times calling out, Jimmy,Billy, Donnie,Tommy yep they didn\'t need no cell phone to get a call from mom to p l e a s e come home for dinner,oh no they moved their little butts. The old skateing rink shack yep nothing like the smell of coke-a-cola cooking on that old stove, man what a stink. All the boys in town out shoveling off the rink by hand and their was a lot of shoveling.We were all happy when Mr. Moffat would show up and move the snow away from the boards with his little bulldozer, it got kind of hard to throw that snow about 10 feet in the air when you were about 70 lbs soaking wet. All to have the ice for shimmy hockey saturday morning. Well good to here all these stories once someone mentions something,oh yeah i remember that ...keep it up..

datetime: 20100202T200836
name: Harry Harper

location: North Bay

The Holtyre Flyer. Anyone remember the morning that the front wheel fell off going into Swastika or the night that the rear wheels past us in Kenogami? Oh what fun we had on that bus. Some times Bud Hart and I would have to walk around town twice in the morning in order to miss it. Darn. Guess we\'ll have to go hunting or fishing.

datetime: 20100203T200953
name: Heather Gadoury(O'Connor)

oury@sympatico.ca
location: Brechin

It was so great reading everyones memories Holtyre. I grew up in the Subburbs of Holtrye Guibbord Township. I have vivid memories of watching for the Lights to come on at the Skating Rink, and running down the hill for a night of Wild Skating. It was such a well rounded upbring, Loving parents good friends and feeling of Community. I often look back with fond memories. A reunion would be wonderful, so may generation to share stories. I used to go "home" Twice a year but since my Brother Bill, and my Mother Inlaw Yvette Gadoury moved from Holtyre I have had not made the trip

datetime: 20100204T180428
name: Elizabeth Tambeau

location: Schumacher, Ontario

This is such an interesting site! My husband & I have been to Holtyre a few times for family celebrations. My mother-in-law\\\\\\\'s brother, Aurele Guillmette, was the mailman for many years. His wife was Ernestine. Both are gone now. I wish I had seen the town in its heyday.

datetime: 20100204T180715
name: Elizabeth Tambeau

location: Schumacher, Ontario

This is such an interesting site! My husband & I have been to Holtyre a few times for family celebrations. My mother-in-law's brother, Aurele Guillmette, was the mailman for many years. His wife was Ernestine. Both are gone now. I wish I had seen the town in its heyday.

datetime: 20100212T101736
name: john harper

location: Stony Plain AB

Can you remember when the barber
would come in and cut your hair on saturday he would be set up in the Lasalle hotel aka [the white house]i think he use to come from Timmins.Also there was the weston bakery man name was Johnny he was always good for a ride back into town when you were coming back from swimming at maude. There was the, now i can't remember, rawleigh or watkins guy who use to come around, plus we had 2 milk deliverys going door to door, i think multi-milk did them in, and oh yes the old fellow from new liskard who would show up every fall so you could stalk up on winter vegtables. I guess thats it for down memorylane today
sure is nice to keep thinking back..

datetime: 20100212T185303
name: phyllis duval

location: helena

We are planning on going to Holtyre the first part of July. We have some property there but need someone to show us where it is. It is about 11 Kilometers east of Holtyre. It lies in the southwest portion of lot 12 concession 1 in the Michaud township It is suppose to be surrounded on 3 sides by crown land. If anyone still lives there that might know , I do have more info on it that might help.Would appreciate any help. Thank you Phyllis

datetime: 20100215T215026
name: Harry Harper

location: North Bay Ont.

To Phyllis Duval. I\\\'ve been trying to figure out just where this property is> If it\\\'s due east of Holtyre, well there are no roads. The only road that runs east of Holtyre is HWY 101 and that is five miles north of town. Now if your proprty is 11 km east of there thats about 6 miles or so. That might put you out close to Monroe or Parry lake. If it\\\'s surroundedd on three side by crown land it just might but up against the HWY. Hope that this might be a little help to you. I\\\'ll keep watching this site and if you have any more info I\\\'ll do my best to help you..

datetime: 20100225T202911
name: phyllis duval

location: helena,

Harry Harper; thanks so much for the info. the info I have from the north off of 101 is.,there is a good access road that can be travelled south for approx. 3.3 kilometers ,,access a trail network to the property. from the end of this acess road the piecw is apprx. 7.6 kilometers further south through crown lands past numerous small lakes streams, and ponds. from the south there are good gravel access roads from the town of Ramore running as close as 4 km..From here an extensive network of trails can be travelled through crown and private lands to reach it. . From the west, an extensive trail network from the town Holtyre, apprx. 11 km, the ptoperty runs through privately owned lands eventually leading to the property. You can see why we are having a problem in knowing which one is ours. thankyou

datetime: 20100302T182555
name: Polly Steele

location: Port Alice, BC

Susan Errington - I remember you. My husband and I taught in Holtyre from 1966 to 1968. I think there were 50 students in the English school then, more in the Francophone school across the road. Some of your classmates were the Hebert girls, Vernon Lehman, Alan Hawkin, Elizabeth Phillips. I still have class pictures from those days. I too remember the night that St. Jean's store burned down. It was a terrible thing because Mr. St. Jean died in the fire. Do you remember how we would play softball games on nice afternoons and have the right fielder watch for the school superintendent?

datetime: 20100302T222440
name: Philippe Lalancette

location: Batiscab QC

To Polly Steele and Susan Errington. Readeing you two makes me feel olllld ! In my days, there was onbly one 2 rooms school house,public in one room and RC separate in the opther. Times sure changed!

datetime: 20100303T033058
name: Murielle R

location: Lindsay ON

I grew up in Holtyre and left there in 1972. My grandfather was Ed Ross, on whose property the Ross Mine was discovered. Holtyre was a great place to grow up in. Not too much left there now unfortunately.

datetime: 20100303T212224
name: Philippe Lalancette

location: Batiscan QC

To Murielle R., would you be the daughter of NapolÈon (Pit) and AngËle Ross who were our neighbors on Guibord Township road? Old souvenirs coming back, thanks to this wonderful site. My dad's farm was what you know as the Mathieu's farm. Phil. L.

datetime: 20100304T211327
name: Harry Harper

location: North Bay Ont.

To Phyllis Duval.Yes I can see why you could have trouble. I don't know of any other way to get in to except from Hwy 101. There is a good road about two miles past Perry Lake Lodge,about three miles in there is a road that turns west from it.It goes past my fishing holes. I have to say that there are so many new roads that have been pust through with all the logging and exploration work that mining companys have done that its hard to get around with out a map.The M.N.R. in Matheson might be the best place to get anything that is up to date. My maps are from the 40's and a little out of date. Maybe the person who you purchased it from may have some thing worth while.To Philippe Lalancette. You bet Iremember the old 25 cycle. It made things a lot brighter when the60 came in.Remember sitting around the radio listening to Boston Backie. The Green Hornet and The Shadow. WWVA on Friday to hear The Grand Ole Opery.To Heather Gadoury O'Conner. I remember you to. How are Greg and Bill? Haven't seen them for years. Bill lived just down the street from us and Greg lived in the little brown house next door to where Bill live. If my memory hasn't failed me completly I think that Murielle Ross was the little red haired girl that lived across from Provencher"s. It is so good to read all the postings. Would'nt it nice to have a reunion?? Something to think about.

datetime: 20100306T023806
name: Judy Ann

ert@cogeco.ca
location: Thorold, ON

Polly Steele...Ken Steele taught me in grades 7 & 8...my classmates were Allen Hawkins and Barbara Baleck...I recall you teaching in the junior room!
I think Murielle R's parents were Rachelle & - oh dear, I can't remember Mr. Ross' name. He was a very nice man who helped Cleo and I out with some electrical problems at one time...and I went to high school with Murielle! They lived on the back lane.
To Elizabeth Tambeau...in its "heyday" there was no better place to raise your kids. My life would have been so different..and I really don't think for the better...had I not been raised in a 3 street town. How many other kids can say that they used to be the switchboard operator for short periods of time when they were only 9? I can!

datetime: 20100312T231744
name: Wendy Goodine

location: Toronto

I was just sent this location today to my work and have had a hard time concentrating as I couldn\'t stop reading all the posts and watching the video, it has brought back so many memories. I lived in Holtyre on Euclid Street until 1964 when my parents Arnold and Barbara Goodine moved my sister Cindy and I to Toronto. That was quite the culture shock. My Mom Barbara was sent this site today by Bernice Coulis who also grew up in Holtyre and her and her Mom are still in touch with our family. Really enjoyed reading all of your comments.

datetime: 20100313T012836
name: Bernice Coulis

location: Oakville, Ontario

My parents, Arnold and Mary Coulis, were married in Timmins and moved to Holtyre in 1938 and lived there until my father passed away in 1966. My mother sold our home and moved to Oakville. I was born in Holtyre and so were my brothers, Gordon & Jim. I agree that it was a wonderful place to grow up and have so many, many great memories. I still keep in touch with a lot of friends that I grew up with in Holtyre. It\\\'s truly a small world. Friends of mine in Arizona were chatting with a couple that belong to the same club that they did and the subject of the base at Ramore came up. Lo and behold the lady was Janet Hart, later Janet Draves and now Janet Benoit!!!! When I was in Az a year ago I spent an evening with her. I\\\'m enjoying reading the stories that have been sent in. I\\\'ve passed this location to my brother Jim, who lives in Ajax. My brother Gordon sadly passed away in February 2002. Keep telling us your stories.

datetime: 20100313T020807
name: sandra/rene hebert

location: napanee ontario

hi everybody, so good to read about all of you... i'm sandra andrews, married over 50 years to rene hebert... we winter in yuma arizona, we left the north in 1970 but have never lost touch with the north, we still have a cabin at watabeag lake... we take a tour through holtyre several times a year, especially during hunting season... to the harper boys, judy ann and billy hughes and all the others who wrote in a big hello... harry, when you said you grew up on partridge fish and potatoes, i had to laugh, betty lou always refers to you saying at school, please don't tell my mother another way to make potatoes, too funny... to the serafin kids, hello, saw some of you last at may and cye valliere's 5oth anniversary in ottawa... hi to heather, hope you are well, where is jeannine now... i see her house in val gagne is empty... to bernice, thanks for sending this to barb and asking her to pass it on to us... our sons have the video of the mine and enjoyed seeing grandpa ronald at work... to pat tracy, yes, i remember you and your family living next door to rene's mom and dad... what about your parents are they still living, hope so... muriel ross are you gloria's sister... to ann, my sister in law, hi, will write you soon... glad you found your cousin.. to anyone i missed, hi and i'll keep checking the sight.. rene and sandy..

datetime: 20100313T170539
name: Daintree Wright ( Grozelle)

location: Deep River, Ontario.

My sister Barb Goodine sent this web-site to me about Holtyre, When her & her husband Arnold lived in Holtyre I lived in North Bay & would go & spend my summer vacations & Christmas with them. I remember the bowling alley & the fun we had there. Marilyn Totten & I worked one summer for Lil Finan on the switch board so many memories. Pierrette Blok ( Jeffery) & I were also good friends & we met two summers ago while my husband & I were on vacation down East & it had been a few years since we had seen each other & boy we had a lot of catching up to do.

I use to go out with Dorcey Mitchel when I was 16yrs old ( so long ago) & I knew he had been in a mine accident in Bancroft Ont. Would anyone happen to know where Dorcey is buried? Deep River is not far from Bancroft & if we go that way again I would like to visit his gravesite.

Hi to Sandra & Rene.

Daintree ( Grozelle ) Wright.
Maybe some of you will remember my Brothers Leo & Roy ( also know as Sonny ) they lived at Barbs & worked at the mine also. They have both passed away & can't tell you how I miss them & their sense of humor.

datetime: 20100313T194526
name: Lorne Fleece

location: North Bay, ON

Hi Danny Rose in Toronto
Your Uncle Joe Rose lived most of his life in Cochrane Ontario.
I knew him due to my association with the workers at the Public Utilities Commision in Cochrane. He was honoured with 50 year award by the town when he retired in 1970. He joined the PUC in 1919 working in the Coal Gas Electric Generator Plant at Norman Lake making $50.00 per month. In 1924 he transferred to lineman on the Electric and Telephone Lines, worked up to becoming a foreman of the gang. In 1946 He was moved to the Water Department when the new treatment plant was constructed and remained there as Pumpman and Foreman until 1970.
Joe remained a bachelor all his life
I remember talking to him about the early days in Cochrane. He lived in the family homestead which was constructed of logs. It was a very unique building and I was disappointed when the town did not save it as a historical building.
Joe died on September 26,1985 unexpectly at the Lady Minto Hospital in Cochrane
He was true pioneer of Northern Ontario and the town of Cochrane.

datetime: 20100314T222739
name: elaine rody feuer

location: mississauga,ont

hi to all you Holtyarions, I lived in holtyre until i went to sudbury in 1959 to take nursing.Lived in Montreal for awhile & now am here in wonderful Mississauga.We are planning a trip up north this summer & will make a side trip to Holtyre my hometown!!! We were last up north to visit the graves of my mom &dad, Evelyn & Walter in Hailybury. I have passed this sight on to my cousin Marylyn Totten.Please call if you in my town. 905-8485875

datetime: 20100314T222844
name: elaine rody feuer

location: mississauga,ont

hi to all you Holtyarions, I lived in holtyre until i went to sudbury in 1959 to take nursing.Lived in Montreal for awhile & now am here in wonderful Mississauga.We are planning a trip up north this summer & will make a side trip to Holtyre my hometown!!! We were last up north to visit the graves of my mom &dad, Evelyn & Walter in Hailybury. I have passed this sight on to my cousin Marylyn Totten.Please call if you in my town. 905-8485875

datetime: 20100316T044239
name: Polly Steele

location: Port Alice, BC

Judy Ann: What is/was your last name? Yes, I taught the younger grades - one to four. I remember how well all the kids got along, the older students playing with the younger students, and never any fights. Kids were different in those days!

datetime: 20100316T115219
name: Judy Ann

location: Thorold

Polly: my maiden name was Hughes.
Wow - Rody, Totten, Goodine, Coulis! I love this site!!!!
Hi Sandy & Rene!

datetime: 20100316T201731
name: Harry Harper

location: North Bay Ont.

Try as I might I just Can't remember the Goodines. Even though we lived on the same street. I do remember the Tottens, Wayne&Marylyn. The Rodys,Elaine& Denis, of course the Coulis family, The Andrews and Hebert families as well. Where is Betty Lou now? Bill is down in Kingston(not in the pen) and John is out in Stoney Plane Albt.Sure is good to start to catch up on the old town.

datetime: 20100316T232148
name: marilyn totten

location: porcupine

A big hello to all the old friends from Holtyre! The Harper boys, Sandra & Rene, the Goodines, Coulis, Bill Hughes, Daintree Grozelle, etc. I'm back in the good old North, after living in Prescott, Ont for about 3 yrs. Like everyone else, Holtyre was a great place to grow up! My brother Wayne passed away in 1983 - my sister Sharon lives in Prescott and my other sister Candice lives in South Porcupine. We all stay in touch often with cousins, Elaine, Dennis & Douglas Rody. I also, have met up with Grant Draves and Mary Caylor. Also, a Holtyre reunion would be great!!! It would be fun to see everyone.

datetime: 20100319T011736
name: sandra/rene hebert

location: napanee on

hi harry, thought i'd tell you that betty lou was in mississauga for many years, but joined the world of retirement last fall and is now living in port rowan, on the beautiful beaches of lake erie... her and russ are really enjoying their first year of not working and wonder when they had time to work... you mentioned that bill is in kingston, only about a half hour from us... hey everyone, matheson is having big celebrations in 2012 for the 100th anniversary, a maude lake picnic would be a great holtyre reunion in combination with it... hi to all of you, too many names to list now... sandra and rene...

datetime: 20100320T133023
name: John Harper

location: Stony Plain ab

Sandra that sounds like a great idea about a picnic at Maude lake.
Any idea what the dates are for the Matheson 100th, you know the 50th was a great time, oh lord talk about dateing yourself,but yep i was at the 50th.John Harper

datetime: 20100321T003033
name: Daintree

location: Deep River

Hey Marilyn;
Surprised to see you back in South Porcupine, well not really because I know you are a truly Northern Girl. Still hear in Deep River, Ken & I are doing fine. Call sometime if you still have my phone # ok?
Daintree.

datetime: 20100321T183119
name: Marilyn Totten

location: Porcupine

Hi Daintree; So far, I have not been able to find your number, but will keep lookin, as there are a lot of things I can\\\'t find, after the latest move! I have to quite moving around the country!!
I will give you mine and I can call you back,as I have free calling. 705-235-4743.
Also, to anyone that remembers the Scott girls, I will contact Marilyn and give her this site.

datetime: 20100321T200940
name: Joe Doxtater

location: Stouffville

Wow what a trip down memory lane. I was living in Holtyre in 66-67 and was taught by Mrs Steele. We lived just down from St Jeans beside the little corner store. Man that was a lifetime ago. Lillian Finan was our next door neghbour and operator, and I do remember the Buckleys. At that time there were 4 of us, Gerry, myself (Joe), Sandy and Patti. I also remember the Lavallee family as well. Anyone else remember us?

datetime: 20100323T185715
name: charlie caty

location: oakville, on

I am the eldest son of Jean & Alice Caty. I was born in my parents bed in Holtyre in 1940. My father was a civil engineer who graduated from Universite de Montreal and came to Timmins in 1925 to work for Hollinger. In 1934/5 he was asked to go investigate a mining prospect in Hislop Twp which he concluded could be mined and they gave him the go ahead to do it. He then moved to Ramore and after the manager\\\'s house was built moved his family to the mine in 1937. It\\\'s the house across from the hall/curling rink. I have 3 older sisters: Micheline [Mimi] who was a school teacher in PEI and retired to Penticton BC to be near her daughter; Claudette a registered nurse living near her 2 daughters in Irvine CA; Suzanne also a registered nurse who later got a Masters in Nursing and retired as the Head of the School of Nursing at Laurentian. She now resides in Oakville. After grade school I went to boarding school in Montreal and then graduated from McGill University. I entered the investment industry married [ still] Sallie Mackay in 1994 and was transferred to Saint John NB. I moved to head office in Toronto in 1974 and retired in 1995. Jean-Louis is my younger brother and after getting his PHD in geology worked for the gov\\\'t of QC and retired 2 years ago as assistant deputy minister of nat resources. He lives in Quebec. Father retired in 1970 and he and mom moved to Montreal. He died in 1979 and mom in 1985.
As for more history of Holtyre, Mom wrote a very good one dealing with all the pioneer families up to about 1950. Dad also wrote a history of the Ross Mine which ended in 1970. Both of these were given to the museum in Matheson and are well worth reading.
I have really enjoyed the notes and the 1971 video. Here are some of my earliest memories: the Victory parade [I have pics] in 1945; the unpaved roads including the hwy to Ramore which often closed for a week in april because of the mud; the sound of crackling snow under my feet; the outdoor rink with the barrel wood stove; the water tap near the schools which was the main source of water for most town homes; the out door two holers[ a haloween trick was to tip them over]; the 30 or so Displaced Persons[DPs] who came to work at the mine in the late forties, two of whom later became significant real estate owners in the town; Joe Morris and his canteen; there are so many other fond memories. I have always bragged about being from Holtyre and the north [ in fact I named my company Holtyre Investments.
As best I can I have kept in touch with a few; we had a small party a few years ago at which the following attended: siter Sue & brother Jean-Louis; Bernice Coulis; Della Philips; Mary Caylor; Pierette Geoffroy; Mrs Coulis and Mrs Draves; Howard Smith, Peter Caylor, Terry Draves, Grant Draves, Jim Coulis, Leo Leclerc...forgive me if I missed someone.
Finally , the thing that I probably remember the most is how we all got along and how we believed we were in Eden!
Would love to hear from anyone who cares to email.
PS I was then known as \\\"Charlot\\\" but now go by Charlie...any one who knew me back then can still call me Charlot or as the anglos would pronounce : \\\"Chaloo\\\"
Whoever maintains this site , keep up the good work

datetime: 20100324T161814
name: Polly Steele

location: Port Alice, BC

Joe Doxtater - I remember you and your brother Gerry. You played with my son, who was in grade one at that time. I also remeber the Lavallees. Lisa was in Ken's class and her brother, whose name escapes me, was in my class. Their parents, Moe and Lillian, were friends of ours. I still have class pictures from that time. I'll see if I can scan them and post them.

datetime: 20100324T220606
name: Harry Harper

location: North Bay Ont

Was just reading Charlie Catys posting and would like to ask him Who has the train set? Wow . I can remember gong with Jean a few times into the basement to play with them. I have never seen another set as nice.As for the two holers on halloween night, it was best when some one was inside. Can still hear \\\"you little bas---ds. No names no pack drill.I must stop at the museum in Matheson and read the books your parents wrote. Know that I\\\'ll enjoy them. You may not know it but your father was my younger brother Johns godfather. A lot of respect was felt for your parents in the town. Can still remember carrying water from that stand pipe up by the schools untill they drilled the well across the street from our place. We used to take barrels of it over to the hill to ice it for sliding in the winter.Please give my regards to John. Thanks.

datetime: 20100326T121940
name: Joe Doxtater

location: Stouffville

Nice to hear from you Mrs Steele. The Lavallee's son was Ricky. It so surreal reading all the posts from Holtyre. Looking back, it was such an innocent lifestyle. One, I might add, that I wish my children could have experienced. I remember finding out about not being able to see properly in the basement of the schoolhouse. We had our eye exams and I was so afraid of failing that I kept looking through my fingers to see the chart! On another note Mrs Steele, I did finally learn how to count properly in French and not get 15 and 16 mixed up!!!!

datetime: 20100328T195114
name: Polly Steele

location: Port Alice, BC

Does anyone here know if it's possible to post pictures to this location? I have class pictures of Holtyre Public School from 1966/67. Joey Doxtater - you and Gerry are in them.

datetime: 20100329T143917
name: Editor

location: Ontario

Hi Polly - you cannot upload photos automatically, however if you email them to me at info@highway11.ca then I will post them.
Thanks everyone for all of the interest in the site.

datetime: 20100329T214247
name: charlie caty

location: oakville, on

thanks for the note harry harper. the electric trains I had until 2008 when I sold them to a collector. I still had the boxes they came in. Needless to say they were sold for a lot more than the cost in 1950. By the way if you want copies of the history of Holtyre and the Ross Mine I will gladly get them to you. send me an email at jccaty@sympatico.ca. I have also written the editor to ask if he would like to post them on this site

datetime: 20100331T021222
name: polly steele

location:

If you scroll down to the bottom of the page you'll see class photos from 1966/67. I remember some of the names. Perhaps someone can help fill in the blanks. Grades 1-4 front row: Duane York, Ross Wixon, Stephen Birch, ?, ?. ?, Colleen Gagnon, __Wolf, Darka Poplievich. Second row: Polly Steele, ?, Graydon Moffit, ?, ?, Stephen Greenfield, ?, ?, Robbie Buckley, Darlene Hebert. Last row: Joey Doxtater, Ricky Lavallee, ?, ?, ?, __Wixon, ?, Kenny Gagnon, ?, Gerry Doxtater. Grades 5 to 8 - ?, ?, Betty Ann Finan, -Hebert, Elizbeth Phillips, Lisa Lavallee Second row: Vernon Lehman, ?, ?, Alan Hawkin, - Gagnon, Ken Steele Back row: Susan Errington, ?, Susan Greenfield, ?, ?, ?
Sorry, it was a long time ago and some of the names I should know have escaped me.

datetime: 20100402T055526
name: Murray Van Dusen

location: Holtyre

I stumbled on this site while looking for info on Wavell and Bourkes. Holtyre is my birthplace even though my birth certificate says Kirkland Lake. I was born in 1949, and we moved to an even smaller place--Widdifield Station, 15 miles outside North Bay--in 1952 (I think). My father worked in the Ross (or McIntyre) mine for a while, but moved to work for the O.N.R. in North Bay.

The hamlet of Wavell is more familiar to me. My mother is from there, and we would visit her parents every summer. They had a cottage on Malloch Lake??? where we usually stayed. Beautiful there! Some names I remember from Wavell--Van Clieaf (John and Ella, my grandparents), Farstad, Belanoha, Burdick, Deering, Sayley, Stadnick. It was a treat when we would go to the store in Ramore. I drove into Wavell a few years ago; sure not much left of the little community we used to visit in the 50's and early 60's!

My memories of Holtyre are even dimmer. I think we rented a house owned by the Messiers. Don't know where it was though. Girls from the Valiere and Gleason families used to babysit. I remember getting ice cream at a store run by either Valiere or Gleason. That would have been in the late '50's. Some of the names I remember from Holtyre are Gleason, Valiere, Geoffroy, Sustrick. I drove through Holtyre one summer, about 2005. The place really looked as though it had fallen on hard times--lots of empty homes, boarded up businesses. It's the same story right across the country: businesses close, people move to the city for work, schools and other institutions shut down. It's sad to see what becomes of places that once showed so much life. It's really impressive how so many people have posted their memories of Holtyre. I wish you all well in your plans for a reunion.

Other places along Highway 11 that hold memories for me are Bourkes, Charlton, Englehart, Sesekinika, and Swastika.

I want to send best wishes to Harry Harper, who has posted here frequently. We were both Letter Carriers in North Bay during the early '70's.

Thanks for providing the opportunity to reminisce about my childhood and to share some of my memories.

datetime: 20100402T160101
name: Daniel (Danny) Rose

location: Toronto, Ontario

Thank you Mr. Lorne Fleece of North Bay, Ontario for reminding me about my uncle Mr. Joe Rose of Cochrane, Ontario who, as you said, passed away in 1985, I think it was. By this writing, I must apologize publicly to Mr. Harry Harper of North Bay, Ontario, for getting his family name incorrect in previous messages in this forum. Also, I have finally connected up with my cousin, Ann(nee Rose) Hebert,formerly of Holtyre and who now lives in/around Sudbury, Ontario, over the telephone today and had a long conversation with her despite the decades that have passed since our last contact. We both will be in further contact with each other real soon and I am sure that Holtyre, Ontario, will be a topic/subject of further discussions as time goes by. Thanks again, Messrs. Harper and Fleece, for making this all happen. (Signed) Daniel (Danny) Rose, Toronto, Ontario.

datetime: 20100405T225539
name: Bonnie Thew

location: Bracebridge Ontario

Have gone to Holtrye 3 times and love the little place. Last year I was in Holtrye doing psychic readings and a spirit walk and there were hundreds of orb's at the one end of town its the first street into Holtrye and wondered if there has been any major disaster either in the mines or the town itself that envoled the lost of many lives. I can send some pictures of the walk and of a ghost seen looking out of a window on one of the back streets.If you are interested. I love History.

datetime: 20100406T013605
name: Betty Jean Finan

k
location: Calgary Alberta

WOW never thought i would find anything on myself on the web!!! I now go by Liz, my mom died about 12 yrs ago,have not been back to Holtyre for some time, I am looking for some answers that someone might be able to give me that was in the area around 1955, Could anyone tell me if there were migrant workers from Brazil working at the mines or on a farm

datetime: 20100406T161624
name: sandy hebert

location: napanee on

hi everyone from holtyre... i just had to write back to betty jean finan... i've wondered about you over the years as to where you were... and how you were doing... your mom and my mom were great friends, jessie andrews.. i also worked the switchboard for your mom.. her and i shared mutual birthdays and exchanged cards for many years... as for workers from brazil, not that we know of... rene says when he used to deliver newspapers to the mine bunk houses there were some europeans living there... maybe charlie caty will have a better answer on that one.. hope you are well and happy... polly steel, my parents ronald and jessie andrews were the custodians at the school, in the pics, a couple of the names, in the junior room, middle row, in the cub uniform is graden andrews, my brother.. then in the senior room my other brother is barry, in the shirt and tie, directly in front of him is betty jean finan, and beside her is our niece debbie hebert.. judy ann hughes is in the back row, you haven't changed a bit judy... also judy lehman is on the left of graden in the junior pic... keep up the good work everyone, this is a great site... thanks...

datetime: 20100407T024750
name: betty Jean Finan

location: Calgary

great to hear from you, i am doing well!!! I am looking for any information on european workers I definately remember your mom and dad and tell Barry that i named my first born after him. Guess he made quite the impression on me. i do look different but the same!!! i do miss the old days though hope you are well.

datetime: 20100408T221607
name: francis guertin

patico.ca
location: kirkland lake on

Hi just a word to say you have a great site.Live in Holtyre 1950 to 1955 then move to Ramore from 1955 to 1967.I still remember a lots of peoples that still live there.Truthfully i like it a lot.And i do remember wendy Goodine she use to live a few house from my cousin Suzanne Lapierre.I remember when she fell out of a big tree in front of her house yep she hurt both her wrist.She was a very nice looking girl maybe that y i remember her lol. MY NAME FRANCIS Guertin

datetime: 20100411T044926
name: John Harper

location: stony plain ab

It is nice to see new people coming on board,glad to see that a few of you girls had worked as an operator to help mrs. Finan.as i have a good story to tell. One night when i was in Halifax I decided to phone home, had to use a pay phone, so I got the operator and said I wanted to phone long distance to 55 holtyre,she said sorry i did not get all your number, i repeated 55
she said thats it 55,yep thats it.I could hear a little stickering going on in the background, then Mrs Finan came on
saying Holtyre, operator says I have a call for 55 from halifax, Mrs Finan replied is that you Jack
I said yes and we had a couple minute conversation and then she said your mother is not home she is up at the hall at a womens institute meeting do you still want me to put you through which I replyed sure go ahead, thats when the poor operator in Halifax completely broke out laughing , oh yes i talked to a few of the other women in Holtyre mrs burdick I believe for sure mrs Hughes and a couple more till my mum got to the phone, and from that point on well i had to pay for it. When you think about it Mrs Finan spent a lot of sleepless
hours when families had some family problems and the phone would be needed she was always there for us, I sure know she was there for the Harper family...

datetime: 20100412T162715
name: Betty Finan

location: Calgary

I was wondering if anyone had Shirley Vant's email or address, i lost track of her when she moved to the States.

datetime: 20100424T201502
name: Diane (Louie)Tressider

location: Newcastle ON

I am interested in finding a Doris Rose who married in 1969 just out of high school. I don\'t remember her married name. Great site!

datetime: 20100501T151350
name: Ann (Rose) Hebert

ert@xplornet.ca
location: Sudbury, Ont.

Hi Betty Jean-My niece Debbie(Hebert) Julin, was asking me if I knew where you ended up and I could not enlighten her. It is amazing that you would be on this site!! Debbie is in Ashcroft, BC and I know she would really like to be in touch with you. I will let her know about this site.

To Diane(Louie) Tressider from Newwcastle, Doris is my sister. Are you the Diane Louie from Kirkland Lake that gave me some great Chinese recipes from your fathers restrant? Anyway Doris(Rose) Bruno is living out in BC not far from Ashcroft. I will tell her you are looking for her and send her this site address.

To Danny Rose-It was great talking to you and catching up on some of the news. Thank you Harry for letting know that my cousin was looking for me.
I love this site. It is so good to see all the names that I remember from Holtyre.
To Marilyn Totten--next time I am visiting my daughter in Porcupine, I will try to find you. You were more of a friend of Carl's and I was friends with Sharon, but I remember you. How could I forget the sound of you and Marilyn Scott singing and playing guitar. This Old House was my favorite!!!
Hello to everyone else that knew me!!

datetime: 20100502T032744
name: Diane (Louie)Tressider

location: Newcastle ON

Hi Ann, thank you for responding about Doris. My husband and I have gone to 3 high school reunions since 1988 and I could never find any information about her. Yes, I am the Diane from KL and my father did own a restaurant. I moved from KL in 1971. Thank you for passing on this site to Doris

datetime: 20100503T045337
name: Doris (Rose) Bruno

location: Savona BC

Hello everyone from Holtyre. My sisters have been telling about this site and I finally got on tonight. This is the first time I saw what it was like working in the Ross Mine from the video. My Dad Tony used to go underground to charge those lights on the hard hats. I remember spotting at that bowling alley and being terrified when the pins flew when Plug Mathieu or Danny Hebert made a strike.
Judy Ann Hughes - we spent many hours playing together as kids.
Diane Louie Tressider - I have lost contact with everyone from high school. It is nice to hear from you. I moved out west in 1981 following the mining industr . Do I know your husband - the name is familiar.

datetime: 20100504T225829
name: Betty Finan

location: Cal;gary Alberta

Hi to everyone. I would love to get back in touch with Debbie, it has been too long. I am now living in Calgary Alberta and loving it very much.

datetime: 20100507T021200
name: Diane (Louie)Tressider

location: Newcastle ON

Hi Doris, I married Reg Tressider, brother of John who was in some of our classes.

datetime: 20100510T022543
name: John Harper

location: stony plain

Happy mothers day to all you mothers from Holtyre

datetime: 20100513T013700
name: Bruno Serafin

location: Stoney Creek Ont.

I Am the youngest of the Serafin family, we Lived on a farm past the rondeau farm, until we moved to the Gagnon house past the creek. Where Bill Moffatt sunk his Bull dozzer. I went to french school until Grade 8. Then went to Kirkland Lake After my Dad died. went back there to work at the ross mine a couple of times after high school. Worked with Leo Lahaie. Paul derocher, Florian Robert, And have a few Cousins living there still, Marchel Bouchard whom Just recently past away last year, Use to go to Dance when there was a Weddind or something. Nicole Lahaie and her sister went to those Danses to. Still go there every year when We go Moose hunting But it change a lot since when I went to school and after. Just finish school that day when the St.Jean store Blew up. hope to hear from class mate or worker from Ross mine in late 50\'s and 60\'s. Bruno

datetime: 20100518T020158
name: john harper

location: stony plain

just thought i would add this just to see if it will straighten
out the site, also check to see if your post is on, because it does look like it has not gone through,,,,

datetime: 20100527T035348
name: LISETTE & BUTCH GEOFFROY

ATICO.CQA
location: HOLTYRE, ONTARIO.

HELLO TO EVERYONE THAT LIVED IN HOLTYRE. WE ARE FRANCOIS (BUTCH GEOFFROY AND LISETTE MELANCON.WE HAVE BEEN MARRIED FOR 43 YEARS AND HAVE LIVED ALL THESE YEARS IN HOLTYRE. WE WERE BOTH BORN THERE AND WE LOVE IT NOW AS WE DID WHEN WE WERE YOUNGER. WE HAVE 4 CHILDREN AND 3 OF THEM ARE LIVING AND RAISING THEIR FAMILIES HERE. WE SO ENJOY SEEING ALL THE NAMES AND MEMORIES YOU ARE SHARING. IT MAKES US RELIVE OUR YOUNGER DAYS. WE MISS NOT SEEING ANY OF THE ONES THAT USED TO LIVE HERE BUT HAVE MANY MORE FRIENDS. PLEASE KEEP ON WRITING YOUR MEMORIES AND IF WE CAN BE OF HELP PLEASE LET US KNOW. THANKS FOR ALL THE KIND WORDS ABOUT OUR SMALL TOWN. IT WARMS OUR HEART. HOPE TO READ MORE OF YOUR MEMORIES SOON.

datetime: 20100527T225907
name: John Harper

location: Stony plain ab

To CHARLIE CATY I would like to get in touch with you about the history of HOLTYRE and the ross mine, also if you have any more information on the history of the whole area it would be greatly appreciated...

datetime: 20100531T135618
name: Philippe Lalancette

location: Batiscan QC

to John Harper, Charlie Caty and all those who care. I have copies on legal size paper of the Ramore and Holtyre history, wich my mother used to say was writtrn by madame Caty. Pages 11 and 12 '' Le feu de Nuska'', page13 ''Bilan du feu'', pages 14 and 15 ''Les lendemains du feu''. pages 17 and 18 ''La vie religieuse des pionniers'', page 19 ''Un curÈ ‡ Ramore'', pages 25 and 26 ''Organisation scolaire'', pages 27 and 28 ''PremiËre grande guerre'', pages 29 and 30 ''Chemins et communications'', page 38 ''PËre Leduc'', pages 41 and 42 ''L'agriculture'', page 43 '' La forÍt'' and an unnumberred page ''Arrivants 1918-1919''. If anybody wants to read them, just give me a call.
Good summer vacations to all! Phil. L.

datetime: 20100531T201931
name: charlie caty

location: oakville, on

to John Harper & Philippe Lalancette. I am in the process of sending to the editor the story of Holtyre and the Ross Mine which were written by my mom & dad. Philippe, the story that you speak of were written by the priest of Ramore and are not the same. In fact it based on a lot of "oral history" and one must be careful with some of the facts. This story was handed out 1 page at a time to the sunday church attendees.

datetime: 20100531T203655
name: charlie caty

location: oakville, on

John Harper; send me an email at:jccaty@sympatico.ca and I can forward you the Holtyre story. I have also sent it to the editor

datetime: 20100606T063715
name: Judy Ann (Hughes) Hebert - Savoia

location: Thorold

Betty Jean Finan! HELLO! I just got back in touch with Debbie - we got on the phone for about an hour and laughed and cried and told stories - it was great! I just got a birthday card from Babs - she lives in Barrie. Polly Steele - I have that Senior Room picture right in front of me with all the names of everyone - it goes like this:
Top Row: Susan Errington, Raymonde Auger, Susan Greenfield, Marilyn Penner, Mary Weliczko and me (yeah right Sandy - I haven't changed at all! LOL) Second Row: Vernon Lehman, Richard Penner, Barry Andrews, Allan Hawken, David Gagnon, Mr. Ken Steele Front Row: Glenda Wixson, Lucy Levesque, Betty Jean Finan, Debbie Hebert, Babs (Elizabeth) Phillips and Lise Lavallee.
I have the picture from 1964-65 too when Henry Neufeld was our teacher and the Grade 8 boys were Ricky Peters, Donald Hawken, Lloyd Phillips, Bobby Kerr, Johnny Harper and Leigh Harris. Oh my goodness!

datetime: 20100607T141824
name: Betty Jean Finan

location: Calgary Alberta

Judy Anne great to hear from you, I have not heard from Debbie yet but hope all is well with both your families!!! I have been living in Calgary for about 10 yrs now, love this city!!!! It surely is strange hearing all those names that I thought I would never hear again. Please don't hesitate to send me an email on my personal email. finanej@hotmail.com or phone at 403 212 0752. I saw Babs yrs and yrs ago when she was in Timmins. How is she? Are you in contact with any other people that we would have hung around with? Some of the people I don't remember but many I do. Hope to hear from you soon

datetime: 20100610T050209
name: Deb (hebert) julin

location: Ashcroft B.C.

Betty Jean (Finan)??? Please be in touch!!Can't believe you are so close but so far away. I have been looking for you for a very long time. Can't wait to reconnect.

atetime: 20100610T132617
name: I Marie

location: Toronto

MacKenzie Camirand -I am also related to Aurore Camirand . Nelson was her husbnad They had four children . Lise , Leon , Gilles and the youngest I forget his name . Aurore now lives in Temiscaming,Quebec. Lise lives in North Bay. I lived in Holtyre from !944 to 1957. I think we were the largest fasmily in Holtyre . Uncle Thomas worked in Ross Mines . My dad Joseph worked on the railroad . He used to walk from Ramore to Holtyre . I\\\'d say we were dirt poor and didn\\\'t have vey many friends . I do remember the Johb Serafin family . We had good times at their house . They usually had a mean horse shoe game that we participated in . I suppose it was a good mile from our house to theirs . We were afraid of bears so we use to make a lot of noise .I didn\\\'t think of it as God\\\'s country back then but looking back it was . Dad had a Smith\\\'s Shop that I used to sit behind when he worked . Although I was one of fourteen I was lonely . Sitting behind the Smith\\\'s Shop facing the creek I enjoyed the beutiful wild blue flowers .My parents had such a difficult time making a living on that one acre farm . The farm consisted of one cow , a few pigs and chickens . To this day I can see my mother killing a little chicken for Sunday dinner .
I\\\'m happy I found this site .

datetime: 20100617T020326
name: John Harper

location: Stony plain

To Charlie Caty, I got your package today, thank you very much. I'll keep looking for info
on the Matheson 2012 centennial,
when I have something I'll forward on to you

John Harper

datetime: 20100624T155714
name: Lloyd Phillips

location: Ottawa On

Hello Holtyre folks! My Mom, Norma Phillips, sent this to me with the message "Enjoy! and that's exactly what I have done. Norma is in her 94th year and living in Timmins in the house that she and my late(2002)father Red built in Timmins on Spruce Street. She occasionally visits Holtyre with sister Della Raye, and her husband Frank, who also reside in Timmins.
It is great to read the messages and the memories of Holtyre of so many people.

datetime: 20100702T220241
name: John Harper

location: Stony Plain

Good grief, where did the time go
seemed like yesterday i was having
a ball growing up as a young boy
in Holtyre and today i wake up to
cards and messages and phone calls
wishing me a happy 60th birthday..

datetime: 20100703T144147
name: Philippe Lalancette

location: Batiscan, QC

To John Harper: If your 60th birthday makes you wonder where time went, my 76th makes me feel like a dinosaur !!!!!!!!!!!! LOL, and to Charlie Caty, since my dad was one of the first to work at the Ross, I'd like to get your mom's history of Holtyre. Dad and my brother Jean-Guy, pllus uncles Lucien and William (Bill) Provencher also woeked there, but I only worked at the Munroe's. Phil. Lalancette

datetime: 20100705T202128
name: Daintree

location: Deep River

So very sad to hear that Margaret Moffat passed away. I remember her lovely smile. She spent quite a bit of time at my sister Barb & Arnold Goodine\'s house. She will be missed I\'m sure by many friends.

datetime: 20100714T204222
name: melanie [bodick] turriff

location: parry sound

I just stumbled upon this site and altho\' I am not from Holtyre but KL......I often went there and know Anne Rose and Jeff Geoffrey.......Bill Hughes too [the little squirt]. Loved it and would like to hear from those who knew me......thanks.

datetime: 20100715T032207
name: Laurie Potter

location: Campbellford, ON

Hello everyone. I have also just stumbled on this site, this day, just like Melanie Turriff. There is some very interesting reading that I hope to get to tomorrow (too late now). My family heritage is linked directly to the Ross Mine\'s original owners. I hope to visit Holtyre sometime this summer to see the sites...Thanks

datetime: 20100820T010212
name: Mary Serafin

location: Guelph, Ontario

Dear Zita Pettozi and Bruno Serafin
So wonderful to hear the stories. I have heard so much of Holtyre when i was growing up. I'm Bruno Serafin's youngest !

datetime: 20100906T041209
name: Bill Elliott

location: North Bay

Hello everyone who remembers the 49 and 50 years of Holtyre living. Bernice I'm sorry to hear about Gord, he and I spent a lot of time chumming around together. We lived right across from the rink and next door to the Phillips, Hi Della it has been a very long time since we have seen one another. It is great to read about Sandra and Rene and everyone else who I remember. Chaloo I would like to get a copy of the book your Mom and Dad wrote, my Dad worked the ross mine for a good number of years and the history would be enjoyed by my brothers and Sister who were very young when Mom and Dad moved from Holtyre. This is a great site, I,m going to make it my daily read. Hoping someone remembers the Elliott's and wants to chat. jwelliott@cogeco.ca

datetime: 20100907T183553
name: Patrick Tracy

location: Lake Stevens Washington USA

Just a quick check-in to everyone, I have been occupied for some time as
my lovely wife of 35 yrs. has been very ill with Cancer stage 4. The worst is over now and the prognosis for the future is encouraging. Ive been investigating for my brother Mike KLCVI in Kirkland Lake. He used to ride the bus every morning and is longing to get a copy of the year book even though his picture was not in it his name was. I was successful and sent him an E-copy for which he was truly excited to receive. I don\\\'t know if John H. ever tried to reach me by phone this last spring but my computer gave up the ghost and my phone communications with everyone has been limited by family circumstance. My apologies if anyone has been trying to reach me.
John, in looking back at this sight I realized that I had not answered to that statement about the Geese we saw that day. I do remember and occasionally I see sunsets ans much smaller flocks and am always reminded of that day. I hope you had a great 6o th Birthday. I hit the big 60 this last February. It\\\'s hard to believe that so much time has gone by. In searching for the KLCVI information I saw the pictures of Holtyre School and some of the later classes. Also some photos of Bill? Moffat? and the Curling championships and instruction he gives to some of the you kids. It sounds as though he is a very good hearted person. Man does he look like his father. Sure hope to come back before we are all too old to remember or are gone. I love all of you there and hope to see you all soon. If any one wishes to call me my Cell# 1-425-327-9246. God bless you all.

datetime: 20100908T205935
name: Bernice Coulis Birch

location: Oakville, Ontario

Hello Billy Elliot - I certainly do remember you and your family and I know you were a great friend of my brother Gordon. My mother so often told the story of how she was with Gordon in Champagne's store and you were there with your Dad. Gordon took his hat off and hit you across the face! She was so upset with him and also embarassed! Over and over she repeats that story when I mention your name. Now I know that you were good friends but he felt badly about it when he was older and she repeated the incident. A couple of weeks ago Suzanne Caty and I spent the evening with Charlot and his lovely wife, Sallie. Wow did we reminisce! We were saying that so many of us "old timers", who grew up there in the very late 30's and 40's. never seem to be on this site. I did pass the site on to several people and in the last couple of months spoke with Della Phillips and she passed it on to her family. I, also, check this site periodically and it was so great to see your name. Keep it up Bill and hello to everyone else.
Bernice

datetime: 20100909T012337
name: Bill Elliott

location: North Bay ON

Hi Bernice - So happy to hear from you, hope you are well and enjoying being one of the Holtyre "old timers". When my Mom and Dad left Holtyre and I moved to Bancroft and then North Bay I lost contact with everyone because so many of us moved all over the place. Someone mentioned a reunion of all the Holtyre gang - What a great idea - maybe we could use the hall at the curling rink - if it's still standing. My Sister Linda lives in Hamilton - it would be great if you could meet. My brothers are all out West but it was my brother Charles that drew my attention to this site. So good to hear from you- take care - Bill

datetime: 20100924T182355

name: charlie caty

location: oakville, on

Bill Elliott; did you get my email with pics?

charlie

datetime: 20100925T015213

name: Barbra Terry

location: Bolton, On

Does anyone remember the Terry family, my mother is Elizabeth Macdonald, she was cousib wiyh Jackie Lou.

datetime: 20101007T010007

name: Roy Van Clieaf

clieaf@sympatico.ca

location: Deep River, Ontario

Wow...bit of nostalgia for sure. I came to this site quite by accident and am so impressed with all the response. I grew up in Wavell, (parents Wilbert & Lois)not too distant, but spent some childhood time on and off (mid 60's to mid 70's)in Holtyre fishing in the the Pike River and riding bicycles with a good friend Randy Burdick. I recall skating with Randy & friends on the outdoor rink and getting the wind knocked out me so bad when I collided with the boards, Graden Andrews had to stretch me out to regain my breath. Later cars came into the picture, but those are other stories!! That seems like so long ago now. Randy's Mom, Mary used to teach 8 grades in one room school in Bourkes where I went to school up to grade 5. That was education beyond belief. I've been gone from the north for close to 20 years and from the area over 30 years now and only went through Holtyre last spring. It's sad to see how much the industry has taken from the north and not put anything back in. I remember the Geoffroys ( Hi Butch & family), who transported me to school to both Kirkland Lake and later Iroquois Falls. It was also interesting to read a posting from my cousin Murray Van Dusen. Best wishes to all who remain. Roy Van Clieaf - most currently of Deep River Ontario.

datetime: 20101020T142626

name: sandy hebert

location: napanee on

hi everyone, we just arrived back home after 3 weeks at watabeag lake...terry and grant draves, so good to see you, thanks for the visit to our cabin...so many good memories, it was like all those years since we had seen each other were so short...yes, barb terry, i remember your family, you lived next door to my parents, the andrews...in fact, the year rene went back to U of T, to obtain his teaching certificate, we rented your parents house, and the boys and i lived next door to grandma and grandpa for the year...we arranged it through lil finan, our wonderful telephone operator who was also 'the holtyre helpful information centre'...matheson is busy with meetings re: the 100th celebration, for july 2012...should be a good time to meet up with lots of former 'northerners'... roy van i'll send my brother graden andrews a message to check the site to see your message... have a happy fall season everyone..s/r..

datetime: 20101029T174125

name: Jennifer

location: Holtyre...really soon:)

I so happy to be moving to Holtyre and this site is wonderful..I am so excited reading all of the stories and I love the pics. As we will be there soon, we will need to internet and phone service...so far...no luck:( If any good knows a good company, or any company lol, please let us know. jhamm@bell.net or 705-570-2088

Thanks Kelly, Jenn and Cody

datetime: 20101107T132723

name: Judy Ann (Hughes)(Hebert) Savoia

location: Thorold, ON

Barbie Terry??? HI!!!! How can I not remember the Terry family? Bess, Barbie, Norman (named after Uncle Norman), Steven, Debbie, Beverly and Nancy &, of course, your Dad Lawrence. I think Bev & I share the same birthday.

...and you came to my wedding and I still have the silver bracelet with the wedding bell on it.

Oh my goodness...do you remember the year we had bears in town so everyone was warned to keep their garbage secure so your Mom kept it in the back porch and a bear broke in to get it? Your Mom was on the phone to my Dad to help... thankfully the bear left before he got down the street. What adventures!!! Where are you now?

datetime: 20101114T011057

name: Wally Hart

location: East China, Michigan

lots of names I haven't heard in 50 years. Dennis Draves was the teacher when I went to school in Holtyre. 8 of us in the 8th grade, only ones I can remember are Bill Moffat and the Philps girl. 7 in the 7th grade only one I can remember is Bill Hughes. I remember how we could talk Dennis Draves into extended recess once in a while. (I think it was his idea)I lived in the house just south of Andy Burdick's house. The two years I spent at KLCVI were the best high school memories I have. The pool hall at lunch might have something to do with those memories.

datetime: 20101114T204256

name: Judy Ann (Hughes)(Hebert)

location: Thorold, ON

Wally Hart: I have a picture of you and Jimmy Moffat on either side of my Mom on the couch in our living room. (I am Bill Hughes' little sister) The Phillips girl you spoke about was Anne-Marie. I still have a class picture when Jackie Lou was in grade 8 and Dennis Draves was the teacher. I'll have to dig it out to see who else was in the pic besides Bill Hughes, Donnie Moffat, Ann Rose and Margaret Rose. Do those names push your memory banks to the limit? LOL

datetime: 20101114T224517

name: Wally Hart

location: East China, Michigan

Yes my memory what stirings. I remember Anne Marie and Heather O'Connor in grade 8 with myself and Bill Moffat. I think I remember the whole Moffat family: Margret, Joyce, Karen, Jim, Bill, Tom and Bob. Could you send me the picture? hartw@dteenergy.com Is there a camp ground around Holtyre, that I could park my motor home? I would like to spend some time in the area catching some fish.

datetime: 20101114T231449

name: Wally Hart

location: East China, Michigan

Judy, Ask bill if he can still recite the entire poem "The Cremation of Sam Mcgee"? I would like a copy of that picture. Some memories are coming back. I think I can remember the entire Moffat family: Margaret, Joyce, Karen, Jim, Bill, Tom, Don & Bob. Send me a copy of that picture if you will. hartw@dteenergy.com

datetime: 20101115T235238

name: John Harper

location: Stony Plain

Wally, let your brother Bud know about this site would be intresting to here what he has to say..Lots of places to park and go fishing, just don't expect any electrical or sewer and water hook ups

datetime: 20101116T011559

name: Wally Hart

location: East China, Michigan

Hi John, I sent Bud an email yesterday. It is opening of the gun deer season. Bud is in the woods looking for Bambi and his whole family. I should hear from him in about a week. Good thing my unit is selfcontained.

datetime: 20101127T203037

name: Dennis Draves

location: Cochrane, On

First I would like to thank Wally for showing me this web page. How in the He.. did you find my email address? Although I did not live in Holtyre I taught there in 58/59 and 59/60. Red Phillips hired me for my first teaching position.I did though have three cousins there Terry Grant and Arnold. Obviously my aunts and uncles Bill and Marion And Jack and Nettie Lived there for many years. Both Bill and Jack worked at the Ross mine and Jack worked at the Base in Ramore. I also had many great years of hockey and softball as I played for Matheson and we played many games against each other.I have not noticed comments from my cousins and I will therefore pass this site on to them. I also am looking forward to the Matheson reunion and I would hpoe to see some of my former pupils there if they can make it. I also have a cottage at Watabeag but no other ties to Matheson any more. Thanks again and I will keep reading. So many stories to tell even from two years there!

datetime: 20101213T030737

name: Bill Elliott

location: North Bay ON

Hi to everyone who has joined into the memories of Holtyre. For such a small town so many great people call it their home town. On behalf of my family and my sister Linda, my brothers Keith, Charles and Ronald , I would like to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Healthy, Happy New Year. Take care everyone and keep in touch with this site, it's great to get my memory jogged to remembering folks.

datetime: 20101217T033315

name: J. C. (Claude) Rondeau

location: North Bay, Ontario

Wow! What a run down memory lane! The memories resurface with the mention of every name, place, time,etc. Names like John Harper, Llyod Phillips, Bruno Serafin, the Moffat boys, etc.

Events such as the American presence at the Ramore base, the great 3 team ball league that these same Americans organized, the hours on end of playing hockey at the rink and of course who can forget the BUS ride to Kirkland Lake for school, what an ice box in the winter! On and on the memories run into one another!

I was not born in Holtyre, but have always considered it my "Home Town" because it is where we spent the most time growing up. This happened when my mother refused to keep moving with mining jobs that my dad was following with contractors. So dad gave in and we established ourselves in Holtyre. I still have relatives there, but it is but a poor picture of its former self. The schools are gone, there are no stores left, there is no garage, mail is delivered into rural type boxes, etc. Too bad because it was a great little town and I am happy to have been raised there.

A holtyre reunion would be great, but a venue for such an event could prove to be a problem. There are few places left to house people, motels are scarce and restaurants are few. If someone can surmount these, Iwould gladly attend.

datetime: 20101218T030210

name: Yollande Gagnon Croghan

location: North Bay On

Hello, Was raise in Holtyre went to french school,My father had Holtyre Cash Store the big two story store his name was Antonio (Tony) Gagnon my mom was Estelle Camirand we were three kid's Jeannine, Yolande and Donald all living in North Bay these are good memory off our home town.Great place to grow up.I remember the Sarafin ,Mathieu , Tambeau , Rondeau Staniclas Messier had enough boys to form a baseball team, Fortin ,Locklan & Rita Scott,Real Lapierre wife Helene Rondeau,Leo Paul Champagne Wife Anita Gagnon my cousin,Mr D'aout he was taking care of the skating ring,The O'conor's ,Leduc, Alderique Darquise Lambert,Lacroix restaurent,Cary restaurent across from our store near Joe Morris store,Drouin family there was Paul Lucien Real Therese,Joe that I remember,Mr.Pion Garage next to our store,The Bukley,Annette, Lucien.Albert,Denis Allarie,Lanoue

Camille Tambeau was the barber also working at the mine was my uncle,Paul Camirand Garage also my uncle & Armand Gagnon Garage was a cousin,The Mitchelle's Stella Ross

datetime: 20101219T052504

name: Dan Camirand

lestate@sympatico.ca

location: North Bay

I just stumbled on this site this evening with my brother Marcel and enjoyed reading all that had to be said about our Home Town. I will start sending memories too as I had many, especially in our Hockey days with My dad, Ange-Aime Camirand, Mr. and Mrs. Andrews and three dogs watching our games in our pee wee and bantam age.

datetime: 20101219T053027

name: Marcel Camirand

amirand@ntl.sympatico.ca

location: Timmins

My borther Dan informed about this site and I thought it was really interesting. Enjoyed reading and re-living memory lane in our good Holtyre Days.

Short note to Bill Hughes: I still hgave bruises from stopping pucks for you when you were in the net for the Holtyre Panthers. Especially from Roger Lapierre...HAHAHAHAHA

datetime: 20101219T053054

name: Marcel Camirand

amirand@ntl.sympatico.ca

location: Timmins

My brother Dan informed about this site and I thought it was really interesting. Enjoyed reading and re-living memory lane in our good Holtyre Days.

Short note to Bill Hughes: I still hgave bruises from stopping pucks for you when you were in the net for the Holtyre Panthers. Especially from Roger Lapierre...HAHAHAHAHA

datetime: 20101219T153840

name: sandra/rene hebert

location: yuma az

Merry Christmas Holtyre folks, no matter where you are today Holtyre is where we all know each other from...

good to see some new arrivals on the site. We wish all of you a Very Merry Christmas and all the best in 2011...Sandy/Rene

p.s. We'll be golfing Christmas Day...Happy Holidays..

datetime: 20101224T220554

name: John Harper

location: Stony Plain

A very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all you Holtyre folks...

datetime: 20101229T053135

name: Andre Mathieu

location: Sault Ste Marie ON

My mom is Pierrette Camirand and my dad was Adelard(PLUG)Mathieu(passed away Jan 27/08. I have heard so many stories about Holtyre and I visited it 3 times now. I was able to bring my dad before he passed, and he was so happy to see his home town. I enjoyed that trip so much and I took a lot of videos. If any one of you know my dad or mom, please let me know some stories.

datetime: 20101229T220824

name: Philippe Lalancette

location: Batiscan QC

To AndrÈ Mathieu: If your dad was a member of the Mathieu family who bought mi dad's farm on Guibord township road, let me know 'cause I have a copy of the sales contract, and maybe a short story or two. The best to everyone in and from Holtyre for the coming year. I've been away for over 59 years but still fell like it's my HOME

datetime: 20101230T011512

name: Andre Mathieu

location: Sault Ste Marie,ON

Hello,

Thanks for responding. The Mathieu family that I am reffering to included Alfred and Cecile Mathieu. The sons were Jean,Phillipe,Noel,Leo, Adelard, Daniel, and Marcel. the sisters were Jeanne, and beatrice. They lived on the farm that was on a hill. i hope we are talking about the same family and I am looking forward to any Camirand or Mathieu story. If possible, would you be able to send me a photo copy of the sales contract as some of my uncles and I would love to see it. Thanks again for the reply.

datetime: 20101230T011836

name: Andre Mathieu

location: Sault Ste Marie,ON

To Philippe Lalancette

If you are willing to send me a copy I would appreciate it very much. If it is something that is personal, I understand. Andre Mathieu

143 Amber St

Sault Ste Marie, ON

p6a 6m5

Thanks again

datetime: 20101230T195501

name: Philippe Lalancette

location: Batiscan QC

To AndrÈ Mathieu. Looking at the contract, I am sure of the Mathieu family who bought my dad's farm and I'm sending you a copy of the act by mail.

datetime: 20101230T222933

name: Andre Mathieu

location: Sault Ste Marie, ON

To Philippe Lalancette, Thank You so much. My mon oncle Jean said that you were a good chum of my dads, and that you were a big strong guy like my dad, and you would lift my dads enclume.

datetime: 20110101T141204

name: Marilyn Totten

location: Porcupine

Just wonder if everyone heard that Miss Chamberlin, who taught alot of us in Holtyre,passed away Dec.20th.If anyone wishes to send condolences, I can give you the e-mail.

datetime: 20110102T200521

name: John Harper

location: Stony Plain AB

Andre,here is a story about your dad. He struck fear into the heart of every pin boy at the bowling alley. When he bowled not one pin boy would sit in the back we all got down, also we charged double the price to reset the pins so we were happy when he did come in. Strong you say, well I seen him on more then one occasion throw the ball and it never hit the alley all the way down,just hit the pins, never seen anyone else ever do that..

datetime: 20110103T040826

name: Andre Mathieu

location: Sault Ste Marie ON

To Mr Harper. Thank You so much for that Mr Harper. You brought a smile to my face and my mothers. I watched the youtube video last night with my mother and we certainly enjoyed it. i seen the bowling alley of which you speak and i heard so much of. My mothers parents owned that bowling alley for a while. I plan on going back again to Holtyre and walking the streets. I sometimes wish that I could go back in time to see all of the stuff and good times that went on in that little town but all I can do is live thrue the stories that my dad told me so many times, and my uncles also told me many. I appreciate you taking the time to write Mr Harper.

datetime: 20110103T041430

name: Andre Mathieu

location: Sault Ste Marie,ON

To Mr Harper... My mother Pierrette Camirand just told me that when my dad would come in to bowl, her father would tell her when Mathieu bowls get out of the way. She was 9 years old at the time. They went on to marry in 1964 and have three children. married 44 years

datetime: 20110104T002631

name: Bill Harper

location: Kingston, ON

To Marilyn Totten

I would like very much if you would forward me the e-mail address of were to send a condolences massage. She was a great lady and it was real honour to have been one of her students.

Hope you and yours have a very safe and happy New year

datetime: 20110104T002706

name: Bill Harper

location: Kingston, ON

To Marilyn Totten

I would like very much if you would forward me the e-mail address of were to send a condolences massage. She was a great lady and it was real honour to have been one of her students.

Hope you and yours have a very safe and happy New year

datetime: 20110104T002804

name: Bill Harper

location: Kingston, ON

To Marilyn Totten

I would like very much if you would forward me the e-mail address of were to send a condolences massage. She was a great lady and it was real honour to have been one of her students.

Hope you and yours have a very safe and happy New year

datetime: 20110104T160930

name: john harper

location: stony plain ab

Andre, happy you liked the story

and about your dad, and just calling me John will do...

datetime: 20110105T000205

name: Lise Camirand Lysight

location: Holtyre, On

To Mackenzie Camirand.I'm Nelson & Aurore Camirand daughter Lise .Were 9 childrens Leon, Gilles,Lise,Rene,Roger,Carole,Ginette,Pauline,Andre.Mom is still alive living in North Bay.Miss that little town and mom remembers almost evryone that lived there.Those were beautiful days so quiet peaceful.Wish my kids had known that life.Glad my brother Rene told me about this site .

datetime: 20110105T000421

name: Lise Camirand Lysight

location: North Bay On.

To Mackenzie Camirand.I\'m Nelson & Aurore Camirand daughter Lise .Were 9 childrens Leon, Gilles,Lise,Rene,Roger,Carole,Ginette,Pauline,Andre.Mom is still alive living in North Bay.Miss that little town and mom remembers almost evryone that lived there.Those were beautiful days so quiet peaceful.Wish my kids had known that life.Glad my brother Rene told me about this site .

datetime: 20110106T160527

name: Marilyn Totten

location: Porcupine

To Bill Harper

Nice to hear from you Bill--It has been awhile eh? The e-mail address is www.irvineandirvine

funeralhome.com.

Bill,I would love to get in touch with you in August, as we go down to Sharons cottage in Westport--

also, Dennis, Elaine and Doug Rody are supposed to join us. I,m

sure they would all love to see you. If you want, please call me

at 705 235 4743. Hope to hear from you. Take care & also have a great year!

datetime: 20110107T030214

name: Andre Mathieu

location: Sault Ste Marie, ON

To Philippe Lalancette. I received the contract. I showed it to my uncles and they thouroghly enjoyed it and they asked me to make them each a copy. Of course the stories started after that and I was able to listen to them talk about the good old days. Thanks again

Andre Mathieu

datetime: 20110113T130200

name: Wally Hart

location: East China, Michigan

I remember the wooden school bus garage burning down. The fire department from the base showed up in time to save one wall. Which they pulled down for safety reasons. I don't remember the year that happened. Anyone remember the year?

datetime: 20110122T161840

name: Dan Camirand

lestate@sympatico.ca

location: North Bay

I was reviewing this site again this morning and saw Wendy Godin's name, God, have not heard from Wendy since grade school. Nice to see names which are familiar from the old days.

I remember our hockey team, which was difficult to have one one as thre were not too many of us. Here is the lineup:

Gilles Gadoury, goaltender. Jean-Nil Drouin Defence, Vern Lehman defence, Moe Gadoury Wing, Bary Andrews Wing and myself Centre. Our Spare was Larry Gadoury and he played all positions, not that he wanted to, he had to. One thing no one complained about was ice time.

datetime: 20110122T162631

name: Dan Camirand

lestate@sympatico.ca

location: North Bay

I was reviewing this site again this morning and saw Wendy Godin's name, God, have not heard from Wendy since grade school. Nice to see names which are familiar from the old days.

I remember our hockey team, which was difficult to have one one as thre were not too many of us. Here is the lineup:

Gilles Gadoury, goaltender. Jean-Nil Drouin Defence, Vern Lehman defence, Moe Gadoury Wing, Bary Andrews Wing and myself Centre. Our Spare was Larry Gadoury and he played all positions, not that he wanted to, he had to. One thing no one complained about was ice time.

datetime: 20110123T150523

name: Andre Mathieu

location: Sault Ste Marie, ON

Hello Mon Oncle Daniel,

I hope you were better than the Trappers....wink wink....

No need to reply, I think I can figure out your answer. It would be nice if you could come down and visit during hockey season. Say Hi to Carrie and Matante Judy

Your favorite nephew

datetime: 20110125T190705

name: Ann (Rose) Hebert

ert@xplornet.ca

location: Sudbury

Hi everyone from Holtyre! I haven't been checking the sight for a long while and I see so many more names that I recognize. Melanie (Bodick) Turiff! Of course I remember you. I named my youngest daughter Melanie. I often have thought of you over the years and wondered where you were.

Heather O'Conner Gadoury I can't believe that you were in Parry Sound and I didn't know. Not very far from Sudbury!

Andre Mathieu, your dad and my late husband Danny Hebert were the best of friends when they were young. I can remember your dad had a couple of cyanide barrels filled with cement and that is what he used as bar bells and could lift them far above his head. The two of them used to spend a lot of time together. I knew your mother quite well when we were kids and teenagers. I remember her trying to teach me French and just giving up in frustration because I couldn't remember the words.

datetime: 20110127T130406

name: Andre Mathieu

location: Sault Ste Marie

To Ann(Rose) Hebert. You wouldn't believe the amount of stories that I heard about Danny Hebert. They definitely were good buddies that is for sure. I remember going to Holtyre before my dad passed and him showing me exactly where these stories happened. My mom lives with me down stairs in the in law sweet. She says hi. Thanks for writing in.

Andre Mathieu

datetime: 20110201T031413

name: Dan Camirand

irand@sympatico.ca

location: North Bay

Mr. Mathieu, I was wondering if you could get me some tickets for the Greyhounds for the first round of the playoffs. I understand 2 for 1 ...HAHAHAHA

datetime: 20110201T031757

name: ERIC COUTU

tine@videotron.ca

location: montreal

i am REAL COUTU SON ,MY FATHER WAS BORN IN 1947 HOLTYRE AND NOW IN 2011 HE IS IN VERY GOOD SHAPE AND HE LIVE IN LAVAL NORTH SHORE OF MTL AND HE HAD A AIR CANADA JOB IN MTL FOR 36 YEARS.

eric.martine@videotron.ca

datetime: 20110205T031714

name: dan camirand

irand@sympatico.ca

location: North Bay

Eric, Your dad is my first cousin as his mother and my mother, Lucille Camirand were sisters.

datetime: 20110206T174617

name: Harry Harper

location: North Bay Ont.

I've been trying since Sept. to get some news from Holtyre but this computer seems to be stuck in that month. I just can't work this damn thing.

datetime: 20110206T180105

name: Harry Harper

location: North Bay Ont.

I\\\'ve been trying since Sept. to get some news from Holtyre but this computer seems to be stuck in that month. I just can\\\'t work this damn thing.

datetime: 20110206T180907

name: Harry Harper

location: North Bay Ont.

There> Now it"s working. Here"s one about Plug Mathieu. Plug had a heavy foot. One day the cops were chasing him and he pulled into the farm ran into the barn and out the bac door. Unknown to the police Plug had a pet bear that he would wrestle with.Well the police didn't stick around to try and pin it.He was strong.Any way it sure is good to catch up on what has been going on.Look at all the people living in North Bay. Could have seen you a thousand times and not known who you were any more. Hi to Murry Van Dusen and every one else.

datetime: 20110207T001922

name: Andre Mathieu

location: Sault Ste Marie

To Harry Harper, You just made me laugh and gave me another memory of my dad. Thanks for that. Those were the days.

If you remember any more, don't hold back My family had a great feeling reading this story. He never mentioned this story but I am glad you did.

andre

datetime: 20110208T143354

name: Francine Lysight Rosborough

location: Deep River, Ont

Hi, I was born in 1965 at the hosptial in Matheson, but we lived in Holtyre. My Mom (Lise Camirand) was born in Holtyre and married my Dad (Jacques Lysight) who was stationed at the radar base in Ramore. We left Holtyre when I was 5, but we always went back in the summer and for Christmas. My Mom and Dad were married at the church in Holtyre and my sister and I were baptized there also. I have great memories of the time I spent in Holtyre. There wasn't much to do, but we always had lots to do if you understand what I am saying. We were able to use our imagination and have loads of fun. My grandparents (Aurore and Nelson Camirand) lived about one km from Holtyre on the county road. Holtyre had such an impact on me that I went back and got married at the church where my parents were married. My parents renewed their vows after 25 years of marriage at my wedding. I know it may not sound that special, but you have to realize that we lived in many other places. At the time of my wedding my Mom and Dad were stationed in Germany and I was stationed in Ottawa. I could of had my wedding in Ottawa, but I chose to go to Holtyre. My reception was held at the Ross Mine Hall where I used to go as a kid for the summer program. My Aunts Pauline and Ginette Camirand were councillors there at the time. As a matter of fact, I believe that my wedding reception was the last function held at the Ross Mine Hall as the new community centre was opening shortly after. I have not been up there since Grandpapa Camirand passed away 8 years ago but the memories will be forever in my heart. I Love Holtyre!!!

datetime: 20110208T144412

name: Francine Lysight Rosborough

location: Deep River, Ont

I am sorry to announce that my Grandmaman, Aurore Camirand nee Gagnon, passed away yesterday at the hospital in North Bay. Her daughters Lise, Carole and Ginette were with her when she died. RIP Grandmaman. Je t'aime beaucoup.

datetime: 20110210T180305

name: Philippe Lalancette

location: Batiscan QC

To AndrÈ Mathieu:Would you be kind enough to ask your uncles if they have photos of the house or the far4m bldgs. as they were when your grad'pa bought my father's farm. I don't have any and would like to get some.

datetime: 20110210T200222

name: melanie [bodick] turriff

location: parry sound

To Ann [Rose]: Hi there, I just read your message and I am so flattered that you named your daughter Melanie. My email address is: ladyjane9@sympatico.ca as I would love to chat...take care.

datetime: 20110213T155303

name: Andre Mathieu

location: Sault Ste Marie, Ontario

To Philippe Lalancette,

I have the perfect picture for you. i will send it to you, but I need your address

Andre Mathieu

datetime: 20110213T162227

name: Philippe Lalancette

location: Batiscan QC G0X 1A0

To AndrÈ Mathieu: Thank you so much,for me and my sisters.

Philippe Lalancette

300, Rang Nord

Batiscan, QC G0X 1A0

lalancet@hotmail.com

datetime: 20110220T035323

name: Amy

location: Sudbury

Well i see that holtyre seems to be a friendly little town...I understand that thereused to be a confectionary store there a while ago and am looking at opening one up in 2011 in the summer time (just an idea right now)

datetime: 20110220T040431

name: Dan O'Connor

location: Sudbury

Harry

Did you stay in the army long enough to retire?

I spoke briefly to Karen at the MPS reunion 23 or 4 years ago

datetime: 20110221T052250

name: Dan O'Connor

location: Sudbury

One more thing....we played Fastball games - Matheson vs Holtyre when the USAF were there but the best pitcher out of Holtyre (I'm talking 14 - 15 yr old) was a girl named, if I recall correctly, Lil.

Wherever she is, I'd like her to know, playing well against her was always a challenge

datetime: 20110227T202714

name: harry harper

location: north bay

To Dan O'Conner. Nope didn't stay in the army. Didn't stay married either. The pitcher was lillian lehman.She was a damn good pitcher. Can't remember to many guys better.

datetime: 20110301T021633

name: Andre Mathieu

location: Sault Ste Marie

To Philippe Lalancette

Did you get the picture yet, and if so. Was it what you were hoping for?

Andre

datetime: 20110302T175610

name: Philippe Lalancette

location: Batiscan QC G0X 1A0

To AndrÈ Mathieu: Just received the picture in the mail to-day.Can't thank you enough for it! Sure brings back OLD memories, some of wich were kind of lost in time. I'll make copies of it for my sisters Phil. L.

datetime: 20110303T015726

name: Alice Carriere

riere@yahoo.ca

location: Kapuskasing

I lived in Holtyre from 1947 to 1957. I remember Therese Lacroix and would like to find her. Please contact me if you know how I could reach her.

datetime: 20110306T212709

name: Andre Mathieu

location: Sault Ste Marie

To mr Lalancette... I am glad you liked it. It shows every thing on the farm. Take care

datetime: 20110307T214132

name: Philippe Lalancette

location: Batiscan QC

To AndrÈ Mathieu I sure liked it, speciialy that plasticised form you send. If you ever drive down our way, we will be more than happy to see you at home. Only half an hour east of Trois-RiviËres.

datetime: 20110310T032534

name: Andre Mathieu

location: Sault Ste Marie

to Daniel camirand, Abitibi 5 vs north Bay 0. I wanted to make sure that you knew about the score of the game. It was quite a showing by the Trap. I realize that the Hounds are not going to make the playoffs, but at least they will not get the bad feeling of being swept out of the playoffs. I really feel bad for the trapper fans......I really do

datetime: 20110321T171946

name: empinueGuense

location:

You have no idea what a layer mask is.

datetime: 20110328T191006

name: Jean-Paul Gagnon

location: Ottawa

I was born in Holtyre in 1946. My dad's name was Joe Gagnon. He worked on the B&B gang for the ONR. We had the house past the creek on the way to the Mathieu and Serafin farms. I have fond memories of …cole St-Joseph. I also remember helping my dad on weekends when the Catholic Church was being renovated. Does anyone know where I could find Bruno or Rita Serafin? Bruno was my best friend but I lost touch when my family moved to North Bay.

datetime: 20110329T022719

name: Andre Mathieu

location: Sault Ste Marie ON

To Jean Paul Gagnon I am Adelard Mathieu and Pierrette Camirand\'s son and if you loojk back up in the middle of this board, you will find a write up from Mr Bruno Serafin, He is now in stoney Creek. Here is a copy of what he wrote....... Bruno Serafin from Stoney Creek Ont. on 2010-05-13 01:37:00

I Am the youngest of the Serafin family, we Lived on a farm past the rondeau farm, until we moved to the Gagnon house past the creek. Where Bill Moffatt sunk his Bull dozzer. I went to french school until Grade 8. Then went to Kirkland Lake After my Dad died. went back there to work at the ross mine a couple of times after high school. Worked with Leo Lahaie. Paul derocher, Florian Robert, And have a few Cousins living there still, Marchel Bouchard whom Just recently past away last year, Use to go to Dance when there was a Weddind or something. Nicole Lahaie and her sister went to those Danses to. Still go there every year when We go Moose hunting But it change a lot since when I went to school and after. Just finish school that day when the St.Jean store Blew up. hope to hear from class mate or worker from Ross mine in late 50\\\'s and 60\\\'s. Bruno

datetime: 20110412T234151

name: Wally Hart

location: East China, Michigan

Some pictures of Mike Tracy in Holtyre 1959- 1961

datetime: 20110412T234231

name: Wally Hart

location: East China, Michigan

Some pictures of Mike Tracy in Holtyre 1959- 1961

http://good-times.webshots.com/album/580017166ebCWpj

datetime: 20110418T153504

name: Todd

location: Holtyre

Good day everyone... Thought you may be interested, there is some off-shore interest in the old Ross Mine. Geologists have been at the tailings pile and will be moving to the raw ore left behind next. If the numbers in the concentrate are could they could be pumping the shaft out by this time next year...

datetime: 20110418T153530

name: Todd

location: Holtyre

Good day everyone... Thought you may be interested, there is some off-shore interest in the old Ross Mine. Geologists have been at the tailings pile and will be moving to the raw ore left behind next. If the numbers in the concentrate are could they could be pumping the shaft out by this time next year...

datetime: 20110418T153645

name: Todd

location: Holtyre

whoops..if the numbers are 'good' i meant..

datetime: 20110420T195514

name: Harry Harper

location: North Bay Ont.

Good. About time something good happened in the old town

datetime: 20110421T124522

name: Philippe Lalancette

location: Batiscan QC G0X 1A0

Happy Easter to all holtyrians,from the ''early 30's'' of my time to the younger ones of the fifties and up.

datetime: 20110422T125304

name: Harry Harper

location: North Bay Ont.

Thanks Philippe, also from the Harper boys.

datetime: 20110425T043525

name: J. C. Rondeau

location: North Bay

Just returned from a weekend trip in Holtyre, where we attended a celebration for my wife's birthday. We held a gathering of about 40 people in the Alice Laurin Hall wich is the former Public School in Holtyre. Although the building has been extensively renovated and expanded, the old building is still evident.

I haven't been on this site for a while and am surprised at the names that keep popping up and jarring memories. Andre Mathieu, your mom and dad were good friends with my mother and father, Helene and Jean Luc Rondeau. I remember your mom and dad very well and can still recall your dad's laugh, how he loved to laugh! It seems to me that he was always joyous. He was a very good person and I am glad to have known him.

datetime: 20110426T004721

name: Andre Mathieu

location: Sault Ste Marie ON

To J.C. Rondeau.. I thank you for your post, and you are right, he enjoyed laughing and making people laugh. He was even making dirty jokes when he was on life support knowing that when the life support was taken off, he did not have too many hours left. He was doing it for us as he always put us before him. I spoke with my mom about your post and she said that they always had a good time with your parents and that your mother would laugh at anything my dad would say. I also went to Holtyre with my daughtere a few weeks ago, and I was able to spot a gentleman walking on the street with his dog. Unfortunately his name slips my mind, but he did say that he had owned the hotel for many years. I asked him who I could speak to that possibly would know my parents, he pointed out about 6 different houses, so I went to a few. I went to one house (Mme Lucille Bouchard) and introduced myself as Plugs boy. The smile that came across her face was great. I asked if I could come in and talk to her, she was thrilled . I think we both enjoyed hearing stories about my family and also her husband who has passed away not too long ago. I was there for about an hour it was great for me and my daughter to hear some new stories about my dad and his awesome strength. I also stopped at Lucien and Carole martineau's house as I spoke to them last time I was in Holtyre with my dad. Carole let me in the church to take pictures. It was great to see where my parents had gotten married as well as many of my aunts and uncles. I thank you carole it was great to open the door and even the smell was something I will not forget(It was a good smell but old). I went to my dads old farm house but nobody was home I took pictures fot the Mathieu boys here in the Sault.

datetime: 20110426T224750

name: Claudette Rondeau McDougall

location: Ottawa

Hello everyone from Holtyre! I am Jean Claude Rondeau\'s sister and like him, was not born in Holtyre but spent my childhood there, married a serviceman (Ken McDougall) in 1969 and left Holtyre in 1971. The next 20 years were spent at various Air Force bases across this country, then to Ottawa. Ken retired from the Air Force in 1994 but passed away in 2004. Our son, daughter-in-law and grandson also live in Ottawa. I hope to go up to Holtyre this summer. Event though a lot of the buildings from our childhood are no longer in existence, the memories remain!

datetime: 20110427T011028

name: Paulette Guillemette Steinkey

location: North Bay On

I really enjoyed reading about everyone that posted stories about Holtyre, I to was born in 1950 Matheson hospital went to school at St Joseph. My father worked at the mine like most of our fathers. I was just there for a visit on easter weekend to visit with my brother who still lives on Hwy 572 in the homestead. It is about a mile from Holtyre. I miss the people that live there in our time. I do meet up with a few from there right here in North Bay of course. The memories are also good for me.

datetime: 20110427T145126

name: Diane (Ross) Shannon

location:

Hi everyone. I was born in Holtyre in l947 and was raised there until I left in l966. My dad was Ti Pit (Pete) and my mom was Angele. Return to Northern Ontario and married a local boy, Charlie Shannon and we lived in Kirkland Lake from 1972 until l992 when we move to Marathon. I attend the catholic school while Charlie went to public school across the street. I recall snowball fights between to two schools. I also have found memories of all the people I grew up with. My sister is Margo, brothers, Alfred, Rene and Michel. We lived on the same road as the Sarafin. Have have good souvenirs of their dad pick up all the kids with his truck and dropping us off at school. Attended KLCVI in Kirkland Lake. Love all the teen dances and the bowling alley when the Vants owned, it was the place to hang out. Also remember the American bass the those great baseball teams. Those were the days. I recall the Lapierre, St.Jean. Boisvert, O\'Connors, Gleason (Maw especially), Moffatt of course, Hughes, Geoffroy, Leclair, Guillemette, Melanson, Lalancette,all the Camirand families, Harts, Mathieu (lived next door to us), Amirault, Leeman, Provencher families,Draves, Rondeau plus lots of others I\'m racking my brain to remember. Jean Paul Gagnon was also our neighbors, I remember playing with him when I was like 4 yrs old. Lots of nice parties at Geoffroy\'s house. It was the best place to grow up. Too bad we all had to move away for work.

datetime: 20110427T151051

name: Diane (Ross) Shannon

location:

To Pat Tracy

Did you have a brother Mike? I remember going to parties at his house. Lived by Evelyn (dad Tony) Ross?

datetime: 20110427T151443

name: Diane (Ross) Shannon

location:

To Phillipe Lalancette

I remember you living Amirault. They were my godparents and lived across the road from us. I am still in touch with Nicole Hamel. She must be related to you.

datetime: 20110427T151725

name: Diane (Ross) Shannon

location:

To Andry Mathieu

Your dad farm was across the road from us. I sure remember him. He was a great guy. New all your aunts and uncles and some of your cousins. Your grandparents were good friends with my parents.

datetime: 20110427T225451

name: Charlie Shannon

location:

Hi there everyone my name is Charlie Shannon and i am from Holtyre.We lived on the farm just after the Black River bridge.I know Bill Hughes remembers the black river falls where we saved a couple of lives one day.I remember the garden raids also and taking our loot to the Moffatts clubhouse to eat.Times spent at Maude Lake are such a fond memory even tho by the time we biked back home we were ready for the lake again.Even tho i was not a player, going to hockey games on the bus was great fun.I married Diane Ross and we had 2 boys.We are both retired now and looking forward to doing some traveling.Keep sending in those stories, i love reading them and they make me remember other stories of growing up in Holtyre.

datetime: 20110428T132034

name: Charlie Shannon

location:

I have a question for John Harper, do you remember getting a pitch fork in your butt playing in our hay barn.That barn got burned down from a cigarette butt tossed out of a car.We almost lost our house too.

datetime: 20110428T132059

name: Charlie Shannon

location:

I have a question for John Harper, do you remember getting a pitch fork in your butt playing in our hay barn.That barn got burned down from a cigarette butt tossed out of a car.We almost lost our house too.

datetime: 20110428T200801

name: John Harper

location: stony plain

Charlie that would be my Older brother Bill...but i do remember

him laying on the couch shaking,and I think Doc Wade came out to the house....

datetime: 20110429T140517

name: Philippe Lalancette

location: Batiscan QC

To Diane Ross: Nicole is my cousin, aunt Rita's daughter. I remember walking from home (what you know as Mathieu's farm) when I was 5 or 6, to look at your father building his house. And I stopped at your mother in Ramore the year before she left.

datetime: 20110429T140947

name: Philippe Lalancette

location: Batiscan QC

To any of the boys: Does any of you remember running into a black 51 chevy in '53 or 54, in front of St-Jean's. I'd like to know who caused that dent in my hood, a dent that I kept for a long time to remember me to be careful.

datetime: 20110429T171910

name: Diane (Ross) Shannon

location:

Hi Philippe,

I remember you when you and I believe your brother boarded at Roy and Pauline Amiriault. Was your mother Blanche. I remember her coming to visit too and that Rita was the youngest in the family. My sister Margo and I still are in touch with Monique Provencher. I\'m afraid I don\'t know anything about who may have dented your car though (lol).

datetime: 20110429T195233

name: Philippe Lalancette

location: Batiscan QC

To Diane Ross: My mother was Evalda, not Blanche. My Brother didn't board at uncle Roy's, he was married when he went back to work and lived ''in town'', not in the suburbs!!!!!!!!

datetime: 20110430T231138

name: Harry Harper

location: North Bay Ont.

Philippe. I remember the night that you got the dint. A bunch of us kids were assing around and Jimmy Moffat ran out in front of your car. Sure scared the h... out of us. Thought he was dead for sure. Good times. Good times.To Charlie Shannon. Hi. How the heck are you ? How are Grant Glorea and Collen? Gee we used to have fun out at your farm. Yea Bill got the pitchfork in his leg a few more inches to the right he would be singing a little higher.Yea some of those raids to the gardens were fu. Especialy when we put carrot tops up to someone elses house.Going fishing out to Hislop Creek was lots of fun as well. Catching a bunch of suckers just for the fun of it.Anyway like Charlie said "keep sending it in"

datetime: 20110501T141127

name: Charlie Shannon

location:

Harry, we did have a lot of fun at the farm, mostly at the falls.We built a tree house there and always had a fire to cook up some special brew.I worked in a iron mine in Kirkland Lake and lived there for 25 years When the mine closed i got a job in the gold mine in Marathon as a machinist.I retired 3 years ago and Diane retired last year.Grant is living and still working in Woodstock.Colleen lives in Woodstock also, and Gloria lives in Merritt BC .The worst part about those garden raids was it being so dark instead of getting carrots i once got parsnips .My brother Bill lives in NovaScotia.

datetime: 20110502T130038

name: alfred Ross

location: kirkland lake

Hi there, to andre mathieu, my name is alfred ross, used to live next door

(almost) to your dad, your uncle Dan, was my age, ask him if he remembers firing his .303, up in his bedroom, with me standing about 3 ft. in front of him, he had just gotten it and was showing me how it worked. My older sister Margot was watching TV. downstairs with your uncle Lionel, and the bullet came through the wall about 2ft. above their heads, what a racket that made, think i was deaf for 3 hours after. Laugh about it now, but man that could have been tragic. Nice to hear from all the Holtyre folks. Was born there in 1945 in the house across the street from Roy Amireault's. Got more stories, but out of time right now, oh and i used to play for the Giants, later all

datetime: 20110502T133441

name: Diane (Ross) Shannon

location:

To the Sarrafin, I remember Rita and Bruno the most. My mom had a lot of respect for you guys having to walk all the way to school, apparently you use to stop at our house to warm up and she had a story about giving you mittens. Bruno use to play with my two younger brothers, Rene and Michel. Also the Gagnon family, we use the play together and also had some pretty good verbal fights at time across the hill from each other. I remember when the twins were born, they were so cute. Take care everyone

datetime: 20110503T172907

name: alfred Ross

location: kirkland Lake

Hello everyone. Hi Jean-Paul Gagnon, we used to live across the gully from you guys. I remember you had a cow named Caillette. We had good times and a few bruises on that tree rope swing you had on the hill. Your brother Gerald or was it Gerard was in my class, your sister Isabelle and Jeanne-d'arc( hope i spelled that right lol) were a bit older than me but remember them well. Haven't seen any of you guys since 1966, when i stopped in at your Mom's in NorthBay, my brother Rene was with me. Your baby sister was there,well she was no baby anymore, she was a beautiful young woman, her name escapes me right now, Diane???. Anyway nice to reconnect in some way. This is a good site. Drop me a post J.P. Later all

datetime: 20110503T212435

name: alfred Ross

location: kirkland Lake

Hi Bruno, how are you, all good here. Yea, i worked at the Ross mine early 60's in the mill. Went south after that to Ajax. Came back in 1976 and worked underground. Also worked with Leo Lahaie, and all the good old boys, good bunch of guys. Lots of horseplay back then lol. The old town is certainly not what it used to be, but my fondest memories are still rooted there. later bruno

datetime: 20110503T233232

name: Lorraine (Monette)Smith

location: Blind River On

Hi Everyone..other than my relatives, not many of you will know who I am. I am J.B.Ross's granddaughter.My brother Ray and I spent many summers in Holtyre during our youth. I spent most of my time with Sheila Ross,Margot,Diane,Alfred Ross. My mother, Florence, and my aunt Anne Veillette, visited Holtyre last May.

I have many wonderful childhood memories of time spent in Holtyre.

datetime: 20110504T015332

name: Wally Hart

location: East China Michigan

Could some one or everyone identify the people in these pictures. I know some of them but not all. http://good-times.webshots.com/album/580017166ebCWpj

datetime: 20110504T121559

name: alfred Ross

location: kirkland Lake

Hey Lorraine, nice to hear from you. I remember those good old days, when you and Ray used to come in the summers, used to go play in the old barn at the old farm house, or we played house at my place when it rained, i always looked forward to your visits, i think i had a crush on you, lol, even though we were second cousins. Seems like like we had total freedom back then to go play anywhere we wanted, was the best of times. Take care, hope to run into you guys at sometime

datetime: 20110509T000042

name: Stewart Messier

location: Hamilton, Ontario

Hello all, I am writing on behalf of my father Marcel Messier. Son of Charles Messier who owned the bowling alley in Holtyre in the early 1940's. My father was born in Ramore 1932 and lived in Holtyre from 1940 to 1949. He drove the highschool bus from Holtyre to Kirkland in 1949-50. He would love to here from anyone who may remember these days or now him. Looking forward to hearing from anyone who wishes to share some memories.

datetime: 20110509T000615

name: Stewart Messier

location: Hamilton, Ontario

Hello all, I am writing on behalf of my father Marcel Messier. Son of Charles Messier who owned the bowling alley in Holtyre in the early 1940's. My father was born in Ramore 1932 and lived in Holtyre from 1940 to 1949. He drove the highschool bus from Holtyre to Kirkland in 1949-50. He would love to here from anyone who may remember these days or now him. Looking forward to hearing from anyone who wishes to share some memories.

datetime: 20110509T112753

name: Alfred Ross

location: kirkland Lake

Hello Stewart, i don\'t know you, and i cant really remember your Dad, but i do remember your grandfather Charles(charlie we called him). My mom Angele Ross was good friends with your grandmother. When she would go visit her at the bowling alley, sometimes she would take me along, i wasen\'t very old, because i remember being barely able to see above the the pool tables, i was always mesmorized going in there,lol, was like entering a whole new world. They moved to Kirkland lake later on, where i live now. I have an aunt Rachelle Ross born Messier , she was married to my cousin Antonio Ross, she still lives here in K.L. I was born in Holtyre in 1945. Also went to school with some Messier\'s, Roland\'s kids, Lucienne, Emile, were about my age, was a big family. those were really good days. Well nice talking to you Stewart, if you ever in

kirkland lake look me up

datetime: 20110510T015818

name: Stewart Messier

location: Hamilton, Ontario

Alfred, glad to here from you. I showed your email to my dad tonight. If you see your Aunt Rachelle say hello from my dad. She will remember him. My mothers maiden name was Margaret Wilson. You may now some of the Wilsons who live in Kirkland today. If you ever see Ronny (Willie), Jimmy, Percy or Bobby say hello for me. I have taken a few winter trips to Kirkland, rented a Ski-Doo at Rosko\'s and traveled some of your Northern Trails through Raymore, Matheson and Holtyre. I also have an Uncle Jonny Meilleur on Taylor Ave.

datetime: 20110513T135412

name: Diane (Ross) Shannon

location:

Hi Stewart

I m Alfred sister and I remember Arthur Messier and his wife Lucille. The moved to Kirkland Lake. Whenever my Mother would come and spend time with me when I lived in K.L. we always made it a point to go and visit them. Also grew up with the Messier family who lived in Holtyre for yrs. I\\\'m sure my mother would remember your dad but she passed away in 1996. Of course you would also be related to the Loranger who lived in Matachewan. They used to come and visit with Rachel and Tony Ross.

datetime: 20110518T184611

name: Claire (seguin) Durocher

location: Sudbury

Hi everone! Ispent my afternoon on the site after getting the info from Margot Ross. I'm Claire Durocher.

I was born in Holtyre in 1945. Our house was just outside of the townsite with the Gleason's, the O'connor's, the Lehman's and the Byberg"s.

My younger sister Lise lives in Sturgeon Falls. She is 58 years old and my older brother Claude passed away of cancer, this December. He was 70.

I taught high school in Sudbury for 30 years and i also had businesses here from a grocery store to a clothing store and until 2 years ago when i sold and retired, i has The Body Shop (a beauty product store) in the New Sudbury Centre .I was lucky to have kept in contact with people from Holtyre and Ramore while i had my stores.And now i'm glad to have found this site . After reading through everyone's e-mails I went and looked through my old photo albums--pictures of Holtyre, Heather, the Lehman girls and myself with our homemade fishing rods , even a picture of charlot Caty, Raymond Tambeau, Denis Rondeau and another boy i don't recognize, at my brother Claude's 9th or 10th birthday party and many others of the baseball field, the skating rink etc. What great great memories.

My mother , Lorette Veillette Durocher passed away three years ago at 93. She wrote a book on her life, complete with many pictures( one of the moose that the Ross family kept as a pet). Holtyre is a big part of her book.

My father Paul worked at the Ross Mine until he retired and moved to North Bay. He passed away in 1995.

By the way Heather i remember the parties that you had in your basement and our sunday afternoon dancing in our living rooms.

I would love to meet up with the guys and gals of Holtyre and Ramore.

datetime: 20110519T005035

name: Diane (Ross) Shannon

location:

Hi Claire

I m MArgo s sister. She did mention that she had run into you in sudbury and also the passing of your brother Claude. I have fond memories of going to visit your mom with my mom and going to see baseball games where you dad played and also when he was umpiring. Those were the good old days and are remembered by everyone who grew up in Holtyre. I retired last year. I m married to Charlie Shannon also of Holtyre. When we go back to Holtyre I feel really sad to see our family home looking so neglected. My parents always took pride in keeping the place looking nice. Take care

datetime: 20110523T181350

name: charlie caty

location: oakville

Hi Claire Durocher; I remember your family very well.your brother claude and I were classmates and friends.Sorry to hear of his passing...I often thought of him when thinking of Holtyre; where did he live and what did he do? I remember your mother feeding us "pain dore". Your dad was a great Mtl Canadiens fan .

datetime: 20110524T183237

name: claire dorocher

location:

hi everyone!

well charlie: my brother claude lived in sturgeon falls .he was in the field of social work. he was assistant -director at The Chateau,( a senior retirement home) when he retired.

you reminded me of my mom's PAIN DORE that she used to make in the heavy cast iron pan on our wooden stove.we used to eat that with the thick cream that came off the gallon of milk we used to get from mr lucien lalancette,s farm.

someone mentioned lillian lehman, the top pitcher in holtyre.she is still in holtyre . her sister agnes lives in st catherines and eleanor lives here in sudbury. i,m sure everyone remembers Ma Gleason with her plaid beret(hat) full of curling pins.

To alice carriere: did you have a sister named lucille? did you live beside the church?

my dad paul durocher was a sport addict, curling bowling baseball player and umpire, broomball and hockey,especially the Montreal Canadians. i guess i inherited my love of sports from him.

the matheson centennial in july 2012 could be a good time for a holtyre reunion??

datetime: 20110529T150304

name: Andre Mathieu

location: Sault Ste Marie, ON

To Alfred Ross.. Sorry for getting back to you so late, but I spoke to both Mon oncle Daniel and Mon oncle Leo, and they both laughed and retold me the whole story with all the details. They both said to say hi and thanks for the memories.

Andre Mathieu

datetime: 20110607T005041

name: Miranda Hansen

location: Holtyre

Wow what a site, I have lived here in Holtyre for going on 26 years and I am still here now raising my 4 children with my husband Luc Rondeau who is also from here. I absolutely love this place although it doesn't have much left it still has that friendly, family feeling to it. It is the best place (in my opinion of course) to raise a family because everybody knows everybody, don't know all of the people whos names are on here except of course the relatives and friends of those relatives, some names I recognize from stories I have heard. To Dan O'Connor I know Lilian AKA "Peanut" Lehman I golf with her every summer and she tells me stories of baseball, among other sports, she is living here again.

Now I was wondering if anyone can help me out I was wondering about a name that was brought up in a conversation recently, does anyone know a Sarah Elizabeth Montgomery that may have lived here in Holtyre don't know when or where, or even if you know of the family name that could have possibly lived here, any information would be greatly appreciated, mirjunhan@hotmail.com

datetime: 20110613T195012

name: Lorne Fleece

location: North Bay

Hi Mirand Hansen Holtyre

In your last message June 7, 2011

you mentioned a lady by the AKA

Peanuts. Would you know if she worked as a Telephone Operator in Cochrane around 1972-73. I believe there was one person with this nick name that was from Holtyre area.

I am doing research on the Communications of the Railway and would like to include her in the story.

datetime: 20110614T134226

name: Diane (Ross) Shannon

location:

Hi Miranda

Both my husband and I grew up with Lillian. Charlie Shannon went to public school with her and also played ball during the same period of time. I know your husband Luc and Claudette is a good friend of mine. Say Hey to both from us. Brian O Connor lives just down the street from us here in Marathon. What a small world. Glad to hear it is still a great place to raise kids. I know most of us would not trade our growing up years for anywhere else. It was a great time. Lots of good memories.

datetime: 20110614T174126

name: Agnes (Lehman)Webb

location:

Hi Lorne Lillian is living in Holtyre she did work as aTelephone Operator in Cochrane she started their around 1966. I\\\\\\\'m her older sister Agnes

datetime: 20110615T230643

name: Lorne Fleece

location: North Bay

Hi Agnes (Lehman) Webb

Would you please ask Lilian

if she remembers travelling on Train #50 from Cochrane on trip that I was on.The train was going to North Bay on a Friday night. I believe she got off at Matheson as # 50 would not stop at Ramore due it being an express train

Would you also ask her if she remembers the Chief Operators name at the ONC Telephone office.

Thanks for your help

Lorne.

datetime: 20110615T231258

name: Lorne Fleece

location: North Bay

Hi Agnes (Lehman) Webb

Would you please ask Lilian

if she remembers travelling on Train #50 from Cochrane on trip that I was on.The train was going to North Bay on a Friday night. I believe she got off at Matheson as # 50 would not stop at Ramore due it being an express train

Would you also ask her if she remembers the Chief Operators name at the ONC Telephone office.

Thanks for your help

Lorne.

datetime: 20110619T135346

name: Philippe Lalancette

location: Batiscan QC

Happy father's day to all of you Holtyre guys, former or present.

Also grand and great-grand dads.

datetime: 20110619T145215

name: Agnes (Lehman)Webb

location:

Hi Lorne Fleece,I spoke to Lillian this morning she worked for the ONC for 13 yrs. Jean Ashley for a while the Jackie Gauthier I\'m not sure if I spelled the last name right.

datetime: 20110620T003714

name: Llorne Fleece

location: North Bay

Hi Agnes Webb

Thanks for the information about Lillian .It is a great help. I am amazed at the terrific reponse that the town of Holtyre page is getting. A great sense of community by the people that haved lived in this area. Also there is a unique connection with the United States due to the Radar Base. I hope someone will take on a project to write a historical book about people and the times.

datetime: 20110628T165842

name: john smith

location: toronto

I heard that Holtyre was heavily

poluted by the mining industry and

even the town water is not safe to drink. Is that true?

datetime: 20110628T233113

name: Monica Toth

location: Barrie

Lived in Holytre in the early 70\\\'s, our dad was posted at Ramore. We had so much fun there, lived beside the little store, bought penny candy with money I \\\"borrowed\\\"from my older brother Andy\\\'s piggy bank. My best friend there was Ruthie, we went to school in Matheson. Great memories, will be back one day to relive those memories.

datetime: 20110630T024712

name: Evelyn (Ross) Roberge-Pellerin

location: Ajax, ON

Who would have ever thought that Holtyre would have such devoted followers!!! I googled Holtyre, my old hometown, just for the fun of it & found all of you in one shot. AMAZING!

I am Antonio & Rachel(Messier)Ross' daughter, Evelyn (Ivy). My elder sister, Gloria Ross, married Albert Allarie, also from Holtyre. Gloria died several years ago. Next in line was Juliette. She married Denis Bertrand & they now live in Barrie. My first husband, Paul Roberge, died in 1980. I later remarried to a Hanmer fellow called Denis Pellerin & now carry both names. Roger is next in our family. He married a Toronto gal but they're now divorced.He lives down the street from me now. Then came Murielle. She married a Val GagnÈ fellow & they now live in Lindsay.

Although many of you are 'much older' than I am ;-) I still remember most of the names I read today. We lived down the lane...on Euclid Street... across the field from the bowling alley. It was my second home as well.

Hello to my cousins, Diane Shannon & Alfred Ross! Hello to the Seraphin folks... your dad was my dad's best buddy! I remember going to visit you on the farm & later at the house. I remember the black bear your dad had for a while.

Hi Butch & Lisette! Riding the Geoffroy bus to KLCVI every weekday for 4 yrs almost did me in LOL! Afterwards, I went on to Teacher's College & taught before I had kids & then went back when they were mostly teens.

Charlie Caty...I don't remember you but your mother taught me in grade 3. She was a wonderful person & a great teacher. In fact, she had such an impact on me that I decided to become a teacher while I was in her class & I never strayed from that dream.

Stewart Messier... Your grandfather, Charles Messier, was my mother's brother. So hi there lil 2nd cousin!

As my sister Murielle noted in one of the comments, the Ross mine is built on the land that our grandfather Edouard Ross owned. He found the first bit of that gold & from that came the Ross Mine & later, the quaint lil village of Holtyre. WOW! What a walk down memory lane this site is! Thank you Highway11.ca for allowing all of us to reconnect & reminisce on this site!

datetime: 20110707T234730

name: Philippe Lalancette

location: Batiscan QC

To Margo:Glad to hear from you! My name is Lalancette, Provencher was was my mother's maiden name. She was uncle william and Lucien's sister. My brother was Jean-Guy. He worked at the Ross and also a short spell at the CJM's. He died in a car accident in 1970. My uncle Lucien Provencher died in an undergroud accident at the Ross but I forget in what year it was. I r3emember going to your father's when he built his home, before my family moved down in '42. DOESN'T MAKE ME ANY YOUNGER!!!!!!!!!

datetime: 20110711T215754

name: Wally Hart

location: East China, Michigan

We met at Ann (Rose) Hebert's house. Harry Harper, Bud Hart, Ann (Rose) Hebert, Margo Rose, Ann's Sister-in-law and me Wally Hart. We Talked about everytime in Holtyre of old. It was great talking of the old days. To the people we didd not talk about I apologize. There were only a few I'm sure. We talked about a feew new things, but not many. Thank you to Ann for letting us use her house for bring up all the memories.

datetime: 20110715T001327

name: Ann Hebert

ert@xplornet.ca

location: Sudbury, Ont

Hi there everyone!!! Wow what a blast from the past seeing Harry, Bud and Wally again!! So-o-o-o many memories and funny stories. Wally, my sister is Marg Rose and the sister-in-law you met was Dan's youngest sister Carlotta. I really enjoyed having you meet here! I really am enjoying reading all the posts and I can't believe that some of the old friends have been living so close by. Charlie Shannon----Where is Grant these days and the rest of the family??? I sure hope some of us can make it for that Matheson Celebration next summer!!!

datetime: 20110715T001416

name: Ann Hebert

ert@xplornet.ca

location: Sudbury, Ont

Hi there everyone!!! Wow what a blast from the past seeing Harry, Bud and Wally again!! So-o-o-o many memories and funny stories. Wally, my sister is Marg Rose and the sister-in-law you met was Dan\\\'s youngest sister Carlotta. I really enjoyed having you meet here! I really am enjoying reading all the posts and I can\\\'t believe that some of the old friends have been living so close by. Charlie Shannon----Where is Grant these days and the rest of the family??? I sure hope some of us can make it for that Matheson Celebration next summer!!!

datetime: 20110715T112746

name: Wally Hart

location: East China, Mi.

My apologies to Marg and Carlotta. Iím going to use my age as an excuse for my CRS(Canít Remember S***) I hope lotís of people show up next summer, and we have a place to meet. Meeting with Ann, Carlotta, Marg and Harry. The memories and funny stories. It felt like coming home. Ann, what a great host you are. Next summer, more memories and funny stories.

It was sad driving through Holtyre. The old house we lived in is gone. Neighbor Andy Burdicks house still looks the same. Neighbor Meyhews house is still there. The Philips house is in sad shape. The Draves house, once a very nice house, in sad disrepair. The Ross Mine Hall is gone. These places still live in my memories. Pike lake is still giving up fish like I remember.

datetime: 20110715T131110

name: John Harper

location: Stony Plain AB

Hey Wally, sure hope you and Bud

make it up for Matheson\'s 100th

year reunion..Planning to go myself and Harry will be there I\'m

sure. I think a Holtyre Picnic at

Maude lake would be a great idea as someone mentioned.Well hope everyone has a good summer ..

datetime: 20110715T135512

name: Charlie Shannon

location:

Hi Ann

Grant and Colleen are living in Woodstock. Gloria is in Merritt, B.C. and big brother Bill has lived in Nova Scotia for the last 40 plus years. Colleen is a cancer survivor and Gloria has just finished chemo and radiation for breast cancer. Grant has worked for Canadian Tire as a mechanic in Woodstock for many years and has not retired yet. All of us are getting older and we all seem to have some medical issues, some worse than others, but we are not quitters. Hope all is well with you and your family are well also. It sure would be nice to get together next summer.

datetime: 20110718T180404

name: Wally Hart

location: East China, Michigan

Harry and I drove past maude lake. The old beach site is now private property and it's fenced off. The gate to the base has no trespassing signs on it. There is a lot of overgrowth around Maude lake too. We could barely see the lake from the road. Judy Ann is checking into getting access to the building on the base. If it's still there. If anyone knows anything about getting access to the building on the base, let us know. Thank You Wally

datetime: 20110719T115405

name: christina

location: Holtyre

I just wanted to say thank you to all of you I moved to Holtyre a year ago and it is absolutely amazing to read the stories and find the history of our sweet little town. Even more amazing to see stories about some of the wonderful people I have met and gotten to know here. Thank you again

datetime: 20110721T012303

name: john harper

location: stony plain ab

I believe i saw some where that the matheson reunion is from june 29th to july 2nd, can anyone confirm this..

datetime: 20110722T010210

name: Wally Hart

location: East China

I saw the same thing June 29 to July 2 2012

datetime: 20110725T192951

name: claire durocher

location:

hi

yes , the matheson celebration is june 29th to july 2nd.

munro lake is another area that can accomodate campers, motorhomes, and boats. it's still a public area.

perry lake has cabins.

claire (seguin) durocher

datetime: 20110806T010210

name: Dalton Hills

location: Spartanburg

Just found this site...WOW....

Born and grew up in Bourkes, but was on the bus to KLCVI from its first run in 1950 through 1954. Got to know Nelda Eckensweiller, became good friends, got her and my best friend Eric Olson dating. They later married. Unfortunately they have both passed away. Nelda got me to date Anita St Jean from Holtyre. I saw that Polly Steele mentioned StJean\'s store burning down and that he died in the fire. Can anyone give me any more details...when, etc. Also, can anyone tell me anything about Anita ???

Spent a fair amount of good time in Holtyre and played the accordion at several dances in the early \'50\'s.

datetime: 20110813T024310

name: Dan O Connor

location: Sudbury

Hey Charlie Shannon

Say hello to Grant for me. I knew him at Granduc (BC).

datetime: 20110814T202756

name: Stewart Messier

location: Hamilton

Dalton, My father was reading your posting and wants to know if you remember the bus driver Marcel Messier. He drove the highschool bus to KLCVI in 1950 - 51 and took over the driving duties from Cedar Sustrick. He remembers barring a Rondeau boy from taking the bus because he was playing with a Japanese Sword on the bus. My father is 79 this year and enjoys hearing anything from his old home town. A good friend of his Laurence Landon just past away this weekend.

datetime: 20110817T165510

name: Glenn Scott

location: North Bay

To all people who lived in Holtyre, the Hughes, Marylin Totten, the Harpers, Guillemettes,I am the son of Lachlan & Rita Scott, and brother of Geneva Akulick & Marylin Ducsharm & my late brother Stanley Scott This site brings back memories of the stories that I heard my parents talk about and from my sisters... glad I found this site. Marylin & Jack Ducsharm are coming to visit this way tomorrow, i never lived in Holtyre, but the stories makes feel like I did. Stayed at my sisters(Geneva) cottage on Butler lake when I was growing up, now I go hunting moose with Alec & Bill Akulick in the Wavell area every thanksgiving... I'll talk again

datetime: 20110818T032010

name: John Harper

location: Stony Plain

Glenn Scott, say hello to Geneva,Marylin, and Alec for me.To Bill Akulick to,not sure if he would remember me but he hunted with my brother Harry..

datetime: 20110819T002833

name: Harry Harper

location: North Bay Ont.

Glenn. Someday I\'ll tell you a story about your sister Marylin a long straw and a outhouse on the back lane. It sure seemed funny way back when.

datetime: 20110819T232714

name: Harry Harper

location: North Bay Ont

Can anyone tell me why the bridge over the Pike River is closed?

datetime: 20110823T152219

name: Diane (Ross) Shannon

location:

To Glenn Scott I remember your brother very well. He and my brother Fred Ross were buddies. I remember he was not well, something about a hole in his heart if I recall. If he was born today that would be fixed. He was a nice guy.

To Dalton Hill, I knew that St Jean very well, as Anita had younger sisters my age. Mrs. St.Jean is still alive and lives in a nursing home in Iroquois Falls. Her youngest daughter Claire lives in Sturgeon Falls. I will ask my sister Margo if she knows where Anita lives. My brother-in-law Bill Shannon also dated Anita and still talks about her. She was a lovely girl. Her sister Denise lives in Sault Ste Marie and I think that her sister Francoise is in North Bay. The store burned down around l967. It was a very tragic time for the family. Will let you know what I find out about Anita.

datetime: 20110823T232133

name: Charlie Shannon

location:

Hi everyone, have been readinga lot of the stories here and wanted to add my 2 cents.My dad was a hoistman at Mansville, and i worked 2 summers handling explosives for the underground.Marcel Camirand worked in the mill also.The mountain of waste is still there but has eroded quite a bit.

datetime: 20110824T011918

name: RITA(serafin)kiely

location: ottawa, ont

I was born in Holtyre in 1939 to John & Mariange Serafin. I have been living in Ottawa since 1961. If you remembered I had polio when I was 7 years old. I made a life for myself and worked for DND for 32 YEARS. My husband and I do a lot of travelling. I left my heart in Holtyre as it was a great place to grow up. I was glad to hear of Jean Paul Gagnon. I know that you had moved to North Bay,

datetime: 20110824T154153

name: Diane Ross Shannon

location:

Hi Rita

Great to hear from you. I remember you very well as you lived just down to road from the Ross family. My mom was very found of you. My sister Margo lives in Sturgeon Falls, Alfred lives in Kirkland Lake, I m in Marathon and both Rene and Michel are in Sudbury. Michel has just come back to Canada after working for about five yrs in Mongolia. Just retired last year. Your brother Bruno use to play with my two youngest brothers. I learned how to ride a bike on his bike as ours was to heavy for me. Lots of goods memories of Holtyre and it seems like everyone who has lived there feel the same.

datetime: 20110824T224407

name: Rita (Serafin) Kiely

location: Ottawa

I would loved to hear more about the Joe Gagnon family. Every morning we would warm up at your house before heading for school. We would kneel down if you were reciting the rosemary. Margo it is nice to hear from you. We are expecting Bruno anytime now.

datetime: 20110830T184845

name: bill hughes

location: Timmins

Harry Harper - St.Andrews is open pitting the old Kelore just south of the Pike. They're feeding their mill @ the Holt-McDermid which is near Que border(TeddyBear)on 101 so I think the bridge needs some upgrading to avoid haul going around the Ramore-Matheson route and saving them about 50 kms on a return trip.

datetime: 20110901T010328

name: Harry Harper

location: North bay ont

Hey Bill Hughes. Hi bill. Long time no hear from you. How are you doing?

Yea the Teddy Bear. Dad had claims a few miles south of it in 59/60 but didn't have the money to do any exploration work on them. Who knows we could have been rich.Pigs would be flying as well. When I read that the bridge was closed I thought that maybe one of the ore trucks might have go through. That bridge has been there a long timeWas up with Bud and Wally Hart for a few days this July. Had a good time.Got a few fish but that was just the icing. Being up there is the cake.Going up on the 14th for a couple of days to see if I can get a few birds. But I'm getting to old to be sleeping on the ground so this may be the last trip up for hunting. Sure will miss it. Hunting is allright around here but it just isn't home.All the best to you Bill andkeep in touch.

datetime: 20110910T182655

name: Dalton Hills

location: Spartanburg, SC

To Stewart Messier...Sure DO remember the ride from Bourkes to KLCVI every morning from Sept 50 until June 54. Please send my "Best wishes"...those were some wild rides when the roads were covered with ice and snow !!!

Excllent driver and driving !!!!

datetime: 20110910T183406

name: Dalton Hills

location: Spartanburg, SC

To Diane (Ross)Shannon...Thank you sooo much for your info. Any other will really be appreciated.

You sound so familiar..did you keep company with Nelda Eckensweiller or Anita StJean also? I road the Holtyre bus to KLCVI from Sept 50 to June 54. I dated Nelda a few times in about 52 and got her going with my best friend, Eric Olson..they later married. Both have passed away. Nelda got me going with Anita and we double dated in 53 and 54. Will always remember those days. I lived in Bourkes, but spent a lot of time in Holtyre. Left in 54 for university, and only brief visits after that. Dad died in 64 and Mom in 65. Still have the farm in Bourkes, but no family in the area. Jobs got me transferred several times. Our children (4)born in Toronto area. Retired now and seems like 'old times' means so much more now than every before. Thank you again for reply and look forward to hearing more. Any and all news will be greatly appreciated !!!

datetime: 20110914T112024

name: Jocelyne Gravel

location: Holtyre ontario

My name is Jocelyne Gravel, I was born in Matheson in 1964 and lived in Holtyre most of my life my father work at the Ross Mine in 1966 and he died in that mine that year on nov 16 1966 his name was Jean-Pierre Gravel. I was only 2 at the time, sorry to say I did not get to know him. My mothers name is Doris Gravel (born Gadoury). I still live here at 626 Euclid ave, I have 2 kids a girl that is 14 and a boy thats 9. I lived in Tmmins for a few years but did not want to raise my kids there so moved back to the small town my kids love it here. If there is anybody that has any old farm property for sale in Holtyre I would like to buy a farm my dauther and I got two horses this year and wanted to keep them close to us. And I would like to know I any body out there would have any pictures of my father.

datetime: 20110915T205310

name: Glenda Wixson Wilson

location: Matheson, On

Hi. My name is Glenda Wilson,used to be a Wixson. I\\\'ve just come acrossed this web site. Love to hear all the good memories from others who grew up in Holtyre. We moved there in the early 60s. Dad was a sargent at the base. Have many fond memories about the base. Does anyone know where Johnny Leclair is? Been trying to find out about him. Also has anyone heard what happened to Mr. Hunter? He was the best teacher Holtyre Public ever had. I remember Mr.& Mrs Steele & their son Jamie. I remeber TeenTown dances, broomball games with the catholic school, going to Maude on our bikes & just hanging out up town. I remember getting kicked out of Ma\\\'s when we\\\'ed get to noisy or didn\\\'t buy anything. I remember St. Jean\\\'s store blowing up & how Robbie Buckley told us how he was blown out of his bed that night because of the blast. I also remember being told that all they found was his index finger. We always ran by that lot or walked on the other side of the street especially at night. We had lots of fun especially as teens. Our house used to be the ten hangout. Dad would get all the guys together & play penny poker with them. Ued to make us girls angry because we had \\\"other plans\\\". Ah the good ole days. Got to love \\\'em. Anyway, Holtyre was a great place to live...no other place like it anywhere.

datetime: 20110930T141411

name: glenda (wixson) wilson

location: matheson, on

just to let whoever know...Ilene Welsh is still living. She's 102 yrs old, living in Powasson in her own apartment. She's going a little blind and sometimes can't hear as well as she used to but she still is full of life. My mom keeps in contact with her regularly by phone.

datetime: 20110930T151540

name: Blain Tomlinson

location: collingwood on.

Hi Judy Anne Hughes. I stumbled upon this site, saw your name and immediately started having flash backs to our time together. I am pleased to know you have been fortunate enough to have made it this far. I hope your health is good and it would be nice to email you and catch up on the last forty plus years it\'s been since we last met. In case I didn\'t make as big an impression on you as you made on me,... this is Brenda Oconner\'s first cousin and I believe Barry Andrews second or third (lost track) cousin. I\'ll be looking forward to hearing from you.

datetime: 20111002T012535

name: John Harper

location: Stony Plain Ab

The web site for the Matheson 100th is www.matheson100.com

datetime: 20111002T155702

name: John Harper

location: Stony Plain AB

The Harper boys are booked for the Matheson 100th ...

datetime: 20111014T141434

name: Diane (Ross) Shannon

location:

Dalton Hill, I was younger than Anita St.Jean.

Anita had three other sisters, Denise, Francoise and Claire. I was the youngest sister age. Anita was a beautiful girl. I believe she lives around North Bay. Her sister Francoise looked a lot like her. Her mother is stilling alive and lives in Iroquois Falls.

My cousin Sheila Ross knew the Eckensweiller well. Sheila, her mother was english speaking so her mother was friends with the english speaking population while my parents were french and knew the french population much more. Went to separate school and all. Did you knew Gordon Killins? He lived here in Marathon and worked at the same place as my husband. He is retired and now lives in the Ottawa region with his wife.

datetime: 20111014T175610

name: Diane (Ross) Shannon

location:

Jocelyn Gravel. Hi. I went to school with your Mom Doris and all the brothers. Where is she now. I lived in Kirkland Lake from l972 to l991 when I moved to my present resident in Marathon, Ontario, on the beautiful north shore of Lake Superior. Say Hi to your mom.

datetime: 20111015T172311

name: Harry Harper

location: North Bay Ont.

Jocelyn Gravel. Hello> We lived across the street from your Grandparents Foe years. Our house is gone now and a garage is standing there. I worked with your Dad for a very short time in 1965. I had a job waiting in North Bay and was just waiting to get called.I saw your mother in Sept. when I was passing through Holtyre on my way hunting. We chatted for a few moments. It was good to see her again.Just to let everyone who may be reading this that we are trying to have a bit of a reunion the same weekend as Matheson. It won\'t be as big but it would sure be nice to see as many people that once lived in Holtyre as we possibly can. So if you know anyone PLEASE let them know. Thanks a lot everyone...

datetime: 20111030T132927

name: Judy Ann

ert@hotmail.com

location: Thorold, ON

Blaine Tomlinson! Flashbacks indeed! No need to remind me who you are - made an impression? uh - yea! Often wondered where you were and how your life has been....feel free to email me at judyann.hebert@hotmail.com. Butch & Lisette Geoffroy have met with the Hall Committee in Holtyre (the old Public School) and it has been agreed that there will be a reunion in Holtyre the same weekend as the Matheson reunion. It may only be a day but it will be a blast! Put your stuff together boys and girls - July long weekend. Lisette mentioned that perhaps the property at the separate school can be used to park trailers. She will post updates on Facebook on the "Do you know where Holtyre is" page and I will add them here. This could be a wonderfully, FANTASTIC weekend!!!

datetime: 20111101T210706

name: Harry Harper

location: North Bay Ont.

Yesssss. It will be a blast I\'m sure.

datetime: 20111101T225035

name: Emile Messier

location: Sturgeon Falls On

A fond hello to all.I also was born in Holtyre in 1946 in the big red house on main st next to the Pion, building.I would be happy to attend a reunion.

datetime: 20111102T005439

name: dan o\'connor

location: capreol

I've been following the comments here and in the Matheson post...I'm not wasting my time in Matheson.....the Holtyre people seem like a party group. Now that we don't have the USAF chasing the girls with their cheap booze & cigarettes, it's gotta be evenb better than we remember it guys

datetime: 20111105T134332

name: Diane (Ross) Shannon

location:

Hi everyone. Both Charlie and I are planning on being there and we are going to let as many people know as we can from our end. Thanks Judy Ann for the update. Hi to Emile Messier. I remember you of course as we went to same school. Sounds like a party in Holtyre. Thanks in advance to Lizette and Butch for taking the lead to organize this.

datetime: 20111108T151143

name: Diane (Ross)Shannon

location:

Hi everyone.

For those of you who have Face Book Accounts check out Do you Know Where Holtyre is. It has over 290 members. You have to request to be a member in order to put anything up on the wall. Takes about a day to become a member. It is interesting. You can also place photos there. Lizette and Butch Geoffroy are going to keep updates of the Holtyre reunion there.

datetime: 20111115T001828

name: patrick Tracy

location:

Diane Ross,

Yes, Mike Tracy is my older brother. He is retired military hear in the States. I remember you coming to the parties at out house and your brother Roger. We used to dance till 9-10pm and everyone brought food and lots of records. My dad had to go down into the cellar under the floor and shore it up so we didn't cave the floor in.

Also your house was next door to our left on Euclid. I sure miss those times and the town itself. They truly were the best memories of my life before had my own family. I know mike would be pleased to hear from you. please feel free to contact me at ph# 1425-327-9246. I can give you information on how to reach him. Your friends from America Always,

Pat Tracy.

datetime: 20111115T141744

name: John Harper

location: Stony Plain Ab

Hi Pat Tracy, how are you doing, have you been following the post about Mathesons 100th birthday bash, looks like Holtyre will be holding a small get together on the sunday. It is on the July 1st weekend would be good if you could make it and your brother to.

Pat if you know of any of the other American families that grew up with us it would be good if you could pass on this info.

datetime: 20111120T222617

name: Lyse Messier Laurin

location: Verner, ON

Hi to everyone from Holtyre, which is also my birth place (actually Matheson hospital). I am the daughter of Aline Rondeau and Jean Messier, granddaughter of Delphis and Marie-Anne Rondeau.Left Holtyre at the age of three, in 1952. I spent many, many summers at my grandparents' home; became friends with Nicole Geoffroy, Carole Gadoury, RenÈ Lacroix, J-C and Claudette Rondeau; remember Ma Gleason, Joe Morris, the Gagnon store, St-Jean's, Lapierre's. My uncle Gerry Messier took over the Boisvert Store with his wife, Marie-Anne Boisvert. I recognize most of the names that my grandparents and parents often mentioned, and still do (grandma Rondeau, 98, and my dad, 85). I'm working on the Messier family tree. Sure would like to hear from Stewart Messier (your dad is my dad's cousin), and Evelyn (Ross), to help me add to my info. I fell upon this site by pure accident, and I'm so happy I did. The Matheson Centennial sounds like an interesting event to which I would like to take my dad. Thank you for that info Claire Durocher.

datetime: 20111120T225112

name: Lyse Messier Laurin

location: Verner, ON

to Rita SÈrafin - Am also working on the Rondeau family tree. I remember your family very well (Bruno and you more than the others). Visited your family with my grandparents(cousine Marie-Anne and cousin Delphis).Would appreciate info from your grandmother Louise Bouchard's side of the family.

datetime: 20111120T231128

name: Lyse Messier Laurin

location: Verner, ON

to Claire Durocher SÈguin - Could you help me get in touch with your cousins, Denis, Claudette...Would appreciate info for the Rondeau family tree.Thank you.

datetime: 20111120T231947

name: Lyse Messier Laurin

location: Verner, ON

to J-C Rondeau - The Alice Laurin Hall in Holtyre - do you know why that name? I'm quite curious.

datetime: 20111121T195013

name: claire durocher seguin

location: sudbury

To Lyse Messier Laurin; HI

Iknow that denis rondeau spends the winter in cape coral florida, lina also spends the winter near tampa florida and claudette is in montreal her husband michel lavoie is quite sick.I will get you their e-mail addresses.

claire

datetime: 20111121T220007

name: Lyse Messier Laurin

location: Verner

to Claire Durocher SÈguin - Many thanks, Claire. Hope life is being good to you.

datetime: 20111129T011901

name: Carmen Lacroix

location: Duparquet QuÈbec

Hi everyone ! I moved to Holtyre when I was 10 and left at 23. My parents had the restaurant, my dad worked at the mine and I used to spend my time at the Ramore army base when a teenager ! I returned once and I found it sad. The only one I knew was Roger Alarie. Hope its true in july there will be a reunion.

datetime: 20111129T035320

name: Dianne Troost-Valliere

location: Burlington

I've been following this location for several months and think it is fabulous to hear how so many of you feel the same way about our hometown. My parents were May and Cy Valliere, my sister is Anita and we lived on Euclid. I was born at home in Holtyre in 1946 and lived there until I was 16, so I remember many of the people who have posted comments. Dad worked at the Ross Mine and I went to Ecole St. Joseph and then to KLCVI (on the Holtyre Flyer). When speaking of my childhood, I would always say what a great place Hotyre was to grow up in. Hello to the Harper boys, Hughes', Camirand's, Geoffroy's, Moffat's, Provencher's, Rose's, Ross',Shannon's, Hart's and Tracy's! What great memories we made together!

datetime: 20111201T081711

name: J. C. Rondeau

location: North Bay

To Lyse Messier Laurin - The Public School was reclaimed from abandonment and disrepair by the town people under the direction of a dynamic nun named Sister Alice Laurin. She organized work parties and included everyone who wished to participate. It was quite a project, to start with, there was approximately 8 feet of ice in the basement from water having accumulated there over the years. That was just one obstacle to get through, there is a video of the reclaiming of the school and I am sure that it will be available for viewing this summer in July. Anyway, to make a long story short, when it camr time to name the finished product, the people decided to call it \"THE ALICE LAURIN HALL\".

datetime: 20111201T132042

name: John Harper

location: Stony Plain AB

I was wondering why, never knew who Alice Laurin was, but it seems

to be a very fitting name, nice to see they did that for her...

datetime: 20111202T175440

name: Lyse Laurin

location: Verner, ON

To J.C. Rondeau - Thank you, J.C. I was curious because a Sister Alice Laurin taught me in grades nine and ten in Haileybury, at AcadÈmie Sainte-Marie. I figured there couldn't be too many of those. Has to be the same one; that project sounds like her. When I remarried in 2009 to Raymond Laurin from Verner, I found out she was his first cousin. Don't know how she ever got involved with something from Holtyre; she's from Elk Lake. I plan to get in touch with her to find out. What a small world!

datetime: 20111202T202915

name: Harry Harper

location: North bay ont

a NO MORE FITTING NAME COULD HAVE BEEN GIVEN TO OUR OLD SCHOOL. mT THANKS TO THIS LADY.-

datetime: 20111203T152044

name: Wally Hart

location: East China, Mi

Here are some pictures from Holtyre circa 1959 to 1962 I got these from Mike Tracy. http://community.webshots.com/user/waldo6196

Album holtyre

If you recognize some in the pictures and they are not already indentified please add thier name to the caption on that picture. Any questions I can be reached at hartw@dteenergy.com or waldo6196@hotmail.com

There are more pictures on this site of things I've been doing to entertain myself

datetime: 20111214T203025

name: Diane (Ross) Shannon

location:

To Patrick Tracy

Hi, read you comments and you're thinking of Evelyn Ross, my cousin, they lived next door to you. Our house was somewhat out of town. Their was Gagnon, Provencher, Amirault, our house, and the Mathieu Farm. I did go to parties at your house though.

Also "Hi" to Diane Valliere, I remember your and your sister, I was also born at home but in l947. Anita closer in age to my sister Margo

Diane Ross Shannon

datetime: 20111215T030639

name: CARLA CARUBBA (CREPEAU, LAPIERRE)

location: HAMILTON ONTARIO

Wow. So nice to see all the posts!! My pepere Wilfred Crepeau worked at the Ross Mine and my mememre worked at the base.I remember spending summers there and loving it. Wondering if anyone knows where Vivienne Messier might be?? We used to play in the summers since my memere lived right next door to the store.

datetime: 20111216T153628

name: John Harper

location: stony plain

Oh, I remember my mother getting a ride with Mrs. Crepeau to Toronto which seemed to me like it was evey summer, and me , well I had to go along, oh lord they were long trips....

datetime: 20111216T231459

name: Harry Harper

location: North Bay Ont.

I can remember delivering the Timmins Press to Mrs. Crepeau at the cookhouse at the mine. Always got there just as the cookies or pies came out of the oven. I always got to sample them just to make sure they were good for the workers in the bunkhouse. Believe me they were good enough for the queen. Man that woman could cook.

datetime: 20111217T200318

name: Daniel (Danny) Rose

location: Toronto, Ontario

Hello, it's Daniel (Danny) Rose here; does anyone know about any plans to have a get-together/reunion party of some kind in Holtyre in 2012 or 2013? I would like to meet some of the people who have posted to this site and for sure to meet up with my cousins from there along with their families living all over the map. Ann, Margret, Doris, Carl are some of them (Marie, I believe, passed away many years ago)......I'll watch this blogsite and hope to see an answer for the Summer/Fall, 2012 period. Hi, to anyone who recognizes/knows me through my Aunt Lillian(nee LeBarron?????) and Uncle "Tony" Rose who lived in Holtyre for many, many years with Uncle working at the Ross Mine. DRR

datetime: 20111218T021752

name: Dianne Troost

location: Burlington

Hi Diane, Yes I remember you and your family. Margo and Anita were indeed friends. Alfred was in my class. I'm really looking forward to the Holtyre Reunion!

Harry, you sound like a conniving little devil! Of course, getting to sample Mrs. Crepeau's baking would be worth almost any inconvenience! What great memories these names invoke!

datetime: 20111218T030047

name: Harry Harper

location: North Bay Ont

To Daniel Rose. Hi. We are planing on haveing a reunion in Holtyre on the long weekend in July. I think that a lot of your cousins will be there. I know that Ann and Margie are going to be there for sure and I hope to meet you there.It's going to be a blast. Hope you can make it.

datetime: 20111218T030712

name: Harry Harper

location: North Bay Ont

Diane Have you ever tasted mr Mrs. Crepeau\'s baking? I would walk a mile over broken glass for a piece of her apple pie. I can still smell the aromas that came from that little cookhouse and my mouth still waters. Wow.

datetime: 20111219T012719

name: Stewart Messier

location: Hamilton, Ontario

Lyse Messier, I received your comments back on Nov 20th. Nice to hear your comments, my father Marcel Messier would be glad to discuss any information you are looking for or to just share in some memories. If you would like feel free to send an email with your phone number and I will pass along my fatherís phone number as he would look forward to a phone conversation with yourself. I do remember taking to your father Jean Messier at my Memere's (my fatherís mother Marie's) funeral in North Bay. Your father shared some memories of my uncle Raymond at funeral. It is interesting to hear some of my familyís history that I may not be aware of. If you ever complete a family tree I would be interested in receiving a copy. My father does not have email, however you can feel free to send any correspondences to myself at smessier@cogeco.ca. Wish all the very best through the holiday season.

datetime: 20111220T121547

name: claire durocher seguin

location: sudbury

Merry Christmas and the best for 2012 to everyone.

datetime: 20111221T020102

name: Harry Harper

location: North Bay Ont

I would like to take this time to wish everyone who reads this page a Very Merry Christmas and all the best in2012. Hope to see you all in Holtyre this summer at OUR reunion.

datetime: 20111222T145402

name: John Harper

location: Stony Plain AB

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all of you and your families, see you in July...

datetime: 20111224T164846

name: Philippe Lalancette

location: Batiscan QC G0X 1A0

Merry Christmas and the very best for 2012 to all Holtyrians, specially the 1930 plus breed.You can move someone out of Holtyre but you won't ever take Holtyre out of our heart.

datetime: 20120101T181708

name: Brenda O'Connor-Thyer

location: Cambridge

Wow, what a surprise to find so many ex-pats from Holtyre keeping in touch.

My aunt Heather (O'Connor)Gadoury and I were recently going through her mother's Mary (Gibson) O'Connor's scrapbook. My nana kept clippings from local weddings, births, funerals, curling bondspiels and anything else Holtyre and area related. My dad, Bill O'Connor added to his mother's collection after her death in 1967.

We were getting ready to start wo re-working the scrapbook so it could be saved. Anyone else's parents have similar little gold mines?

Sadly Dec 28/12, Heather passed away before we had made much progress on this project. I will be continuing it in her memory

datetime: 20120101T194814

name: John Harper

location: Stony Plain AB

Glad to see your post,Brenda the other site people post on is on facebook [ do you know where holtyre is ] ..If you are not aware, Matheson is having it\'s 100th anniversary on the long weekend in july, actually june29th to july2. On the sunday of that weekend the old Holtyre residents are having a small reunion of our own at the old public school, hope to see you there. Sorry to hear about Heather, her passing was posted on facebook so the old residents were informed, i;m sure some are planning to attend the service.

datetime: 20120104T201428

name: Lyse Messier Laurin

location: Verner

Brende O'Connor - My grandparents (Delphis & Marie-Anne Rondeau) as well as my parents (Jean & Aline Messier) knew your parents and your grandparents. My grandparents were also curlers. I believe I have a picture of my grandmother and your grandmother receiving a curling trophy. My grandmother probably has a few clippings also; I will let you know, should I find some.

datetime: 20120111T225434

name: rayo carriere

location: kapuskasing ont

is there a reunion at end of june or not ...........mathe son is having 1

datetime: 20120112T225027

name: Harry Harper

location: North Bay Ont

To Rayo Carriere from Kap. Oh yes. We will meet in the old public school on the Sunday of that weekend. See you there.

datetime: 20120116T011904

name: dan o\'connor

location: capreol

Seems to me the Matheson "reunion" is coming up as a waste of time....interest is limited to minimal. I'm stopping in Holtyre on my way to Iroquois Falls for the fun

datetime: 20120205T173731

name: John Harper

location: stony plain

Good day JC you are right about meeting people other then at a funeral. I am really looking forward to going, booked my flight and a cottage at perry lake months ago. looking forward to seeing you there..John

datetime: 20120209T162125

name: Edward Grassi

location: Sudbury On

Hi Danny Rose from Toronto

My mother was domenica Rose married Domenic Grassi was a brother to Giovanni Grassi and my

mother and Tony Rose were brother and sister.I lived on 35 Douglas street in North Bay two doors away from Giovanni and Carmel Grassi. Would you happen to know Josephine Kit from SMooth Rock Falls she grew up in Cochrane also Tony Rose 's sister

datetime: 20120209T163528

name: Edward Grassi

location: Sudbury On

Hi Daniel Rose from Toronto

I just happen to get on this page

was quiet surprised to see info on my uncle tony Rose and my aunt Lilian . My mother was Domenica Rose married to Domenic Grassi who lived on 35 Douglas street in North Bay two doors away from Giovanni and Carmela Grassi.I would like to get together for a reunion also

datetime: 20120214T202556

name: Daniel (Danny) Rose

location: Toronto, ON M6A 2N4

Would Mr. Edward Grassi of Sudbury,Ontario, please inform me again of how I may be related to you and how would Anthony "Tony"/Lillian(nee LeBarron???)Rose(both deceased) of Holtyre, Ontario be related to yourself. Letting you know that Mrs. Josephine (Nicholas/"Nick") Kit is my aunt and being my father Dan Rose's sister. She is presently residing in a Nursing Home in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario where her daughter Lousie and son-in-law, (Mr. and Mrs. Joseph "Joe" Bichler) reside. I need more informations on what will be happening in Holtyre this Summer, 2012 as I would like to come for a visit and meet some of my longlost relatives from around there. Thanks to everyone who have commented on my writings over the past three years or so.

datetime: 20120216T004330

name: Edward Grassi

location: Sudbury

Hi Danny Rose from Toronto.

Josephine Kit is my aunt and my mother's youngest sister.I have been on touch with Louise and Joe Bichler for a long time .

I have visited with Josephine and Nick quiet a few times in Smooth Rock Falls. I am the youngest of 14 children in my family I never had much info on the Rose side of the family. I don't remember your dad Dan Rose but I heard a lot of good things about him from Josephine. We visited uncle tony and aunty Lilian in Holtyre once. I don't know if you knew uncle Felix or uncle Joe these are all my uncles. I sure would like to talk to you about the family.Hope to hear from you.

Eddie

datetime: 20120222T181359

name: harry harper

location: north bay ont

I just wrote to the owner of this site to see if he could get rid of all the crap that has been posted. Sure hope he can.

datetime: 20120222T183904

name: Philippe Lalancette

location: Batiscan QC

I sure hope he can, its disgusting.

Phil. L.

datetime: 20120223T043123

name: john harper

location: stony plain

what a bunch of small minded people, nothing better to do then ruin things for other people..

datetime: 20120223T130452

name: Philippe Lalancette

location: Batiscan QC

To John Harper: I have a slightly different opinion!! They are not SMALL MINDED, just 3 feet lower.

datetime: 20120228T003336

name: harry harper

location: north bay ont

Don't forget folks that there is a reunion in Holtyre starting Fri. June 29 at the old public school. It sounds like lots of fun. You can find out more by going to Do you know where holtyre is > It's on face book. Look it up

, and meet us for the reunion.

datetime: 20120228T024228

name: Editor

location: Ontario

Howdy guys. Wow what a huge load of comments! My apologies for the spam posts. Forums all over the internet get spammed with these automated posts and this forum is particularly low tech (because I'm low tech) and therefore it is more susceptible to spam posts. Thanks for putting up with the bad design, I've gotten busy with work travel and had a kid over the past year and haven't updated or finished fixing things. I appreciate everyone's interest and you have a lot to be proud of in your town, and across the north. All the best, Marc.

datetime: 20120228T024349

name: Editor

location: Ontario

Howdy guys. Wow what a huge load of comments! My apologies for the spam posts. Forums all over the internet get spammed with these automated posts and this forum is particularly low tech (because I'm low tech) and therefore it is more susceptible to spam posts. Thanks for putting up with the bad design, I've gotten busy with work travel and had a kid over the past year and haven't updated or finished fixing things. I appreciate everyone's interest and you have a lot to be proud of in your town, and across the north. All the best, Marc.

datetime: 20120303T011341

name: Monica Toth

location: Barrie

Great memories of Holytre,my parents Andy, CFS Ramore, mom Mary, brother Andy, me and sister Dianne lived just down from the store. Think we moved there 1968? then moved to Matheson 1970? Dad was in the airforce. Remember playing with the Wixson's, my brother went to school there. I started kindergarten with my friend Ruthie, we went to Matheson. Hoping to make it back some day, so many great memories. Our friends dad shot a lynx once, remember it was stuffed and in the house. Ramore always had great Air force day events!! When I moved to Texas in 1993, I met a ex USFA man, he lived in the same house we did in Holytre, the year before we moved there. Never thought I would move to Lubbock Texas and meet someone who knew where Hoyltre was!!! Small world!

datetime: 20120307T233715

name: john harper

location: Stony plain

To Phil Lalancette, I see you were right Phil,I was off the mark by 3 feet.

datetime: 20120311T115510

name: Judy Ann (Hughes) Hebert-Savoia

ert@cogeco.ca

location: Thorold, ON

Monica Toth - small world indeed! If you are on Facebook, check out the "Do you know where Holtyre is?" page. If you cruise through the posts, you'll see a couple of pictures of your Dad, Andy, with the staff in the Mess at CFS Ramore. My mom was Joey Hughes. BTW, the mini reunion in Holtyre is a GO! Looks like the Saturday of the long weekend - we'll have access to the Community Hall (former Public School), there will be an area for campers/trailers/tents and it sure sounds like lots of people coming! Should be a blast!

datetime: 20120314T142558

name: Andre Mathieu

location: Sault Ste Marie,ON

Hi,

I was thinking that it might be a good idea if people were to get tshirts printed with there names on it as well as there parents name and extended family. I t might help at the reunion for people to find those that they really want to see, as well as it would be a great conversation peice as well as a momento. If you do it, do not forget to put Holtyre reunion and thedate.

This is just an idea.

Andre Mathieu

datetime: 20120318T223609

name: Luc Rondeau

patico.ca

location: Holtyre

HI everybody, On behalf of the Alice Laurin Community Hall board of directors, We are openning the hall to everyone July 1st weekend for entire weekend (except for late night not sure of exact hours yet) We plan on having a bar and canteen open through the weekend along with displays and events (Dance, Meal(s)etc..)It's up to you fine people to let us know what you want us to put on for you. the sooner we know what you want the sooner we can post a schedule along with pricing. We also are having a Holtyre reunion T-shirt logo contest. The winning logo will be put on t-shirts which will be available for order. We will be posting pricing, sizing and dedline to order. Deadline to have logo's in for the contest is April 26th 2012 and must be mailed to:

Alice Laurin Community Hall

P0 Box 6

Holtyre Ontario

P0K 1C0

For thos of you on facebook all details are posted on the "Do you know where Holtyre is" page for everyone else we will start posting updates on this site. Hope to see you in July!!

datetime: 20120319T045609

name: Bob Zeemel

location: Kenora Ont

Wow blast from the past..My wife Sandy and I were sitting on the breakwater in Kona Hawaii watching th Hula girls and sitting next to a couple Joan and John.. As the conversation goes we talked about the past and I mentioned that my dad was a prospector and John mentioned mining I told him that my Dad had discovered the Uranium at Lake Athabasca..He looked right at me and said your not a Zeemel are you.I could not deny the fact.But what a small world we live in.From that point on we both became alive over old memories old friends and names we both remembered.My family Albert and Lola the five kids John,Myself,Carol,Ed,Maree..We left Holtyre in 52 and moved to Winnipeg.Albert passed away in 79 John passed away 9 years ago and Carol 6 years ago...Mum is still very active and very much still in Control...John Harper filled me in on the reunion .

Hopefully we will see many of you in July.Please get in touch

datetime: 20120320T145202

name: sandra/rene hebert

location: napanee on

Hi to everyone from Holtyre... Bobby Zeemel, so good to get an update from you, hi to your mom from us...Imagine you and John meeting in hawaii, it's a small world indeed... Rene and I had a great visit with Charlie Elliott and his wife Liz this winter... We met them while up in Laughlin, Nevada, but we planned this one... So good to recall old memories... We're looking forward to July and getting to see so many 'Holtyre Kids' again...

Hey Andre Mathieu, when Rene read your message about the tee shirts, he started to laugh and said, you'd have to be Plugs' size to fit all that info on the shirt, ha.. Luc glad to see that the Holtyre Committee is planning to do shirts...

Take care everyone, Rene/Sandra...

datetime: 20120320T164124

name: John Harper

location: Stony Plain

Good day to Bob and Sandy, it was a pleasure to meet you in Hawaii.

My daughter says, you know dad, it does not matter were you go in this world, you know somebody. I sure hope you can make it to the reunion. I still cannot get over how we met in Hawaii.

datetime: 20120321T063009

name: Lyse Messier Laurin

location: Verner

to Bobby Zeemel - I recall my grandparents (Delphis and Marie-Anne Rondeau) often mentioning your family. Never thought that I would hear about your family again, because I would have kept pictures of you kids that my grandmother had in her photo albums. I plan on bringing my dad, Jean Messier, to the Holtyre reunion.

datetime: 20120321T064052

name: Lyse Messier

location: Verner

to Bruno SÈrafin - Claudette Rondeau sent me pictures of your grandmother Bouchard and her siblings (teenagers and younger). If you or your sisters would like copies, let me know.

datetime: 20120321T140452

name: Bobby zee

location: Kenora

So great to see the contacts on this location and rest assured that I have never forgotten the best years of my early life and bringing back so many terrific memories I remember your Grandparents and I plan on being at the reunion and if I have to tie my mum to the roof of the car I will bring her too...

datetime: 20120322T205214

name: Zita Petozzi (Serafin)

location: Stoney Creek

My, I haven't been on this sight for quite a while. I can't believe the number of people from my time in Holtyre (1934 to 1952). Hearing from the Rose's, Gagnon, Mathieu, Lalancette and I could go on and on. To Jean-Paul Gagnon, I brother Bruno also lives in Stoney Creek. I believe one of the Ross girls wanted to know about my sister Rita. She is married to Martin Kieley and they live in Ottawa (Vanier). To Jean-Paul Gagnon, I would like to know about your sister Aline as we were very good friends. The last time I saw her a number of years ago was in Hamilton. Hope to hear more from more people from my time in Holtyre. I also remember the O'Connors, Alice and Bob who used to ride the famous bus to KLCVI during it's inception in the 1950's. I remember once the bus broke down and three of us Davilla Rondeau, Marie Rose and I hitch-hiked to school to avoid freezing to death. There was safety in numbers and we were picked up by a travelling salesman. I will no longer wait as long to go back on this sight as I find it very interesting to go down memory lane.

datetime: 20120328T161332

name: P Lamothe

othe@rogers.com

location: Sault Ste Marie

CARLA CARUBBA : Stumbled across this site quite by accident - although not from Holtyre, my best friend growing up, Vivianne Messier, was!

datetime: 20120330T071608

name: Lyse Laurin

location: Verner

to Zita Petozzi - My uncle, Davila Rondeau, passed away in July of 2010 - lung cancer. He lived in Hamilton.

datetime: 20120331T001236

name: Michel Chowaniec

location:

Hi everyone, lived in Holtyre for about nine years and visit the place every few years as mom lives in Iroqois fall. Yes the place sure has changed, but was the best time of my life. Told my kids a lot of stories about fishing and hunting and even brought them to the little pike falls (was a good walk) LOL. Anyway Phyllis tells me try Holtyre on google and lord and behold you are almost all here. Every few years i look at the 1966 klcvi year book to reminisce about the past and always wounder where you all ended up and what great acheivement you have done.

Myself i just retired from 40 years as a geologist, have been blessed with a wounderfull wife (Phyllis), three great childrens and seven beautifull grand childs (i will be busy).

Want to say hello to John, Diane, Paulette, Claudette, Real, Bruno, Murielle and almost forgot Butch and Lisette.

Hope to see you all at the reunion

datetime: 20120331T011444

name: Michel Chowaniec

location:

Hi again, wanted to leave a list of names that i haven't seen above, but have lived in Holtyre maybe somebody has some info. The Fullton (barber), Norman mailloux, Nobert cameran, Roger lapierre (corner store), Belleck (teacher), The hawkens, Garry and Sherlley Vant (bowling), Diane Cameran, Yvon and Carmen Lacroix, Bob and Donna Burdick, Marilynn and Donald Dow.. Unbelivable how time has flown by.

datetime: 20120331T022754

name: Andre Mathieu

location: Sault Ste Marie On

To Michel Chowaniec My aunt is Diane Camirand(Guillemette) If this is who you are talking about, she is now married to Guetan, and they live in Timmins, ON. They have two kids. My mom is Pierrette Camirand(Mathieu) She married Plug Mathieu(deceased in 2008) and we live in Sault Ste Marie, ON

datetime: 20120331T135348

name: John harper

location: stony plain ab

Michel, good to see you posting.

Another good place for Holtyre is on facebook, just put in Holtyre.

See you at the reunion.

datetime: 20120331T170930

name: Zita Petozzi (Serafin)

location: Stoney Creek

To Lyse Laurin - I am sorry to hear about your uncle Davila. The last time I saw him was when I visited him while your grandmother Maria-Anne lived with him.

datetime: 20120403T162301

name: Judy Ann Savoia (nee Hughes)

ert@cogeco.ca

location: Thorold, ON

I LOVE the stories and memories... most of the names I know but some of them were just characters in stories I was raised on!

Nevertheless, I am incredibly excited to attend the Reunion on June 30/July 1. I think we need to get really BIG name tags to fill out and wear!

Make your plans - apparently, there are still hotel rooms available in Kirkland Lake - and we know that drive pretty well! If needed, the Committee will look into the possibility of providing a shuttle to and from so no one will be stuck without a designated driver.

The Hall Committee is doing so much to ensure that everyone has a great time - they certainly should be well thanked!

See you soon!

datetime: 20120409T173327

name: Jim Nawroski

location: Timmins ON

Hello

My name is Jim Nawroski,I grew up in Wavell On.My mother's sister

is Irene Gadory ,we would go and visit on Sunday's or they would visit us. Our families would camp and fish together most summer's ,good time's

datetime: 20120409T175953

name: John Harper

location: stony plain

Well Jim hope you can make it up

to the reunion on the july long weekend

datetime: 20120421T161932

name: John Harper

location: stony plain

Good day Bruno, I believe the reasons are, poor upbringing,to much time on there hands, and they are just totally void of any selfworth...But I still would like to invite them to the Holtyre reunion, introduce yourselves to us, it would be our pleasure to show you the errors of your ways and to put some meaning to your lives, then they might become of some use to their fellow citizens of this world..

datetime: 20120424T165901

name: Brent Irvine

location:

To Michel Chowaniec:

Mr Fulton (the one with a Scottish accent?) and his wife live in Matheson across the road and down the street from the United Church.

datetime: 20120429T001020

name: Rita (Serafin) Kiely

location: Ottawa, Ont

It is very nice to hear about the history of people in Holtyre. I wish Jean Paul Gagnon will get in touch as we are listed in the telephone book and also on facebook. That reunion in Jun and Jul sound very interesting. It is going to bring this little town back on the map again. Long live Holtyre. Who thought of this idea was very brilliant.

datetime: 20120429T230251

name: glenda wixson wilson

location: matheson

hey there fellow Holtyre Residents. Looking forward to the reunion.

datetime: 20120506T012910

name: Rita (Serafin) Kiely

location: Ottawa, Ont

Four of the Serafin family would loved to attend the reunion at the end of June. We are wondering if we have to register anywhere as Holtyre is quite a small town: are they ready to accommodated such a huge crowd. We would appreciate to get more info on this site.

datetime: 20120509T022626

name: Luc Rondeau

patico.ca

location: Holtyre

Here is the latest on the Reunion. Hope to see you all there.

The Alice Laurin Community hall is inviting you to a Blast from The Past! Come out and reminisce with good friends and family. Look back on the history of Holtyre. Pictures, stories, and ideas are welcome.

CAMPER LOTS AVAILABLE! ($30.00 for the weekend OR $15.00 a day) First come, first serve. Payment needed in advance, only so many lots available. No electricity Call Alycia at 705-221-7410 or Luc at 705-236-4199 to reserve.

June 29th the fun begins, the hall will be open for socializing and to view displays that will be on hand. Snacks and beverages will be available from the canteen throughout the weekend.

Kick back in time, dancing and listening to the music of your generation. June 30th 2012 at 9:00pm ($5.00 admission) Cash bar available followed by a lunch served at midnight. Pictures are available for purchase of your old gang and individually throughout the evening.

July 1st we encourage everyone to join us for a brunch to start off Canada Day! At 9:00am ($7.00 per plate)

We would also ask you to bring a small photo of yourself from when you lived in Holtyre. (For name tags)

T- Shirts are available by special order. Please call for Size and to order. Orders must be paid by May 31st 2012 to ensure delivery for reunion ($15.00 each)

To make payments send checks or money order to;

Alice Laurin Community Hall

P0 Box 6

Holtyre Ontario

P0K 1C0

datetime: 20120509T023441

name: Luc Rondeau

patico.ca

location: Holtyre

Here is the latest on the Reunion. Hope to see you all there.

The Alice Laurin Community hall is inviting you to a Blast from The Past! Come out and reminisce with good friends and family. Look back on the history of Holtyre. Pictures, stories, and ideas are welcome.

CAMPER LOTS AVAILABLE! ($30.00 for the weekend OR $15.00 a day) First come, first serve. Payment needed in advance, only so many lots available. No electricity Call Alycia at 705-221-7410 or Luc at 705-236-4199 to reserve.

June 29th the fun begins, the hall will be open for socializing and to view displays that will be on hand. Snacks and beverages will be available from the canteen throughout the weekend.

Kick back in time, dancing and listening to the music of your generation. June 30th 2012 at 9:00pm ($5.00 admission) Cash bar available followed by a lunch served at midnight. Pictures are available for purchase of your old gang and individually throughout the evening.

July 1st we encourage everyone to join us for a brunch to start off Canada Day! At 9:00am ($7.00 per plate)

We would also ask you to bring a small photo of yourself from when you lived in Holtyre. (For name tags)

T- Shirts are available by special order. Please call for Size and to order. Orders must be paid by May 31st 2012 to ensure delivery for reunion ($15.00 each)

To make payments send checks or money order to;

Alice Laurin Community Hall

P0 Box 6

Holtyre Ontario

P0K 1C0

datetime: 20120509T230556

name: Luc Rondeau

patico.ca

location: Holtyre

I hate all the spam on here. Once again, Here is the latest on the Reunion. Hope to see you all there. The Alice Laurin Community hall is inviting you to a Blast from The Past! Come out and reminisce with good friends and family. Look back on the history of Holtyre. Pictures, stories, and ideas are welcome. CAMPER LOTS AVAILABLE! ($30.00 for the weekend OR $15.00 a day) First come, first serve. Payment needed in advance, only so many lots available. No electricity Call Alycia at 705-221-7410 or Luc at 705-236-4199 to reserve. June 29th the fun begins, the hall will be open for socializing and to view displays that will be on hand. Snacks and beverages will be available from the canteen throughout the weekend. Kick back in time, dancing and listening to the music of your generation. June 30th 2012 at 9:00pm ($5.00 admission) Cash bar available followed by a lunch served at midnight. Pictures are available for purchase of your old gang and individually throughout the evening. July 1st we encourage everyone to join us for a brunch to start off Canada Day! At 9:00am ($7.00 per plate) We would also ask you to bring a small photo of yourself from when you lived in Holtyre. (For name tags) T- Shirts are available by special order. Please call for Size and to order. Orders must be paid by May 31st 2012 to ensure delivery for reunion ($15.00 each) To make payments send checks or money order to; Alice Laurin Community Hall P0 Box 6 Holtyre Ontario P0K 1C0

datetime: 20120509T231447

name: Luc Rondeau

patico.ca

location: Holtyre

As for accommodations, unless you plan on camping there are no rooms for rent in Holtyre. People have been booking rooms in Kirkland Lake, Perry Lake, Timmins, not sure where else. Unfortunately even camping spots are limited so book soon.

datetime: 20120515T124945

name: Romeo Messier

sier@hotmail.com

location: Ottawa

I was born in Ramore but lived my yoth in Holtyre where I attended St Joseph school. Left there to go to college in joliette QC and then movd to North Bay and finally to Ottawa.

When is this reunion of Holtyre to take place? I don<t see any dates in the document.

datetime: 20120515T152926

name: John Harper

location: stony plain ab

Romeo, the reunion will be the long weekend in July. The town of Mathesons is on to there 100th

June 29th to july 2nd.. Hope you can make it...

datetime: 20120516T232059

name: Romeo

sier@hotmail.com

location: Ottawa

Thank you John Harper for the information on the dates.

Will think about making it at least one day of the weekend.

datetime: 20120518T005306

name: Luc Rondeau

patico.ca

location: Holtyre

Time is running out to order your shirts. Make sure you order by the end of this month to be garranteed your shirt will be in. once again here is the info. The Alice Laurin Community hall is inviting you to a Blast from The Past! Come out and reminisce with good friends and family. Look back on the history of Holtyre. Pictures, stories, and ideas are welcome. CAMPER LOTS AVAILABLE! ($30.00 for the weekend OR $15.00 a day) First come, first serve. Payment needed in advance, only so many lots available. No electricity Call Alycia at 705-221-7410 or Luc at 705-236-4199 to reserve. June 29th the fun begins, the hall will be open for socializing and to view displays that will be on hand. Snacks and beverages will be available from the canteen throughout the weekend. Kick back in time, dancing and listening to the music of your generation. June 30th 2012 at 9:00pm ($5.00 admission) Cash bar available followed by a lunch served at midnight. Pictures are available for purchase of your old gang and individually throughout the evening. July 1st we encourage everyone to join us for a brunch to start off Canada Day! At 9:00am ($7.00 per plate) We would also ask you to bring a small photo of yourself from when you lived in Holtyre. (For name tags) T- Shirts are available by special order. Please call for Size and to order. Orders must be paid by May 31st 2012 to ensure delivery for reunion ($15.00 each) To make payments send checks or money order to; Alice Laurin Community Hall P0 Box 6 Holtyre Ontario P0K 1C0

datetime: 20120521T065307

name: Luc Rondeau

patico.ca

location: Holtyre

Time is running out to order your shirts. Make sure you order by the end of this month to be garranteed your shirt will be in. once again here is the info. The Alice Laurin Community hall is inviting you to a Blast from The Past! Come out and reminisce with good friends and family. Look back on the history of Holtyre. Pictures, stories, and ideas are welcome. CAMPER LOTS AVAILABLE! ($30.00 for the weekend OR $15.00 a day) First come, first serve. Payment needed in advance, only so many lots available. No electricity Call Alycia at 705-221-7410 or Luc at 705-236-4199 to reserve. June 29th the fun begins, the hall will be open for socializing and to view displays that will be on hand. Snacks and beverages will be available from the canteen throughout the weekend. Kick back in time, dancing and listening to the music of your generation. June 30th 2012 at 9:00pm ($5.00 admission) Cash bar available followed by a lunch served at midnight. Pictures are available for purchase of your old gang and individually throughout the evening. July 1st we encourage everyone to join us for a brunch to start off Canada Day! At 9:00am ($7.00 per plate) We would also ask you to bring a small photo of yourself from when you lived in Holtyre. (For name tags) T- Shirts are available by special order. Please call for Size and to order. Orders must be paid by May 31st 2012 to ensure delivery for reunion ($15.00 each) To make payments send checks or money order to; Alice Laurin Community Hall P0 Box 6 Holtyre Ontario P0K 1C0

datetime: 20120521T131258

name: John Harper

location: Stony Plain

Luc, my check will be heading out in the mail tomorrow, ordered two of them. See you at the reunion and hope your dad is getting better and will be able to make the reunion. Give him my best.

datetime: 20120523T004055

name: Lyse Laurin

location: Verner

To Romeo Messier - I am hoping to take my dad, Jean Messier from Sudbury, to the reunion for at least the Sunday. Hope to see you there; would be nice to see the Serafin' s again.

datetime: 20120523T024128

name: Luc Rondeau

patico.ca

location: Holtyre

To John Harper, Thanks and dad is doing well still has a long road ahead of him, but overall doing well. Spoke with him tonight on the phone and he sounds good spirits are high but can't wait to get out of there. LOL Feel free to e-mail me if you want me to keep you updated lmfcj@ntl.sympatico.ca

datetime: 20120524T001101

name: Zita Petozzi (Serafin)

location: Stoney Creek, On

My brother Bruno is putting the cheque in the mail tonight for 5 teeshirts (the sizes are in the letter)

datetime: 20120524T154251

name: Paul Lacroix

patico.ca

location: Matheson,Ontario

I lived in Holtyre from 1956 to 1971.It's like everybody says, it is God's country, great memories and great people.

datetime: 20120525T021626

name: rosemary simpson

location: Comox BC

What a hoot - so good to see these comments and reminicse about the 60\'s. The pictures as well - I remember so many of the faces and what about people now. I lived in Ramore and went to school in Holtyre. Hello Judy-Ann, Frannie Williams, Babs Phillips and others!!

datetime: 20120525T021646

name: rosemary simpson

location: Comox BC

What a hoot - so good to see these comments and reminicse about the 60\\\'s. The pictures as well - I remember so many of the faces and what about people now. I lived in Ramore and went to school in Holtyre. Hello Judy-Ann, Frannie Williams, Babs Phillips and others!!

datetime: 20120525T021656

name: rosemary simpson

location: Comox BC

What a hoot - so good to see these comments and reminicse about the 60\\\\\\\'s. The pictures as well - I remember so many of the faces and what about people now. I lived in Ramore and went to school in Holtyre. Hello Judy-Ann, Frannie Williams, Babs Phillips and others!!

datetime: 20120525T141846

name: Zita Petozzi (Serafin)

location: Stoney Creek, On

This message is for Lyse Messier. I have a photo of all grandmere Bouchard's (Rondeau) family. It was a very large family, I believe about 12 siblings. I will try to find it and and will take it with me to Holtyre.

datetime: 20120525T144208

name: Zita Petozzi (Serafin)

location: Stoney Creek, On

This message for Daniel (Danny) Rose & Stewart Messier. Daniel your grandfather Tony and my father, John Serafin, were the only Italians in Holtyre. Your grandfather was a first generation Canadian and my father was born in Italy. I went to high school on the bus with Marie Rose.

Steward, your father Marcel drove the bus to K.L.C.V.I. I had to walk 2 miles from the farm to Holtyre to hop on the bus. I was usually the first to get on and would take the seat where the heater was situated and by this time I was already frozen. One morning I was getting in town just as the bus was leaving and the kids on the bus told Marcel (he was not much older than the students) to leave me there and he did so I missed school. Teenagers then, like today like to play tricks. Just a little story from the past in Holtyre.

datetime: 20120525T153701

name: Harry Harper

location: North Bay

Zita you were luck. I had to pay the driver not to pick me up. Hope to see you all at the end of June.

datetime: 20120526T224433

name: Rondeau Claudette

location: Charlemagne, Quebec

To P. Lalancette I visited your parents in Batiscan with mom & dad I would say in 1972 and Margo Ross I took you to school on your first day - I did see you when aunt Laurette Durocher died I just spent the afternoon reading all the comments and enjoyed this.

I also saw Monique Provencher - Our farm was next door to yours and then was bought by the Mathieu\'s and on the other side was the Serafin our cousins - Holtyre I believe left excellent memories to everyone who lived there.

datetime: 20120526T224445

name: Rondeau Claudette

location: Charlemagne, Quebec

To P. Lalancette I visited your parents in Batiscan with mom & dad I would say in 1972 and Margo Ross I took you to school on your first day - I did see you when aunt Laurette Durocher died I just spent the afternoon reading all the comments and enjoyed this.

I also saw Monique Provencher - Our farm was next door to yours and then was bought by the Mathieu\\\'s and on the other side was the Serafin our cousins - Holtyre I believe left excellent memories to everyone who lived there.

datetime: 20120526T224523

name: Rondeau Claudette

location: Charlemagne, Quebec

To P. Lalancette I visited your parents in Batiscan with mom & dad I would say in 1972 and Margo Ross I took you to school on your first day - I did see you when aunt Laurette Durocher died I just spent the afternoon reading all the comments and enjoyed this.

I also saw Monique Provencher - Our farm was next door to yours and then was bought by the Mathieu\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\'s and on the other side was the Serafin our cousins - Holtyre I believe left excellent memories to everyone who lived there.

datetime: 20120527T154243

name: Rondeau Claudette

location: Charlemagne, Quebec

My parents were Emile Rondeau et Lillian Veillette - I have a sister named Lina married to Phil Mathieu and a brother Denis my grandfather Joseph Veillette had his house beside William Provencher last house on that end of the road which was sold to Roger Drouin after his death My parents and the Lalancette visited each other after they had both left Holtyre they visited my parents in Hamiltonalso the Gadoury Omer and Rosario they were all from Holtyre and Ramore

datetime: 20120527T170357

name: Luc Rondeau

patico.ca

location: Holtyre

To Zita Petozzi (Serafin), Please e-mail any pictures you can find to lmfcj@ntl.sympatico.ca and I will add them to the slide show that I am putting together for that weekend.

datetime: 20120528T195303

name:

location:

does anyone remember Landons Corners? in ramore

datetime: 20120531T014359

name: Lyse Messier Laurin

location: Verner, ON

to Zita - Thank you. My dad would love to see you and your siblings. So would I. My husband and I should be there for the weekend. Not sure about my dad. Many of the Messier family would like to be there, but they,re having their annual family horseshoe tournament in Spanish, where four of them live.

datetime: 20120531T014628

name: Lyse Messier Laurin

location: Verner, ON

to Luc Rondeau - Hold on to our t-shirts until after the weekend; we're hoping to be there. Thank you to you and your crew for organizing this. Looking forward to it.

datetime: 20120602T132523

name: Luc Rondeau

patico.ca

location: Holtyre

Hey everybody, T-shirts are ordered but there are still camping spots available. $30 for the weekend or $15 a night. For those of you looking for accomadationsinstead of camping there is a new place just opened called Northwood Lodge and Resort 705-962-0343. It is the old Northwood camp in Sesekinika. For mor information on Camping spots please contact myself at 705-236-4199 or Alycia at 705-221-7410. The reunion is coming fast and I we can't wait to see everybody!! See you soon.

datetime: 20120602T191530

name: Zita Petozzi (Serafin)

location: Stoney Creek, On

I do believe that whoever is putting all this spam/junk on this sight must have been dropped on his/her head right after birth. A sane human being would not do something so stupid.

datetime: 20120605T154506

name: Wally Hart

location: East China, Michigan

Donít respond to these spam/junk postings on this site. They only encourage these poor pathetic excuses for human beings. They are just looking for attention. They have no friends. They are not capable of having friends. Even a spanking is attention to them. They see that as a good thing. The best way to combat them is to ignore them and after a while they will just go away.

datetime: 20120611T023725

name: Luc Rondeau

patico.ca

location: Holtyre

Hey everybody, In case some of you have heard about a bunch of people from Matheson, Ramore etc.. saying that they are coming to the Holtyre dance, I just want to let everybody know that the dance will not be open to the general public until we are sure that all reunion attendees that want to go to the dance have a ticket. We only have room for 101 people and we are making sure that anyone traveling here for this reunion have dibs.

datetime: 20120613T002945

name: Andre Mathieu

location: Sault Ste Marie

To Luc Rondeau can I still get a shirt as I will be coming to the reunion and is there tickets to be purchased to go to reunion

datetime: 20120615T071332

name: Anita Valliere-Lee

location: Kanata, Ontario

I would like to re-iterate what everyone has been saying: Holtyre is God's country, so many memories, etc. I want to thank my sister, Dianne Troost, for getting me on to this location -- it's really fabulous -- so many names from the past!

The late Jackie Lou Hughes-Geoffroy, and then her brother, Billy, delivered our Timmins Press for many years.

My stepson, Garth (he lives in Ramore) will be cooking the brunch on the Sunday.

I plan to be at the Holtyre Reunion!!!

datetime: 20120615T134954

name: Lyse Laurin

location: Verner

Thinking of booking at the Northwood Lodge & Resort in Sesekinika. Has anyone been there, or seen the accomodations? Thank you.

datetime: 20120616T162917

name: Colette Poirier

location: North Bay On

Lived in Holtyre in the 70\\\\\\\'s..Have five kids..Louis, Pauline, Pierrette,Julie and Lise. Worked at CFS Ramore before it closed.

datetime: 20120616T201903

name: Zita Petozzi (Serafin)

location: Stoney Creek

This message is for Luc. I am really happy that you are keeping the dance tickets for people who are travelling to Holtyre for this reunion. It would be terrible if we drove all that distance to miss out.

datetime: 20120620T024734

name: Lyse Laurin

location: Verner

Will there be fireworks on Saturday night? I can get a good deal if you need some. I have a nephew who is a distributor.

datetime: 20120621T155632

name: Glenda Wixson Wilson

location: Matheson

Luc. My sister and brother would like to go to the dance. Could 3 tickets be put aside for them. They will pay for them Sat. Thanks

datetime: 20120622T000821

name: Romeo Messier

sier@rogers.com

location: Ottawa

I would have liked to make it to the reunion but alas will not be therre. Hope everyone has a great time. thanks to the hard working crew for putting this together. Perhaps another time.

datetime: 20120622T000902

name: Romeo Messier

sier@rogers.com

location: Ottawa

I would have liked to make it to the reunion but alas will not be there. Hope everyone has a great time. thanks to the hard working crew for putting this together. Perhaps another time.

datetime: 20120622T021737

name: Lyse Laurin

location: Verner

to Michel Chowaniec - I believe it is your parents that were friends with my grandparents,Delphis Rondeau & Marie-Anne Rondeau. I remember them.

datetime: 20120622T174830

name: Judy Ann (Hughes) Hebert-Savoia

ert@cogeco.ca

location: Thorold

Only a week away!!! I'm quite excited just to be driving up! My brother, Bill, did give me a bit of a warning that the blackflies are starting to move the moose around so keep your eyes open!

On a sad note, we've learned that Mike Tracy passed away within the last couple of months. I know he would have loved to attend the reunion. I'm sure you all join in sending our condolences to his brother Pat and the rest of the Tracy family.

On another note, I'd love to give the wonderful guy who started the Highway 11 site a hand with administration if he likes. Just give me enough authority to clean up the posts - it would give me great satisfaction!

Hope to see a bunch of you in a week in Holtyre!

datetime: 20120623T020048

name: sandra/rene hebert

location: napanee on

Hi Judy Ann, thanks for the information on Mike Tracey, our sincere sympathy to Pat and all the Family... They were all such good friends of Rene\\\\\\\'s Mom and Dad... I have a couple of pictures of them ready to bring to holtyre next week...

We\\\\\\\'re looking forward to seeing everyone again... Drive safely...

Sandy and Rene...

datetime: 20120624T165555

name: Luc Rondeau

patico.ca

location: Holtyre

To Lyse Laurin, I tried contacting you but the phone # I have for you says is not in service please E-mail me at lmfcj@ntl.sympatico.ca and No there will not be fireworks here but there will be some in Matheson on Sunday night. We are not allowed to set off fireworks in town.

datetime: 20120624T165840

name: Luc Rondeau

patico.ca

location: Holtyre

We are working on something for "PEST" control at the hall for the weekend hope it works if not I will try to make sure we have mosquito repellent on hand for anyone who wants to wear it.See everybody on Saturday, Can't wait!!

datetime: 20120701T123619

name: Marilyn Totten

location: Porcupine Ont

What a rush!!! Being in Holtyre and seeing all the wonderful people I grew up with was so great! Words can not express how good it was to see everyone- I just wish I could have stayed longer but it was not meant to be.

I would love to hear from anyone and if you are ever in the North again, please get in touch with me. Phone 705-235-4743. Once again, I had a wonderful time!!

datetime: 20120702T052259

name: Luc Rondeau

patico.ca

location: Holtyre

The Hall commitee would like to thank everybody for coming out and making this event a tremendous success. I know I enjoyed the heck out of myself. Those of you that did not get a chance to leave you mailing address in the book at the door please e-mail it to me at lmfcj@ntl.sympatico.ca Thanks again and hope to see everybody at the next one!!!

datetime: 20120702T171925

name: sandra/rene hebert

location: napanee on

Thank you Luc and all of the committee.... Excellent job... Such a good turnout, so many happy people to see all the friends they grew up with and to meet the new ones that have our town now.... thank you for a super weekend and many memories that will last forever...

Sandra and Rene Hebert...

datetime: 20120702T172009

name: sandra/rene hebert

location: napanee on

Thank you Luc and all of the committee.... Excellent job... Such a good turnout, so many happy people to see all the friends they grew up with and to meet the new ones that have our town now.... thank you for a super weekend and many memories that will last forever...

Sandra and Rene Hebert...

datetime: 20120702T172034

name: sandra/rene hebert

location: napanee on

Thank you Luc and all of the committee.... Excellent job... Such a good turnout, so many happy people to see all the friends they grew up with and to meet the new ones that have our town now.... thank you for a super weekend and many memories that will last forever...

Sandra and Rene Hebert...

datetime: 20120702T172307

name: sandra/rene hebert

location: napanee on

Thank you Luc and all of the committee.... Excellent job... Such a good turnout, so many happy people to see all the friends they grew up with and to meet the new ones that have our town now.... thank you for a super weekend and many memories that will last forever...

Sandra and Rene Hebert...

datetime: 20120702T172336

name: sandra/rene hebert

location: napanee on

Thank you Luc and all of the committee.... Excellent job... Such a good turnout, so many happy people to see all the friends they grew up with and to meet the new ones that have our town now.... thank you for a super weekend and many memories that will last forever...

Sandra and Rene Hebert...

datetime: 20120702T172355

name: sandra/rene hebert

location: napanee on

Thank you Luc and all of the committee.... Excellent job... Such a good turnout, so many happy people to see all the friends they grew up with and to meet the new ones that have our town now.... thank you for a super weekend and many memories that will last forever...

Sandra and Rene Hebert...

datetime: 20120702T172412

name: sandra/rene hebert

location: napanee on

Thank you Luc and all of the committee.... Excellent job... Such a good turnout, so many happy people to see all the friends they grew up with and to meet the new ones that have our town now.... thank you for a super weekend and many memories that will last forever...

Sandra and Rene Hebert...

datetime: 20120702T172440

name: sandra/rene hebert

location: napanee on

Thank you Luc and all of the committee.... Excellent job... Such a good turnout, so many happy people to see all the friends they grew up with and to meet the new ones that have our town now.... thank you for a super weekend and many memories that will last forever...

Sandra and Rene Hebert...

datetime: 20120702T172523

name: sandra/rene hebert

location: napanee on

Thank you Luc and all of the committee.... Excellent job... Such a good turnout, so many happy people to see all the friends they grew up with and to meet the new ones that have our town now.... thank you for a super weekend and many memories that will last forever...

Sandra and Rene Hebert...

datetime: 20120702T172550

name: sandra/rene hebert

location: napanee on

Thank you Luc and all of the committee.... Excellent job... Such a good turnout, so many happy people to see all the friends they grew up with and to meet the new ones that have our town now.... thank you for a super weekend and many memories that will last forever...

Sandra and Rene Hebert...

datetime: 20120702T172609

name: sandra/rene hebert

location: napanee on

Thank you Luc and all of the committee.... Excellent job... Such a good turnout, so many happy people to see all the friends they grew up with and to meet the new ones that have our town now.... thank you for a super weekend and many memories that will last forever...

Sandra and Rene Hebert...

datetime: 20120702T172645

name: sandra/rene hebert

location: napanee on

Thank you Luc and all of the committee.... Excellent job... Such a good turnout, so many happy people to see all the friends they grew up with and to meet the new ones that have our town now.... thank you for a super weekend and many memories that will last forever...

Sandra and Rene Hebert...

datetime: 20120702T172715

name: sandra/rene hebert

location: napanee on

Thank you Luc and all of the committee.... Excellent job... Such a good turnout, so many happy people to see all the friends they grew up with and to meet the new ones that have our town now.... thank you for a super weekend and many memories that will last forever...

Sandra and Rene Hebert...

datetime: 20120702T172741

name: sandra/rene hebert

location: napanee on

Thank you Luc and all of the committee.... Excellent job... Such a good turnout, so many happy people to see all the friends they grew up with and to meet the new ones that have our town now.... thank you for a super weekend and many memories that will last forever...

Sandra and Rene Hebert...

datetime: 20120702T172821

name: sandra/rene hebert

location: napanee on

Thank you Luc and all of the committee.... Excellent job... Such a good turnout, so many happy people to see all the friends they grew up with and to meet the new ones that have our town now.... thank you for a super weekend and many memories that will last forever...

Sandra and Rene Hebert...

datetime: 20120702T172829

name: Luc Rondeau

patico.ca

location: Holtyre

The Hall commitee would like to thank everybody for coming out and making this event a tremendous success. I know I enjoyed the heck out of myself. Those of you that did not get a chance to leave you mailing address in the book at the door please e-mail it to me at lmfcj@ntl.sympatico.ca Thanks again and hope to see everybody at the next one!!!

datetime: 20120702T180755

name: sandra/rene hebert

location: napanee on

hi, no, i'm not still partying... we are at the cabin and have a booster for the computer... don't know what happened but it kept coming up that it was unable to send my message, so of coarse i did it again, and again... yikes... then all of a sudden there they all were.... sorry... sure hope he clears them all out... but, hey, now you all have something to laugh at me for... once again, thanks for a great weekend.. Sandy & Rene...

datetime: 20120703T152724

name: Anita Valliere-Lee

location: Kanata, Ontario

Many thanks to you guys on the Committee. You couldn't have done a better job (and you didn't live in Holtyre when the Ross Mine was going!)! It was so great to see all the "old" faces that I grew up with. So many happy memories!!! 'Till the next one.

datetime: 20120703T171808

name: Zita Petozzi

location: Stoney Creek, On

I must say that Luc and his helpers did a great job. We (my brother Bruno, sisters Ida and Rita) had a wonderful time reminiscing with old friends and classmates. It is too bad that no one ever thought of this a long time ago, but hopefully it will not be the last. We took a ride to the old farm, but of course the road is pretty well grown over which is very sad, but on the other hand mother nature is reclaiming her land. We need bush areas for the creatures of the wild. Many thanks to all the workers.

datetime: 20120703T174351

name: Lyse Laurin

location: Verner

I didn't grow up in Holtyre, but I spend many summers there with my grandparents, Delphis & Marie-Anne Rondeau; got to know Nicole Geoffroy, Carole and Suzanne Gadoury, Carlotta HÈbert...It was nice to see them again, and to also spend time with the SÈrafin family, our distant cousins who have always felt like immediate family. My dad, Jean Messier, was especially happy to have come with us to the reunion. He hadn't expected to do so much reminiscing. He is one happy camper. Thank you, thank you, thank you to Luc Rondeau and the ALCH staff and other volunteers.

datetime: 20120703T212257

name: Mary Caylor

location: New Hamburg

Thank you, thank you to the organizers and volunteers for a wonderful reunion week-end. It was so great to see so many old friends.

datetime: 20120704T003205

name: Marilyn Totten

location: PorcupineOnt

Luc Rondeau and all the volunteers- a huge thank you for a great reunion and Luc, you said-- see you at the next one--Did you mean next year? Ha! Ha!

datetime: 20120704T031455

name: Claudette Labrie-Paul

location: Gravenhurst, Ont.

Hello to everyone I remember well from the days I used to go and visit with my cousins Paulette, Raymond, Lucie and Richard ...the younger Guillemette's that lived outside of Holtyre on the farm . Have great memories of going to the teen dances and the bowling alley with Paulette and Ray. Hi to Bill Hughes..remember having a huge crush on you and your best pal back then Don Moffatt. Do you know where Tommy is now? I lived in Matheson by the way and moved south in the late 60's. Was hoping to get up to the 100th anniv. celebs but it wasn't in the cards this yr. for me. Enjoyed reading many of the postings on this site. Hello Claudette Rondeau, Diane Ross, and many more who I recognize family names from.

datetime: 20120704T185407

name: suzanne caty

y@sympatico.ca

location: http:www.sympatico.ca

Hello again from Oakville. Forgot to mention earlier that Luc Rondeau uploaded to the Facebook site "do you know where Holtyre is"? the Holtyre story that my mother wrote for a Women's Institute talk in 1962. My father made additions to it in 1965. If you are registered on Facebook you will be able to download the story.

datetime: 20120705T022127

name: John Harper

location: stony plain

To all the people who worked so hard in making this event turn out so wonderful, a heartful thank you. It was so nice to see so many people from years gone buy. To all the people who could not make it, that was unfortunate but there are pictures on face book, you were all missed and maybe in a few years it can be all done again...

datetime: 20120707T234819

name: Rita Kiely (serafin)

location: Ottawa, Ont

We would like to thank everyone one of you for the warm welcome committee. It was great to see my classmate after 52 years. Thank God we had a name tag as we have changed so much over the years. Everything went so well even mother nature. I was touched by the way the church as been so well preserved.

datetime: 20121025T005207

name: rita kiely (serafin)

location: Ottawa, Ont

Can anyone clean up all the junks on this location. We always will have someone with a small mind unfortunately. May the culprit used his brain in the future and add no more stupid comments. It will be greatly appreciated by the Holtyrians. Thanks

datetime: 20121026T210326

name: Philippe Lalancette

location: Batiscan

I showed the site to the technician who looks after my computer and he says that there is hardly anything to be done on account of the type of site this is. TOO BAD FOR US DECENT PEOPLES.

datetime: 20121028T014003

name: Harry Harper

location: North Bay Ont.

I have asked the person who owns this sight if he could clean it up. He told me that it was almost impossible to do like Philippe says. But he said he would give it a try, but so far nothing. Oh well there is always facebook and it is working well for the people who are on it. Keep well everyone.

datetime: 20121122T213200

name: vera

location:

I just wanted to stop and thank Dr Atingo for his help. You have saved my relationship twice and all that time I used your spell. I broke up twice last year with my ex first time we got back together lasted a short while because I had not followed your instruction completely second time I used your methods again and he came back. Thank you so much, now i know that there is nothing you can't do with your powers to help people to be happy. I was so confused how to act when he came back, but I had to follow your instruction. We are stronger than the first time or the second time and all because I took your well meaning spell. Thank you so much. I have a life these days, after letting go of all the drama in my life. Thank you so much for your help. contact him with email atingospiritualtemple@live.com if you need his help also.

datetime: 20121219T012555

name: John Harper

location: stony

Just want to wish all the people

who enjoy the Holtyre site

a very MERRY CHRISTMAS and a

HAPPY NEW YEAR..............

datetime: 20121222T202413

name: Harry Harper

location: North Bay Ont.

Wishing everyone from Holtyre a very Merry Christmas and all the best in the New Year. Stay happy and healthy.

datetime: 20121222T235413

name: Philippe Lalancette

location: Batiscan

To all those who read this site, THE MERRIEST POSSIBLE CHRISTMAS with yours, and a happy 2013.