Heritage
CENTRE
/MUSEUM
SRF
THE 1960s
The train pictured on the left was built in 1951, and arrived here in 1969. This engine originally hauled ore trains between Sept-Iles and Schefferville in Quebec.
1960
IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT OF KENDREY
The Improvement District of Kendrey was formally erected into a Township effective January 1 and as such, would now be governed by a reeve and four councillors.
PERMIT #285
Permit #285 to erect or establish a tourist establishment, is issued to Mr. T. Moore of
03 Aug 60 Smooth Rock Falls for a motel at Pt. Lot 22, Con 8, Hwy 11, Kendrey Twp. Construction of the Moose Motel.
1962
POLICE CHIEF
Accepted the resignation of Police Chief Clark Millaire.
New Police Chief at Smooth Rock Falls – Fred Martin, takes over June 1.
HIGHWAY #807
“New Highway [#807] will link Smooth Rock and Fraserdale” [Abitibi Canyon]. Official opening, 21 Jul 1966.
“FRANÇOIS BORDELEAU, FIRST REEVE OF NEW TOWNSHIP OF KENDREY”
Kendrey Twp. elevated to municipal status after having been an “Improvement District” for several years past. Council sworn in on January 8, 1961.
1964
ABITIBI KRAFT MILL
The Abitibi plant at SRF was converted from bleached sulphate to bleached kraft pulp at a cost exceeding $13 million. This was Abitibi's first kraft mill.
“SMOOTH ROCK MILL IS UNDERWAY”
Officiate at sod turning at Smooth Rock to mark the official start of construction of Abitibi’s new bleach kraft mill.
“OFFICIAL OPENING FOR NEW IGA”
1963
“THE BAY CELEBRATES ITS 293RD BIRTHDAY”
Smooth Rock Falls Branch of Hudson’s Bay went all out to celebrate the company’s 293rd birthday. Manager: Guy Marsolais.
1965
TOWNSHIP GARAGE
Construction of a new township garage on Gordon Avenue commenced in the fall. It was put into use in June 1966, and the official opening was held July 20, 1966.
“JAS. HUNDEVAD RETIRES AFTER 40 YEARS IN ABITIBI WOODS”
The second I.G.A. Food Store between Cochrane and Hearst opened at Smooth Rock Falls. Store owner, Gaston Gravel. Gravel’s Grocery has been in operation at the same location for the past 17 years [1964-17=1947], starting out as an old building with the present building being constructed several years ago.
This building burnt Sept. 8, 2015. The then-owners were Robert and Martine Blanchette.
1966
Joined Abitibi Sep 1926 in Iroquois Falls. 1930 transferred to Smooth Rock Falls in Abitibi woods operation. 1940 made assistant woods manager. 1960 moved to Pine Falls, Manitoba. Wife: Anne Marie Grant, daughters: Ingrid and Elizabeth.
“NEW DIAL SYSTEM IN USE SUNDAY”
Residents of Smooth Rock Falls will begin dialing 7 digits when making local calls. Customers will no longer be able to complete a call by dialing 3 digits. For the time being Smooth Rock Falls residents will still be required to have the operator place their long distance calls.
RAIL SERVICE DISCONTINUATION
LEGION 25TH ANNIVERSARY
On April 1, passenger service on the Mattagami Railroad from SRF to SRF Junction was discontinued. Also sales of tickets, telegrams, telegraph and express service terminated at the local office. This was no longer possible as these services were being provided by other more economical methods. Telegrams would then be phoned in direct to Cochrane. After this date only Abitibi freight would be transported on the Mattagami Railway.
​
It is estimated that in all its years of operation, the railway handled over six million tons of freight. A rough guess of the total number of passengers carried over the same period is 250,000. All this for a trip that took a little better than 12 minutes.
Smooth Rock Falls Royal Canadian Legion John Buchan Branch 305, celebrating 25th anniversary. [1965-25=1940].
“28 YEARS OLD AND STILL STANDING”
Community Club organization was formed in Dec. 1936. 256 members agreed to pay 50¢ a month through payroll deductions and [Abitibi] company agreed to renovate the old cookery into a Community Club Building. Renovations: two bowling alleys installed [in basement], also a pool room, badminton room, canteen lounge on main floor, living quarters upstairs. Official opening 1937.
At a meeting Nov. 1963, it was decided to purchase 2 additional alleys and relocate the 2 existing alleys in the Badminton and Pool Room [upstairs]. Work was completed last Sept. 7. Club membership: 225. This building now known as the Golden Age Club.
TOWNSHIP GARAGE OPENING
Official opening of the new [Kendrey] Township garage. Later became the fire hall.
A PLAQUE FOR THE HIGHWAY
Plaque for Highway 807 [renamed highway 634] on display by Moose Motel.
"SEPARATE SCHOOL UNDERWAY"
[École Georges Vanier]
NT 11 Jan 1967 – “New School Takes Shape” aim for September opening.
"SAGA ENDS ON THE MATTAGAMI"
From Ontario Hydro News Sep 1966, information on construction of Hydro dams N of Smooth Rock Falls.
REVEREND JOHN WESLEY TOBEY
United Church Reverend John Wesley Tobey is serving the two parishes of Smooth Roc Falls and Abitibi Canyon.
1967
AMALGAMATION PROPOSAL
Kendrey officials approached the town to study amalgamation. They were immediately turned down. For the next several years SRF town officials continued to oppose amalgamation, but Kendrey officials persisted.
WINTER CARNIVAL
The first winter carnival was held in February. Carol Loubert was crowned queen and the ladies-in-waiting were Sharon Patterson and Dianne Gervais. The Bonhomme Carnaval was René Marchand. Fred McLennan, the town's first Sports Director, was in charge of the carnival assisted by André Bordeleau.
DAISY VAILLANCOURT
Welcome to 2nd female member of Abitibi Quarter Century Club: Daisy Vaillancourt. A father and son Quarter Century Team are J.M. Sauve and his son Arsidas Sauve.
1968
“DOCTOR’S USED CAR HELP LIONS FUNDS”
Dr. G. Mizbah donated his car. Proceeds to go towards purchase of new equipment for hospital.
1969
WALKATHON TO SRF
SMOOTH ROCK FALLS CREDIT UNION
After 13 years of business at the home of Vic Dubeau, 6th Street, the office was moved to the Stella Dubus building last May [1966?]..
Note: This building now houses the business “Sunrise Orchard.
LAUNDROMAT
Opening of new laundromat, owner: Laurent Henry [location not indicated].
“HONOURED ON RETIREMENT”
Miss Gertrude Quinlan, 35 years as a member of teaching staff at Smooth Rock Falls.
“A BIG DAY FOR LEGIONNAIRES”
Official opening of newly completed wing of their hall.
In October, a group of 98 students and 20-25 adults left Kapuskasing on a walkathon to SRF, to raise money for artificial ice in their arena and curling rink. About 42 persons completed the walk.
“LIBRARY FACILITIES FOR AREA RESIDENTS”
Librarian Fern Poulin, board chairman Alex Roberts, vice-pres. Francoise Landry, treasurer Betty McLean, secretary Betty Shields, Kendrey representative Rene Turgeon or member Mrs. M. Crothers.
“BOOKMOBILE TO VISIT HERE JAN. 14.”
Librarian Fern Poulin, board chairman Alex Roberts, vice-pres. Francoise Landry, treasurer Betty McLean, secretary Betty Shields, Kendrey representative Rene Turgeon or member Mrs. M. Crothers.
“NEW MOUNTIE” TRAINING COMPLETED
A former resident for Smooth Rock Falls, Pierre W. Gagne, is now a 3rd class constable in the R.C.M.P.
“DECIDE TO MAINTAIN SMOOTH ROCK SCHOOL”
Continuation school will remain operational as long as possible. New Principal, Gilles Cinq-Mars, is a former SRF student.
“FRIENDS SAY GOODBYE”
People say goodbye to retiring teacher, Norman Hill.
SILVER LINKS GOLF COURSE
Construction begins at “Silver Links” new golf course. Layout under construction. The land purchased for the course is located about one half mile N of Smooth Rock Falls and is large enough for 9 holes.
“MAGASIN – BORDELEAU STORE”
Mr. and Mrs. Francois Bordeleau offer best wishes to the new owner of the store, Mr. Tony Lessard. Mr. Bordeleau will continue to operate his general insurance business at his new office located directly opposite the store on Main Street.
“FOR SALE OR RENT”
Parise Restaurant, Main Street, Unionville Smooth Rock Falls.
“FALLS MEDICAL CLINIC”
Smooth Rock Falls announces Dr. J. Trevor Schofield, M.D. has opened an office for the practice of medicine.
"ARTIFICIAL ICE FUND"
“Artificial Ice Fund Stands at $19,000”. Total needed to be raised: $45.000.
"RELIABLE WINTER TRANSPORTATION"
Mrs. Horace Bedard relies on this traditional method of transportation during winter months. Lives on a farm 3 miles from Smooth Rock Falls.
“PRIEST GIVES UP TEACHING COURSE”
Priest gives up teaching course at Smooth Rock Falls Secondary School. A few students are interested in religious instruction, most attending as were forced to.