Stories of Northern Life

Sir James Dunn. We all know him for his work at the Algoma Steel Plant, reviving our steel production and growing our northern economy.

But do we know the real Dunn? The man of travel, art, and wine? Listen to learn more about the life of a local legend.

The city of Sault Ste Marie has a long history of hockey, skating, curling and most importantly a love for sports. The need for areas in this area has been around for decades and I don't think that need will die off any time soon...

We are going to talk about some of the arenas in Sault Ste Maire's history: The Gouin Street Arena, the Sault Memorial Gardens and all the name changes of the newest Sault arena. 

We are taking a short break from uploading new episodes of the podcast in a few weeks. Ending this season at 100 episodes!!!

Don’t worry we will be back with loads of interviews and stories to share soon!!!

The holidays will be a great time to catch up and listen to the 100 existing episodes, that maybe you missed…

You will still hear from us every Tuesday, as we are reposting some of our favourite episodes, like this one!

Season 2 is coming so stay tuned 👀

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The city of Sault Ste Marie had 15 theatres between 1901 and 1923. There was a theater every few steps along our downtown core at one point in time and we are going to talk about a few of these city gems.

The first theatre in town was the Grand Opera House, constructed in 1903 by Albert Search at the corner of Bay and Brock Streets. It ceased operating in 1923, and the building itself was demolished in 1972. 

This episode will talk about the history of Orpheum Theater, Princess Theatre, and Algoma Theatre! Listen now to learn a little about some of the theaters that entertained the Sault for decades. 

We are taking a short break from uploading new episodes of the podcast in a few weeks. Ending this season at 100 episodes!!!

Don’t worry we will be back with loads of interviews and stories to share soon!!!

The holidays will be a great time to catch up and listen to the 100 existing episodes, that maybe you missed…

You will still hear from us every Tuesday, as we are reposting some of our favourite episodes, like this one!

Season 2 is coming so stay tuned 👀

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This week's spotlight is on a special woman who felt like a part of the family throughout the 40 years of her career in radio and television broadcasting in Sault Ste. Marie.

She became something of a local celebrity who entertained and inspired everyone, especially women, in the Twin Saults.

We are taking a short break from uploading new episodes of the podcast in a few weeks. Ending this season at 100 episodes!!!

Don’t worry we will be back with loads of interviews and stories to share soon!!!

The holidays will be a great time to catch up and listen to the 100 existing episodes, that maybe you missed…

You will still hear from us every Tuesday, as we are reposting some of our favourite episodes, like this one!

Season 2 is coming so stay tuned 👀

We are taking a short break from uploading new episodes of the podcast in a few weeks. Ending this season at 100 episodes!!!

Don’t worry we will be back with loads of interviews and stories to share soon!!!

The holidays will be a great time to catch up and listen to the 100 existing episodes, that maybe you missed…

You will still hear from us every Tuesday, as we are reposting some of our favourite episodes, like this one!

Season 2 is coming so stay tuned 👀

We are taking a short break from uploading new episodes of the podcast in a few weeks. Ending this season at 100 episodes!!!

Don’t worry we will be back with loads of interviews and stories to share soon!!!

The holidays will be a great time to catch up and listen to the 100 existing episodes, that maybe you missed…

You will still hear from us every Tuesday, as we are reposting some of our favourite episodes, like this one!

Season 2 is coming so stay tuned 👀

We are taking a short break from uploading new episodes of the podcast in a few weeks. Ending this Season at 100 episodes!!!

You will still hear from us every Tuesday, like normal, as we are reposting some of our favourite episodes, like this one!

The holidays will be a great time to catch up and listen to the 100 existing episodes, that maybe you missed…

Don’t worry we will be back with loads of interviews and stories to share soon!!!

Season 2 is coming so stay tuned 👀

You know that old song they play in all the movies when the Clock strikes 12 on Dec 30th, marking the start of the new year?  

Well, It's titled Auld Lang Syne, and was first written as a poem in 1788 by a Scottish man named Robert Burns. 

He is widely regarded as the national poet of Scotland and is celebrated worldwide.

Cathrine Macleod (Owner of the Macleod Highland Dance Studio) shares her insight into the annual celebration and its prominence in Sault Ste Marie and our Scottish community.

Join Rosalia Chilelli, Grace Briglio, and La-Na Fragomeni, 3 incredible women who worked tirelessly every year to kick off the Holiday Season with lights, love and magic.

Listen as they reflect on all their work with the Sault's Lung Association.

Arthur Funeral Home & Cremation Centre was the first of its kind in Sault Ste. Marie. It opened in 1938 and Arthur Funeral Home - Barton & Kiteley Chapel has been providing funerals, memorials, and celebration of life ceremonies to the community of Sault Ste. Marie, and its surrounding areas ever since.

Listen to Mr. Kiteley - one of the first funeral directors in this area discuss the history of funeral Homes and his personal story.

He sits with Zachary Good and Deborah Linklater

Zachary began his career in funeral services in 2009, obtaining his funeral director’s license in 2012. He grew up on a farm near Desbarats and has served the Sault Ste. Marie Lions Club in many different capacities, including as president.

Debbie Jo has been a licensed funeral director with Arthur Funeral Home Barton & Kiteley Chapel for over 30 years. A lifelong resident of Sault Ste. Marie

Hear from Nicole Curry as she tells the stories of the local funeral business from the early 1900s to the 2000s.

Learn some interesting facts and factual tidbits of the industry, that you can wow you can friends with ;)

Get a glimpse of a period of time when something was new.

Learn about the first means of transportation to the Sault, the first ways to get outside knowledge or even the firsts in individual lives.

Meet Makayla Legge, a female entrepreneur starting her side hustle Made By Mak out of a need for extra funds for fertility treatments. Her crafting turned into a passion and a self-care routine.

As a positive product of the pandemic, the Algoma Makers Market was formed, back in 2021. From 8 vendors in the Paint and Decor Concepts parking lot to over 80 vendors at the Machine shop with skating, drinks, and more.

The Makers Markets has given side hustlers, and local creators so much exposure in the community. In turn, it propelled them to sustain doing what they love and reach their goals.

This episode is a reading of an article about the Sault Frontier. You hear the perspective of Donald Cameron. He arrived in the Sault in 1857, the early days of the town, when there were no streets just paths under the trees.

Article dated 1922 published in the Sault Daily Star

We are coming to you today from my Nonni’s kitchen table and I'm here with none other than John Morassut my Nonno. 

We talk about his life as an immigrant to Sault Ste. Marie from Italy as a 13-year-old, early education, how he met his wife, the Knights of Columbus in Sault Ste Marie, and his photography career and volunteer experience.

We are going to take you on a guided tour of what? A cemetery but not just any cemetery. The only remaining cemetery associated with the village of Sault Ste. Marie (1871), the town of Sault Ste. Marie (1887), and the city of Sault Ste. Marie (1912). 

Get to know some of the recognizable figures that rest there...

Now I know it may sound strange and scary but I encourage you to take out a mobile device, download this episode and go for a walk in the Old Town Cemetery.  

The cemetery can be found at 1186 Queen St. E, within walking distance of St Luke’s on Brock Street, across from the bug lab.  

This is the first episode of a little series guiding you on an in-depth tour of subjects displayed in our Skylight Gallery

First up is Landforms. Going way back in time to understand how this place we call home was formed and looks the way it does today 

As well as talk about the many rock formations that are native to this area! 

If you’re a rock hound, tree hugger, or collector of crystals and rocks or even just looking for a grade 3 science recap this is an episode for you! 

Come by the Sault Museum to discover the physical and visual artifacts we have on display 

Open 10 am - 4 pm, Tuesday - Saturday

This story starts with John Dawson, the head of a family with a long and significant record in commerce, public service and politics in Sault Ste. Marie.

He built the Dawson Block (the historic building next to the Sault Museum) in 1894 to house the family grocery business on the main level.  

His legacy was not just laid in stone but carried through his family...

Listen along as we read an article dated December 24th, 1955.

Learn about the first "House" as hotels were called back then andvabout how hotels progressed in Sault Ste. Marie.

The Sault Museum just recently gained possession of a small trunk of books. And yes we do get a lot of boxes and books in our possession at the museum, but this one is pretty special.  

Learn about these books, their story and the original owner Joseph Wilson.

The Bandetts are an all-girls Drum and Bugle Corps Group founded 60 years ago by Mary Wilson.

One of the most recognizable aspects of the Bandettes is their traditional uniform, which features a highland bonnet, mid-waist jacket, and plaid kilt.

Listen to hear more about their accomplishments and 60th anniversary plans 

Join Mairi as she chats with Tova Arbus, the Head of Marketing and Communications, and some of the Fringe Community during Fringe Fest 2023.

Understand what Fringe is all about and how you can get involved with Fringe North.

https://www.saultfringe.com/

Learn about two of the earliest people of note who settled in Sault Ste. Marie

They played a large role in the postal service in this area. That is why they are a favourite topic here at the Sault Museum, the Old Post Office building (though our building was built after their time in charge).

Next time you are driving along Pim Street you'll think about these two and their story!

Eric Wild was born in Sault Ste Maire Ontario on February 11th, 1910. He had a successful career as a conductor from the late 1920s till the 1970s.

We worked on some big incredible projects and traveled around the world with his music throughout the years.

Listen to what we found on his story....

In this interview, Kalle Mattson, a Juno and Polaris Music Prize nominated singer/ songwriter dives into his musical journey.

Starting as a young boy born and raised in Sault Ste. Marie to the successful artist he is today, releasing his latest project summersets with fellow Saut native Andrew Sowka and teaching his craft at Carlton University.

It's an inside scoop on the music industry and how a young Northern Ontario artist caught many successes to be where he is today.

You are going to want to listen to this....
______________________________________________ Find Kalle and Listen to his music here: https://www.kallemattson.com/ Listen to more episodes of the Stories of Northern Life Podcast here: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/saultmuseum

Today Ric Datson our assistant curator at the museum is joining me on this episode.  

This rockstar has been crushing the drums for the community of Sault Ste Marie and beyond for 43 years!  

Ever wondered what that tall tower on the Sault Michigan horizon is?

Well, Paul is going to tell you everything you need to know....

We met Paul Sabourin a Canadian who fell in love with an American, so now resides in Soo Michigan. He shares with us the History of Valley Camp and the museum they created aboard the ship!

We start just after the 1837 rebellion of Upper Canada, where John Prince ordered 5 Fenian prisoners executed by firing squad without any legal trial.  

Because of his actions and the threats of another rebellion Sir, John A Macdonald sent him off to Sault Ste. Maire to become the first Judge of the Algoma District.

Listen to this episode to learn more about his life in Algoma!

John Prince sure is a fascinating character in Sault Ste Marie History, but this episode talks about his early life and what lead him to relocate here!

Listen to learn more about a Sault Ste Marie historic figure, John Prince

Sault Ste. Marie's City Hall recently had a name change: as of 2020 it is now known as the Ronald A. Irwin Civic Centre. Obviously, if someone has earned having their name on the building they must have done some impressive things, but who exactly was Ronald A. Irwin beyond simply being a former mayor? Let's find out.

Listen to Nicole Curry the Collections Assitant at the Sault Museum & Coordinator at the Centre de Francophone as she shares the history of the French holiday St. Jean Baptiste Day, & our French Oral History Project, which collects French stories in Sault Ste Marie.

We sit down with the author and Illustrator of a locally produced children's book, called Baiely the Bushplane. Richard Jones and Amy Williams are talented creatives that collaborated to publish a book they are proud to read to their children.

The book, Bailey the Bushplane, is $12 and can be purchased at the Clock Tower Gift Shop here at the Sault Museum (690 Queen St. E). We are open 10 am - 12 pm Tuesday - Saturday! Come say hi!

The Batchewana Moose Hunt of 1906 is, well, more or less what it sounds: a group of friends from around Canada and North America travelling to Sault Ste. Marie in order to hunt Moose and other game.

See pictures and original writing here: http://www.saultmuseum.ca/museum-musings/the-batchewana-moose-hunt-of-1906

No, it's not just a day designated by someone who likes to eat donuts, it has a historical story, which I will share with you today!!! 

Stick around and learn about the Salvation Army Lassies, and how they made donuts on the front lines for the soldiers during WWI.

Come to the Sault Museum on June 2nd at 9:30 am till supplies last for a coffee and a donut for just $3. Proceeds will go to preserving military history in Sault Ste Marie.

It's true, the very first Italian club in all of Canada started in Sault Ste. Maire in 1914! Learn more about the club's origin and its long history here in the Sault

I assume most of us have been to the Canal District here in the Sault?  

Right in front of the Algoma Conservatory or the Loft, there is a bit of sunken ground. Where you will find a hidden piece of history. It is still fairly inconspicuous to this day until you walk over and look down at it. But it was actually covered up for years until Clergue did some research, and some investigation.  

This is a reading directly from an article, that was published in the Soo Star on July 7th, 1922. It directly quotes Mr. Clergues letters.

Catherine Macleod is the Owner and Director of the Macleod Highland Dance Studio, and she just so happens to be Mairi’s mom.  

They dive deep into the origins of the Macleod Highland Dance studio which was established here in Canada in 1953 by Hellen Macleod and how it's evolved over the years.

In honour of Mother's Day, we encourage you to sit down with your motherly figures and ask them about their story and the women before them.