From the Timmins Museum: National Exhibition Centre:
In the last few weeks, those travelling west out of Timmins have faced some small wait times especially at peak hours, due to construction. But imagine having to spend up to an hour and a half crossing the Mattagami River!
Prior to 1919, no bridge existed to cross the river. The far bank was mostly populated by farmers and sawmills, and getting goods into town proved a monumental feat in the summer months. Farmers, with wagons of fresh vegetables, would have to load their wagons onto a scow, pull the scow across the river on a cable, and then make the landing.
As there was no wharf or even a convenient place to land, getting the wagon off the scow took some maneuvering. Pulpwood producers were facing the same problems. Many settlers were receiving good deals on their product, but had to wait until the river froze in the winter to receive it.
In 1917, Mr. George Preston organized that a petition be signed and sent to the Ontario Government asking for assistance. While the government was receptive and immediately sent engineers to take measurements, much of their budget had been diverted to the war effort. Finally, in 1919, a steel bridge with timber support piers was constructed on the Mattagami River, and soon the crossing was a bustle of activity.
Each week, the Timmins Museum: National Exhibition Centre provides TimminsToday readers with a glimpse of the city’s past.
Find out more of what the Timmins Museum has to offer at www.timminsmuseum.ca and look for more Remember This? columns here.
