News From the Giant

Watch this short video of how the Reel Memories of the Lakehead team restores and digitizes the 16mm film donated to the Thunder Bay Museum by Dougall Media. The footage ranges from 1954 to 1978.

Flashback to 1954

Interview with NHL Players

In this short interview, Jack Adams interviews Fort William-born NHL players Pete Goegan, Alex Delvecchio, and Bud Poile at the Olympia Stadium in Detroit, MI in 1960.

News from the Giant – Episode Two

Flashback to 1957! In this episode, you will see the Lakehead airport consumed by flames, teens showing off their safe driving skills at the “National Teenage Safe Driving Road-e-o,” the Fort William Redskins football team take on the St. Vital Bulldogs from Manitoba and win the W.S. Tomlinson Trophy, and see professional wrestlers battle it out at the Fort William Gardens!

Interview with Chief Harold Lockwood

In this short interview, former Fort William Fire Chief Harold Lockwood discusses the large steam engine fire pumper that was purchased by the city in 1912 and in service until 1936.

News from the Giant – Episode Three

Flashback to 1958! In this episode you will see the launch of the Alexander Henry ice breaker, mineral explorations in the Lakehead region, Fort William Ice House fire, car racing at the C.L.E. grounds, Tom Tod Rink returning to Fort William as the National Schoolboy Dominion Curling Champions, and professional midget wrestling at the Fort William Gardens.

News from the Giant – Episode Four

Flashback to 1959! In this episode, you can watch as Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip visit the Lakehead, the collapse of a United Grain Growers grain elevator, the opening of the Silver Falls Hydro Plant, the Rossport Fish Derby, and horse racing at the Murillo Fairgrounds!

Red Rock Bank Robbery

Two 18-year old Red Rock men were charged with armed robbery after stealing from the Canadian Bank of Commerce in Red Rock, Ontario.
After a long and exhausting 10 day chase. They were arrested five miles east of Nipigon on Highway 17.

On the Streets with CKPR

In this hard-hitting news story, women are interviewed about the drop in butter prices at the Lakehead and how it will affect their daily lives. Footage from 1962.

News from the Giant – Episode Five

Flashback to 1960! In this episode, you can watch as the Twin Cities celebrate C.D. Howe night, the installation of the Videon tower, the military exercise “Operation Fallout,” the grand opening of the Lake Superior Circle Route, the return of the James Whalen tugboat, the welcoming of North Central Airlines to the Lakehead, and some “fun and games” that took place throughout 1960.

News from the Giant – Episode Six

Flashback to 1961, part one! In this episode, you can see notable visitors at the Lakehead, such as Prime Minister Diefenbaker, NDP Leader T.C. Douglas, Finnish President Urho Kekkonen, and famed Polish General Anders. Also watch as Smokey the Bear visits the Lakehead to promote forest fire prevention, new opening of the Lakehead’s new synagogue, the grand opening of Lakehead Teachers College, the Lakehead Parade of Homes event, and a massive grain train car derailment.

Interview with T.C. Douglas

Interview with T.C. “Tommy” Douglas, leader of the New Democratic Party and Premier of Saskatchewan. Mr. Douglas discusses nuclear weapons and Canada’s role in the nuclear arms race. Footage from 1961.

News from the Giant – Episode Seven

Flashback to 1961, part two! In this second half, you can see Bobby Curtola as he visits the Lakehead, the Alexander Henry as it is equipped with a new helicopter, the Cruise on the Bay event with visiting minesweepers, a large ship as it breaks loose in the Lakehead harbour, and lots of fun and games for the people of the Lakehead!

News from the Giant – Episode Eight

Flashback to 1962! In this episode, you can see the grand opening of Keefer Terminal, the opening of Mary J.L. Black library, the visiting North American luxury cruise liner, grand opening of Trowbridge Falls Park grand opening, the return of a stolen float plane, the success of the Lake Superior Circle Route after its first year, and lots of fun and games for the people of the Lakehead!

1970 Amalgamation Ceremony

In this short video, watch the New Year’s Eve amalgamation ceremony of the newly formed city, Thunder Bay! Previously Port Arthur, Fort William, Neebing and McIntyre.