Rolly Martin Country: A White River Winter Gallery

White River 100 Years, Mary Houston

Dr. W.G. Houston was White River's physician from 1933 until his death in 1966. In 1985, the centennial of White River and the railway line, his wife Mary Houston put together a wonderful, comprehensive pictorial history of White River. Using old photographs shared by White River's citizens, it shows all aspects of community life in the little railway town from its very beginnings.

Mary Houston passed away in December 2005 at the age of 86 having lived all of her life in White River.

There are at least two points she would want me to bring to your attention.

First of all, CPR records show it was never officially named "Snowdrift" - always White River.

More importantly, White River was long advertised as "the coldest spot in Canada " at -72 degrees Fahrenheit. This is not correct because that reading came from a shattered thermometer. The lowest temperature recorded was -61.2 degrees F on January 23, 1935 and this is proven in her book through the use of official weather records.

I own a small collection of town histories from the north shore of Lake Superior. Mary Houston's is my favourite because of the community spirit and resources she brought together to leave this important record. Looking through her book, I feel as if I've actually lived with the citizens of White River through its development. (Living in southern Ontario, I have missed White River since our last visit in 2002)

The book is almost 180 pages long and contains over 400 photos. It is valuable both as a social history and in providing rare insights into the CPR's facilities and operations.

From time to time I have received emails from Mary Houston's relatives. I am including a few photographs from her book, captioned and credited verbatim.

I hope Mary Houston's work and example will be remembered.The remaining railway heritage of the towns north of Superior is fading fast. Perhaps a new generation of local historians will become inspired to research and preserve the memory of those who lived north of Superior.

Mary Houston and son Dan looking at plaque in medical clinic dedicating the building in memory of Dr. Houston who served White River and area from 1933 to 1966.

Built in 1976 it was officially opened May 26, 1977.

Dr. Houston on house call 1958.

Picture taken by Bob Deluce.

Photo: Courtesy A. Deluce

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White River in Winter

The first McDougall home down by the river.

Photo: Courtesy L. Mealey

1901-1910

The ladies enjoyed their snowshoe tramps - one "beau" amongst them.

"Maw" Depew about centre of picture.

Photo: Courtesy L. Mealey

Family and friends gather at the Depew home for social evening.

Photo: Courtesy L. Mealey

A group of men known as the "13 Club" held their meetings on the top floor of the new school built in 1910. Many card parties, dances and socials were held here before the room was required for use as a classroom.

Standing: (L to R): Mr. Thomas, Harold Pocock, Dr. Bennett, Billy Hawke, Mr. Morgan (YMCA secretary),Larry Unwin, Mac McCall, Frank Depew, Johnny Hogg, Fred Depew. Sitting: Bill Sproule, Fred Kavanaugh, Mort Collins

Photo: Courtesy M. Unwin

1911-1920

In the olden days you didn't have to ask the hockey association

whether or not that the girls could play hockey with the boys.

Photo: Courtesy M. Unwin

1921-1930

The original Allis-Chalmers dynamo in the CPR shops which was used to supply the first electric power in White River, believed to be around the year 1904. Several years later Tom Whent on duty as stationary engineer.

Photo: Courtesy T. Whent

In the 1920s mail was taken into Pukaskwa Depot on Lake Superior by dog team via the White River trail which originated in White River, and ran for about 70 or 80 miles to the depot.

Abitibi had a logging operation there, and this was the only means of communication with the outside world for people on the logging operation from freezeup to breakup in the spring.

Photo: Courtesy Ann Cottom