Fifty Years of the Centennial Botanical Conservatory in Thunder Bay
2017 marked the 150th anniversary of Canada and the 50th anniversary of our much loved Centennial Botanical Conservatory. We look forward to many more years of hosting events, meeting old friends and making new ones as we celebrate this beautiful botanical legacy, a legacy entrusted to us by a previous generation to mark Canada's Centennial year.
An Early History of the Centennial Botanical Conservatory
by Monika McNabb for the Friends of the Thunder Bay Conservatory to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the official opening, November 18, 1967
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From left to right: J. Jessiman, MPP, Alderman Herb Carroll, Mayor E.H. Reed, R.B. McCormack, and H. Badanai, MP Thunder Bay. Historical Museum Society, catalogue no. 984.80 1462
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A Seed is Planted
The seed for a botanical conservatory was planted in the minds of Fort William residents as early as 1963 when the city’s Board of Parks Management began discussing options for a 1967 Centennial project. Members of the Board at that time were Dr. J.M. Spence (Chair), H.D. Klomp, E.G. Rollason, H. Lovelady, F.B. Metcalf and Secretary-Manager R.B. McCormack. The Board, established in 1910, was responsible for the management, administration and operation of the city’s parks and recreation areas.
Their final decision in March 1964 had its opponents, there being strong support for an artificial ice rink, but a botanical conservatory received the majority of votes. Fort William’s Centennial Committee remarked “this project will leave a legacy that all citizens can enjoy for generations to come” and gave their approval.
The news spread quickly into the community. In a junior high school yearbook, the Westmount Review 1963-1964, a student praised the choice: “residents will learn more about flowers and plant life...it will draw more tourist trade to the district...it will be helpful for students to study botany...our older citizens will find it a very relaxing and enjoyable way to pass their days. I believe Fort William is making no mistake in deciding to build such a worthwhile project to commemorate our centennial year”. These words were echoed by many over the years.
Once accepted as a Centennial project, the details of building a conservatory and seeing the project through to fruition were left in the hands of Rob McCormack and the person he hired to establish the plant collection, Curator Joe Rollason.
The City of Port Arthur also had a Centennial Committee that chose Centennial Park, a popular north side recreation area, as their centennial project and the two cities worked together coordinating events and activities for the Centennial year. During this time, Saul Laskin was Mayor of Port Arthur and Ernest Reed, Mayor of Fort William.
Their final decision in March 1964 had its opponents, there being strong support for an artificial ice rink, but a botanical conservatory received the majority of votes. Fort William’s Centennial Committee remarked “this project will leave a legacy that all citizens can enjoy for generations to come” and gave their approval.
The news spread quickly into the community. In a junior high school yearbook, the Westmount Review 1963-1964, a student praised the choice: “residents will learn more about flowers and plant life...it will draw more tourist trade to the district...it will be helpful for students to study botany...our older citizens will find it a very relaxing and enjoyable way to pass their days. I believe Fort William is making no mistake in deciding to build such a worthwhile project to commemorate our centennial year”. These words were echoed by many over the years.
Once accepted as a Centennial project, the details of building a conservatory and seeing the project through to fruition were left in the hands of Rob McCormack and the person he hired to establish the plant collection, Curator Joe Rollason.
The City of Port Arthur also had a Centennial Committee that chose Centennial Park, a popular north side recreation area, as their centennial project and the two cities worked together coordinating events and activities for the Centennial year. During this time, Saul Laskin was Mayor of Port Arthur and Ernest Reed, Mayor of Fort William.
Greenhouse Design
- Lord & Burnham Co. Ltd.
Frederick Lord began building greenhouses in Buffalo, New York in 1849 as a sideline to his carpentry business and then expanded the company with financial help from his son-in-law, William Burnham.
After the civil war ended in 1865, plants and flowers for social occasions became more popular; residential interiors of the wealthy were decorated with tropical plants; municipalities, parks and gardens wanted greenhouses for public and educational use; and private greenhouses became an added feature on estates. As the demand for commercial greenhouses grew so did the company. In 1876 they were commissioned to build the Golden Gate Park Conservatory of Flowers in San Francisco, California, a 12,000 square foot conservatory modeled after the famous Kew Gardens in London, England.
Early greenhouses were made with cypress wood and iron or steel. It wasn’t until 1932 that experimentation with aluminum began and it wasn’t until 1955 that aluminum construction became the standard. Due to society’s growing demand for greenhouses and advances in materials and heating and ventilation systems, this innovative company became the most notable boiler manufacturer and greenhouse designer and builder in America. Their expansion into the Canadian market began with the building of a manufacturing plant in Des Plaines, Illinois, on the shore of Lake Michigan, and the establishment of a sales office in St. Catharines, Ontario in 1914.
The firm continued with research and development of their products, converted its facilities to the production of military equipment during both wars, went through major re-organization in the following years, and eventually dissolved in 1987. The architectural records and drawings for Fort William’s Centennial Botanical Conservatory are housed at the LuEsther T. Merz Library, New York Botanical Garden.
Rob McCormack and Joe Rollason were already familiar with Lord & Burnham Co. since they designed Fort William’s early greenhouse/growing house situated across from Vicker’s Park, between Selkirk and Brunswick Street. They also designed other conservatories in Hamilton, Montreal and Calgary as well as the Centennial Conservatory in Etobicoke, Ontario, considered by some to be Thunder Bay’s twin.
Their investigation into the feasibility of a conservatory began in 1963 when McCormack contacted officials of Lord & Burnham Co. Ltd. requesting drawings and a proposal. They were very helpful to the team of McCormack and Rollason, providing contact information for places with similar conservatories so that they could get an idea of maintenance and operating costs, and later connecting them to greenhouse equipment and plant suppliers.
After the civil war ended in 1865, plants and flowers for social occasions became more popular; residential interiors of the wealthy were decorated with tropical plants; municipalities, parks and gardens wanted greenhouses for public and educational use; and private greenhouses became an added feature on estates. As the demand for commercial greenhouses grew so did the company. In 1876 they were commissioned to build the Golden Gate Park Conservatory of Flowers in San Francisco, California, a 12,000 square foot conservatory modeled after the famous Kew Gardens in London, England.
Early greenhouses were made with cypress wood and iron or steel. It wasn’t until 1932 that experimentation with aluminum began and it wasn’t until 1955 that aluminum construction became the standard. Due to society’s growing demand for greenhouses and advances in materials and heating and ventilation systems, this innovative company became the most notable boiler manufacturer and greenhouse designer and builder in America. Their expansion into the Canadian market began with the building of a manufacturing plant in Des Plaines, Illinois, on the shore of Lake Michigan, and the establishment of a sales office in St. Catharines, Ontario in 1914.
The firm continued with research and development of their products, converted its facilities to the production of military equipment during both wars, went through major re-organization in the following years, and eventually dissolved in 1987. The architectural records and drawings for Fort William’s Centennial Botanical Conservatory are housed at the LuEsther T. Merz Library, New York Botanical Garden.
Rob McCormack and Joe Rollason were already familiar with Lord & Burnham Co. since they designed Fort William’s early greenhouse/growing house situated across from Vicker’s Park, between Selkirk and Brunswick Street. They also designed other conservatories in Hamilton, Montreal and Calgary as well as the Centennial Conservatory in Etobicoke, Ontario, considered by some to be Thunder Bay’s twin.
Their investigation into the feasibility of a conservatory began in 1963 when McCormack contacted officials of Lord & Burnham Co. Ltd. requesting drawings and a proposal. They were very helpful to the team of McCormack and Rollason, providing contact information for places with similar conservatories so that they could get an idea of maintenance and operating costs, and later connecting them to greenhouse equipment and plant suppliers.
Conservatory Construction
( © Photo used with permission from the Thunder Bay Historical Museum Society 984.80.649)
At a special meeting of the Fort William Board of Parks Management, March 16, 1964, correspondence from Lord & Burnham, including drawings of the proposed conservatory, was tabled. Their estimated cost was “$185,000 or less”.
The Board felt that the cost was too high for projected revenue. Their budget of $180,000 also had to include a greenhouse, installation of services and interior and exterior landscaping. Their confirmed revenue was $135,000, provided equally by all levels of government, $20,000 projected from the sale of greenhouse property on Arthur Street, and $28,000 from a federal/provincial Winter Works Assistance Program.
Negotiations took place over the next year as did planning for the installation of services, maintenance, interior and exterior landscaping, and sourcing botanical plant growers.
On September 7, 1965, Chairman of the Board, Dr. J.M. Spence and R.B. McCormack met with representatives of Lord & Burnham in St. Catharines, to discuss ways in which they could reduce costs to fit within their budget. They came up with a list of items that would trim $11,000 from estimates which the Board then considered. As a result, they chose to reduce the size of the entrance and the wings, amounting to $9,000 in savings. On September 16, 1965, Lord & Burnham agreed to construct the Centennial Botanical Conservatory for “not more than $162,000”, including a new greenhouse.
Lord & Burnham thought it would not be economical to move the Arthur Street greenhouse to the Conservatory grounds thus it was sold to the highest bidder, Hacquoil Construction, in 1969. After the twin cities amalgamated in 1970, Port Arthur’s greenhouses were relocated to the Conservatory.
Construction of the footings began in November 1965 and on February 8, 1966, the bones of the conservatory to be - 18 curved, 50 foot steel beams weighing 18 tons, rolled out of St. Catharines on the CNR toward Fort William.
The Board felt that the cost was too high for projected revenue. Their budget of $180,000 also had to include a greenhouse, installation of services and interior and exterior landscaping. Their confirmed revenue was $135,000, provided equally by all levels of government, $20,000 projected from the sale of greenhouse property on Arthur Street, and $28,000 from a federal/provincial Winter Works Assistance Program.
Negotiations took place over the next year as did planning for the installation of services, maintenance, interior and exterior landscaping, and sourcing botanical plant growers.
On September 7, 1965, Chairman of the Board, Dr. J.M. Spence and R.B. McCormack met with representatives of Lord & Burnham in St. Catharines, to discuss ways in which they could reduce costs to fit within their budget. They came up with a list of items that would trim $11,000 from estimates which the Board then considered. As a result, they chose to reduce the size of the entrance and the wings, amounting to $9,000 in savings. On September 16, 1965, Lord & Burnham agreed to construct the Centennial Botanical Conservatory for “not more than $162,000”, including a new greenhouse.
Lord & Burnham thought it would not be economical to move the Arthur Street greenhouse to the Conservatory grounds thus it was sold to the highest bidder, Hacquoil Construction, in 1969. After the twin cities amalgamated in 1970, Port Arthur’s greenhouses were relocated to the Conservatory.
Construction of the footings began in November 1965 and on February 8, 1966, the bones of the conservatory to be - 18 curved, 50 foot steel beams weighing 18 tons, rolled out of St. Catharines on the CNR toward Fort William.
The architectural firm of Ranta & Tett was engaged to oversee the project and Tom Jones Construction was responsible for facility construction and bringing on the sub-trades. Local companies that helped build the Conservatory included Hacquoil Construction (excavation, backfill, grading, site work); Clow Darling (plumbing); Burton Plumbing & Heating Ltd. (electrical controls for boiler, heating and ventilation); Peterson Electric (lighting); Gasparotto & Bros. Ltd. (stonework supply - 3 tons of local amethyst, fresh split granite and other fieldstones); T. Zanette (masonry including pools and retaining walls).
The year before opening was a very busy one. Plants were germinating in the greenhouse, botanical plants were purchased and donated and greenhouse supplies ordered. Peter Gaydos, who was in charge Fort William’s early greenhouse, helped transition the plants for parks etc. to the Conservatory and became Joe Rollason’s assistant in the early years.
The year before opening was a very busy one. Plants were germinating in the greenhouse, botanical plants were purchased and donated and greenhouse supplies ordered. Peter Gaydos, who was in charge Fort William’s early greenhouse, helped transition the plants for parks etc. to the Conservatory and became Joe Rollason’s assistant in the early years.
Conservatory prior to its opening.
© Photo used with permission from the Thunder Bay Archives, Series 121, Acc#1996-02, Item#72
There Grows a Garden
Rob McCormack and Joe Rollason were largely responsible for the creation and early development of the Conservatory’s botanical collection.
Representatives of the Lord & Burnham Co. asked Ben Veldhuis Ltd., a wholesale grower in Dundas, Ontario, to contact R. McCormack in June 1964 regarding information on the development of a cactus garden in the east wing.
In their introductory letter Veldhuis said “we certainly have the finest and best known collection of these plants in any commercial greenhouse in North America...Price-wise we go from $.25 plants up to $100 or more. Variety is unlimited, including grafted plants, cristates, monstrose varieties, etc.” On September 27, 1967, Veldhuis wrote to R. McCormack asking if their $6,000 order was in satisfactory condition after arriving on the company’s delivery truck. They also mentioned they were going to Florida and would pick out some more plants especially for the Conservatory.
A November 17, 1967 newspaper article informed the public about what they will see when they visit the new Conservatory: plants found in Florida’s everglades, hibiscus from China, eucalyptus tree from Australia, fig trees from India, palm trees, fruits including banana, grapefruit, pineapple, mangoes, and mandarin oranges. In the same article R. McCormack is quoted as saying “when temperatures drop to 25 below and persons who disliked the project can come to the conservatory and see palm trees and plants in bloom in mid-January, they will soon change their minds.”
A press release in 1974 states that the cacti house contains over 280 species, and a newspaper article in 1977 states the Conservatory has 800 species in the tropical area and 355 pots in the east wing display house.
The first display in the east wing is depicted in a November 1967 photo of McCormack standing among hundreds of chrysanthemum for the opening. Colourful seasonal displays in this room have attracted many visitors over the years: Easter lilies, Christmas poinsettias, forced bulbs in spring, fall mums.
In the main tropical house, Sandy, a fast-growing Alexander palm tree grew from seven feet in 1967 to thirty feet in 1974. He didn’t look very good after a pruning and it was thought that he would soon break through the glass roof so unfortunately, he had to go.
Many types of highly prized Bromeliads, including one from Costa Rica, and many varieties of ferns were planted throughout. Other types of plants that the public would be familiar with such as ginger, coffee, figs, pomegranate, bananas, oranges, and coconut were also grown. They continue to adorn the tropical house today.
Most of the plants were ordered by Joe Rollason from the following sources: Roy A. Nicholson Ltd., Burlington, Ontario; Freriks & Co., Hillegorn, Holland; Murray & Wood Growers, Vancouver B.C.; Plant Products Co., Port Credit, Ontario; and Downham Nursery Co. Ltd., Strathroy, Ontario, from where he obtained two Juniper Gold Pfitzer trees and one Clump Birch tree for planting in front of City Hall. They were delivered by trains, planes and automobiles.
In 1979 Joe Rollason became Superintendant of Parks and Ron Danchuk became the next curator, a position he held for many years to come.
After amalgamation, the Port Arthur greenhouses were moved to the Conservatory property where staff continued the practice of growing and providing plants to beautify the city’s parks - Hillcrest, Vickers, Patterson, Dease, Waverly, Marina, Centennial, Chippewa and Friendship Gardens; cemeteries; libraries; fire stations; nursing homes and other public buildings and facilities. Plants were also given to each city councillor at Christmas and many were donated to community groups and events on request.
Representatives of the Lord & Burnham Co. asked Ben Veldhuis Ltd., a wholesale grower in Dundas, Ontario, to contact R. McCormack in June 1964 regarding information on the development of a cactus garden in the east wing.
In their introductory letter Veldhuis said “we certainly have the finest and best known collection of these plants in any commercial greenhouse in North America...Price-wise we go from $.25 plants up to $100 or more. Variety is unlimited, including grafted plants, cristates, monstrose varieties, etc.” On September 27, 1967, Veldhuis wrote to R. McCormack asking if their $6,000 order was in satisfactory condition after arriving on the company’s delivery truck. They also mentioned they were going to Florida and would pick out some more plants especially for the Conservatory.
A November 17, 1967 newspaper article informed the public about what they will see when they visit the new Conservatory: plants found in Florida’s everglades, hibiscus from China, eucalyptus tree from Australia, fig trees from India, palm trees, fruits including banana, grapefruit, pineapple, mangoes, and mandarin oranges. In the same article R. McCormack is quoted as saying “when temperatures drop to 25 below and persons who disliked the project can come to the conservatory and see palm trees and plants in bloom in mid-January, they will soon change their minds.”
A press release in 1974 states that the cacti house contains over 280 species, and a newspaper article in 1977 states the Conservatory has 800 species in the tropical area and 355 pots in the east wing display house.
The first display in the east wing is depicted in a November 1967 photo of McCormack standing among hundreds of chrysanthemum for the opening. Colourful seasonal displays in this room have attracted many visitors over the years: Easter lilies, Christmas poinsettias, forced bulbs in spring, fall mums.
In the main tropical house, Sandy, a fast-growing Alexander palm tree grew from seven feet in 1967 to thirty feet in 1974. He didn’t look very good after a pruning and it was thought that he would soon break through the glass roof so unfortunately, he had to go.
Many types of highly prized Bromeliads, including one from Costa Rica, and many varieties of ferns were planted throughout. Other types of plants that the public would be familiar with such as ginger, coffee, figs, pomegranate, bananas, oranges, and coconut were also grown. They continue to adorn the tropical house today.
Most of the plants were ordered by Joe Rollason from the following sources: Roy A. Nicholson Ltd., Burlington, Ontario; Freriks & Co., Hillegorn, Holland; Murray & Wood Growers, Vancouver B.C.; Plant Products Co., Port Credit, Ontario; and Downham Nursery Co. Ltd., Strathroy, Ontario, from where he obtained two Juniper Gold Pfitzer trees and one Clump Birch tree for planting in front of City Hall. They were delivered by trains, planes and automobiles.
In 1979 Joe Rollason became Superintendant of Parks and Ron Danchuk became the next curator, a position he held for many years to come.
After amalgamation, the Port Arthur greenhouses were moved to the Conservatory property where staff continued the practice of growing and providing plants to beautify the city’s parks - Hillcrest, Vickers, Patterson, Dease, Waverly, Marina, Centennial, Chippewa and Friendship Gardens; cemeteries; libraries; fire stations; nursing homes and other public buildings and facilities. Plants were also given to each city councillor at Christmas and many were donated to community groups and events on request.
Plant Donations 1966-1969
From the beginning people have donated plants or money to buy plants for the Conservatory. Donations were vetted by the team of McCormack and Rollason.
The first donor on record was the West Fort William Women’s Institute. In November 1966, they decided to purchase a plant for the Conservatory as their Centennial project. In consultation with staff they chose a tea plant native to Ceylon but this turned out to be more difficult than expected since it required negotiations with the Government of Ceylon and their Embassy. After more than two years of waiting, the Women’s Institute gave the Parks Board until November 1969 to secure the plant. It was their wish to have it purchased before the amalgamation of Fort William and Port Arthur in January 1970. In his letter of November 28, 1969 to the organization, R. McCormack apologized for the long delay and asked them to consider the Bird of Paradise, a plant native to South Africa which was recently purchased, and the Institute agreed.
In March 1967, the Biology Department of Lakehead University donated $500 toward the purchase of plants of interest to the university such as tropical palms, ferns, conifers, and ginkgo as well as those that would be of interest to the general community such as coffee, vanilla, tobacco and banana. They provided a list of 33 plants which was used to populate the Conservatory. In return they asked for permission to “remove fruiting and vegetative structures periodically” for educational purposes. This was granted by the Board of Parks Management. In his letter to R. McCormack, Assistant Professor P. Barclay stated “I’m sure that the conservatory will be a popular and rewarding addition to the Lakehead.”
In June 1967, R. McCormack received a letter and cheque (amount not mentioned) from Mrs. Donalda Stevenson, President of the Ladies Auxiliary of the Lakehead Associated Canadian Travellers, toward the purchase of a tropical plant.
The Canadian Daughters’ League formed in Vancouver in 1922 and one of its aims was “to create and foster a distinctively Canadian national spirit and develop Canadian institutions, literature, art and music.” In December 1967, the members of the Superior Assembly #34, (the Fort William chapter) decided to donate $100 to the Conservatory for Canada’s Centennial. They left the choice of plant up to the city. McCormack and Rollason purchased a Red Banana Plant for them and a little planting ceremony took place in August 1968.
The Thunder Bay Gladiolus Society disbanded in April 1968 and split their remaining funds of $470 between the Conservatory and Centennial Park.
In July 1968, a letter was received from Mr. & Mrs. F. Brush containing cotton seeds from their tree in Florida. They wanted to express their appreciation for the Conservatory.
A tragedy led to the donation of 30 prize winning fuschias in September 1968. A young woman from the Fort William area was on her way home from visiting relatives in B.C. when she was killed in a railway accident near Revelstoke. A letter was received from her uncle in Vancouver in which he also mentioned his visit to the Conservatory earlier that year and that he was a grower of many fuschia varieties. He wanted to donate some of his plants as a living memorial to his niece and at the same time “assist the head gardener build up a stock of worthwhile plants for display in the future years.” On behalf of the Board of Parks Management, R. McCormack accepted his offer to ship them to the Conservatory and praised him for his gesture.
Also in September of 1968, Mrs. L.A. McNaughten donated a rubber tree through Harold Lovelady, a member of the Fort William Civic Recreation Committee.
The first donor on record was the West Fort William Women’s Institute. In November 1966, they decided to purchase a plant for the Conservatory as their Centennial project. In consultation with staff they chose a tea plant native to Ceylon but this turned out to be more difficult than expected since it required negotiations with the Government of Ceylon and their Embassy. After more than two years of waiting, the Women’s Institute gave the Parks Board until November 1969 to secure the plant. It was their wish to have it purchased before the amalgamation of Fort William and Port Arthur in January 1970. In his letter of November 28, 1969 to the organization, R. McCormack apologized for the long delay and asked them to consider the Bird of Paradise, a plant native to South Africa which was recently purchased, and the Institute agreed.
In March 1967, the Biology Department of Lakehead University donated $500 toward the purchase of plants of interest to the university such as tropical palms, ferns, conifers, and ginkgo as well as those that would be of interest to the general community such as coffee, vanilla, tobacco and banana. They provided a list of 33 plants which was used to populate the Conservatory. In return they asked for permission to “remove fruiting and vegetative structures periodically” for educational purposes. This was granted by the Board of Parks Management. In his letter to R. McCormack, Assistant Professor P. Barclay stated “I’m sure that the conservatory will be a popular and rewarding addition to the Lakehead.”
In June 1967, R. McCormack received a letter and cheque (amount not mentioned) from Mrs. Donalda Stevenson, President of the Ladies Auxiliary of the Lakehead Associated Canadian Travellers, toward the purchase of a tropical plant.
The Canadian Daughters’ League formed in Vancouver in 1922 and one of its aims was “to create and foster a distinctively Canadian national spirit and develop Canadian institutions, literature, art and music.” In December 1967, the members of the Superior Assembly #34, (the Fort William chapter) decided to donate $100 to the Conservatory for Canada’s Centennial. They left the choice of plant up to the city. McCormack and Rollason purchased a Red Banana Plant for them and a little planting ceremony took place in August 1968.
The Thunder Bay Gladiolus Society disbanded in April 1968 and split their remaining funds of $470 between the Conservatory and Centennial Park.
In July 1968, a letter was received from Mr. & Mrs. F. Brush containing cotton seeds from their tree in Florida. They wanted to express their appreciation for the Conservatory.
A tragedy led to the donation of 30 prize winning fuschias in September 1968. A young woman from the Fort William area was on her way home from visiting relatives in B.C. when she was killed in a railway accident near Revelstoke. A letter was received from her uncle in Vancouver in which he also mentioned his visit to the Conservatory earlier that year and that he was a grower of many fuschia varieties. He wanted to donate some of his plants as a living memorial to his niece and at the same time “assist the head gardener build up a stock of worthwhile plants for display in the future years.” On behalf of the Board of Parks Management, R. McCormack accepted his offer to ship them to the Conservatory and praised him for his gesture.
Also in September of 1968, Mrs. L.A. McNaughten donated a rubber tree through Harold Lovelady, a member of the Fort William Civic Recreation Committee.
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"You don't have to live in Brazil to grow bananas. You can grow them right here. The Fort William conservatory has proof in the above six - foot plant. It has been in the conservatory about a year and is now bearing fruit." - Fort William Daily Times Journal, May 12, 1969
© Photo used with permission from the City of Thunder Bay Archives, Acce. # 1996-02, Item 16. |
In Bloom, Official Opening, November 18, 1967
The Centennial Botanical Conservatory was lauded by the Centennial Advisory Council in Toronto as “one of the better Centennial projects submitted for the whole of Canada”. It was featured in Dofasco’s (Dominion Foundries and Steel Ltd.) Fall 1966 issue of Illustrated News, and in the 1967 edition of Know Canada.
The Times Journal reported that around 150 people attended the official opening on Saturday November 18, 1967, and the next day 1000 visitors came through the doors.
The list of speakers included Mayor Reed, J. Jessiman, MPP, H. Badanai, MP, Mayor Laskin, R. Knight MPP, R. Andras, MP, Dr. C.M. Johnston, Lakehead Chamber of Commerce, Alderman T.H. Caroll, Centennial Committee, A. Widnall, Centennial Committee and H. Tett, Architect. A photo of the ribbon cutting ceremony shows Herb Carroll, Centennial Committee, Mayor E.H. Reed, and MP Hubert Badanai wielding axes while R.B. McCormack and J. Rollason look on.
In his opening address, Ernest Rollason, Chairman of the Board of Parks Management said “this conservatory is truly a thing of beauty and we hope will offer perpetual joy to all who have the pleasure of beholding it”. And further “the acquisition of a conservatory of this kind is a tremendous boon and an asset to our community”. He closes by giving special thanks to all Parks Board/Conservatory staff “who have worked so diligently in preparation for this occasion”.
In the following years, the Conservatory blossomed with thousands of visitors and hundreds of school tours both local and regional. Letters and drawings from children in Marathon and Terrace Bay attest to their wonderful experience. Conservatory staff acted as ambassadors-at-large, conducted tours, and answered numerous horticultural questions from the public.
It was always, and still is, Thunder Bay’s favourite setting for weddings, special events and photo opportunities. Over the years until today, citizens continue to give plants or money or their time to this special place they have come to love and cherish.
The Times Journal reported that around 150 people attended the official opening on Saturday November 18, 1967, and the next day 1000 visitors came through the doors.
The list of speakers included Mayor Reed, J. Jessiman, MPP, H. Badanai, MP, Mayor Laskin, R. Knight MPP, R. Andras, MP, Dr. C.M. Johnston, Lakehead Chamber of Commerce, Alderman T.H. Caroll, Centennial Committee, A. Widnall, Centennial Committee and H. Tett, Architect. A photo of the ribbon cutting ceremony shows Herb Carroll, Centennial Committee, Mayor E.H. Reed, and MP Hubert Badanai wielding axes while R.B. McCormack and J. Rollason look on.
In his opening address, Ernest Rollason, Chairman of the Board of Parks Management said “this conservatory is truly a thing of beauty and we hope will offer perpetual joy to all who have the pleasure of beholding it”. And further “the acquisition of a conservatory of this kind is a tremendous boon and an asset to our community”. He closes by giving special thanks to all Parks Board/Conservatory staff “who have worked so diligently in preparation for this occasion”.
In the following years, the Conservatory blossomed with thousands of visitors and hundreds of school tours both local and regional. Letters and drawings from children in Marathon and Terrace Bay attest to their wonderful experience. Conservatory staff acted as ambassadors-at-large, conducted tours, and answered numerous horticultural questions from the public.
It was always, and still is, Thunder Bay’s favourite setting for weddings, special events and photo opportunities. Over the years until today, citizens continue to give plants or money or their time to this special place they have come to love and cherish.
Appendix A
Robert B. McCormack 1935-
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Fort William Parks Board secretary-manager Rob McCormack examines one of several hanging fuchsias at the Dease-Balmoral conservatory. Surrounding him are some of the 2,000 chrysanthemums being grown for the [November 18] official opening of the conservatory - Fort William's official Centennial project. From Fort William Daily Times Journal, Oct 2, 1967 (© Photo used with permission from the Thunder Bay Historical Museum Society 984.80.1423)
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On June 22, 1959 the Times Journal announced that Rob McCormack, a “well- known Lakehead football player” was selected to be Assistant Director of Parks and Recreation, assisting Art Widnall, Secretary-Manager of the Fort William Board of Parks Management.
He was 23 at the time, a graduate of Selkirk High School who went on to study recreation, (receiving an “A” Recreation Certificate from the Province of Ontario), business administration at Ryerson Polytechnical Institute, and parks administration at Guelph Agricultural College. He also received a Level One Judge and Technical Delegate Certificate from the International Ski Federation (Special Jumping), and a National Technical Delegate and National Judge Certificate from the Canadian Ski Association (Special Jumping).
In 1962 Rob became Director of Parks and Recreation and in 1964 he was appointed Secretary-Manager of the Board of Parks Management when Art Widnall took a position with the Fort William Centennial Committee. He was one of the Conservatory’s founders and became its first manager.
Along the way, he developed the city’s first tree planting and maintenance program; he was the Ontario government representative with the Lakehead Conservation Authority chairing the Neebing River Advisory Board, a member and president of the Northwestern Ontario Sports Hall of Fame, and member of the Board of Governors of Confederation College from 1967 to 1982.
In August 1969 Rob, together with his assistants, Joe Rollason (Parks) and Donna Gilhooly (Recreation), led the task force team formulating programs and an operational structure for the Parks and Recreation Department of the soon to be City of Thunder Bay.
His illustrious career changed in 1974 when he became Manager of the Big Thunder 90 and 120 Meter Ski Jumps, then General Manager of Thunder Bay Ski Jumps Ltd. developing programs and facilities, then Chief Executive Officer for the 1995 Nordic World Ski Championships. Over the years he organized many ski competitions in Thunder Bay and in Canada, and travelled the world as an official, judge, technical delegate, and consultant to winter Olympic game cities from Lillehammer to Whistler.
He was 23 at the time, a graduate of Selkirk High School who went on to study recreation, (receiving an “A” Recreation Certificate from the Province of Ontario), business administration at Ryerson Polytechnical Institute, and parks administration at Guelph Agricultural College. He also received a Level One Judge and Technical Delegate Certificate from the International Ski Federation (Special Jumping), and a National Technical Delegate and National Judge Certificate from the Canadian Ski Association (Special Jumping).
In 1962 Rob became Director of Parks and Recreation and in 1964 he was appointed Secretary-Manager of the Board of Parks Management when Art Widnall took a position with the Fort William Centennial Committee. He was one of the Conservatory’s founders and became its first manager.
Along the way, he developed the city’s first tree planting and maintenance program; he was the Ontario government representative with the Lakehead Conservation Authority chairing the Neebing River Advisory Board, a member and president of the Northwestern Ontario Sports Hall of Fame, and member of the Board of Governors of Confederation College from 1967 to 1982.
In August 1969 Rob, together with his assistants, Joe Rollason (Parks) and Donna Gilhooly (Recreation), led the task force team formulating programs and an operational structure for the Parks and Recreation Department of the soon to be City of Thunder Bay.
His illustrious career changed in 1974 when he became Manager of the Big Thunder 90 and 120 Meter Ski Jumps, then General Manager of Thunder Bay Ski Jumps Ltd. developing programs and facilities, then Chief Executive Officer for the 1995 Nordic World Ski Championships. Over the years he organized many ski competitions in Thunder Bay and in Canada, and travelled the world as an official, judge, technical delegate, and consultant to winter Olympic game cities from Lillehammer to Whistler.
Appendix B
The Rollasons
Rollason Flowers is a highly regarded family owned business that has been operating in the Westfort area since 1952. Ernest (Ernie) and his wife Mary began the business and Mary ran it while Ernie worked at the Lakehead Psychiatric Hospital. Ernie and his son Joseph (Joe) were highly influential in the establishment and growth of the Conservatory.
Ernest Gerald Rollason 1917-2010
Ernie was involved with a number of organizations in the city and was a member of the Fort William Board of Parks Management from 1959 until January 1, 1970 when Fort William and Port Arthur amalgamated. He was on the Board during the Conservatory’s conception and Chairman of the Board at its opening, so along with his family, he watched it take root and bloom.
Not only was he was a passionate advocate for the Conservatory, he was an avid gardener himself winning the best gladiola spike show at home and in Winnipeg in 1952. After retiring from the hospital he joined Mary in the family business and today their daughter Marilyn McCreery continues to operate this popular flower and gift shop.
Joseph Mathew Rollason 1942-2003
Born in Fort William to Mary and Ernest, Joe was also an ardent gardener and lover of the outdoors. He graduated from the Niagara School of Horticulture and Guelph University with a degree in Horticulture. His lifelong career with the Parks Division began prior to his becoming the first Curator of the Centennial Botanical Conservatory in 1963. He was appointed Director of Parks in 1968 then became Superintendant of Parks from 1979 until 1995. Along with his father and Rob McCormack, he promoted the betterment of parks and green spaces in the city.
Ernest Gerald Rollason 1917-2010
Ernie was involved with a number of organizations in the city and was a member of the Fort William Board of Parks Management from 1959 until January 1, 1970 when Fort William and Port Arthur amalgamated. He was on the Board during the Conservatory’s conception and Chairman of the Board at its opening, so along with his family, he watched it take root and bloom.
Not only was he was a passionate advocate for the Conservatory, he was an avid gardener himself winning the best gladiola spike show at home and in Winnipeg in 1952. After retiring from the hospital he joined Mary in the family business and today their daughter Marilyn McCreery continues to operate this popular flower and gift shop.
Joseph Mathew Rollason 1942-2003
Born in Fort William to Mary and Ernest, Joe was also an ardent gardener and lover of the outdoors. He graduated from the Niagara School of Horticulture and Guelph University with a degree in Horticulture. His lifelong career with the Parks Division began prior to his becoming the first Curator of the Centennial Botanical Conservatory in 1963. He was appointed Director of Parks in 1968 then became Superintendant of Parks from 1979 until 1995. Along with his father and Rob McCormack, he promoted the betterment of parks and green spaces in the city.
Appendix C
Sources
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The attached document lists information sources.
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