Rooted in Stone - Reflections on West Parry Sound's Past

Born on the Shawanaga First Nation, Francis Pegahmagabow would become one of the most decorated snipers of World War I, and a fervent activist for native rights. Includes Francis’ early days, ‘Peggy’ the sniper and Chief Pegahmagabow.

When Frank Langford began buying up property North of Parry Sound, rumors of a new goat farm circulated widely. But the explosives plants that evolved instead would prove to have a much bigger impact on the area. Includes Canadian Explosives Limited, Nobel, World War I, Cordite and British Cordite Limited.

When J.R. Booth decided to make the dream of a connection from the St. Lawrence to the Upper Great Lakes a reality, it would change the landscape of the Parry Sound area forever. However, Booth’s railway would not be the only one to cross the boundaries of Parry Sound, as both the CNR and CPR would make their way through the town in 1908. Includes Depot Harbour & J.R. Booth, the Ottawa, Arnprior & Parry Sound Railway, appropriation of First Nation lands and the CNR, CPR & the Parry Sound trestle bridge.

With the shoals and islands of the Georgian Bay numbering in the thousands, the fishermen of its waters have always had to be keenly aware of their environment. Through the years navigational aids have been developed to help fishermen, lumber boats, freighters and pleasure craft find their way. Discusses the Pointe au Baril barrel, Commercial fishing on the Bay & the Mink Islands, Lumber booms on the water & lumber hookers and the Canadian Coast Guard in Parry Sound.

On November 21st, 1879 the Waubuno began its final voyage - one that would end in tragedy on the rough waters of the Bay. This chapter discusses the dangers of steamship travel, the fate of the Waubuno, the wreck of the Asia and Bolton’s hydrographic survey.

The unique beauty of the Georgian Bay has attracted people for thousands of years to its shores and now the people of Parry Sound strive to protect this precious resource. Includes the Massasauga Rattlesnake, the formation of the Georgian Bay Biosphere Reserve and the film credits.

With the construction of a railroad from Toronto to North Bay, the Eastern side of the Parry Sound district would be granted direct access to the outside world and an easy route to the Western provinces. For those who stayed in the district, the steamboats that popped up on Lakes Ahmic and Cecebe provided settlers a much gentler ride than the Great North Road. Includes the Railway to North Bay, Steamboats on the inner lakes and the Parry Sound Colony.

As the economies surrounding the Bay become focused on its tourism potential, remnants of the area's industrial past remain to be dealt with. Includes the Oil spill in Parry Sound, Nobel industries decommissioning and the Depot Harbour clean up effort.

With the Free Lands and Homestead Act of 1868, the rush was on to settle the Northern reaches of Ontario. Colonization roads were pushed through and settlers were offered hundreds of acres of free land – provided they could survive there for five years. Includes the Free Lands and Homestead Act, Colonization Roads, the Parry Sound Road, & the Great North Road, Farming on the Canadian Shield, The lumberman farmer & lumber camps and Britt & Byng Inlet mills.

The influx of cottagers and tourists proved to be an economic boon for local builders, marinas and anyone else who could get in on the action. New modes of transportation, such as the "Scoot", evolved to help both locals and cottagers get around in the winter months.