Back in June of this year, the Timmins 100th Community Anniversary Committee, along with local radio stations Q92 and EZ Rock, sponsored the Timmins 100th Anniversary Song Contest. We were looking for a song to celebrate our great city’s milestones and reflect the rich heritage of the area.
The contest closed on July 31st, 2009. The top four entries were selected and then voted on by the citizens of Timmins.
Over the Hill columnist Diane Armstrong’s submission was a hit with the community and was chosen as the winning song. Diane’s lyrics and melody will be featured on the Timmins 100th Anniversary Compilation CD.
Other finalists included Lynda Dukacz and duo, Susan Tesluk and Eric Bouchard.
We thank everyone who submitted their work and those who took the time to listen and vote.
A Few Words from Diane
When the City of Timmins announced that there would be a four-year celebration of the 100th Anniversary, I was moved to write a song that told about our history. After trial and error, the music came first and after years of writing history columns for Timmins Times, I have a fairly good knowledge of local history so the words just fell into place. Before I knew it, I had written my first song! Little did I realize it would be declared the winner on Q-92 and EZ Rock radio stations.
My neighbour, Susan Gauthier did the vocal. Tony Last played bass and my son Michael played harmonica. For accompaniment, I played a keyboard sound that would be reminiscent of a turn-of-the-century saloon piano.
So sit back, take a deep breath and let’s all sing along with the winning Timmins’ 100th Anniversary Song!
TIMMINS’ 100th ANNIVERSARY SONG
By Diane Armstrong
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One hundred years of history is Timmins’ claim to fame.
Hollinger, Dome, McIntyre -we know them all by name.
From countries o’er the world the workers toiled ’til day was done.
Had families and built this place. We’ll always call it home.
Bannerman’s Golden City and Pottsville soon were done.
South Porcupine upon the lake; Schumacher joined the fun.
Then Timmins was the name we chose when all became as one.
They’re still the best darn towns around. We’re proud to call them home.
In nineteen hundred eleven the fires raged around.
One family was lost by seeking shelter underground.
So many lives were lost that day the toll was never known.
But hammers rang. The towns rebuilt. Our Northern Spirit shone.
One hundred years of history is Timmins’ claim to fame.
Hollinger, Dome, McIntyre -we know them all by name.
From countries o’er the world the workers toiled ’til day was done.
Had families and built this place. We’ll always call it home.
Yes, Timmins with its Heart of Gold
We’ll always call it home.