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As legend has it, in the spring of 1909, Harry Preston, a member of the Jack Wilson camp slipped on a rock and uncovered a mound of gold. His discovery created the gold rush of the Porcupine Camp and brought in miners and their families from all around the world. Today, Timmins is a thriving community rich in cultural diversity and mining heritage. On this short historical tour, discover the city’s legacy and learn more about the people who made it all possible.
Timmins
 Ontario Northland Transport Commission - Spruce Street South
Discovery of the Porcupine Goldfields in 1909 led to the construction of a branch line of the Temiskaming & Northern Ontario Railway (T&NO) from Porquis Junction in 1911, to Timmins in 1912. Rail operations to Timmins stopped April 30, 1989. The building is currently used as the ONR Terminal and commercial space.
 Bucovetsky’s- 227 Third Avenue
The Bucovetsky Store (now Tweed & Hickory) is the site of one of the oldest business places in Timmins. It is located on the south side of Third Avenue between what was then the Palace Theatre and the Reid Block. Built around 1908, the business was sold to Hollinger Mines Ltd., to serve as a company store. It was later sold to Mr. Sam Bucovetsky who thoroughly remodelled it in 1934 and proceeded to make it the largest retail store in the North (at the time) with a staff of 50 employees.
 Saint Anthony of Padoua Cathedral - 274 Fifth Avenue
This French baroque architectural gem was built in 1936-37. The first church (built in 1922) burnt January 29, 1936. The cross to the left was erected in 1934 in memory of Jacques Cartier’s 4th centenary.
 Empire Complex - Spruce Avenue
Built in 1924 by Leo Mascioli, the Empire Hotel served as a first class luxury hotel for close to 70 years. After closing its doors in late 1990’s, the building became apartment units for seniors.
 Old Timmins Public Library - Algonquin Boulevard
This beautiful building, on the corner of Pine St. South and Algonquin Blvd., was built in 1930 as a Post Office. It served as the Timmins Public Library from 1962 until 2005.
 New Goldfields Theatre - Third Avenue
In 1924, Nick Blahey, along with four other entrepreneurs (Frank Byck, Leo Mascioli, Pete Bardessono, Charlie Pierce) bought two lots across the street from the Blahey’s Store and built the new Goldfields Theatre.
 Blahey’s Store - 166 Third Avenue
Three generations of Blahey’s worked in the grocery business in Timmins from 1916 to 1997. After working at the Hollinger Mines for a few years, Nick Blahey decided to open a grocery store. He proceeded to purchase the lot at 166 Third Avenue for $1,300, where he built his store in the winter of 1919. In 1961, his son Bill started shipping supplies to various northern regions. This led to the most successful provision businesses in the history of Northern Ontario.
While you’re in the area, you can visit:
* The Hollinger House at the Gold Mine Tour
* The Town Creek Flood plaque on Wilson Avenue West
* St. Matthews Cathedral on Fifth Ave. (Oldest Church)
* The Timmins Memorial Cemetery on Pine St. South
Schumacher
 McIntyre Community Building
The McIntyre Community Building was built in 1938 for the employees of the McIntyre Mine. It is a scale model of the Maple Leaf Gardens, complete with the famous red, green, and blue seats and end balconies. The Centre is still very active and features an arena, curling rink, ballroom, auditorium, and a diner style coffee shop.
 McIntyre Headframe
The McIntyre Mine was the 3rd largest producer of gold in Canada.Though it is no longer in operation, the City of Timmins is planning to redevelop the #11 head frame and its immediate surroundings as a heritage monument to gold mining in the Porcupine Camp.
 McIntyre Lodge Bed and Breakfast - Highway 655
The McIntyre Mine Manager’s Home is now a bed and breakfast and is situated in the heart of Timmins. It was built in 1921 by the McIntyre Mine to accommodate mining executives who visited the city, as well as the manager.
 "The Glory Hole" - Highway 101
"The Glory Hole" is found on the north side of Highway 101 between the exit to South Porcupine and the Tisdale Waste Transfer Station. It is easily identified by the remains of an old fireplace near the entrance. The Glory Hole is an open pit developed years ago. Its history is disputed by local historians. Some say it was used to quarry rock for the new highway. Others say it was part of a prisoner of war camp during the First World War. More than likely, it was a mining development which followed a gold bearing quartz vein but was discontinued. If you look closely around the edge at the far side you will see indications of hand steel holes that were made to insert a charge of explosives to further expand the pit. It was a favorite swimming hole for South Porcupine youth in the 40s and 50s and was commonly called "Bare-Butt Canyon" by those who fondly remember biking out there for a swim.
While you’re in the area, you can visit:
* The Fred Schumacher Statue on Father Costello Drive
* The "Texas Gulf Stone" at the Chamber of Commerce
South Porcupine
 The Airport Hotel - 151 Bruce Avenue
The Airport Hotel was originally built as the headquarters for members of the Porcupine Flying Club. This luxurious building, built in 1940 at a cost of approximately $35,000, had a club room, lounge, lecture room, dining room, and seven bedrooms with showers. It also featured a searchlight which served a necessary and practical function for tired flyers. On the observation roof, visitors have an excellent view of the lake and surrounding area. Today, the facility boasts a fine dining restaurant and rooms for rent.
 Uly’s Gift Shop - 69 Golden Avenue
Uly’s Store opened in October 1934 and was sold in 2001. It was the longest known running confectionery store under one owner, named Mr. Uly Levinson.
"The Barn" South Porcupine Arena - 1 Golden Avenue
"The Barn" Officially opened in December of 1926.
While you’re in the area, you can visit:
* The Whitney Cemetery in Porcupine
* The Great 1911 Fire Plaque at Northern College
* The Maxwell-Smith House on Main Street
* The Timmins Museum: National Exhibition Centre
This tour of our city’s past is a quick history lesson, a sampler of an older Timmins. For more information, we suggest you visit the Timmins Museum: National Exhibition Centre.
This information has been provided by the Timmins Chamber of Commerce.
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