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| Since coming to Atikokan to work in its small but energetic heritage community, I have steeped myself in the history of the community as much as I can. On Monday, July 16th, I had yet another opportunity to do that at the Opening Night of Syd Jones' Early Atikokan Images exhibition held at the Atikokan Centennial Museum.
Held in the air-conditioned comfort of the Jean Wilson gallery, the exhibition is an evolution of the exhibit that Syd put together for the 100th birthday celebrations. The display sported the colours of the celebration and the pictures fostered a lot of conversation and memories among the attendees at the opening. As Syd says in the press release announcing the exhibition: "It started in November 1998, with an article in the Atikokan Progress encouraging everyone to become involved in the upcoming 100th birthday celebrations. Having started life in Atikokan in 1929 and living here the first time until 1938, I had vague memories of people and images. Having recently acquired a scanner and printer, that did a respectable job of copying photos, it seemed it would be logical and interesting to try to acquire some early photos and make a display of them." Syd said he had numerous sleepless nights as he tried to figure out the best way to display the photos. Being at eye-level, the photos were easy to peer at and see details that might be missed if they were not at eye-level. DeNeille Guillet, the curator at the Museum and Marsha Rydberg, her assistant added their knowledge to that of Syd for an evening of engaging conversation about Atikokan's past. As De Neille said, "Syd has collected photos for a number of years, and has made good use of his computer and printer. It is nice to see someone who lived here and moved away, returning to the community and adding so much to it." The showing continues until August 3rd at the Atikokan Centennial Museum. Drop by, maybe you'll see a grandparent or aunt or uncle in one of the many photos. |
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 One section of the photograph display |
 Elaine James, Marsha Rydberg, Syd Jones, DeNeille Guillet at Opening Night |
 Marsha Rydberg, Syd Jones and Elaine James |
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