Lakehead University Archives

Lakehead University Archives We keep and share records of the history of Lakehead University and Northwestern Ontario. Open to all:
Thursdays 1-4pm
Other times by appointment

Sad to hear today that Dr. Walter Momot, ichthyologist and long-time Lakehead faculty member, has passed away.His record...
06/15/2026

Sad to hear today that Dr. Walter Momot, ichthyologist and long-time Lakehead faculty member, has passed away.

His records in the Archives reflect two important, related areas of his work: study of the fish of rivers and lakes in Northwestern Ontario, and work on the Remedial Action Plan for the Great Lakes, addressing problems of water pollution in Lake Superior.

He will be remembered not only for his achievements, but for his impact on many Biology students over the years.

https://archives.lakeheadu.ca/index.php/dr-walter-momot-fonds

Happy Pride Month! We hope that you are able to celebrate: in Thunder Bay, in Orillia, or wherever else you might be.LGB...
06/04/2026

Happy Pride Month! We hope that you are able to celebrate: in Thunder Bay, in Orillia, or wherever else you might be.

LGBTQ2S+ people have been part of our communities forever. The oldest records of gay & le***an organizing in our archives are from 1980 ... that we know of. These are available for you to look back on whenever you like. You can check out the "A Q***r History of Thunder Bay" digital exhibit for some highlights, at: https://digitalcollections.lakeheadu.ca/exhibits/show/a-queer-history-of-thunder-bay/introduction

And we know there are many more stores not represented "officially" in our collections. If you've got photos, documents, or video, and would like to share them with the public, we'd be happy to hear from you.

Happy Convocation! Congratulations to everyone graduating this week and next. You've earned a celebration.(This photo: F...
05/29/2026

Happy Convocation! Congratulations to everyone graduating this week and next. You've earned a celebration.

(This photo: Fall Convocation, 1972.)

We can't not celebrate the Finnish Pancake and the Hoito Restaurant for today's The Hoito operated from 1918 to 2020...
05/28/2026

We can't not celebrate the Finnish Pancake and the Hoito Restaurant for today's

The Hoito operated from 1918 to 2020 in the Finnish Labour Temple in Port Arthur/Thunder Bay, where for decades worker-members and others could enjoy affordable and delicious food. In later years, Hoito became internationally known for serving Finnish pancakes (also available in other local restaurants.) After the loss of the Labour Temple, the Hoito still lives on through the work of the Finlandia Co-operative of Thunder Bay, with hot meals served at the Thunder Bay Country Market and Goods & Co. Market

Our Archives holds records of the operation of the Hoito, and its impact on our community for over a century. Recipes? You'll have to ask elsewhere.

1. A plate of Finnish pancakes served at the Hoito. Photo by Teresa-Lee Cooke
2. Hoito waitstaff in the 1920s. On the right, Ellen Poutanen.
3. The Labour Temple. Undated, likely 1920s.
4. Hoito entrance at the Labour Temple, 1952.
5. Cheque of the Hoito Co-Operative Restaurant, 1939, "Owned and Operated by the Boarders Themselves"

Port Arthur and Fort William Lawn Bowling Clubs, at Waverley Park. 1923.In the detail: not a ghost, but a person moving ...
05/27/2026

Port Arthur and Fort William Lawn Bowling Clubs, at Waverley Park. 1923.

In the detail: not a ghost, but a person moving a bit too fast for the shutter speed!

It finally feels like spring here in Thunder Bay! This photograph from the 1930s shows apple trees in bloom, and was don...
05/14/2026

It finally feels like spring here in Thunder Bay!

This photograph from the 1930s shows apple trees in bloom, and was donated by Helen Laine.

Fort William Municipal Airport, now the Thunder Bay Airport.This photo isn't dated, but someone could perhaps figure it ...
05/11/2026

Fort William Municipal Airport, now the Thunder Bay Airport.

This photo isn't dated, but someone could perhaps figure it out by looking at just how much else has been constructed by then and now! The Fort William Municipal Airport was first built in 1938, and this may not be too long afterwards.

You may be interested in this free presentation on May 20:
05/04/2026

You may be interested in this free presentation on May 20:

New collection: the William Peach fonds, 1936-1938. Peach worked for C.D. Howe, and this set of records relates to Howe'...
05/01/2026

New collection: the William Peach fonds, 1936-1938. Peach worked for C.D. Howe, and this set of records relates to Howe's responsibilities to his Port Arthur riding. (Howe delegated a lot to Peach, as he was kept busy with ministerial portfolios throughout his time in office.)

https://archives.lakeheadu.ca/index.php/william-peach-fonds

Tomorrow is International Workers' Day! Today we're joining the with this photograph of lumber camp workers, probably ...
04/30/2026

Tomorrow is International Workers' Day! Today we're joining the with this photograph of lumber camp workers, probably prior to 1920.

Cutting wood for railway ties, lumber, or pulpwood was an important livelihood for people in Northwestern Ontario. Camps employed large numbers of immigrants, whose work was often precarious. Many of these workers then developed a strong commitment to the labour movement, and found strength through solidarity with their fellow workers.

You'll see that this photograph also includes young women, doing the vital work of keeping the whole camp fed, and boys, doing hard physical labour at a young age.

You can find more information about records related to the labour movement at: https://libguides.lakeheadu.ca/archives/activism



This photograph comes from the Canadan Uutistoimisto, the news branch of the CTKL, the Finnish-Canadian unionist organization which was the majority shareholder of the Finnish Labour Temple in Thunder Bay.

Address

Chancellor Paterson Library, 955 Oliver Road
Thunder Bay, ON
P7B5E1

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Tuesday 10am - 12pm
Wednesday 9am - 12pm
2pm - 4pm
Thursday 1pm - 4pm

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