Cobalt Historical Society

Are you a member of the Haileybury Heritage Museum? Time to renew! If you are not a member, here's your chance to join!

Charlie Angus contacted us a couple years ago to find out if we knew anything about this image. At the time, we were unable to help. Charlie shared with us what he learned: Early in 1911, the harem skirt created a stir in the European fashion world. A rather large stir, if we are to judge by the Pope’s condemnation of the designer. Reaction ranged from shock to rioting to murder. Even the Cobalt papers reported on the folly. Ever the showman, theatre owner Charles Stevens dec...ided to exploit the fascination. He notified the papers, and then, at the appointed time, he and the missus strode through the town, she wearing a pair of harem pants. The sidewalks about the Square were lined with women and men anxious to see this garment that has caused so much discussion since its appearance a short time ago in Paris. Later, Daisy modeled the outfit at hubby’s theatre. The buzz lasted three whole days, according to Charlie Angus. And then the next big deal took over. By way of postscript, here’s a poem published July 12, 1911, by the ever-sardonic newspaper editor: Mary had a harem skirt Into it she did wiggle But when she essayed hard to flirt The boys would only giggle

Sent to us by member Maurice O'Shaughnessy - his mother was a school teacher at Mileage 104. This certificate certifies that Miss Meredith was a teacher of SS No. 1 of the Town of Cobalt and as such, she was entitled to the special rate on the TN&O.

Still not much snow on the ruins of the Nipissing High grade Mill.

Our beloved Right of Way Mine, painted by Mary Bryant ca 1960. This image was sent to us by Cobalt Historical Society member Sally Cameron Naftel. The painting is in her collection. "The work is beautifully done, I wish you could see it in the real. An interesting aspect is that Mary was an invalid and in a wheelchair. Also she didn't use a paint brush but a kitchen paring knife for all her oils which gave them a three dimensional look. This is what first attracted me to h...er at the art show where she demonstrated her style." Bryant came to the area several times to paint. "Cobalt was my favourite subject, " she said. More to come from Sally in later newsletters. Her father was clothier and musician Eric Smith.

New sign at the ONR train station with our trail manager, Reiner Mielke.

A video tribute to our dear Cobalt friend, Tina.

In honour of Tina, her brother Bert has established the Tina Sartoretto Fund under the Historic Cobalt Legacy Fund at The Temiskaming Foundation. As this fund continues to help projects in Cobalt, Tina’s impact will continue to be felt in the community. Thank you Tina!

Shannon Lathem shares the news that today is Miner's Day.

Social media can be a challenge from time to time, but every now and again, important information comes your way. Here is a photo of the Cobalt fire department from the 50s (?) with the names in the caption.

And now, a word from our sponsor! Keatings Insect Powder By July 1911, the streetcar between Cobalt and Haileybury had been in operation for 18 months. Prior to the inaugural run, all of the news was about the construction of the road and the numerous delays. After the fact, most of the news was related to rowdiness among the passengers drunk and disorderly types who were fined or jailed for their transgressions. A friend of one of the arrested chaps decided to seek revenge... by laying a log across the tracks. Thankfully, the trolley operator was able to stop the streetcar in time. I cannot imagine that women or children would have felt comfortable travelling unescorted on the trolley line. The advertising team at Keating’s Insect Powder took advantage of the situation. Not only were people exposed to rude and potentially dangerous behaviour from other passengers, they had to worry about cooties!

The Town of Cobalt mourns the passing this weekend of former Mayor Tina Sartoretto - a champion of Cobalt's heritage. She is shown here wearing the Chain of Office. This link will take you to Buffam funeral home site. https://english.buffamleveille.com//Sartoretto-T/index.php Tina's Facebook friends are leaving tributes on her profile page https://www.facebook.com/tina.sartoretto... Rest in peace, Tina. You will be missed.

This early view (ca 1906) of Argentite Street is one of the very first images I encountered when I started exploring the Cobalt story. What caught my eye then was the"Ice Cream Parlour" sign mounted on the same building that directed people to the Assay Office. An unusual juxtaposition of businesses, and yet typically Cobalt. Somehow, knowing that ice cream was available way back then was comforting. Apparently, though, chocolate was not a flavour that was always on hand. That, to me, would be a problem!

Belated equinox greetings from the Town of Cobalt as viewed from Nipissing Mine in Coleman.