Carl Bleich, Forestry Recollections

Gord Nagorski suggested to me, a summer job at Pakwash JR Camp June 1976. A summer job. 35 years later I retired from Ontario government. Gord still lives in Ear Falls. He retired from MTO years ago.

Bonnie and Charley dropped by on way to McKenzie Island. Already had their book. Nice moose length visit.

Third and last Library donation today, 30Sep2020 to Dryden Public Library. Through the plexiglas, in a safe manner, is Librarian Dayna DeBenedet.

Donation today, 25Sept2020, to the Ear Falls Public Library. Book seller and Librarian Susan Carey accepts Forestry Recollections to the collection. As of today, she has only five (5) books left for sale at $40 cash.

Someone I had been looking for to do an interview for my book was Reg Tivy. I never did find him. Out of the blue yesterday, September 14, he called me. A friend from Red Lake sent him a copy of Forestry Recollections and he was inquiring as to how to purchase a book online. We had a great chat for over an hour and his wife Marg sent me this photo today.

Librarian Lisa Johnson accepts a donation of Forestry Recollections today (23SEP20) at Balmertown Public Library. Books also available online at my website. www.mooseonthelooseproductions.com

The Rod Keller helicopter crash story is on page 198 of my book. The survivor dropped by yesterday (03Sept2020) for my third last book that he had reserved. We had a great discussion over coffee. The second last book is ear-marked for the Dryden Library, and I think I will keep one for myself.

So proud of this guy. My dad published a book this year and hes already sold out of the original 500 copy run. Im (personally) hoping hell do another printing sometime down the line. If youd be interested in a copy, comment below and maybe we can peer pressure him into moving ahead. Its a beautiful collection of personal historical narratives from the many folks whove lived and worked in Red Lake, ON throughout the 20th century. And features much of my dads own photography.

My mail order books here in Dryden are SOLD OUT. Five months to the day I did my last trip to the post office with my last books. BOOKS AVAILABLE ONLINE Click on my website for direct link to FriesenPress Bookstore:... www.mooseonthelooseproductions.com There are still a few books left at MacPrint, as well as Whiskey Jack Restaurant in Perrault Falls, couple left at Good News Bookstore in Sioux Lookout and Kenton Creations in Fort Frances. THANKS to everyone who purchased a book and, supported my 35 year dream.

So proud of this guy. My dad published a book this year and he’s already sold out of the original 500 copy run. I’m (personally) hoping he’ll do another printing sometime down the line. If you’d be interested in a copy, comment below and maybe we can peer pressure him into moving ahead. It’s a beautiful collection of personal historical narratives from the many folks who’ve lived and worked in Red Lake, ON throughout the 20th century. And features much of my dad’s own photography.

All the way from Wawa, Larry Harvey dropped by for three books today. His three stories in the book start on page 237. Literally he saved lives on Red 7/86. Another unsung hero.

Alex MacDonald dropped by for a book. What a storyteller! Great to see another one of my Red Lake MNR coworkers.

Many will recall great stories about Joe Riives. I recall riding with him on a CNR jigger, east of Red Lake Road, to do a fire prevention inspection.

A Pakwash JR from 1984 sent me a photo and ordered a book from New Brunswick.

Bryan McDonald dropped by for a book and a moose length coffee on the deck.

Thirty year firefighter Paul Fazekas story on page 125. Read about his being presented with Canadas Medal of Bravery by our Governor General. I like Pauls comment in The Warehouse where he states about equipment, When you ran out, you might as well close up shop.

Larry Snow as a young fellow lived with his family at the Ear Falls deputy fire base from 1957 - 1966. His Dad Allan was the deputy. See story on page 86.

Keith Mahoney stories on Fire Red 7/86 on pages 242 and 243. Keith was a quiet man, respected by those that worked with him. When he spoke, everybody listened.

What a trip so far. This chapter of life was supposed to be Travel. But in reality it is my new job in the Bleich Shipping Department. On February 28 I travelled to Altona Manitoba to pick up my 500 books and have a tour of the Friesen printing plants.

Available at the following locations; Dryden Ontario -MacPrint -J-Mac Barber Shop... Vermilion Bay Ontario -Comfort Table Bakery Perrault Falls Ontario -Whiskey Jack Restaurant Ear Falls Ontario -Ear Falls Library Red Lake Ontario -Woodland Caribou Provincial Park Office -Lakeview Restaurant Sioux Lookout Ontario -Good News Books Fort Frances Ontario -Kenton Creations - 256 Scott Street The cost of the book is $40.00. Pick up locations are cash only. If mailed, it is $16 for s&h or $21.00 s&h for two books. To purchase by e-transfer, use email [email protected] and please make sure to include your mailing address in the place for comments before completing your e-transfer. Please send me a separate email with your full mailing address and any special signing instructions.

Book Launch MacPrint in Dryden Friday March 13, 11:00 -4:00 pm.

Book Update February 22: My book: "Forestry Recollections Red Lake 1926-1986" will be picked up at printers February 28. The following week I will have them in locations around this region. Watch this Page for locations. For customers farther away, once I have the weight of a book and packaging costs, I will post that information. ... Book is $40 plus s&h. I'm working on a PayPal /Visa option, eTransfer or simply send me a cheque. Book Launches are being solidified in Red Lake, Ear Falls and Dryden. Dates and locations TBA. Any questions email me or call. My dream and bucket list item for the last 33 years is close to a reality. Regards, Carl 807-220-2122 C [email protected] www.mooseonthelooseproductions.com See more

February 12th, 2020 book update: I've been making calls and lining up places to sell my books and do book launches in Red Lake, Ear Falls and Dryden. Plus working on pay methods. My 270 page premium colour book with 247 photos is in the queue for printing. I should be receiving a call for pickup within a couple weeks. ... Once I have a weight measurement at the post office I will be able to post mailing cost. The book will be suggested retail of $40. I was going to go with $39.98 as it sounds like a bargain, but I'm not going to pull the wool over my customer's eyes. You are all smart people. The locations for pickup will save you mailing fees. Parcels are not cheap these days, as you recall mailing parcels in December. Locations so far include: Red Lake, Ear Falls, Vermilion Bay, Dryden and Ignace. So, My life changes from an author to a promoter. Updates will also be posted on my website. A huge thanks to Leanne de Groot for designing my website and to my Facebook Page design team of Adria and Marcel Penner. Stay tuned. I'm excited. The book design and layout makes me proud. Regards, Carl www.mooseonthelooseproductions.com

Wow! I received a message from a friend in Europe, inquiring about purchasing my book, Forestry Recollections Red Lake 1926-1986. ... Here is my Sunday morning, over coffee reply: Laura: Hi there fishing buddy. Thanks for the book inquiry. Once I have my books in hand, I'll be sending out messages to every contact I have. On my website there will be directions to purchase. It will hopefully have a PayPal icon for purchase as well through PayPal a way to use Visa. Shipping to Europe will be a pleasure for me. I'm so excited to get this project moving along. I worked off and on for two years researching this mid 1980s. My employer published an eight page newspaper for a free handout to open a new fire centre. BUT I had 85 pages of interviews and 300 photos from the early days. Thirty years later I dug the box out and went at it again, expanding the project. After two winters scanning photos, I started more interviews. That was February 2017. Since then my life has been on the research, writing, editing, more editing, design approvals, layout approvals, copyright issues, the list goes on and on. Finally, the decision on how many. Then books ordered. Now I plan the promotion, marketing, book launches, shipping, that comes with this journey. In the end I will not make a profit on contracting out to make this "book ready". It is a retirement project I've wanted to do for many years. A labour of love. There are priceless stories and never before published photographs. I am so proud of my accomplishment. Website is www.mooseonthelooseproductions.com Regards, Carl

Impressum There are stories in this book written by others that are credited to them. These were sent to me with the intention of being part of Forestry Recollections. Photos are credited to the photographer or from an individual's collection

About the Book Forestry Recollections Red Lake 1926 - 1986... In 1925, a gold rush exploded in this isolated area of northwestern Ontario. A surge of gold seekers hastened to get to Red Lake. With people flooding in, the provincial government decided to establish a presence. In 1926, the Department of Lands and Forests, Ontario Forestry Branch, set up bases throughout the region. This historic book is produced through research mainly via a series of recollections from those who worked for the Forestry from 1926 to 1986. The stories are from forest firefighters, pilots, clerks, technicians, supervisors, conservation officers, parks workers, junior rangers and a safety officer. Anyone who has visited or lived in this area will gain an appreciation of the history.