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It was a sight which has not seen the light of day in at least a century.
Except for glimpses in old photographs and anecdotes of the log driving days, few people know of the timber crib -a massive raft made of squared logs -and the vital role it played in the settlement of the Upper Ottawa Valley.
It thus made perfect sense the arrival of one at the Pembroke Marina, along with a replica of the famous Cochrane Pointer Boat, would be used as the kickoff for “From Roots to Rock,” a week-long celebration of 180 years of settlement at the site of the City of Pembroke.
On Sunday, approximately 2,000 people crowded the banks of the Ottawa River to watch the historic moment as the crib reached the shoreline.
In a year of anniversaries, it has been exactly 100 years since the last commercial timber crib travelled the Ottawa River and it was felt it would be ideal to recreate the structure and the experience to mark the event.
Made of two dozen white pine logs, and weighing 21,000 kilograms, the timber crib has gotten around all summer, heading as far south as the Canadian Museum of Civilization in Ottawa, making stops along the way to give people a chance to admire it.
For Sunday’s journey, the crib was assembled near Petawawa Point on Friday, then launched around 9:30 a. m., carrying a crowd of around 70 people. Among them were Pembroke Mayor Ed Jacyno, MP Cheryl Gallant, MPP John Yakabuski and people and their families who have been involved in the project from the beginning such as John and Dana Shaw of Herb Shaw and Sons Limited, Tom Stephenson who oversaw its construction, city councillor Terry O’Neill, Fred Blackstein and others.
It was towed most of the way down the river by a small tugboat, owned by Peter and Barbara Haughton, a vessel which has historic ties to Pembroke being built by Ted Woermke in 1952 for forestry work. The Haughtons, their daughter Jennifer, mechanic Raymond Gauthier and Dave Lemkay, general manager of the Canadian Forestry Association, were all on hand to take part in the event.
Close to shore, the tugboat released the crib, allowing it to be rowed the rest of the way into Cockburn Inlet at the waterfront, accompanied by the pointer boat which was paddled by the Fellowes High School students who built it. The materials for both crib and boat were donated by the Shaws.
The crowd of people cheered the participants on as the crib landed and was tied off to a pier assembled for just this occasion. Secured now at the water’s edge, the crib and the pointer boat will remain in place until at least Wednesday and will be the site of a number of events.
Mayor Jacyno, addressing the crowd during the more formal part of the opening ceremony, said riding the timber crib down the river gave him an appreciation for what Pembroke’s forefathers must have faced when settling the area for the first time.
“Coming down on that raft truly puts into perspective how hard pioneers had it when they first settled the area,” he said, and it is honouring their achievements which is what this week is all about.
The city is marking two anniversaries this week, the 150th of the incorporation of Pembroke and the 180th of the first settlement by Peter White. It was decided to celebrate by having a week’s worth of events at the waterfront, up to and including the annual Waterfront Festival.
Besides guests from Petawawa, Mayor Bob Sweet, Laurentian Valley Township, Mayor Jack Wilson, Renfrew, Mayor Therese Hein, the historic flavour of the week was reflected in the assembly of former mayors of Pembroke, all of whom were invited to attend the opening ceremonies.
Former mayors, Les Scott, Terry McCann, Bob Pilot, George Abdallah and Henry Brown, were all on hand to witness the events unfold.
“I am glad they all accepted our invitation to attend,” Mayor Jacyno said, noting everyone on past and present councils have contributed to what the city has become today.
Speaking to the occasion, MP Gallant thanked the Shaw family and Mr. Lemkay for the opportunity to spend five and a half hours on the timber crib, which she found to be an enjoyable ride.
“This was a rare opportunity to experience history first hand,” she said, and bringing greetings from Prime Minister Stephen Harper added how this special occasion offers everyone a chance to reflect on the history of Pembroke and its settlement.
“Today, Pembroke is justly proud of its history,” she said, then officially presented a signboard representing a $14,000 Heritage Canada grant to help cover the event’s expenses.
MPP Yakabuski said it has been a great honour to join the Shaw family and all involved in the timber crib project.
“It was a rare treat to be out there on the river with the crib,” he said, “as we may not have that honour again.”
MPP Yakabuski said events such as this one allow everyone a chance to be thankful to those people who decided to make this area their home all those years ago, overcoming great odds and hardships to do so.
“Now we enjoy the fruits of their labours,” he said, and encouraged everyone to learn more about the history of the area.
“It has been a great history, let’s keep making it,” MPP Yakabuski said.
The historic displays, activities and demonstrations are being held throughout the week to Wednesday evening. Starting on Thursday, Aug. 7, the city switches gears to the Waterfront Festival, which runs Aug. 8-10.