TBPL Unveils Restored Historical Panels

Written by Terrace Bay Public Library on 23 March 2011

TERRACE BAY, ON – The historical photo panels that grace the hallways of the Terrace Bay Community Centre have been enjoyed by many residents and visitors to the comunity since their creation in 1997.

It was the work of the Terrace Bay 50th Anniversary Committee volunteers that gathered the many photos and created the display panels. The Terrace Bay Public Library took over the upkeep of the panels following the anniversary year. Library staff and summer students have repaired, cleaned and added to the panels over the past years.

A particular people’s favourite is the “In Memoriam” panel. This panel depicts those who have lived lives in Terrace Bay but unfortunately have passed away.

Terrace Bay resident Paulette Brend noticed a need for this particular panel to be updated. She approached Terrace Bay Public Library CEO Mary Deschatelets and volunteered her skills and time to do the job. The pictures came down and Paulette began the huge task of scanning all the photos, resizing them and printing them all. She put a call out to the community for people to bring her pictures of their departed loved ones to include in the display. Paulette stated that the response was wonderful. “This is still an ongoing project “she said ” people can still bring me photos to include on the panel and I will scan them and put them up.”

All the pictures were printed in black & white which gives the panel a nostalgic feel. After months of work the revamped panel was unveiled on Monday March 21. On hand to get a first look at the updated panel and to show their appreciation to Paulette for her efforts were members of the public, Terrace Bay Public Library Board members and staff, Township councillors and staff as well as one of creators of the historical panels, Joan Clark. Everyone was awed by the new look of the panel and by the feelings that were evoked as one looks at the pictures and remembers the many storied lives of Terrace Bay.