During the nineteenth century, the production of wood products was the major industry of the colonies of Lower Canada and Upper Canada. Many Canadians believe that the lumber barons were in fact our earliest recorded entrepreneurs. These men looked to the virgin forests and the accessible water ways and found creative means to produce wooden materials destined for American and European (British) markets.
The team at Logs End is fascinated with the timber trade, the lumber trade and ultimately the forces behind the historic log drives. It was certainly a challenging and dangerous job, yet it led to growth and prosperity in communities like the Pontiac and Ottawa Valley. For this reason, our showroom in Ottawa is not only home to a variety of reclaimed wood products and hardwood flooring linked to days past; it is also houses a growing collection of log drive-related tools and historic items.
As Canada celebrates its 150th anniversary, also known as the 150th anniversary of Confederation, Canadians are looking to the past as a means to the future. In our minds, there is always room for improvement and our past accomplishments (and failures) hold the key to the next 150 years. Which is why certain exhibits taking place in Ottawa and around the country are purposely drawing attention to our rich past.
One such exhibit is MosaïCanada 150/Gatineau 2017. This signature event is not only a horticultural celebration, but a tribute to Canada’s First Nations, its 10 provinces and 3 territories. Visitors are presented with 33 breathtaking works of living art, which cover five historical sectors.
Some of the Logs End team has had occasion to visit MosaïCanada and were in awe of the sculptures. While many stood out, especially the Mother Earth section and the ’72 Series (hockey buffs will know what we’re referring to), Jos Montferrand the famed Lumberjack could not be missed. The regaled strongman’s checkered plaid shirt and axe were a giveaway to his historical roots.
Pay A Visit MosaïCanada 150
MosaïCanada 150 is a FREE event. It runs from June 30, 2017 to October 15, 2017 at Parc Jacques-Cartier Park, near the Canadian Museum of History. The entrance to the exhibition is at the corner of rue Laurier and rue Saint-Étienne. Consult the map HERE. The grounds are open from 10:00AM to 7:00PM daily, even in inclement weather.
