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Eastern State Penitientiary

The history of Eastern State Penitentiary is a fascinating story spanning many years. As a model for prisons yet to be built, it would stand as first a shining beacon, and then as a potential embarrassment both admired and reviled.

Pennsylvania Turnpike

It was early in the day, and already becoming quite warm. We had each brought a large bottle of Gatorade with us and felt quite prepared and excited for what lay ahead. Two tunnels carved into the hills beyond. Tunnels which, for a brief period of time, allowed traffic a faster, easier route through the beautiful state of Pennsylvania. Its inherent flaws, however, started the clock ticking to its eventual closure.

Shannopin Mine

Opened in 1926, this mine covered an area of approximately 8,200 acres. The mine closed in 1993 owing over $87,000 in taxes for the property itself, and with the parent company owing over $700,000 overall.

Bayless Pulp and Paper

The Bayless Pulp and Paper mill was first constructed in 1900 as industry in this area turned from sawmills to pulp and paper. It was the largest plant, and single largest employer in the area.

German Catholic Orphanage

The property on which this building stands was purchased for $25,000 as a joint effort of nine parishes. It is alleged that the property was formally a burial ground.

Kanichee Mine

The Kanichee Mine, also known as the Ajax Mine, is an abandoned base metal and precious metal mine with a history dating back to 1910. Throughout the 20th century, the mine experienced several periods of operation and closure, with the most recent activity occurring from 1973 to 1976.

Whitefish Falls Hydro Electric Dam

I had heard about this place before, but wasn't completely sure as to its exact whereabouts. One afternoon, while driving to Manitoulin Island, I finally caught a glimpse of it off the embankment as I crossed the bridge.

North Bay BOMARC Base

On a sunny Sunday morning, we decided to take a drive toward North Bay. To this point, I hadn't been here very often except going through on my way to somewhere else. Today would be different though, as I hoped to chase down a few places of interest on my list. One in particular fascinated me, but I had already resigned myself to the likelihood that I wouldn't get past the gate.

Coniston Smelter

Prior to 1912, Coniston was mostly a farming community. The Mond Nickel Company decided to build a new facility, and felt that Coniston was ideal due to the close proximity of both major railroads.

Milnet, Ontario

Milnet, originally known as Sellwood Junction, began its journey in the early 20th century as a remote station and watering stop for the Canadian Northern Railway (CNoR, later CN). The railway line's arrival marked the beginning of an intense period of lumbering activity in the area. Shortly after the railway line opened, the lumber industry moved in, leading to the establishment of a sawmill on the shores of the Vermillion River. By 1917, the Marshay Lumber Company had bought and expanded the mill, adding a planning mill and transforming the area into a bustling company townsite with about 200 residents.