Tag Archives: lionel bigras

The Rencraft Fire Dept Photo Brings Back a Familiar Name

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Last night I posted this old 50s ad from The Carleton Place Canadian I found in the files of the museum on The Tales of Carleton Place  as I thought “50 cents to being an extra lady” was amusing.

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Who was the Rencraft Fire Dept?

The Brigade was made up of Renfrew Woolen Mill workers. The Bates and Innes Mill had their own fire brigade as well. Most people refer to this mill as the Hawthorne Mill, but it operated as the Renfrew Woolen Mill (Hawthorn Mill) beginning in 1933– Carleton Place and Beckwith Heritage Museum

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Badge from Pete Harris

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This photo appears to have been taken in the CP Council Chamber- Carleton Place and Beckwith Heritage Museum.

As I looked at the list of names on the bottom of the picture I noticed a familiar name. Fourth from the left on the back row is Lionel Bigras who helped save Margaret Violet King from downing the first time at the Carleton Place Hydro plant. It was nice to put a face to a name.

Historical Note

“In July of 1937 Carleton Place resident Wilfred Bigras saved the life of 6-year-old Margaret Violet King, daughter of Mrs. Clifford King. Young Margaret fell into the Mississippi River near the hyrdo plant about 200 yards from the town bridge early in the afternoon. Artificial respiration was practiced by Wilfird Bigras, employee at the Hydro plant, a cousin of the rescuer Lionel Bigras who dived 3 times in 15 feet of water to bring the child to the surface.”

A Carleton Place Tale to Send Shivers Up Your Arm — The Sad Tale of Margaret Violet King