Archives News

TRENT UNIVERSITY

ARCHIVES NEWS

Number 58, July 2016

Tom Thomson in the Archives In this issue: Canadian artist Tom Thomson is the f one were to embark on telling the story of Canada, one would ultimately arrive focus of this issue of Archives News. I at the Group of Seven and the mysterious 1917 Algonquin Park drowning of We explore holdings in the Archives member artist Tom Thomson. The story of Thomson, born in 1877, his iconic Jack which pertain to the well-known painter. Pine, and his death are entrenched in Canadian lore and for 100 years he and his art have been the subject of exhibits, books, articles, and documentaries. Trent Uni- versity Archives has three collections in particular which contribute to the Thomson story and advance our understanding of his place in the annals of Canadian art. At the approach of the centenary of the artist’s death, the Archives is seeing increased activity around the Thomson holdings.

Roy MacGregor, whose papers we acquired in 2015, conducted extensive research on Thomson. A widely read author, MacGregor’s many publications include his 2010 Northern Light: The Enduring Mystery of Tom Thomson and the Woman Who Loved Him. Through a generous donation by the author, the Archives received Mac- “Tom Thomson’s home at Leith near Owen Gregor’s correspondence, research materials, and manuscript drafts pertaining to Sound, Ontario. Here he lived until he was twen- Thomson and to many of his other books, as well. MacGregor received an honorary ty-four”. (photograph: Blodwen Davies fonds) Doctor of Letters at Trent University in 2016.

Blodwen Davies’ papers, received in 1990, also include research materials pertain- In our Trent Treasures column, we ex- ing to Thomson. Davies published Paddle and Pallette in 1930 and A Study of Tom amine the history of animal rights in the Thomson: The Story of a Man Who Looked for Beauty and for Truth in the Wilder- nineteenth century and highlight a Spe- ness in 1935. A revised memorial version of the latter work, edited by Group of Sev- cial Collections item - Beautiful Joe by en artist A.Y. Jackson, was published posthumously in 1967, 50 years after Thom- Canadian author Margaret (Marshall) son’s death. Davies’ papers include materials pertaining to this revised edition; her Saunders. Inspired by a real life story of correspondence with the publisher and a letter by Jackson help to explain the evolu- an abused dog from Meaford, Ontario, tion of thinking around Thomson’s art and its eventual place within the larger Cana- the author assumes Joe’s perspective dian canon. and is credited with having contributed to a philanthropic shift which included The Archives also holds an important contemporary resource which pertains directly “kindness to the animal kingdom.” to Thomson’s death - a diary kept in 1917 by Algonquin Park ranger and superintendent Mark Robinson. In logging the events of the week or so surrounding July 16th, Notice: If you wish to be removed the day that Thomson’s body was found floating in Canoe Lake with his ankles en- from the Archives News mailing list, please send an email message with trapped in wire, Robinson created a record which has proved critical for researchers “Unsubscribe Newsletter” in the subject investigating the riveting details. This diary is one of many by Robinson located in line to [email protected]. the Addison family fonds.

: http://www.trentu.ca/library/archives. Check our Facebook page regularly for news and updates. ARCHIVES NEWS p.2 The 1917 Mark Robinson diary

ark Robinson was ranger and M superintendent of Algonquin Park from 1907 to 1936. During that period, he kept several diaries; these were do- nated to Trent University Archives in the 1990s by Robinson’s descendants, the Addison family. Robinson’s daughter, Ottelyn Addison, used the diaries in her own research on Thomson and published Tom Thomson, The Algonquin Years in 1969. One of the diaries - that of 1917 - has generated much interest over the years. Beginning with an entry on July 10th, two days after Tom Thom- son was last seen alive, Robinson re- lates over several days a firsthand ac- count of the unusual circumstances surrounding Thomson’s death. The entries recorded on July 10th and 11th are shown on the right. We have provided transcriptions of these and others which mention the artist.

1917 Tuesday, 10 Morning wet and cool. Mr Shannon Fraser came to house about 9:15 a.m. and reported that Martin Bleacher had found Tom Thompsons [Thomson’s] * Canoe floating upside down in Canoe Lake and wanted us to drag for Mr. Thompsons body. We went to Canoe Lake and interviewed Miss Bleacher who was with her brother on Sunday in his little motor boat. Going to Tea Lake dam they passed a canoe floating upside down between Stattons Point and the Bertram Island. They didn’t stop to examine the canoe as they had heard there was a canoe had drifted away from its moorings and had not been found but they intended to pick up the same as they returned. They passed canoe at [3.05] p.m. on Sunday the 8th. After hearing different evidence we returned expecting to hear of Mr. Thompson returning soon. Wednesday 11 We three Rangers along with Martin Bleacher searched the shore of lake and various portages without result…. Thursday 12 Morning wet. Mr. Thompson, a brother of Tom Thompson, arrived here today. I took him around the lake and we met several people and interviewed them. Albert Patterson went to Huntsville to search into matters there... Friday 13 Morning wet. We returned to Canoe. Myself and son Jack Robinson searched Bertrams Island and the western shore of Canoe Lake, also the portage to Gaunther Lakes to which we carried our canoe. After searching the Gaunther Lakes we went north up the Gilmore Road for about half a mile where we turned west for about a mile then north to a large Beaver Pond which we went around and traveled south to Gills Creek where we turned west to Gills Lake. At Gill’s Lake we found Mr. Colsons canoe or canvas boat. Found no traces of any person having been there for some time. We returned to Canoe Lake having called on Mr. Fraser and Mr. Thompson. We also called on Mr. Lowrie Dixon and fire ranger MacDonald then returned home and met evening train. Saturday 14 Morning fine. Ranger Patterson returned this morning having visited Huntsville getting no information of importance regarding Tom Thompson. I was feeling very tired and remained at home all day meeting trains, etc. Ranger Patterson returned to Moose Lake. Mr. Thompson left for his home this morning. Sunday, 15 Morning wet. I went and patrolled east and north shore of Canoe Lake in search for Tom Thompson. Found no trace of him and I returned home. Monday, 16 ...Charles [S...] reported that Tom Thompson’s body was found in Canoe Lake by Geo. Rowe this morning about 9 a.m. I reported to Mr. Bartlett over the phone and he wired for the coroner and county crown attorney. Body found by Dr. G.W. Howland… of Toronto who directed guides Geo. Rowe and Low- rie Dixon to body. They took same and put it near shore. Later Martin Blecher Jr. and Mr. Hugh Trainor put blanket over body and it remained there all day. ARCHIVES NEWS p.3

Tuesday, 17 Morning fine. Undertakers Dixon and Flavell came in last night, Roy Dixon staying with me. This morn Supt. Bartlett ordered me to await arrival of Dr. Ran- ney cor. [coroner] from North Bay, should he not [not] arrive to have body taken out of water and put in casket. This we did. Dr. Howland examined body at my request. We found a bruise on left temple about four inches long evidently caused by falling on a rock. Otherwise no marks of violence on body. Dr. Howland and undertakers advised having body buried. I reported to Supt. Bartlett by phone and he ordered him buried which we carried out at little cemetery at Canoe Lake, Mr. Martin Blecher Sr. reading the funeral service. Miss Winnifred Trainor and Miss Terry went out on the evening train. About 8 p.m. Dr. Ranney arrived and took the evidence of Mr. Edwin Colson at Joe Lake. We then went to Canoe Lake and met at Martin Blechers home where I had assembled Dr. Howland, Mr. and Miss Blecher, Hugh Trainor, Geo. Rowe and self. Evidence was taken, etc. Wednesday, 18 About 1:30 a.m. Martin Blecher Junior brought Dr. Ranney and self up Joe Creek in yacht to Portage from where we walked to Joe Lake shelter house arriving there about 2:30 a.m. Up at 6 a.m. and Dr. Ranney took train to North Bay. I met trains as usual. Later in day [ ] S. Fraser received telegram that a steel casket was being sent in and Tom Thompsons body was to be exhumed and taken out by whose orders I am not at present aware. There is considerable adverse comment regarding the taking of the evidence among the residents. Thursday, 19 Morning wet… I have received instructions this morning to have Mr. J.S. Fraser have no more booze, come in also to have a plan and lease of his house. Prepared at once to be submitted to dept. of Lands Forests and Mines. Mr. Churchill undertaker of Huntsville, Ont. arrived last night and took up body of Thomas Thomson artist under direction of Mr. Geo. Thomson of Conn. U.S.A. The body went out on evening train to Owen Sound to be buried in the family plot. The Arts Ass. of Toronto propose having an memorial exhibit of Mr. Tom Thomson’s paintings and to place a memorial in the Park near where he loved to work, sketch so well. Thus ends a career of unselfishness, of a gentleman, sportsman & artist and friend of all.

“Note re Tom Thomson artist” (undated entry located near the end of the 1917 diary) Found in boat floating in lake by Martin and Bessie Bletcher 1 gal. can maple syrup; 1.5 lbs tin of jam 1 rubber sheet Leith Presbyterian Church, Sydenham Township, where Tom Thomson attended service. Brought up from dock three old tin pails (Blodwen Davies fonds) 1 pair buckskin moccasins 1 axe Over the past century, a considerable 3 trolling spoons, line, etc. amount of research has been focused Statement by Charlie [S...]: on determining the true location of Took with him small tin pail 3 pints Thomson’s body. A contested subject, 1 lb of rice some research suggests that the body 1 can of sugar about 1 lb was never exhumed from the small [ham] 2 lbs; 1/2 dozen potatoes small frying pan; split bamboo fishing rod cemetery at Canoe Lake where it was reel line, etc.; landing net originally buried and removed to the Leith Presbyterian Church cemetery as Dress worn by Mr. Tom Tompson instructed by Thomson’s brother. Lumbermans grey woolen shirts; heavy khaki trousers Canvas shoes, white; no hat or coat. Left Frasers dock after 12:30 p.m. to go to Tea Lake Dam or West Lake. Canoe found floating by Miss Blecher and Bro at [3:05] p.m. Sunday 8.

* Note regarding transcription: Minor punctuation and spelling changes have been made in this transcription to assist the textual flow. Bleacher, mentioned in the entries, is sometimes spelled Bletcher or Blecher; likewise, Thompson and Tompson for Thomson.

“A cold, steady rain was falling on the town the day Jimmy Stringer told me he had Tom Thomson’s shinbone stashed in his woodshed.”

For details about the fonds mentioned in this Roy MacGregor, from the first draft of Northern Light: The issue of Archives News, see the following: Enduring Mystery of Tom Thomson and the Woman Who Loved Him (Roy MacGregor fonds) Roy MacGregor fonds http://www.trentu.ca/library/archives/16-001.htm “…I think Lawren [Harris] always had the feeling there was foul play, Blodwen Davies fonds but there was no evidence. It was a very careless inquest, I think per- http://www.trentu.ca/library/archives/91-001.htm haps influenced by the feeling he was of no importance as a painter and probably up there to avoid military service… It could have been a Addison family fonds heart attack and they did not take the trouble to find out…” http://www.trentu.ca/library/archives/97-011.htm Alex [A.Y. Jackson] to “Yvonne”, handwritten letter,15 September 1966, Ottawa. (Blodwen Davies fonds) Note: References in the fonds suggest that Jackson, Lawren Harris, and Arthur Lismer, all members of the Group of Seven, assisted Davies in collecting material for her Thomson book. ARCHIVES NEWS p.4

he nineteenth century is generally regarded as a period of sold many more millions to date. The Introduction gives some T turmoil and rapid change. Technological advances and idea of its aspirations: mechanization displaced communities and whole sectors of labour. The development of rapid communication and new edu- "Such books as this is one cational and training institutions resulted in increased literacy of the needs of our pro- and, for some, new economic opportunities. It also brought soci- gressive system of educa- etal stress and a general angst in the wake of the disorder. Non tion. The day-school, the -conforming religious sects flourished, and the increasingly in- Sunday school and all the fluential middle-classes devised new ways to discipline, catego- libraries for the young, rize, and scrutinize the labouring poor, the infirm, and all other demand the influence that non-productive members of this newly robust entrepreneurial shall teach them how to society. live in sympathy with the animal world…Kindness to One of the consequences was a counter-discourse of humani- the animal kingdom is the tarianism. Various strains of radical socialism sprang up as the first, or a first principle in gap between rich and poor continued to widen even while legis- the growth of true philan- lation for the improvement of factory and mine conditions, the thropy." abolition of the slave trade, the expansion of suffrage, and the medicalization of insanity was introduced. Anti-vivisection pro- test was increasingly common and the place of animals, generally, in human society, was examined more closely. Animal rights was not a new subject - David Hume and Jean- Jacques Rousseau, amongst others had made cursory references to the debate - but these earlier discussions tended to concentrate on what it meant to be "human." The nineteenth century brought a sharper focus to arguments for the humane treatment of draft animals and the abolition of blood sports. Many books, articles, and legislative debates contributed to the founding of the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, and the American S.P.C.A. In 1877, Anna Sewell wrote Black Beauty to astounding success, and, thereafter, a number of books appeared featuring animals and their human contacts, adding to the surge of progressive literature. In Canada, it was (Margaret) Marshall Saunders (1861-1947) who wrote a book about the trials, tribulations, and ultimate tri- umph of a dog. Beautiful Joe: An Autobiography was published by the Baptist Society in 1893. Trent University Special Collec- tions has an 1896 edition, the first edition available to the general public. Saunders has Joe tell his story in his own words just as Sewell's horse did. And, just as in Black Beauty, the virtuous middle-class children and their noble animal companion prevail over vicious ne'er-do-wells. Beautiful Joe is regarded as the first Canadian book to sell more than one million copies, and has

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