Capturing the French River: Images Along One of Canada's Most Famous Waterways, 1910-1927

by Wayne Kelly

Overview

Capturing the French River introduces a rare collection of exceptional photographs taken along the river between 1910 and 1927 by Doctors J. Ernest Rushbrook and Frank Sherman, whose lifelong friendship was based in part around their mutual love of photography, of nature, of the Canadian wilderness and of the canoe. The collection was a serendipitous discovery by author Wayne Kelly, who immediately recognized the uniqueness of these incredible images. The two Rushbrook sisters, Ida and Bertha, also photographers, play a significant role in this book on the amazing, historically significant French River and the once-thriving original village of French River, which ceased to exist circa 1924. The sisters are remembered as well for their fearless running of whitewater rapids and remote camping adventures, often including Bertha’s son, Max, who was still a babe in arms.

The author’s historical research on this area and the era has led to an informative text that will delight history buffs and also serve as the ideal companion for those interested canoeists and travellers venturing into French River country. Present-day photographers will also be intrigued by the many images selected from a collection of 634 photographs. Capturing the French River is destined to become a Canadian treasure in print.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781459712560
Publisher:	Dundurn Press
Publication date:	05/25/2007
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	128
File size:	5 MB

About the Author

Wayne Kelly is an ardent canoeist and historical researcher. Known widely as "Mr. Crokinole," he has published two books including the popular Downright Upright, published by Natural Heritage Books in 1991 and reprinted in 1992. He lives in Stratford, Ontario.

Wayne Kelly is an ardent canoeist and historical researcher. Known widely as "Mr. Crokinole," he has published two books including the popular Downright Upright, published in 1991 and reprinted in 1992. He lived in Stratford, Ontario. Wayne passed away May 3, 2016.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgements 7

Introduction 9

Part 1 Developing the Craft 17

Part 2 Laying on of Hands 35

Part 3 Into the Wilderness, 1910-12 45

Part 4 Death of the Village, 1913-19 67

Part 5 The Final Expeditions, 1920-27 89

Epilogue 101

Notes 106

Bibliography 119

Index 124

About the Author 128