The Snow Lake Mining Museum’s original geologist, or “rock doctor,” is hanging up his loupe and is on his way to the balmier climes of northwestern Ontario.
Clair Pilgrim has sold his and wife Wendie’s lakeside home, as they are moving back to their hometown of Thunder Bay.
Pilgrim notes that he will miss Snow Lake and in particular his back yard on Snow Lake. He adds that he will also miss the museum, and in mentioning this, throws mounds of credit at the feet of museum board chairman Paul Hawman.
Pilgrim noted that Hawman spends hundreds of hours a year on museum business, as well as in the promotion of the local heritage site.
“He just never stops thinking of the place,” said Pilgrim.
When he and Wendie eventually settle in Thunder Bay, Pilgrim admits he’ll likely be a regular around some of that area’s Amethyst Mines.
He adds that he just may pop in to see Jim Parres, who has roots in this region and also resides in the area.
Local geos Dennis Merber and Ernie Guiboche will take over as “rock doctors” and when asked if they have pretty big shoes to fill, Merber stated: “You’ll never fill those shoes… I don’t think we’ll let him go!”
My Take on Snow Lake is published on Fridays.
