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Algonquin Park Ranger Mark Robinson

@rgrmarkrobinson.bsky.social
126 followers 104 following 867 posts

Algonquin Park (ON, Canada) Ranger: 1907-36. Acting Sup't of the Park: 1922-24. **DIRECT QUOTATIONS FROM ROBINSON'S DAILY DIARIES, unless otherwise indicated.** Print versions - just enter "Gregory Klages" at: www.indigo.ca/en-ca

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Algonquin Park Ranger Mark Robinson @rgrmarkrobinson.bsky.social · 9h
#OTD (Sat, Sep 30) 1922 at #JoeLake, #AlgonquinPark: "I met trains at Joe and Canoe Lake stations. Mrs. Ed Colson went out on train tonight and Algonquin Hotel closes for the season; the help going home today." @nichecanada.bsky.social @csnrec.bsky.social
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Algonquin Park Ranger Mark Robinson @rgrmarkrobinson.bsky.social · 9h
#OTD (Tue, Sep 30) 1913 at #AlgonquinPark: "Party went to Wolf Lake for lunch. The rolling hills were blazing in all the beauties of autumn colors. The weather fine and warm. Party went for a swim right after lunch." @nichecanada.bsky.social @csnrec.bsky.social
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Algonquin Park Ranger Mark Robinson @rgrmarkrobinson.bsky.social · 9h
#OTD (Fri, Sep 30) 1910 at #JoeLake, #AlgonquinPark: "Saw a man acting very suspiciously around P.O. room at S. Fraser’s. Watched proceedings for some time. Come to conclusion there was something crooked going on but failed to discover the same." @nichecanada.bsky.social @csnrec.bsky.social
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Algonquin Park Ranger Mark Robinson @rgrmarkrobinson.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
#OTD (Mon, Sep 29) 1924 in #Barrie, Ontario on medical leave: "Received a wire from Hon. James Lyons advising me of further two months’ leave of absence." @nichecanada.bsky.social @csnrec.bsky.social
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Algonquin Park Ranger Mark Robinson @rgrmarkrobinson.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
#OTD (Sep 29, 1913) at #MistyLake, #AlgonquinPark: "Mr. Cochrane & party spent forenoon exploring the large island in Misty Lake. Steve & I caught a deer swimming in the lake. Steve catching it by the tail. There is fresh meat in camp for a few days." @nichecanada.bsky.social @csnrec.bsky.social
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Algonquin Park Ranger Mark Robinson @rgrmarkrobinson.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
#OTD (Mon, Sep 28) 1914 at #JoeLake, #AlgonquinPark: "Shot a black duck returning home for bait for mink traps. Evidently, we will also bait ourselves on choice portions. Weather extra fine. Heavy frost last night." @nichecanada.bsky.social @csnrec.bsky.social
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Algonquin Park Ranger Mark Robinson @rgrmarkrobinson.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
#OTD (Mon, Sep 28) 1908 at #LakeCauchon, #AlgonquinPark: "Mr. Balfour and I in camp. Very wet and chilly and owing to heavy wind and rain could keep very little fire. Could those who admire a ranger’s life have seen us and shared our pleasure. I won’t say the rest." @nichecanada.bsky.social
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Algonquin Park Ranger Mark Robinson @rgrmarkrobinson.bsky.social · 26/09/2026
#OTD (Tue, Sep 26) 1911 at #SmokeLake, #AlgonquinPark: "Paddling around the lake having a fine time. Mr. Private Sec. to Hon. Frank Cochrane [IMG] came in tonight to Headquarters." [NOTE: The secretary was bearing an urgent summons from the Prime Minister.] @csnrec.bsky.social @spaikin.bsky.social
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Algonquin Park Ranger Mark Robinson @rgrmarkrobinson.bsky.social · 26/09/2026
#OTD (Sat, Sep 26) 1908 at #LakeCauchon, #AlgonquinPark: "All working at s. house. Fire across lake very bad, raging all night. Much valuable timber has been destroyed; many miles of valuable timber lands being left without a single tree living upon it." @nichecanada.bsky.social
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Algonquin Park Ranger Mark Robinson @rgrmarkrobinson.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
#OTD (Wed, Sep 25) 1912 at #LakeLouisa, #AlgonquinPark: "Ranger Hughes brought in telegram for Hon. Frank Cochrane about 2 a.m. Ranger Walters arrived with another telegram for Cochrane." NOTE: Cochrane [IMG] was federal Minister of Railways & Canals. @nichecanada.bsky.social @csnrec.bsky.social
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Algonquin Park Ranger Mark Robinson @rgrmarkrobinson.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
#OTD (Sat, Sep 25) 1909 at #AlgonquinPark: "I went to Great Island Lake posting Park notices at various points en route and on campgrounds. Found quite a number of notices torn down." @nichecanada.bsky.social @csnrec.bsky.social
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Algonquin Park Ranger Mark Robinson @rgrmarkrobinson.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
#OTD (Thu, Sep 24) 1914 at #JoeLake, #AlgonquinPark: "Got a supply of coal, firewood. Let a fine snapping turtle out of trap this morning. The old chap travelled off to new stamping grounds. T.W. Gibson, Deputy Minister of Mines, at Algonquin Park." IMG: Turtle, not Gibson. @nichecanada.bsky.social
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Algonquin Park Ranger Mark Robinson @rgrmarkrobinson.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
#OTD (Sat, Sep 24) 1910 at #AlgonquinPark: "Finished floor, also chinking & mossing of building. Moved stove into shelter house and cooked our supper inside of building for first time. Thus, was McIntosh shelter completed at last." @nichecanada.bsky.social @csnrec.bsky.social
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Algonquin Park Ranger Mark Robinson @rgrmarkrobinson.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
#OTD (Thu, Sep 24) 1908 at #LakeCauchon, #AlgonquinPark: "Working hard at s. house. We cooked on fire built [on] a rock. Our fare consists of bread, butter, cheese, jam, tea, cream, sausage, baked beans, syrup, meat, potatoes, onions. Not bad for being in a wilderness." @nichecanada.bsky.social
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Algonquin Park Ranger Mark Robinson @rgrmarkrobinson.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
#OTD (Thu, Sep 23) 1920 at #JoeLake, #AlgonquinPark: "W’m Needham, station agent at Joe Lake left, Joe Lake station being closed for the season." @nichecanada.bsky.social @csnrec.bsky.social
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Algonquin Park Ranger Mark Robinson @rgrmarkrobinson.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
#OTD (Sat, Sep 23) 1911 at #AlgonquinPark HQ: "Working at storage building, completing the task. Hon. Frank Cochrane & party came in on evening train for a visit to the Park." NOTE: Cochrane [IMG] was Ontario Minister of Lands, Forests & Mines from 1906-11. @nichecanada.bsky.social
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Algonquin Park Ranger Mark Robinson @rgrmarkrobinson.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
#OTD (Wed, Sep 23) 1908 in #AlgonquinPark: "Party left to examine south side of Lake Cauchon for site of new s[helter] h[ouse]. Found much fire across lake... Considerable valuable timber has been destroyed. Timber not very plentiful for building." @nichecanada.bsky.social @csnrec.bsky.social
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Algonquin Park Ranger Mark Robinson @rgrmarkrobinson.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
#OTD (Fri, Sep 22) 1911 at #JoeLake, #AlgonquinPark: "Much rejoicing over election, Mr. Borden (Cons) winning the Dominion by 50 seats. Park Fire Rangers Ballantyne, Brooks came in today feeling fine over election." @csnrec.bsky.social @nichecanada.bsky.social @spaikin.bsky.social
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Algonquin Park Ranger Mark Robinson @rgrmarkrobinson.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
#OTD (Tue, Sep 22) 1908 in #AlgonquinPark: "Left for Lake Cauchon (lost pig). Were obliged to follow west shore of Cedar Lake owing to smoke & fog. For same reason could see very little of great natural beauty of this section." @nichecanada.bsky.social @csnrec.bsky.social
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Algonquin Park Ranger Mark Robinson @rgrmarkrobinson.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
#OTD (Fri, Sep 21) 1923 at Acting Sup't at #AlgonquinPark HQ: "I am busy in the office all day. The coroner came to Canoe Lake and found that Leslie Kennedy was accidentally drowned. His body was sent out to Hastings on the evening train." @nichecanada.bsky.social @csnrec.bsky.social
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Algonquin Park Ranger Mark Robinson @rgrmarkrobinson.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
#OTD (Thu, Sep 21) 1911 at #Algonquinpark HQ: "Elections for dominion house today. I acted as poll clerk for Mr. Bartlett. 28 votes were polled here today. 26 for Mr. Geo. Gordon, Conservative, and two for A.J. Young, Liberal. Mr. G.W. Bartlett, D.R.O." @csnrec.bsky.social @nichecanada.bsky.social
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Algonquin Park Ranger Mark Robinson @rgrmarkrobinson.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
#OTD (Mon, Sep 21) 1908 at #AlgonquinPark: "Left Burnt Lake shelter house at 6 a.m. After a most delightful sail down Perley Lake & Petawawa River we arrived at Catfish Lake...pushed forward over long portage. Well, we sweat[ed] & I am afraid said cuss words a few times." @nichecanada.bsky.social
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Reposted by Algonquin Park Ranger Mark Robinson
NiCHE Canada @nichecanada.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
If you can't make the event, you can check out this interview that @peterastevens.bsky.social conducted with Klages: niche-canada.org/2025/11/05/t... #envhist #cdnhist #parkhistory
niche-canada.org
The Algonquin Diaries: Reflections of an Early-20th-Century Park Ranger
Algonquin Park Ranger Mark Robinson’s diaries (1907–1936) detail social, environmental, and moral changes, offering rare insights into early conservation, policy, and wilderness life.
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Algonquin Park Ranger Mark Robinson @rgrmarkrobinson.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
#OTD (Sat, Sep 18) 1926 -100 years ago today- on #NipissingRiver, #AlgonquinPark: "We left camp at 5:50 a.m. & came back to High Falls. We went on to Perley Farm. After lunch, we started for Cedar Lake, sixteen miles distant. We reached Brent at 6:40 p.m., tired and sleepy." @nichecanada.bsky.social
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Algonquin Park Ranger Mark Robinson @rgrmarkrobinson.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
#OTD 1909 Mark Robinson article published in Saturday Night: “we found a fine buck lying dead in a crevice in the rocks...snow had covered the crack & crossing the rock the deer had made a false step & fallen on its back in the crevice. Being unable to turn over...it died there.”
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Algonquin Park Ranger Mark Robinson @rgrmarkrobinson.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
#OTD (Sat, Sep 17) 1910 at #WhiteTroutLake, #AlgonquinPark: "We worked all day making foundation for building [new shelter house]... cutting trails to our timber, etc. I also cut trail to our spring where we got extra good water." @csnrec.bsky.social @nichecanada.bsky.social
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Algonquin Park Ranger Mark Robinson @rgrmarkrobinson.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
Toronto residents! Join author Gregory Klages as he discusses the amazing early 20th-century adventures of Algonquin Park Ranger Mark Robinson. Tuesday, Sep. 22 - 2-3 p.m. Toronto Public Library - Fairview branch 35 Fairview Mall Drive tpl.bibliocommons.com/v2/events/6a... @nichecanada.bsky.social
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Algonquin Park Ranger Mark Robinson @rgrmarkrobinson.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
#OTD (Tue, Sep 16) 1919 on personal leave in #Barrie, #Ontario: "I met Lt. Col. McPhee & we went to Waubaushene to a returned soldier’s reception & saw a number of our gallant boys get a gold medal from the township of Tay." @csnrec.bsky.social
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Algonquin Park Ranger Mark Robinson @rgrmarkrobinson.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
#OTD (Tue, Sep 16) 1913 at #JoeLake, #AlgonquinPark: "I had an interesting experience with wolves. They got almost around my position under cover of the fog. One shot & they disappeared & stopped their howling. I did not see them myself & fired at a stump." @nichecanada.bsky.social
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Algonquin Park Ranger Mark Robinson @rgrmarkrobinson.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
#OTD (Mon, Sep 16) 1912 at #JoeLake, #AlgonquinPark: "Preparing for gov't party pitching tents, etc. Government car arrived on late train from west. Hon. Frank Cochrane [IMG], P.W. Ellis, Mr. & Miss Muldrew on car. They remained on car all night at Sims Pit switch." @nichecanada.bsky.social
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Algonquin Park Ranger Mark Robinson @rgrmarkrobinson.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
#OTD (Wed, Sep 16) 1908 at #Headquarters, #AlgonquinPark: "Messrs. Balfour, Nadon, Ranger & I left this morning for Mink Lake to build shelter house. Went to Brûlé Lake on morning train (weather beautiful and the maple in its most radiant autumn robes)." @nichecanada.bsky.social @csnrec.bsky.social
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Algonquin Park Ranger Mark Robinson @rgrmarkrobinson.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
#OTD (Fri, Sep 15) 1922 at #JoeLake, #AlgonquinPark: "Arthur and I cut wood until 2 p.m., then we brought in three loads to camp with canoes. After supper, we went over to Joe Lake station and swapped yarns beside the campfire until midnight with the guests from the hotel." @nichecanada.bsky.social
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Algonquin Park Ranger Mark Robinson @rgrmarkrobinson.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
#OTD (Sun, Sep 15) 1918 at #JoeLake, #AlgonquinPark: "Speckled trout season closed today. Mr. Russell and I talking war all forenoon. Mr. Thorburn came in and we went over the war situation on his map." @csnrec.bsky.social @canwarmuseum.bsky.social @nichecanada.bsky.social
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Algonquin Park Ranger Mark Robinson @rgrmarkrobinson.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
#OTD (Mon, Sep 15) 1913 at #JoeLake, #AlgonquinPark: "I went to Brûlé Lake station on order of Sup’t Bartlett and returned (walking both ways). Weather fine. Mrs. Trainor & daughters went to their home at Huntsville tonight. Wood & olive backthrushes still here." @nichecanada.bsky.social
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Algonquin Park Ranger Mark Robinson @rgrmarkrobinson.bsky.social · 14/09/2026
#OTD (Tue, Sep 14) 1926 - 100 years ago today - t #CedarLake, #AlgonquinPark: "I am acting as Deputy Returning Officer for the election. At evening, we all went to Brent & enjoyed the returns coming in. We found Mackenzie King elected & his government returned." @csnrec.bsky.social
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Algonquin Park Ranger Mark Robinson @rgrmarkrobinson.bsky.social · 14/09/2026
#OTD (Mon, Sep 14) 1925 on medical leave in #Barrie, #Ontario: "A very bright display of northern lights tonight." @csnrec.bsky.social @nichecanada.bsky.social
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Algonquin Park Ranger Mark Robinson @rgrmarkrobinson.bsky.social · 14/09/2026
OTD (Thu, Sep 14) 1922 at #JoeLake, #AlgonquinPark: "Morning fine & clear. Considerable rain fell during the past evening & I thank God for this beautiful morning, good health, & strength to do my day’s work. I am cutting hardwood today." @nichecanada.bsky.social @csnrec.bsky.social
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Algonquin Park Ranger Mark Robinson @rgrmarkrobinson.bsky.social · 14/09/2026
#OTD (Tues, Sep 14) 1909 at #JoeLake, #AlgonquinPark: "Mr. George, Mr. Smith and I went to Wilson’s Lake via Doe and Willow Lakes route. Very hot, 90° in shade. Had an enjoyable trip with much discussion in which the world’s affairs were settled." @csnrec.bsky.social @nichecanada.bsky.social
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Algonquin Park Ranger Mark Robinson @rgrmarkrobinson.bsky.social · 11/09/2026
#OTD (Sat, Sep 11) 1926 - 100 years ago today - at #CedarLake, #AlgonquinPark: "I met trains at Brent and went to Daventry and assisted in dragging lake for body of David Pigeon. No results. I returned to Brent at night with Fire Chief Hawkins." @nichecanada.bsky.social @csnrec.bsky.social
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Algonquin Park Ranger Mark Robinson @rgrmarkrobinson.bsky.social · 11/09/2026
#OTD (Sun, Sep 11) 1921 at #JoeLake, #AlgonquinPark: "Had a good swim. Migration of warblers: Blackburnian, Canadian black & white, chestnut-side, Nashville, Lawrence, magnolia, myrtle, red-eye vireos & many others in the lot." @nichecanada.bsky.social @csnrec.bsky.social
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Algonquin Park Ranger Mark Robinson @rgrmarkrobinson.bsky.social · 11/09/2026
#OTD (Mon, Sep 11) 1911 at #CacheLake, #AlgonquinPark: "Mr. and Mrs. Bartlett returned home today. Also, Ranger Balfour. Rest of Rangers at Headquarters working at [icehouse] building shingling roof, putting in sawdust, etc." IMG: Icehouse right of Sup'ts house. @nichecanada.bsky.social
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Algonquin Park Ranger Mark Robinson @rgrmarkrobinson.bsky.social · 10/09/2026
#OTD (Tue, Sep 10) 1918 at #JoeLake, #AlgonquinPark: "Snow fell this morning...the weather cleared toward noon & became fine. Prospects of severe frost tonight. I washed clothing & baked bread." @csnrec.bsky.social @nichecanada.bsky.social
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Algonquin Park Ranger Mark Robinson @rgrmarkrobinson.bsky.social · 10/09/2026
#OTD (Sun, Sep 10) 1911 at #AlgonquinPark: "At Headquarters all day. Trees changing color fast." @nichecanada.bsky.social @csnrec.bsky.social
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Algonquin Park Ranger Mark Robinson @rgrmarkrobinson.bsky.social · 10/09/2026
#OTD (Thu, Sep 10) 1908 at #AlgonquinPark: "Learned of a fire 3 miles west of Algonquin Park HQ...left last night at 10:15 p.m. to investigate. Returned at 2 a.m. to report to Sup’t. Left at 7 a.m. with party for fire. Fought fire until 11 a.m., fire under control." @nichecanada.bsky.social
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Algonquin Park Ranger Mark Robinson @rgrmarkrobinson.bsky.social · 09/09/2026
#OTD (Fri, Sep 9) 1910 at #AlgonquinPark: "[From Joe Lake] We proceeded to Island Lake for lunch. Finished windows, put up stove pipes then left for Otterslide, where we also put up a stove taken from Island Lake. We remained for night." @nichecanada.bsky.social @csnrec.bsky.social
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Algonquin Park Ranger Mark Robinson @rgrmarkrobinson.bsky.social · 02/09/2026
#OTD (Thu, Sep 2) 1926 - 100 years ago - at #CedarLake, #AlgonquinPark: "A most beautiful day. I cut wood at our camp until I saw a suspicious looking chap walking along in woods at lake shore. I went up lake with canoe to have a look around. Found all OK." @nichecanada.bsky.social
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Algonquin Park Ranger Mark Robinson @rgrmarkrobinson.bsky.social · 02/09/2026
#OTD (Tue, Sep 2) 1924 on involuntary leave from #AlgonquinPark: "I went over the books in the freight office looking for a shipment of furs said to have come to Barrie. I wrote letters to W’m Finlayson, M.P.P., Col. A.R. Kenney, Toronto; G.A.[sic. 'W.'] Bartlett [IMG] & others."
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Algonquin Park Ranger Mark Robinson @rgrmarkrobinson.bsky.social · 02/09/2026
#OTD (Fri, Sep 2) 1910 at #AlgonquinPark: "At Joe Lake Dam, we found all logs out of sluice & the water falling rapidly in Joe Creek, making it almost impassable. Upon inquiry, I found Mr. Mickle of Mickle & Dyment Co. had ordered logs out and thrown into creek." @nichecanada.bsky.social
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Algonquin Park Ranger Mark Robinson @rgrmarkrobinson.bsky.social · 02/09/2026
#OTD (Wed, Sep 2) 1908 at #AlgonquinPark: "Guide MacCurdy who reported Guide Finlayson had taken out a party the day previous & that they were to have returned last evening. Teddie & I joined Mr. MacCurdy in a search party & found the missing ones coming in from Crown Lake." @nichecanada.bsky.social
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Algonquin Park Ranger Mark Robinson @rgrmarkrobinson.bsky.social · 31/08/2026
#OTD (Tue, Aug 31) 1926 - 100 years ago today - at #CedarLake, #AlgonquinPark: "I went to Brent and met trains. Quite a number going to western Canada for the harvest this morning. Junior ten years old today." @nichecanada.bsky.social @csnrec.bsky.social
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