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

John Abbott is a professor of history at Laurentian University’s Algoma University College. He is the co-author of The Border at Sault Ste Marie and The History of Fort St. Joseph.

Family history blends into local history in this record of canoe excursions to Ontario’s French River district.

Ernest Rushbrook, a Toronto machinist turned chiropractor, loved taking canoe trips to the French River. And he loved photography. He shared these passions with his sisters Ida and Bertha, and Bertha’s husband, Frank Sherman. Together, the four made approximately 17 trips to the French River, c. 1910–1927.

Even when they had a baby along, taking time for photography was always part of the experience. The result is a copious archive of photos that captured both family memories and the French River setting and scenery. From this extensive collection Kelly selected over 70 photos for this book. Many show the lumber mill, hotel, and other French River buildings that no longer exist, plus a glimpse of some unusual activities, such as riding in a dog cart and having a porcupine on a leash.

The work also includes some background on early chiropractic medicine—both Ernest and Frank were “doctors.” The majority of the photos, however, zero in on the vacationers engaged in camping, fishing, and whitewater canoeing—all while dressed in ankle-length dresses, suits and ties.

Ernest used his machining skills to create a mechanism that enabled him to take time-delayed shots. This meant he could be in many of his own photos.

Fourteen of the photos have been colourized, a technique popular in the era before colour film.

There’s an index, bibliography (including websites), and extensive footnotes. The book would have benefited from more meticulous editing. This, however, does not distract from its value as a useful addition to the local history of an area that is now a federally designated Heritage River and a provincial park.