Learn more about northeastern Ontario from historian’s new book

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Dieter K. Buse, now 82, is still “hunting, fishing, gardening and dancing and, yes, writing.

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Buse, a professor emeritus, has published many academic books and articles, as well as journalistic pieces since he arrived at the History Department of Laurentian University in 1969.

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He is still very much a contributing historian and comments as well on general knowledge and culture.

“My job is not done,” Buse laughs.

Some 2,500 students learned about modern Europe – and specifically post-war Germany – in Buse’s lively classes. “I have a fan club across the north.”

Much of his more recent focus has been on this region. With colleague Graeme Mount, their collaborative work, Come On Over! Northeastern Ontario A to Z, appeared in 2011.

They travelled extensively obtaining information from historians, geographers and librarians who have researched specific aspects of the area.

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“It won the Best Non-Fiction on Northern Ontario in 2012,” he adds proudly.

Dieter acknowledges the essential role of his collaborator in the first edition. The first book was a launch pad for this new edition.

“Right from the publication in 2011, there were about 50 items that needed to be added, changed, updated,” Buse says. “In the new edition – under the letter G – there is a new entry by Dave Pearson on geology. It is very interesting the way he presents his material. He talks about ‘moving rocks’ but you will have to wait to read about it.”

What is some of the other new material? “There is much more about Indigenous peoples. The things we have recently learned about, like residential schools. That’s included,” he points out.

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The closing of the Shania Twain Museum in Timmins and The Hockey Hall of Fame in Kirkland Lake are things we should take note of, Buse says.

“The new book is a little longer despite these losses. One thing that is not included is that we still don’t know how to judge the impact of the pandemic. The population of Northern Ontario has continued to decline but in some places, it has stopped falling. Is working at home (remote work) changing the choice of location like not living in the south in a big city?”

The loss of his wife – a key supporter and editor – has had a definite impact on Buse. “It will be two years since Judith died. When we married, I was 20, she was 19. We were lifemates for 60 years.

“Judith always read my material. Together, we reduced seven big binders of material into this. Now it falls to our daughter to be tough. She always asks, ‘do we need that?’ So because of Lisa’s work, I think it is very readable. I always have two people from the field who look everything over.”

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The new book has been gathering slowly over 10 years. “I dedicated four months to the project at the end. It really is a descriptive guide to northeastern Ontario. It isn’t analytical, but it does provide insights. You don’t have to be a history buff to read this.”

The second edition of Come On Over! Northeastern Ontario A to Z is launching in Sudbury on Wednesday, May 29, from 6:30 to 9 p.m. at the Living with Lakes Centre, 840 Ramsey Lake Rd. Parking is free.

The event will include a conversation between the author and CBC’s Markus Schwabe.

“The first boxes of books are scheduled to arrive that day. Heather Campbell, Publisher at Latitude 46, says we have about 150 pre-orders already,” Buse says.

Copies of the book will be available for purchase at the event for $29.95 (plus tax). You can have it signed by the author.

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You can also visit your favourite online retailer or independent bookstore, or purchase directly from www.latitude46publishing.com

Come on Over! Northeastern Ontario A to ” is a unique, single-volume historical and cultural compendium that will interest residents and visitors alike.

Want to find out where the statues of North America’s most significant explorers are?

Where British soldiers won a decisive victory in the War of 1812?

Where you can swim with a polar bear?

Where the first Hardy Boys books were written?

Where Winnie the Pooh, Grey Owl and Shania Twain lived?

Come On Over! features more than 100 cities, towns and villages, the Anishinaabek and Mushkegowuk First Nations in the region, and shared natural, historical and social features, such as rivers, waterfalls, railways, parks, recreation, fires, food, birds and birding, and early explorers.

During the summer Buse will go on a road trip to Sault Ste. Marie and then do a loop to Timmins, Haileybury, North Bay and wherever there are bookstores.

sud.editorial@sunmedia.ca

X: @SudburyStar

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