The Laurentian Publishing fonds, composed of the company's numerous publications, as well as photographs, moving images, graphic records, and objects not only testifies to the 47 years of the presence, achievements and activities of Laurentian Publishing Inc. under the leadership of Michael Atkins and his team, but also to the various events that have marked Northern Ontario. The fonds documents the spheres of activity in which the company was involved.
In addition to official publications (newspapers and magazines), other sections of the fonds illustrate the various ways Laurentian Publishing recognized and honored Northern Ontario’s high-achievers. These include the moving images, photographs, and programs of the Northern Ontario Business Awards (NOBA), Northern Ontario Community Builders (NOCB) and Northern Ontario Influential Women ceremonies.
A comprehensive series of NOBA-related publications inform us about the winners, and numerous electronic documents provide an overview of the promotional and organizational aspects of these annual ceremonies. In fact, excerpts include television commercials, advertising submissions and concepts, program design and publication, as well as photographs of the set up of various reception halls. Also included are documents from the Community Builders series, which not only inform us about the recipients but show the participation of the affected communities in organizing and promoting the celebrations.
While the various publications provide a 47-year look at Northern Ontario, so too do the photographs and graphic records such as original Jemikins cartoons, and certificates and awards presented to Michael Atkins and Laurentian Publishing.
Numerous files of photographs document the various teams that worked within this organization either during participation in community activities (Big Bike ride), company birthday celebrations (30th at Science North), or team parties (Christmas or Birthday). There are also photographs showing the work spaces of the employees, including during various renovations.
The Laurentian Publishing fonds allows a glimpse of the many people who have worked to make the company a success. It also shows its various collaborations with other organizations to promote and publicize northern achievements and inform the population about events related to Northern Ontario and that have had an impact on the region. In addition to testifying to Laurentian Publishing's involvement in northern communities, this archival fonds is an important research source for the history of Northern Ontario over 47 years.
