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Just one look at the well-preserved log cabin at 438 Wilson Ave. brings the viewer back to days when flappers in Studebakers roamed the streets of Timmins and the Empire Hotel was the place to be on a Saturday night.

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Timmins’ only “designated” residential property was built in 1925 by Harry W. Darling, manager of the Porcupine Crown Mine and co-founder of the Porcupine Dog Race.

The designation means owners cannot make changes to any heritage attributes without a permit from the city council, which must first consult the city’s heritage committee.

Heritage committee identified these attributes as: the location of the two-story log house overlooking the Mattagami River, its orientation, scale and mass, exposed logs, original window openings, enclosed porch, fireplace and the interior mantle made of locally sourced stone.

In 1947, Dr Graeme Mackechnie, a physician and surgeon from St. Mary’s Hospital, purchased the property. He had moved from southern Ontario, but his wife already knew Timmins since her father was a captain at the Hollinger mine.

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The two-story log house has remained in the family ever since.

It is recognized by an official heritage plaque, the first ever installed on a designated property in the City of Timmins.

The plaque, which features the old mining-inspired logo, will soon be installed on a pole in front of the house by Public Works at a location agreed upon by the owners.

It was presented to Mackechnie’s great-granddaughter, Amanda Mackechnie, by Mayor Michelle Boileau during an informal ceremony in front of the house on October 23, attended by members of the city’s heritage committee.

Mackechnie said his grandfather and brother “Doc” Mackechnie had a special interest in seeing that their father’s home was well preserved.

“They just wanted to keep it in the family, keep it standing,” she said.

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The property was selected for designation through their efforts, making it a rare example of the log construction method.

“Despite changes to the surrounding neighborhood, the property itself retains its historic character and is a local point of interest on its well-wooded site at the bottom of Wilson Avenue,” Marks said before presenting the plaque with the mayor.

Marks himself owns a log cabin at Kamiskotia Lake.

“I know the work that goes into making sure you preserve the wood and take care of it, so I have to say it’s the family’s responsibility, but it’s a proud thing that the family has it always maintained,” Marks said after the ceremony.

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The city did not opt ​​for an educational plaque.

The simple plate is intended to “raise awareness of the municipal heritage register and promote pride in the city’s shared cultural heritage,” read a statement from the committee in response to an email.

Information about the property can be found on the Municipal heritage register on the city’s website and on the Community map of the City of Timmins by activating the Heritage Register layer and holding the mouse over the property you are interested in.

Mayor Boileau, currently in office maternity leave but go around at various important civic events, said the property is a symbol of the city’s evolution from “an old mining town to the city it is today.”

“Here, it’s like time has stopped,” she said, adding that it’s important for the city to be able to reflect on its past while looking toward the future.

Marks thanked Councilor Mayor Boileau’s “dedicated” heritage committee. Cory Robin, Elizabeth Reid, Louis Clausi, Ken Fournier and Sandra Prevalus.

He also thanked the staff assisting the committee: Karen Bachmann (Director and Curator of the Timmins Museum), Nicola Alexander (Intermediate Planner), Cindy Welsh (Planning Manager) and Steph Palmateer (City Clerk).

“They are very involved in this project and are responsible for a lot of the work done,” he said.

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