Before the city used an official archives and records centre, most departments put files and documents in boxes and stored them in basements.
That was a risky practice, and in the early ‘90s a flood in the City Hall Annex building put some of the city’s major records in jeopardy.
“We had to get a hold of a lot of people from other cities because we didn’t have the expertise at the time to protect these documents,” said former city clerk Elaine Bahlieda.
Outside expertise was sought with the approval of the city council. Those experts worked with city administration, including another former city clerk Harry Kirk, to help salvage the water damaged documents.
“Harry (Kirk) was involved with that and we were able to protect those records,” Bahlieda said, recalling the grueling task of repairing boxes of documents and files one page at a time. “Now they’re still with us today.”
On Monday the city honoured Kirk’s legacy by officially renaming the city archives building to the Harry Kirk Archives and Records Centre.
Kirk was a city employee for 39 years, and served as city clerk and deputy city clerk for 29 of them. He was the city’s clerk from 1980 until his retirement in 1993.
Kirk did much more than help rescue major documents following a single flood. Kirk was instrumental in the establishment of the archives building that now bears his name.
A passionate employee and citizen, Kirk played a key role in the city’s amalgamation, and the establishment of Thunder Bay’s coat of arms and flag.
“Right now I’m all full of goosebumps,” Bahlieda said. “Harry was my mentor … He was just a perfect example as a city clerk and I’m so proud for him and his family. I only wish he was here to see this day.”
Monday’s ceremony was a proud moment for Allyson and Alyssa Kirk, the twin daughters of Harry Kirk.
Allyson called the dedication an honour for the family, adding that the establishment of the archive building in Thunder Bay was always a source of pride for her late father.
“When we were growing up he had a very strong passion for documents and records and the history of Thunder Bay,” she said. “He wanted to secure that and ensure that these things were protected. He had a vision that there would be a centre that was going to do that.”
Kirk may be best known among the average citizen for his almost supernatural ability to keep cool in tense situations. He earned this reputation by serving as the city’s clerk during on the most politically volatile eras in local politics.
Then mayor Walter Assef had an infamous habit of hurling threats and insults during council meetings. When those threats were directed Kirk’s way, the then city clerk never flinched and always maintained a professional demeanor.
Kirk died suddenly at the age of 82 on Oct. 23, 2015.
The City of Thunder Bay Harry Kirk Archives Centre is located at 235 Vickers St. N. You can find it online here.
