Arnprior & McNab/Braeside Archives
Introduction
Charles Macnamara lived in Arnprior from 1881 to 1944, and worked as secretary-treasurer for the McLachlin Bros. At one point in Macnamara's life he became quite interested in the 16th century explorer and soldier, Samuel de Champlain. He conducted comprehensive research using his own correspondence with others, his interviews and knowledge of the Ottawa Valley to complete articles, such as "Champlain as a Naturalist" and "Champlain's Astrolabe".
In 1919 Charles Macnamara was brought to the astrolabe site by E.D. Lee who found the astrolabe in 1867. Charles took many of these photos on that trip.
It is interesting that in the years following Macnamara’s Champlain articles, the erection of a monument to Champlain on Chats Lake was discussed by Arnprior council. This is documented in the Arnprior Chronicle of January 13, 1928.
About The Exhibit
Included in this set of images are photos from one of Macnamara's scrapbooks. The map of Champlain’s route is not part of the scrapbook; however it is included in this display to show Macnamara’s interest in Champlain’s precise travels and his knowledge of the Ottawa Valley. Also the image of Macnamara himself is from another scrapbook and is included to provide a short biography. The last three images are in the order that Macnamara included them in his scrap book. The first of these three puts the area around the site into context, the next images move incrementally closer showing further details of where the astrolabe was found.
Macnamara’s photos have all been scanned from glass plate negatives. Around the side of each photo the emulsion's edge is still visible and is a reminder of the medium used by Macnamara.
-Ryan Tobalt (AMBA 2013 Summer Student)
Introduction
Charles Macnamara lived in Arnprior from 1881 to 1944, and worked as secretary-treasurer for the McLachlin Bros. At one point in Macnamara's life he became quite interested in the 16th century explorer and soldier, Samuel de Champlain. He conducted comprehensive research using his own correspondence with others, his interviews and knowledge of the Ottawa Valley to complete articles, such as "Champlain as a Naturalist" and "Champlain's Astrolabe".
In 1919 Charles Macnamara was brought to the astrolabe site by E.D. Lee who found the astrolabe in 1867. Charles took many of these photos on that trip.
It is interesting that in the years following Macnamara’s Champlain articles, the erection of a monument to Champlain on Chats Lake was discussed by Arnprior council. This is documented in the Arnprior Chronicle of January 13, 1928.
About The Exhibit
Included in this set of images are photos from one of Macnamara's scrapbooks. The map of Champlain’s route is not part of the scrapbook; however it is included in this display to show Macnamara’s interest in Champlain’s precise travels and his knowledge of the Ottawa Valley. Also the image of Macnamara himself is from another scrapbook and is included to provide a short biography. The last three images are in the order that Macnamara included them in his scrap book. The first of these three puts the area around the site into context, the next images move incrementally closer showing further details of where the astrolabe was found.
Macnamara’s photos have all been scanned from glass plate negatives. Around the side of each photo the emulsion's edge is still visible and is a reminder of the medium used by Macnamara.
-Ryan Tobalt (AMBA 2013 Summer Student)