ODDS’N’SODS — Hollinger’s J.R. Timmins

Noah Timmins died Jan. 23, 1936. He was the last of the original five founders of the company known as Hollinger and was president since its inception — a period of 26 years. His pioneer spirit and great determination brought Hollinger to a leading position in the Canadian mining industry.

Highly respected by his colleagues within Hollinger and by his peers in the industry, Timmins was a respected advocate for mining. His attention to the welfare of shareholders and employees earned him respect and admiration. Upon his demise, the mine was closed for one full day — a reflection of the esteem in which he was held.

At the time of his death, Hollinger was well-positioned to take advantage of gold mining. Ore reserves were being maintained, the workforce was efficient and stable, and opportunities for corporate expansion were being sought. The future seemed bright indeed. However, Noah Timmins’ death, together with some other departures, occasioned changes to the senior management. The directors selected Jules Timmins as president. He was a son of Henry Timmins and a nephew of Noah. Jules Timmins had been associated with Hollinger since its inception.

Soon after graduating from McGill University with a degree in mining engineering, he joined Noah at the Hollinger property. He worked in several positions, including one as a mine shift boss for a time. After a few years, he returned to Montreal and became active in the investment business. A short while later, he formed J.R. Timmins and Co., Stock Brokers.

Although continuing to conduct his stock brokerage business, he devoted a considerable amount of time to Hollinger’s affairs, from his office in Montreal. He visited the mine frequently and usually convened at least one meeting of the board of directors each year at the mine property. This gave the directors an opportunity to inspect the operations and meet members of management and other employees. His warm, outgoing personality endeared J.R., as he was known, to members of the organization and they looked forward to his frequent visits.

Often, he would arrange to visit the mine, sometimes with his wife or some of his children. At these times, he would entertain groups of Hollinger employees, and sometimes their wives, at receptions and dinners at the Hollinger Directors’ Lodge.

Timmins’ propensity for entertaining caused him to initiate an annual dinner which became a tradition that continues to this day. The first “Hollinger Dinner” was held at his residence in Westmount on the evening of the day of Hollinger’s annual meeting. It was attended by the directors and senior staff members of Hollinger.

As the years passed, the location was changed to accommodate larger numbers of people. For many years, it was held at various locations in Montreal. Eventually, it was decided to hold the annual meeting always in Toronto. The venue for the dinner in Toronto was always The Toronto Club. During the earlier years, following the usual reception and dinner, bridge and poker were enjoyed by the participants until a late hour. As the dinner was usually held during the NHL

Stanley Cup playoffs, a television set was usually available to permit the guests to cheer their favorite team. More often than not, Timmins’ beloved Canadiens were participants. He would follow the game with great interest. The dinner was continued after Timmins left the scene, but its character changed somewhat in keeping with the changes in direction of the company. It was still at The Toronto Club but became a more formal “black tie” affair. The good fellowship continued and an invitation to the annual event was highly prized. The after-dinner program gradually progressed from games to light jocular speeches to serious addresses by prominent figures. — From a yet-to-be-published history of the Hollinger mine. The author resides in Toronto.