Olivia K.

Niagara on the Lake, Ontario

District School Board of Niagara

Sir Harry Oakes

I chose to do my project on Sir Harry Oakes. In my project, I discuss Sir Harry Oakes’ determination, accomplishments, generosity to our region (Niagara Falls), and life legacy. Sir Harry Oakes was born in Sangerville, Maine USA and was raised in Foxcroft Maine, USA. Even though Sir Harry Oakes was not born or raised in Canada, he greatly impacted Canadian history. Sir Harry Oakes is still remembered in the Mining Hall of Fame worldwide, for his success in Kirkland Lake, Ontario. My resources stated, “Sir Harry Oakes had five siblings and was used to a hard and impoverished life.” From that, he was very determined to have a good life and to become rich which he did. He even had the title of richest man in Canada at one point. He was also a very accomplished man who gave generously to his community. Niagara Falls is a great reminder of that. Oakes Park, Oakes Garden Theater, and Oakes Hall are all in honour of Sir Harry Oakes. As well, Sir Harry Oakes’s murder is still remembered to this day and is a mystery to all.

What was the most interesting thing you learned about your topic?

I would say Sir Harry Oakes’ mystery murder would have been the most interesting thing I have learned about my topic. I find it sadly interesting that his murder was never solved. He was a powerful man who had a lot of influences that may have been what complicated the investigation, even with all the money he and his family had, no amount could change the outcome. As well the fact that anyone could have murdered him is unbelievable. That's why I find Sir Harry Oakes's mystery murder the most interesting.

What important lessons have you learned that you want to share with other Canadians?

The life lesson I have learned from my project is perseverance. I learned that from his prospecting career. Even though he was unsuccessful at the beginning he kept going and persevered and in the end, Sir Harry Oakes was very successful when he found Lake Shore Mine in Kirkland Lake, Ontario. Sir Harry Oakes never gave up even when everyone was doubting him, and from that, Sir Harry Oakes had the title of richest man in Canada at one point. That’s why the important lesson I have learned is perseverance.

How would you compare your life today to the lives of those studied in your project?

My life today is very similar to the one I studied. I say this because neither of us has had to face a hardship. As well we have both been given the opportunity of good education my resources state “Sir Harry Oakes attended Fox-Croft Academy and Syracuse Medical School.” Even though it said “Sir Harry Oakes was used to a hard and impoverished life” he must have had a good enough life to have gone through his education at such a high level. Also, we are both hard workers; Sir Harry Oakes in his education and career, and me in my education as well. That’s why I think Sir Harry Oakes' life is very similar to mine.