In spring 1916, I painted the West Wind sketch. Harris painted Laurie Lake.

The summer sun on Canoe Lake is out and shining strongly. But that's no good for a waterlogged decomposing body towed ashore.

1915 Sunset ~ Oil on composite wood-pulp board 21.6 x 26.7 cm National Gallery of Canada #tt1915

Shannon instructs to send same telegram message to J THOMSON and J MCALL

Shannon dictates perversely ambiguous message to station master and telegraph operator, Edwin Thomas: "Found Tom this morning"

At Canoe Lake Station, meets a newly arrived guest, Charles Plewman. A consumptive for two months stay.

Shannon begins the trip to Canoe Lake Stn. Gives no thought about good wording. Shoos a cow off the road.

In 1901 I followed my brothers to Seattle. I stayed four years and learned photo-engraving.

Shannon goes to the @mowatlodge stable and hitches up the horses. Getting ready to go to Canoe Lake Station.

A cicada buzzes unseen in the trees. Mark Robinson remarks to himself this is the first buzzing he's heard this summer.

Mark Robinson: "This is an indignity to Tom, but we've got to wait for the coroner before we take him out of the water."

Alarmed, Mark remarks to himself: 'It's not the sight that stays with you, it's the smell.'

Mark Robinson arrives first inspects the body. Horrified at its condition. Charle Scrim doubles over and vomits.

The city has cranks full of enthusiasm and theory but with little practical experience

It's like the start of a mini-regatta. 2 canoes, a canvas boat and a putt-putt boat make their way toward the island.

Hugh Trainor has seen dead men in the water, but never one in that long. Longer than a day, they should disappear.

Martin Blecher Jr. and Hugh Trainor follow Mark Robinson toward Big Wap Island in the putt-putt boat.

Park Supt. George Bartlett sends telegram to North Bay: "Death at Canoe Lake. Send coroner by eve. train."

Park Supt George Bartlett recalls in Aug/16 the little girl that fell off the freight car. Head and torso found 3 miles down the track.

Park Supt. George Bartlett refuses to believe it has come to this: "This has to stay quiet."