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A Group of People in Front of the A. Niemen Boarding House

Black-and-white photograph of several women and children before a building whose sign reads, A. Niemen Ruckala Board & Rooms.

Date: twentieth century

Credits: BAnQ Rouyn-Noranda, Société d’histoire de Rouyn-Noranda funds, various sponsors. 08-Y, P117,S2,P973.

International immigrants came to the area to earn a living. Since they had few ties, they were prone to moving each time a high paying job came along. Employers often offered miners the option of residing in shared dormitories. People who wanted to live with their families or to ensure some privacy would rent a room in a boarding house, such as the Ruockala (“canteen” in Finnish), owned by Finnish-born A. Niemi.