Historian | artist | author | teacher

Peter Fancy was a respected local historian, author, teacher, and painter whose work helped preserve the history and character of the Temiskaming region. Born in 1932, Fancy grew up in Haileybury, attended local elementary and high schools, and maintained a strong connection to the area throughout his life. Although he later moved to Barrie, his writing and artwork remained strongly focused on Temiskaming.

The Historian

Fancy is perhaps best known for his extensive research and writing about the history of Temiskaming. His most important contribution was the Temiskaming Treasure Trails series, an eight-volume history covering the development of the Lake Temiskaming region, including communities in both Ontario and Quebec. The series begins with the earliest years of the region and continues through 1945.

The Artist

Fancy was also a talented painter. His artwork frequently reflected the landscapes and communities of the Temiskaming region. He painted scenes of Lake Temiskaming, Cobalt, Haileybury, and the surrounding countryside.

One of his paintings, On the Rocks, Farr's Island, Lake Temiskaming, is part of the Temiskaming Art Gallery's permanent collection. The work is an oil painting on Masonite and demonstrates Fancy's connection between his love of the region's history and its landscape.

In 2025, the Temiskaming Art Gallery in Haileybury held a retrospective exhibition of Fancy's paintings titled View from the Studio. The exhibition brought together family, friends, and community members to celebrate his artistic legacy.

The Beloved Teacher

Before becoming widely known for his historical writing, Fancy pursued a career in education. He was an English teacher, combining his interest in literature and writing with his work in the classroom. He studied at Queen's University, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree and a certificate in industrial relations.

His experience as a teacher likely contributed to the accessible style of his historical writing. Rather than simply recording dates and events, Fancy's books tell the stories of the people and communities that shaped Temiskaming.