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The Day an Elephant Visited Columbia Grill

Here’s a snapshot straight from the unforgettable past of Fort William — a circus elephant casually strolling into the Columbia Grill on May Street!

This photo captures a time when traveling circuses brought magic (and massive animals!) right into the heart of downtown. Locals looked on with a mix of shock and laughter as the elephant, likely lured by curiosity — or maybe the smell of good food — walked right through the front doors like any other customer.
It’s a moment in Thunder Bay’s history that proves truth really is stranger (and more wonderful) than fiction

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