Northern Ontario history unfolds in his newspaper columns and numerous books. John's contributions to the Museum on Tower Hill have offered visitors and researches valuable insights into subjects such as logging and the Second World War. His skillful photography and artwork expressing the beauty of the sometimes harsh Canadian landscape is well sought-after.

Curated by his niece Mandy Macfie, this exhibit offers a personal and fascinating look into the author’s early life, his career with the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and his enduring commitment to telling Parry Sound’s history. The Museum's Founder’s Room has been transformed into a vivid and detailed timeline of artifacts, original artworks and photographs.