Photograph of James Franceschini at Whites Boarding House, post-surgery recovery, QC, 1941

Black and white photograph of James Franceschini at Mrs. Whites Boarding House, Mt.Tremblant, ca. 1941.

In 1912, James founded Dufferin Construction and became well known nationally. As the company became increasingly more successful, James was able to move into the construction of highways, provincial roads, rail lines and suburbs. Within three years – at the age of 25 – James became a millionaire.

On June 10, 1940, he was arrested and interned as a threat to the Canadian state. A year later, James was diagnosed with throat cancer by fellow internee Dr. Luigi Pancaro. James was flown to Toronto where he underwent a series of examinations at the Christie Street Military Hospital. He was then transferred to the Toronto General Hospital for surgery. It appears that Ernest Lapointe, the Minister of Justice, had hoped that James would return to the internment camp after his surgery; however Dr. Ross Miller – Director of Medical Services, Department of Pension and National Health – adviced against it.

This was taken during James' recovery from surgery. It was during his stay at the Boarding House that he bought the vacant land next door where he built his estate, Dufferin Haven. James is wearing a long sleeve light sweater with pants and high boots. He is sprawled on a couch outside on the grounds.  A couple of men are in the near background sitting on the porch steps. The background shows a wooded mountainside.