Unveiling the Roots of Leslie McFarlane: A Journey Through Haileybury, Ontario

Unveiling the Roots of Leslie McFarlane: A Journey Through Haileybury, Ontario
Feb 14, 2023
by Alex Ivey

Leslie McFarlane was a multi-talented Canadian journalist, novelist, screenwriter, and filmmaker, who is best known for his work on the Hardy Boys series of books. But did you know that he spent a significant portion of his childhood in the small town of Haileybury, Ontario?

Haileybury was a booming mining town in the early 1900s, and it was here that McFarlane developed a love for adventure and storytelling. He spent his days exploring the rugged northern landscape, immersing himself in the local culture and forging lifelong friendships.

McFarlane's experiences in Haileybury would later serve as inspiration for his writing, particularly his work on the Hardy Boys series. The town's rugged terrain and close-knit community provided the perfect backdrop for the thrilling tales of mystery and intrigue that would capture the imaginations of readers around the world.

But McFarlane's time in Haileybury wasn't just about writing. He also worked as a newspaper reporter and later as a screenwriter, honing his craft and developing the skills that would make him a true master of his art.

Today, Haileybury is a quiet town, far removed from its bustling mining days. But Leslie McFarlane's legacy lives on, both in the pages of the Hardy Boys books and in the hearts of those who remember the young boy who found his passion in the rugged northern wilderness.

For those who are inspired by Leslie McFarlane's legacy, there's an opportunity to showcase their own writing skills through "The Ghost of the Hardy Boys Short Story Writing Contest." This annual contest, which honours the original author of the famous Hardy Boys' books, is open to young people between the ages of 8 to 19 years living in the geographic area from Kirkland Lake to Temagami. Who knows? Perhaps the next Leslie McFarlane is waiting to be discovered in the north.