As a boy, I was a little ashamed of my hometown. Visitors almost always made unfriendly remarks about the distinct smell as they approached the town. However, since I am now working in the tourism industry, I have realized the significance of that smell to the town and even to the world. This is where the Canadian oil industry originated, growing from oil springs to a local miracle in Petrolia.
The "black gold" those first pioneer drillers pumped (用泵输送) out of the ground in the 1860s was the foundation on which our little town was built. In the 1880s, with a population of 5, 000, Petrolia was one of the richest towns in Canada, all because of the foul-smelling substance extracted (提取) from the ground.
Many amazing stories about these great people have been written. Those adventurous individuals brought their hard-earned industry skills to the far corners of the globe, and assisted in the development of major oilfields around the world. Past richness can be seen throughout the town. There is a story hidden behind each street.
A few historical industrial buildings also remain complete. As they have for almost a century, Fairbank Heavy Hardware and the Oil Well Supply Company continue to provide the tools and materials required to serve many oil wells in the area that are still pumping and producing the precious goods. These are just a few of the amazing structures built in a time of wealth and glory.
The present atmosphere of the town is inviting and enthusiastic. Walking tours, a variety of restaurants, unique stores and professional summer theatres and special events throughout the year make it a popular destination for many.
No longer ashamed, I now smile with pride when I think of my hometown. As our new slogan states, "You'll Be Surprised!"
