NEWS RELEASE
ORILLIA MUSEUM OF ART & HISTORY SPEAKER SERIES
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Gwen Robinson, Chair of the Coldwater Mill Heritage Foundation, will be the guest speaker at the Orillia Museum of Art and History (OMAH) on Wednesday, Oct.17. Her talk “The Coldwater Mill 1833: Then and Now” kick starts the 2018/2019 History Speaker Series.
The Coldwater Grist Mill was built in 1833 for the Ojibwa. You could say the Mill is one of the main reasons that the Village of Coldwater exists as it grew around the Mill. The Mill, to this day, is an integral part of the village of Coldwater and the surrounding area.
Over the years, this landmark grist mill has been threatened. Join us to hear Robinson recount the history of the Mill and the successes and challenges faced by the Ojibwa and subsequent owners.
Hear how the Coldwater Mill was saved from demolition in 1995 when the community rallied to save it, raising $105,000 in four months to purchase the Mill and to restore it.
The community has met these challenges head-on, ensuring the viability of the Mill, improving its visibility and the Mill’s partnership with the community. Learn about a recent addition to the Mill and other exciting changes enabled by Canada 150 grants.
Robinson has been chair of the Coldwater Mill Heritage Foundation since 2012 and is the recipient of the 2015 OMAH History Award in the Heritage Preservation Category.
She was born and raised in Orillia, is a retired school principal and has had a cottage in the Muskoka/Georgian Bay area for many years. She returned to live in the area in her retirement, currently residing in Severn Township.
On November 21 we welcome artist, historian and author Joanna McEwen as guest speaker with her talk “Tales from the Historic Penetanguishene Road.” The talks start at 7:30 p.m. Admission is free but donations to OMAH are welcome.
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