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Postcard Memories

Realtor saw 'lots' of potential on Oxford Street in 1895

Realtor saw 'lots' of potential on Oxford Street in 1895

The Moffat property, comprising 170 acres between Couchiching and Simcoe, had an abundance of gardens and pasture laid out into building and park lots
The Crusader was once a popular cruise boat on local lakes

The Crusader was once a popular cruise boat on local lakes

Frank Stanton rebuilt the Gleader, adding 10 feet to accommodate more passengers and operated her as a cruise boat until he retired in his 80s
This downtown business was 'saddled' in history for generations

This downtown business was 'saddled' in history for generations

In 1860, Christopher Moore was one of Orillia's earliest harness makers and his Mississaga Street enterprise operated, in one form or another, until 1970s
The legend of Lightfoot began with Teen Timers in the mid 1950s

The legend of Lightfoot began with Teen Timers in the mid 1950s

With only three months practice, the group entered the Ontario Championship Competition at Massey Hall and placed sixth out of 14 quartets
Original library was built, in part, with donation from Carnegie

Original library was built, in part, with donation from Carnegie

The library was built in 1910 and officially opened on Dec. 28 1911, the Carnegie Foundation provided funding in the amount of $12,500
Simcoe Lodge was a popular lakeside retreat for summer tourists

Simcoe Lodge was a popular lakeside retreat for summer tourists

From 1880 until 1930s, Oliver Thompson and his family operated the seven-bedroom lodge and boathouse that was often used for dances
Orillia was once the 'leading lacrosse centre' in all of Canada

Orillia was once the 'leading lacrosse centre' in all of Canada

The Orillia Terriers captured three straight Mann Cup national titles in the 1930s, winning the 1936 crown at fabled Maple Leaf Gardens in Toronto
Opera House has been focal point of downtown since 1895

Opera House has been focal point of downtown since 1895

After a fire in 1915, the iconic downtown landmark was rebuilt and has drawn people to Mississaga Street for generations
Charlie Thornton was a square dance caller and popular auctioneer

Charlie Thornton was a square dance caller and popular auctioneer

His farm was the first farm south of Highway 11 in Oro Township and after selling it, he moved into Orillia and was often found at the Rainbow Room
Knox Church, built by volunteers, has stood the test of time

Knox Church, built by volunteers, has stood the test of time

Church was constructed in 1844 and 1845, using timber cut and hewn with broad axe on site and still hosts annual services each siummer