Postcard Memories is a weekly series of historic postcard views and photos submitted by Marcel Rousseau.
Some were previously published by the Orillia Museum of Art and History and in the book Postcard Memories Orillia.
The Couchiching Inn was located off Highway 11, about 2.5 miles north of Orillia, just before Big Chief Hill. A short winding road down a steep hill led to the lakeside cottages featuring a tennis court and sandy beach.
In the early 1940s, the white clapboard cottages with green trim where owned by H. W. Carrick. He could accommodate 50 guests at a rate of $20 a week. In the early 1960s a motel was constructed on the highway, near the property entrance, called The Couchiching Inn Motel.
In the 1970s a restaurant and tavern were built and the name was changed to the Newport Inn. A 1960 Chamber of Commerce listing describes Couchiching Inn and Cabins: Mr. J. E. Miller, owner-manager, 21/2 miles north of Orillia on Highway 11, phone Fa, 4-6610, Grey Coach stop. Central Lodge and bungalow cabins. All cabins equipped with running water and private toilets. Accommodation for 70.
Situated on beautiful Lake Couchiching. Splendid safe sandy beach, tennis courts, shuffleboard, fishing and boating. One mile from golf course. Rates: weekly $40 to $45; daily $7. Children under 8 years $25 a week; $3.75 daily.
