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.
This 1954 photo showing the July 1 Dominion Day parade was taken from the top floor of the Tudhope Specialties building at the corner of West and Colborne Streets by amateur photographer Jack Malley.
Led by the Orillia Kiltie Band, the parade would start at the waterfront and make its way up Mississaga Street to West, south to Colborne then west to Dunedin Street. Going north on Dunedin to Mississaga Street, the parade would pass the Princess Elizabeth Wing of the Soldiers' Memorial Hospital to the delight of all the patients confined there.
Heading back down Main Street the parade would make its way to Couchiching Beach Park for a day of festivities.
The Dominion Day name was officially changed to Canada Day in 1982.
On the northeast corner of West and Colborne is Marshall Motors, the Ford dealer and BA Station. Going north on West Street is Peacock Shoe Rebuilder at 28 West St.
Stevens Taxi and Grant and Bell Plumbing and Heating is at 24 West St. The first Canadian Tire Store in Orillia at No. 22, Geneva Theatre at No. 14-16, Town Bargain Stores at No. 8, Varty’s Sport and Cycle at No. 6 and Haleys Mens and Boys Wear at No. 4.
