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.
Located on busy Highway 11, north of Orillia, Haswell Cabins was located between Highview Avenue and Azcona Avenue at Cumberland Beach.
An aerial view shows a large property with six cabins on Highview Avenue and two cabins on Azcona Avenue.
In the early 1950s the main building operated a year-round variety store and post office. During each summer the owners opened a popular soda bar and dance hall with a juke box for entertainment.
Haswell Cabins was a favourite destination for fishing enthusiasts and many area residents will remember the wall near the entrance featuring many photos of tourists and local fishermen showing the large catches made in Lake Couchiching.
A list of 1948 tourist cabins near Orillia describes Haswell Cabins: “V. Wells, Highway No. 11, R.R. No. 3. One-quarter mile to Lake Couchiching, Accommodations for 18, Cost: $1 per person per night.”
