Skip to content

Postcard Memories

Postcard provides interesting glimpse into previous century

Postcard provides interesting glimpse into previous century

It must have been an extremely hot day in 1909 to entice this fully clothed family to wade into the cool water at Lake Couchiching
Read more >
Historic Central School is one of Orillia's oldest buildings

Historic Central School is one of Orillia's oldest buildings

The school opened in March of 1882 and was constructed at a cost of $12,000
Read more >
Province purchased property for Ontario Hospital in 1885

Province purchased property for Ontario Hospital in 1885

By 1905, 40 acres were occupied by buildings, 20 in gardens, 35 cultivated as farm land and the remainder in pasture and bush; Property later became home of HRC
Read more >
Cottages at Couchiching Inn provided lakeside fun for $20/week

Cottages at Couchiching Inn provided lakeside fun for $20/week

The site offered 'splendid safe sandy beach, tennis courts, shuffleboard, fishing and boating
Read more >
Dwarf Village was a big hit among visitors in the '50s and '60s

Dwarf Village was a big hit among visitors in the '50s and '60s

Many area residents will likely remember the plywood cutouts of the Seven Dwarfs in front of the roadside cottage
Read more >
Big Chief Lodge was a big hit soon after opening in 1927

Big Chief Lodge was a big hit soon after opening in 1927

A fire in 1933 razed the popular lodge, but owner Bert Cody rebuilt the lodge, using local fieldstone from a nearby farmer
Read more >
Recruits found a home away from home in Orillia (4 photos)

Recruits found a home away from home in Orillia (4 photos)

Maple Leaf Club canteen made $11,000 in 1943 even though nothing was above 10 cents; Recruits left with 'very pleasant' memories of Orillia
Read more >
Recruits used Writing Room to pen 33,000 letters back home

Recruits used Writing Room to pen 33,000 letters back home

Each desk was supplied with custom stationery with a maple leaf on the letterhead, donated by the Orillia Board of Trade
Read more >
During the war, the Maple Leaf Club was a hot spot for soldiers

During the war, the Maple Leaf Club was a hot spot for soldiers

'Look your best ... change partners after every dance (and) do not leave the club with a soldier,' hostesses were instructed
Read more >
Maple Leaf Club was the most popular place in town (4 photos)

Maple Leaf Club was the most popular place in town (4 photos)

The year it opened, more than 8,000 guests had registered to enjoy the activities 'hosted by the ladies of Orillia'
Read more >