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Postcard Memories

Haswell Cabins on Highway 11 offered rustic fun for $1/night

Haswell Cabins on Highway 11 offered rustic fun for $1/night

There were eight cabins at the Cumberland Beach property that featured a year-round store and, in summers, a popular soda bar with a juke box
Motor Camp for summer tourists drew thousands to lakeside park

Motor Camp for summer tourists drew thousands to lakeside park

During the 1930s, the town expanded facilities, building a new canteen, washrooms and showers and brought electricity and water to most of the camp
Trains brought thousands to Orillia for 'pleasant afternoon at park'

Trains brought thousands to Orillia for 'pleasant afternoon at park'

At one time, the two railway lines were so busy, a man was hired to warn people of oncoming trains at park crossing on Tecumseth Street
Since 1932, Champlain Hotel has been an Orillia landmark

Since 1932, Champlain Hotel has been an Orillia landmark

Hotel, featuring a writing room and travellers' sample room, offered travelling public the comfort of 'city accommodation' in Orillia
Chieftain Motel was a Highway 11 landmark (3 photos)

Chieftain Motel was a Highway 11 landmark (3 photos)

Owner Jay Cody built the motel using stone and pine native to the area, bringing the outdoors inside; Rooms had a modern flourish
Postcard shows a beautiful fall scene on Nottawasaga Street

Postcard shows a beautiful fall scene on Nottawasaga Street

Take a trip down Memory Lane to a leafy, Orillia streetscape in the fall of 1908
War fast-tracked construction of Swift Rapids Generating Station

War fast-tracked construction of Swift Rapids Generating Station

Some of the town's leading citizens were behind this innovative project meant to 'look after Orillia's power needs for many years'
George E. Whiten was one of Orillia's earliest photographers

George E. Whiten was one of Orillia's earliest photographers

Downtown photographer was also an outstanding oarsmen, rifle shooter and was elected to town council for two terms in late 1800s
Lake St. John Airport has taken off since fire razed Orillia facility

Lake St. John Airport has taken off since fire razed Orillia facility

Orillia Air Services landed at the foot of Mississaga Street, but was forced to move to land near Longford after a blaze in 1959
Two-storey dance floor was a hit at Orchard Point Dance Pavilion

Two-storey dance floor was a hit at Orchard Point Dance Pavilion

The popular pavilion was demolished in the 1950s and, a few years later, the Orchard Point Marina was built at this location