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Postcard Memories

Orillia General Hospital opened to patients in May of 1908

Orillia General Hospital opened to patients in May of 1908

The community quickly outgrew the 20-bed hospital, which was torn down in 1962 to make way for the Harvie Wing
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Oak Ridge Motel was a popular stop for tourists on Highway 11

Oak Ridge Motel was a popular stop for tourists on Highway 11

'Texaco' Joe Bisson demolished the motel after building a new restaurant and service centre on the site three miles south of Orillia
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Northcourt Motel opened its doors on Laclie Street in early 1950s

Northcourt Motel opened its doors on Laclie Street in early 1950s

The north-ward motel, which now sports a different name, looks much the same today as it did when it opened 70 years ago
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Take a trip down memory lane to Main Street Orillia, circa 1920

Take a trip down memory lane to Main Street Orillia, circa 1920

In a town of fewer than 8,000, the main street had seven butchers, nine shoe stores, nine barbers, 13 grocers and much more
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Islay ferried visitors from mainland to Strawberry Island and beyond

Islay ferried visitors from mainland to Strawberry Island and beyond

Steam ship was originally called The Orillia; It was lengthened and new engines were installed in 1895 and renamed The Islay
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Downtown Orillia was a golden age of neon in the 1960s

Downtown Orillia was a golden age of neon in the 1960s

Many of these memorable neon signs were made in Orillia by Annis Way Signs; He had a downtown sign shop on Peter Street
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Longford was once a bustling community built on lumbering

Longford was once a bustling community built on lumbering

John Thomson purchased the whole township in 1867 for $30,000 and his family built up the community to support their business
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The CPR Jr. was a popular attraction behind The Pav in the 1950s

The CPR Jr. was a popular attraction behind The Pav in the 1950s

Electric train, with three cars and seating for 36, was operated by the Couchiching Park Railway at the foot of Jarvis Street
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Boat-building enterprise was a waterfront mainstay

Boat-building enterprise was a waterfront mainstay

John Dean moved to Orillia and started his business in 1870; His grandson became a renowned canoeist
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Canoe racing was once a popular activity on Lake Couchiching

Canoe racing was once a popular activity on Lake Couchiching

Back in the day, Ojibwa residents would challenge Orillians to race from the village wharf around Big Chief Island and back
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