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Postcard Memories

Check out the civic centre of Orillia's downtown, circa 1913

Check out the civic centre of Orillia's downtown, circa 1913

Orillia Free Library, first to be municipally owned, opened in 1911 alongside Town Hall, which was completed in 1874
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History of high school on West Street dates back to 1876

History of high school on West Street dates back to 1876

Scandal involving original headmaster of school sparked resignation; Orillia Collegiate Institute building was constructed in 1899
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Ice Palace was focal point of Orillia's first winter carnival (4 photos)

Ice Palace was focal point of Orillia's first winter carnival (4 photos)

Inaugural event in 1928 was a three-day event, capped by night-time parade, fireworks and a 'storming' of the palace
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Otaco became renowned for its unique Minnitoys after the war

Otaco became renowned for its unique Minnitoys after the war

West Street factory went from manufacturing farm equipment in 1910 to crafting sturdy toys in the early 1950s
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Novelty 'Orillia' pennant postcards were popular in early 1900s

Novelty 'Orillia' pennant postcards were popular in early 1900s

Campy design of these postcards from around 1915 allowed communities to personalize the pennants
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Gin Seto and The Shang were downtown Orillia icons

Gin Seto and The Shang were downtown Orillia icons

Shangri-La Garden was popular downtown landmark; Owner Gin Seto was famous for his uncanny ability to remember names
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This downtown landmark was home to the Post Office in 1925

This downtown landmark was home to the Post Office in 1925

Beautiful Peter Street building has been the home of the Orillia Museum of Art & History for the last 20 years
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In the Depression of the 1930s, slot machines abounded in Orillia

In the Depression of the 1930s, slot machines abounded in Orillia

Len's Casino was one of at least 20 locations around town that was home to at least one five-cent slot machine in the 1930s
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Restaurant has had many names but has always been popular

Restaurant has had many names but has always been popular

From Soo's Café to Star Café to Shangri-La Gardens to Brewery Bay ... downtown landmark has served generations of diners
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Lake Dalrymple hot-spot once popular trapping and fishing area

Lake Dalrymple hot-spot once popular trapping and fishing area

Avery Point is almost a mile in length and is home to more than 200 cottages and homes
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