Postcard Memories

The rebuilt 116-foot steamer could carry up to 350 passengers was a popular sight on local lakes, but was beached during the war and consumed by fire in 1919

After coming to Canada in 1868, James Hatley built the 'Hatley Block' — the first block in Orillia to be finished with brick

The recruits stayed in tents behind the armories on West Street while the new barracks were being built by Brennan Construction near Brant and Park Street.

The Islay struck a bridge, a scow used to transport passengers sunk and, on the way home, a bridge at The Narrows failed to open but nobody was hurt in 1912 adventure

Harry Dewey was a leader in the plastics industry and operated one of Ontario's earliest fibreglass boat-building and repair facilities in Orillia

The property was sold to developers and in 1912, the lots were sold for $100 to $200 and, eventually, 50 two-bedroom and 25 four-bedroom homes were built

Company began in 1903, grew, adapted to help war effort and even had investments from community leaders, but was forced to close in 1934

Hundreds of these durable, simple and fun water pistols were sold during the 1950s before becoming obsolete when plastic imports entered the market

At the first world championship plowing match in 1953, Orillia had a significant presence within the so-called 'Tent City'

Over the years, and thanks to the stewardship of generations of local families, Fern Resort has been 'transformed into one of the most popular resorts in Ontario'