Our Carnegie Library

Our Carnegie Library

by | Jun 22, 2022 | Publications

By Mary Ann Grant, OMAH History Committee Did you know that Orillia’s first official Public Library was a gift from American philanthropist Andrew Carnegie? Andrew Carnegie was responsible for funding the building of libraries worldwide. The extent of the benefits...
HODGES’ LANDING: A BRIEF HISTORY

HODGES’ LANDING: A BRIEF HISTORY

by | May 11, 2022 | History, Publications

By Fred Blair The “Historic Hawkestone” plaque, located at 375 11th Line South, Hawkestone, recorded that “Richard Hodges established a landing for settlers” on Lake Simcoe in the 1830s in the community that is now known as Hawkestone.  However, land records indicate...
EARLY EDUCATION IN ORILLIA

EARLY EDUCATION IN ORILLIA

by | Apr 23, 2022 | Publications

EARLY EDUCATION IN ORILLIA By Trish Crowe-Grande, OMAH History Committee Chair In December 2021, it was announced that Orillia would have a new elementary school in 2024 to address the quickly growing area of West Ridge. As Orillia’s population continues to grow, it...
Booze! Orillia’s Struggle with Drunkenness

Booze! Orillia’s Struggle with Drunkenness

by | Mar 30, 2022 | History, Publications

by David Town What! No Beer? In 1908 a binding referendum in Orillia outlawed the sale of all alcohol. It was the culmination of a 50-year campaign to “civilize” the town and reduce the violence, crime and domestic hardship that followed drunkenness. For the next 40...