We will be screening a series of 16mm film footage, mainly of Orillia, from 1928 through to 1964. Known as Grant’s Films, there are 34 reels of black and white documentary footage showcasing a range of activities and everyday life in Orillia.

The reels include scenes of Lake Couchiching and Couchiching Beach Park, a hockey game played on the ice of the lake during Christmas week 1931 and footage of infrastructure enhancements in the downtown area.

The footage was filmed by Jack and his father, Lewis.  Lewis had emigrated from England with his wife Daisy.  They raised three sons, Jack, Oliver and Bill in Orillia, both in Orillia on Laclie Street and at their retreat property on Division Road, Township of Severn.  This retreat property was eventually gifted to the Couchiching Conservancy.