Written & researched by Mary Ann Grant, OMAH History Committee
In 1959, Wendy and her husband Al moved to Orillia to raise a family, where she embraced the community. We celebrate Wendy’s numerous accomplishments and contributions to the Orillia Historical Society (OHS) and the Orillia Museum of Art and History (OMAH). Passionate about our local history and preserving it, she quietly and without fanfare made a difference.
Orillia Historical Society Member
After Wendy joined the OHS in 1978, she became dedicated member, supporter, promoter and executive member of the OHS, which was the grassroots of the OMAH History Committee.
The Orillia Historical Society Collection
Wendy was a key participant in locating and listing the various artifacts donated to the OHS over the years. They were stored in various locations, such as the library and member’s homes. There was no formal list of the items and where they were located, so it was no small task to create a detailed record of the thousands of scattered possessions, critical work as these artifacts were the start of the OMAH collection.
In March 2009, when the OHS artifacts were moved to OMAH, Wendy noted, “When I look at the Museum (OMAH) today and see the thousands of items we acquired, I think it all began with us!” And indeed, it did! Her work to complete the inventory made the task of cataloguing and moving the Collection to OMAH much easier and more efficient.
Image credit: Source – Hutchings Family
Editing books, articles and undertook research for OHS
For years Wendy was also heavily involved in documenting our local history, including:
She authored a Chronological History of the Orillia Historical Society, documenting the club from the beginning to the move to OMAH. She researched the prospect of a tunnel located under the Orillia Opera House to a brewery (the Orillia Brewing and Malting Co.) She shared her research in a Rogers’ documentary Orillia Opera House – Center Stage about the history of the Orillia Opera House, from its 1895 construction. She edited three books: History of Orillia’s Waterfront and The Story of Hunter Boats, by Donald A. Hunter, and Su Murdoch’s Beautiful Olde Orillia. She also authored Early Days on Gull and Silver Lakes – Gravenhurst, Gull Lake being the location of her beloved cottage.
Active Member of the Local Architectural Conservation Advisory Committee (LACAC)
As a member of the LACAC, Wendy was involved in the preservation of Orillia’s heritage, particularly its buildings, structures and streetscapes. She developed and presented a slideshow on numerous occasions, showcasing and celebrating our local heritage.
Walking Tours
Finally, Wendy led local walking tours of Orillia’s historic downtown in conjunction with the LACAC and the Orillia Historical Society.
Ninette Gyorody, OMAH Executive Director best summed it up: “Wendy has been a stalwart supporter of the Orillia Historical Society and the Orillia Museum of Art & History. Through the years, her keen interest in local history has been shared in her contributions to OMAH’s programs through the History Committee as well as through fundraising events. What a delight to learn more about her and her invaluable research that was included in print and video publications. It is an honour to shine a light on Wendy’s contributions to our community.”
We thank Wendy for contributing in no small way to what would become the ‘H’ in the Orillia Museum of Art & History.