Collaboration with Leacock Museum (National Historic Site) - Orillia - May 20, 2023

The Leacock Museum in Orillia, Ontario is a National Historic Site of Canada and is housed in the summer estate of Canadian author and humourist Stephen Leacock (1869 - 1944). It is set on 10 acres of land oriented on Lake Couchiching’s south shore. 

Leacock’s boathouse was once a prominent feature along the shoreline. It has been rebuilt to its original footprint and will be the home of a new permanent exhibit on Boating & Fishing in the area opening to the public over the Victoria Day weekend of 2023. Leacock was an avid canoeist and fisherman and his personal paddles and equipment will make up part of the exhibition.

The Northern Lakes Chapter has been invited to collaborate with the museum for the opening launch day of this new exhibit taking place on Saturday May 20th. They have plenty of grassy space by the main museum building for members to display canoes and other accessories. We will have permission to setup tables or covered canopy booths as well.

Much like our Canoe Day celebrations in Gravenhurst last year, we have relative free reign on what to bring to display and have been given permission to run some more interactive displays of paddle carving, seat caning, etc. for the expected public.There is shoreline access to the water and it might be even possible for folks to put boats in the lake for a quick paddle, but this will need further confirmation whether this would be permitted. 

Historically the area was hub of all-wood canoe building in the early 20th century with makers such as W.T. Bush operating out of nearby Coldwater and the J.H. Ross company in Orillia.

We are asking interested members to contact Murat about whether they are available in joining in for the event and whether they would be willing / interested in displaying their canoes and other items at their discretion.

Location:

50 Museum Dr

Orillia, ON

L3V 7T9