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Stories From Another Day

Stories From Another Day

By Ken Maher

This podcast journeys into the far corners of the Collingwood Museum to open up the books, dust off the shelves, dig through the documents and look into the past of our community to find those people, events and stories that made this town into the jewel it is today.
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The Ridgway Brothers

Stories From Another DayNov 01, 2022

00:00
24:28
Madge Watt
Mar 05, 202424:09
The Country Doctor Who Organized a Town

The Country Doctor Who Organized a Town

In this month’s Stories from Another Day podcast episode, host Ken Maher introduces Dr. A.R. Stephen, a caring country doctor, soldier, and civic leader who moved to the tiny settlement that would become Collingwood in 1853, before the first train arrived in town. Dr. Stephen would spend more than 50 years organizing, protecting, serving, and caring for the residents and town he loved. The marks of his skilled hands are still visible across our community to this day.

After the story we direct our listeners to go back through some of our older episodes with knowledge that Dr. AR Stephen was a prominent figure in each of them (see the links below). And then we end our time together with an invitation to share Family Day together at the museum. February 19 from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. There will be lots of self-guided fun and games, free admission and 50 free activity kits for families. Come early, when they are gone they are gone. Episode Picture:

Dr. AR Stephen [Collingwood Museum Collection X973.687.1]

Research:

Collingwood Public Library Local History Files, A.R. Stephen.

Enterprise Messenger December 3, 1908

Collingwood Bulletin December 10, 1908

Enterprise Bulletin October 27, 1982

Enterprise Bulletin December 3, 2010

Lane-Moore, Laurel. Collingwood Historic Homes and Buildings BMFA 1989, p. 16

Links: “A Royal Snub” Season 1, Episode 8 https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/cwoodstories/episodes/A-Royal-Snub-e16qvsq “Fair Play” Season 1, Episode 11 https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/cwoodstories/episodes/Fair-Play-e18r8g2 “No Shot in the Dark” Season 1, Episode 7 https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/cwoodstories/episodes/No-Shot-in-the-Dark-e14s4hj “Letters to Mother” Season 3, Episode 3 https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/cwoodstories/episodes/Letters-To-Mother-e2bajjv

Feb 06, 202423:30
Tornaveen

Tornaveen

What makes a house into a home? There are nearly as many different answers to that question as there are different kinds of families to ask it. In this episode we look at one historic Collingwood house, and just how very differently (and wonderfully) it has served as a true home for thousands of lives over its long and storied history.

After the story we invite your house stories. We would love to hear the history of the places you call home. And finally we are excited to share our new online collections database. “At the click of a button, residents and researchers from around the world can now access over 500 photographs from three of the Museum’s most requested photograph collections – Historic Residences, Huron Institute Historical Catalogue, and Hurontario Street. For example, if you type “Tornaveen” into the key word search you will come up with a number of photographs depicting the historic home from our story through the ages including this podcast’s cover image.” You can find our online collections database at: https://collingwood.pastperfectonline.com/ Episode Picture:

Tornaveen in 1898 [Collingwood Museum Collection X971.545.1]

Research:

Collingwood Times Newspaper article, Collingwood Library Historical Files, Tornaveen.

Lane-Moore, Laurel. Collingwood Historic Homes and Buildings. Blue Mountain Foundation for the Arts. 1989. p. 82-84

https://www.nsa.on.ca/2023/03/08/tornaveen-our-campus-home-history/

https://www.nsa.on.ca/about/

Links:

“The Telfer Brothers” Season 3, Episode 1 https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/cwoodstories/episodes/The-Telfer-Brothers-e28q0vp

Jan 09, 202421:54
The Dumbells

The Dumbells

From the front lines of battle to the bright lights of Broadway, we follow the story of Canada’s early kings of comedy. The Dumbells, formed as a musical comedy troupe to entertain the men and women serving overseas during WW1, became so much more than just a welcome distraction in a very tense time. They would go on to become an international sensation and a Canada wide comedy hit. Join us as we explore the group’s personal connections to our area, and find out that the Dumbells still may have a thing or two to share with us today. Following the story we invite everyone to come out and meet the museum staff at the Collingwood Downtown BIA Christmas Market on December 8 and 15. For more information see our Facebook page: (facebook.com/collingwoodmuseum) or go to our website (collingwood.ca/culture-recreation-events/heritage-museum/collingwood-museum). And from all of us to all of you ... Happy Holidays!

Episode Picture:

Poster of the Dumbells Sixth Annual Revue in “Ace High”, undated [Collingwood Museum Collection 983.10.1]

Research:

The Dumbells. North Cumberland Historical Society. https://ncumbhistorical.wixsite.com/genealogyhistory/the-dumbells

WW I-era Dumbells a slice of Canadian comedy history CBC.ca https://www.cbc.ca/news/entertainment/ww-i-era-dumbells-a-slice-of-canadian-comedy-history-1.1342477

The Dumbells. The Canadian Encyclopedia. 2014 https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/the-dumbells-emc

The Dumbells. Canadian Theatre Encyclopedia. 2022. https://www.canadiantheatre.com/dict.pl?term=The%20Dumbells The Dumbells Concert Party in the Great War. Canadian Expeditionary Force Research Group. 2020. https://cefrg.ca/blog/the-dumbells-concert-party Miles, Anita. Chicago of the North p.76-77

Links:

The Dumbell Rag performed by Lori King https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GdRqtAyt_FU

Dec 05, 202323:38
Letters To Mother

Letters To Mother

No news is good news unless you are a mother waiting to hear from your child serving overseas. In this episode we follow the story E.L. Knight and Gordon Sinclair serving in the South African War at the turn of the twentieth century. The harrowing and heroic stories told by Knight and Sinclair in personal letters to family members, were also shared with the entire town through the local newspaper. These letters not only give insight into the war itself, but into the hearts and minds of those waiting at home for news of their friends and loved ones.

Following the story we take a moment to invite everyone to join us on the museum grounds on Saturday November 11 for Collingwood’s Remembrance Day service, and we also provide some information on an upcoming PA day program for children ages 6-12. For more information and to register go to our Facebook page (facebook.com/collingwoodmuseum) or see our website (collingwood.ca/culture-recreation-events/heritage-museum/collingwood-museum).

Episode Picture:

Military portrait of Major Edward Lewin Knight [Collingwood Museum Collection X2009.63.1]

Research:

Lane-Moore, Laurel. Collingwood Historic Homes and Buildings. Blue Mountain Foundation for the Arts. 1989. 28.

Enterprise Messenger Dec 19 1901 (C2 p2)

Enterprise Messenger May 29 1902 (p4)

Collingwood Bulletin, July 31, 1902 Canada and South African War published 2006, edited 2021 https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/south-african-war Canada and the Battle of the Somme published 2006, edited 2022 https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/battle-of-the-somme

The Battle of Hart’s River. Veterans Affairs Canada https://www.veterans.gc.ca/eng/remembrance/wars-and-conflicts/south-african-war/battle-of-harts-river

Nov 07, 202322:05
The Light at the End of the Tower
Oct 03, 202324:21
The Telfer Brothers

The Telfer Brothers

We begin season three with a sweet treat as we tell you the story of a cookie empire founded right here in Collingwood. Join us for the story of the Telfer Brothers and their famous Cream Soda Biscuits. Cookie of choice for Kings and Canadians from coast to coast. Witness a half-century of business and innovation, that began here, but stretched right across the country bringing the Collingwood name into kitchens and pantries everywhere. That is, until the whole thing crumbled. After the story we invite our listeners to join us for some or all of the many annual events happening in and around the museum this month. September 8 and 9 is our highly anticipated Shipyard Social, September 16 is the Town’s Art Crawl and our building’s 25th anniversary, and from September 22-24 we will be at the Great Northern Exhibition! See our website (collingwood.ca/culture-recreation-events/heritage-museum/collingwood-museum) or Facebook page facebook.com/collingwoodmuseum) for more details. We can’t wait to see you all!

Episode Picture:

Telfer Biscuit Tin [Collingwood Museum Collection X2017.2.1]

Research:

Untitled Newspaper Article, Collingwood Library Files on the Telfer Family

Isabel Griffin, “Telfers were Fine Pioneers”. Enterprise Bulletin. June 18 1993

Isabel Griffin, “Telfers were Fine Citizens”. Enterprise Bulletin. July 2 1993

Isabel Griffin, “Telfers were Fine Citizens”. Enterprise Bulletin. July 9 1993.

Collingwood Bulletin, December 20, 1906.

Lane-Moore, Laurel. Collingwood Historic Homes and Buildings. Blue Mountain Foundation for the Arts. 1989. 83.

Telfer, Alan. Revelations of a 50 year Old Takeover. Collingwood Library Files on the Telfer Family

Vuckson, David. The Telfer Brothers-Biscuits, Brooms, & Whisks-A Clean Sweep. Stories of Collingwood, Collingwood Historical Society. June 30, 2023.

Links:

“The Elegant Lady Who Built Our Town” Season 2, Episode 1 https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/cwoodstories/episodes/The-Elegant-Lady-Who-Built-Our-Town-e1nbijl

Sep 05, 202322:59
Bloomers of Blessed Memory

Bloomers of Blessed Memory

In this bonus summer episode we take a break for the heat to remember winter and snow as we hear the harrowing (and hilarious) tale of a horse and sleigh, and a young girl and her bloomers.


Are you old enough to remember bloomers? Did you wear them? Did you like them? Should they make a comeback? (Not right now ... for winter weather of course.) We would love to hear what you think!


Episode Picture:

Horse-drawn sleighs line the streets outside of the Dominion Stable on Hurontario Street, c. 1890s. [Collingwood Museum Collection X970.961.1]


Research:

Miles, Anita; The Chicago of the North. Town of Collingwood, 2004. p.123.

Aug 15, 202304:57
All Others Pay Cash

All Others Pay Cash

Have you heard all the back to school ads yet? They are a sure sign that the seasons are soon changing. But they also can’t compare to the flare, fun, and marketing genius of a long time Collingwood store owner Mr. T. N. Brown from many long years ago.


And because the fall will soon be upon us, this will be the final bonus episode of the summer, as we look forward to our fast approaching third season of the podcast. Make sure to tune in on September 5 for the first episode.


What is the one advertisement from the past that you still remember to this day? (Let’s see how far back we can go!) What was the best one you ever heard? We would love for you to share those ads of yesteryear with us!


Episode Picture:

Interior of T.N. Brown’s Grocery Store, c. 1913 [Collingwood Museum Collection X973.637.1]


Research:

Barbara Arp, ed., Reflections An Historical Anthology of Collingwood (Collingwood: The Corporation of the Town of Collingwood, 1983), 195.

Aug 01, 202305:37
Oh Say, Can You See?

Oh Say, Can You See?

Flag raisings are an important part of our Collingwood culture and community even to this day. In this bonus summer episode we travel more than a century into the past to tell the tale of a flag raising that nearly sparked an international incident right here on our main street. Or so one young lad would later say.


Episode Picture:

United States Consulate Office in Collingwood in the 1890s. [Collingwood Museum Collection X973.404.1]


Research:

Leithead, Maggie. Collingwood Skiffs & Side Launches (Collingwood Museum, Collingwood, 1994), 10.

Barbara Arp, ed., Reflections An Historical Anthology of Collingwood (Collingwood: The Corporation of the Town of Collingwood, 1983), 105.

Jul 18, 202305:55
Fireworks From the Fire Hall

Fireworks From the Fire Hall

For many people, July and fireworks go together like peanut butter and jelly. So what better time to share the story of youthful fireworks gone very wrong. And the best part of this bonus summer episode? It is a story told by the son of a former town’s fire chief.

Do you have a story of something you thought was a good idea at the time, but which turned into something very different than you had planned? We would love to hear it!


Episode Picture:

Built in 1911, Collingwood’s 3-storey Fire Hall located on the west side of Ste. Marie Street between Simcoe and Ontario Streets. [Collingwood Museum Collection X968.723.1]


Research:

Skelding, Douglas. Ordeal By Fire: A History of the Collingwood Fire Department 1852-2005(Barrie: Northern Printworx Inc., 2005), 167.

Jul 04, 202305:10
Grace's Story

Grace's Story

In this special bonus episode of the Collingwood Museum's Stories from Another Day podcast we turn the microphone over to local student, Grace Johnson, who shares with us a story she researched and wrote for the Simcoe County Heritage Fair which was held in May at the Simcoe County Museum. The touching history of Grace’s ancestors may be familiar to many families who now call Canada home.

 

Grace’s project won the Ontario Ancestors Award from the Ontario Genealogical Society at the Simcoe County Heritage Fair and she was one of six students chosen to represent Simcoe County at the Regional Gathering in Toronto. We are honoured to share “Grace’s Story: Dutch Immigration to Canada after WWII” with you. We know you are going to love this episode as much as we do.

Jun 20, 202308:53
Off The Rails

Off The Rails

In the last episode of our second season we revisit the story of the railroad in Collingwood, this time to trace its slow and steady decline and eventual disappearance from our town. Along the way we will discuss some of the wonderful and wild ideas proposed to keep the role of the railways a going concern for Collingwood, and the lasting impact the now removed railways still have on our little town today.

After the story we take some time to thank all those who have been an important part of bringing you this season’s stories. We invite everyone to come out to the museum to see the Refuge Canada Exhibit while you still can and we remind everyone of our many summer programs designed specifically for children ages 6-12. More information can be found on our Facebook page, (www.facebook.com/collingwoodmuseum) or at our website, (www.collingwood.ca/culture-recreation-events/heritage-museum/collingwood-museum)


And finally a big thank you goes out to all of our listeners and subscribers. We appreciate all your comments and feedback. Please keep sending in your questions and story suggestions to museum@collingwood.ca. While our new season begins on September 5, look for some bonus content and a very special episode over the summer!

Episode Picture:

Canadian 1363 National Steam Engine at the Collingwood Station, 1937 [Collingwood Museum Collection X970.414.1]


Research:

Isabel Griffin, Enterprise Bulletin May 21, 1980

Sewell, John. The History of Collingwood. 5 Lectures. 2003

Messenger, William. Building of the First Railway. 1969

The Story of Collingwood. Enterprise Bulletin Presses Ltd. 1958 p 22-26

Barbara Arp, ed., Reflections An Historical Anthology of Collingwood (Collingwood: The Corporation of the Town of Collingwood, 1983), 237

J.T. MacMurchy, Enterprise Bulletin. Twenty in the Series of Business Articles “The Railway Has Always Been A Part Of The Collingwood Business Scene”. 1963


Links:

“A Royal Snub” Season 1, Episode 8 https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/cwoodstories/episodes/A-Royal-Snub-e16qvsq “The Elegant Lady Who Built Our Town” Season 2, Episode 1 https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/cwoodstories/episodes/The-Elegant-Lady-Who-Built-Our-Town-e1nbijl

Jun 06, 202323:23
The One That Flew Away

The One That Flew Away

The work of museums in preserving the past is sometimes fraught with loss and disappointment. Despite everyone’s best efforts sometimes a piece of our history still gets away and is lost in time. In today’s episode we look at two such losses connected by a strong sense of irony. We also end with a note of hope for the same currents of time and circumstance sometimes work in the museum’s favour. Join us as we follow the story of a stuffed Passenger Pigeon that was on display at the Collingwood Museum’s predecessor, the Huron Institute, until disaster struck.

After the story we give you all the details of this month’s celebration of all things Museum. In honour of May being Museum month look for special lighting of the Town Clock (May 18 to 25) and a day long event also on May the 18th where admission to the Museum will be free, the hours will be extended (until 8:00 pm) and the members of the Museum Advisory Committee will be on hand (between 4:00 and 5:00 pm) to meet and greet you all.

Ken will be there and is hoping to say hi to any podcast listeners who want to come by! We look forward to seeing you then.

Episode Picture:

The Huron Institute [Collingwood Museum Collection X970.577.1]

Research:

Miles, Anita; The Chicago of the North. Town of Collingwood, 2004. p.17-18

Passenger Pigeon. Canadian Encyclopedia. https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/passenger-pigeon

Vuckson, David. The Carnegie Library Revisited. Collingwood Historical Society, April 2017. https://img1.wsimg.com/blobby/go/3bf734df-da42-4fed-b6fc-91e612df8825/downloads/April%202017%20-%20The%20Carnegie%20Library%20Revisited.pdf?ver=1678821694161 Isabel Griffin, Enterprise Bulletin March 18, 1981

Enterprise Bulletin April 11, 1935

Enterprise Bulletin April 18, 1935

Enterprise Bulletin May 9, 1935

Links:

“The Museum That Wasn’t” Season 1, Episode 23 https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/cwoodstories/episodes/The-Museum-That-Wasnt-e1ig37a


May 02, 202320:45
The Kiltie Band

The Kiltie Band

For more than seven decades of our town’s history the Kiltie Band provided the soundtrack to Collingwood’s joys and celebrations. They were also present to mark many a special occasion and more than a few sombre moments. This community band provided a welcoming stage to many local musicians and encouraged many a young boy and girl to learn an instrument and give back to the community. In their smart kilted uniforms they brought a sense of pride and awe to countless town parades and events. In the latest episode of the Collingwood Museum’s podcast Stories from Another Day we remember the gift of their music to Collingwood. After the story we ask for your band memories. Did you or a family member play in the Kiltie band? We would love to hear your stories! We also point you to a travelling exhibit coming to the Museum. Refuge Canada provides the context for Canada’s place in the global refugee crisis and brings to light the challenges faced by refugees in Canada. More details will be posted on our webpage and our Facebook page in the coming days. We mention our upcoming PA Day program coming in April, again details to follow on all our social media pages. As always, if you have any questions, comments, or story ideas we would love to hear from you. Drop us a line at www.facebook.com/collingwoodmuseum or museum@collingwood.ca Episode Picture:

The Kiltie Band [Collingwood Museum Collection 001.12.1]

Research:

Enterprise Bulletin Dec. 10, 1925

Enterprise Bulletin Nov. 20, 1926 (p.1) Collingwood Kilties on Air Thursday Evening

Enterprise Bulletin Sep. 6, 1928 Collingwood Kilties to play at T.O. Exhibition

Enterprise Bulletin Mar. 17 and 24, 1932 The Band Question

Enterprise Bulletin July 31, 1958 (p. 2) Collingwood Bands Kept Town in Step Since Early Years

Barbara Arp, ed., Reflections An Historical Anthology of Collingwood (Collingwood: The Corporation of the Town of Collingwood, 1983), 180.

Cowley, Christine E. “Butchers, Bakers and Building the Lakers: Voices of Collingwood”, 2008. Pg. 68. Links:

“Coming Home ... Again” Season 1, Episode 17 https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/cwoodstories/episodes/Coming-Home-----Again-e1eeis5

Apr 04, 202318:42
Lilies For The Soul
Mar 07, 202319:40
The Norman P. Clement

The Norman P. Clement

The quiet routine of daily work and life is shattered by an explosion that rocks the shipyards and surrounding area. Windows are shattered, and a huge piece of the ship crashes down outside of the shipyards. The press of questions come raining down almost immediately. What caused it? Could it have been prevented? Was anyone hurt? And what happened after the dust and debris settled?  Join us to hear the explosive tale of the Norman P. Clement.

After the story we express our on-going gratitude to the shipyard workers and their lasting legacy in town. We invite your feedback and ask for your story suggestions. We also highlight our Black History Month activities in partnership with the Town of Collingwood and Sheffield Park Black History and Cultural Museum. And lastly, we invite everyone to join us for Family Day (Feb. 20th) when the museum will be open with games and activities for young and old alike. We hope to see you all there!

Episode Picture:

The Norman P. Clement (being towed out by the tug Dana T. Bowen)  [Collingwood Museum Collection 2010.8.185.]

Research:

Maritime History of the Great Lakes. https://images.maritimehistoryofthegreatlakes.ca/54664/data

Maritime History of the Great Lakes.  https://images.maritimehistoryofthegreatlakes.ca/24427/data?g=d

Toronto Telegram October 22, 1968

Enterprise Bulletin. October 17 1968 p.1

Enterprise Bulletin. October 23, 1968 p.1

Links:

“The Night the City of Collingwood Burned” Season 1, Episode 22 https://anchor.fm/cwoodstories/episodes/The-Night-the-City-of-Collingwood-Burned-e1hrehb

Feb 07, 202318:29
The Brightest Spot in Town!

The Brightest Spot in Town!

A second-hand sign with a risque past and a paragon of family entertainment for nearly a century come together to tell the story of "bright lights, small town." Join us as we look at the history of a cherished local landmark of downtown Collingwood, the historic Gayety Theatre.

After the story we invite our listeners to share their questions, comments, or suggestions for a future story we should tell. We love hearing from you. Send us an email (museum@collingwood.ca) or leave us a message (www.anchor.fm/cwoodstories)  We also take a moment to hand out a few well deserved thank you’s in time for the new year and let everyone know about our upcoming Winter Wonderland PA Day program on January 27 for children ages 6-12. For more information and to register, please go to our web page www.collingwood.ca/museum.

Episode Picture:

Gayety Theatre [Collingwood Museum Collection X968.551.1]

Research:

Barbara Arp, ed., Reflections An Historical Anthology of Collingwood (Collingwood: The Corporation of the Town of Collingwood, 1983),  p178

Cowley, Christine E. “Butchers, Bakers and Building the Lakers: Voices of Collingwood”, 2008. Pgs. 56, 280.

Collingwood Bulletin May 30, 1929 Talkies at Gayety (C3)

Enterprise Bulletin February 25, 2003 The Passing of a Cinematic Era (p6)

Enterprise Bulletin May 2, 2003 A New Life for the Gayety (p3)

Enterprise Bulletin February 28, 2013 Gayety Gets a Facelift (p11)

Links:

“Deck the Hull” Season 2, Episode 4 https://anchor.fm/cwoodstories/episodes/Deck-The-Hull-e1rloe2

Jan 03, 202318:20
Deck The Hull
Dec 06, 202221:55
The Ridgway Brothers

The Ridgway Brothers

Just in time for Remembrance Day, we look into the story of not just one local man, but six – and all of them brothers – who took up the call to serve King and country in the First World War. One will have the distinction of serving as honour guard to the King himself on one of Canada’s most important days. But each man’s story is equally important and will range from close to home to Azerbaijan and every place in between.

After the story we can’t help but make an incredible story even more so with some added details we know you will like. We also encourage the listeners to find the Ridgway brothers in the Remembrance Day Banners the town puts out each year, and to join us on the museum grounds for the Remembrance Day Service on November 11. The museum will be open special hours for that day so you can come in and see our extensive WW1 exhibit ... including a life-sized picture of Tom Ridgway. Visit our website or our Facebook page for full details on the hours we will be open.

Episode Picture:

The Ridgway Brothers  (Back Row: l to r Eddie, Laurie, John, Tom; Front: l to r Bert, Ernie)

[Photo supplied by Cathy DeRuiter]

Research:

Extensive Research for this Episode came from the Genealogical Files and Ridgway Brother’s Service records compiled by Cathy DeRuiter

Smedman, Lisa. Dunsterforce, Vancouver Courier. https://cdbe6920-b060-4736-bf2a-58f92dcfee21.filesusr.com/ugd/5273e0_0ebf14d8fa5d427fa57c4ae3899efe17.pdf

Brown, Eric and Tim Cook The 1936 Vimy Pilgrimage. Canadian Military History, Volume 20, Number 2, Spring 201, pp 46-47, 52. https://allnationsstampandcoin.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/5-Brown-and-Cook-Vimy-Pilgrimage-v-2.pdf

Links:

Phyllis Ridgway Story https://globalnews.ca/news/7922913/phyllis-ridgway-dead-canada-toronto/

“The Museum That Wasn’t” Season 1, Episode 23 https://anchor.fm/cwoodstories/episodes/The-Museum-That-Wasnt-e1ig37a

Nov 01, 202224:28
Throw Up the Sponge
Oct 04, 202221:03
The Elegant Lady Who Built Our Town

The Elegant Lady Who Built Our Town

In the very first story of our second season we listen as powerful men make big plans and pretty speeches and it is left to an elegant lady to do the heavy lifting of creating our town ... practically from nothing! We travel back to January 1, 1855 to witness the arrival of the Lady Elgin and trace the myriad of ways that historic day and its visitor impacted every part of our town’s history right up to today.

After the story we dig a little deeper into a couple of the characters associated with the events detailed. One famous fellow (he has his very own Canada Heritage Minute devoted to his story) has very strong connections to our town and the other person has a very dubious connection to our host. We also give you an update of all the fun and exciting activities happening at the museum (boy are we busy!) so you won’t miss out on the excitement and as always we invite your feedback.

Episode Picture:

The Lady Elgin [Collingwood Museum Collection X976.256.1]

Research:

Isabel Griffin, Enterprise Bulletin March 21, 1984

Isabel Griffin, Enterprise Bulletin May 21, 1980

Walker, Frank. Four Whistles to Wood Up: Stories of the Northern Railway of Canada. Upper Canada Railway Society Inc. Toronto 1953. p 5-13.

Sewell, John. The History of Collingwood. 5 Lectures. 2003

Messenger, William. Building of the First Railway. 1969

The Story of Collingwood. Enterprise Bulletin Presses Ltd. 1958 p 18-22

Links:

“Fair Play” Season 1, Episode 11 https://anchor.fm/cwoodstories/episodes/Fair-Play-e18r8g2

Sir Sanford Flemming Heritage Minute https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xiTgrhEqw5A

Sep 06, 202222:42
The Last Chapter

The Last Chapter

To finish off our first season we circle back to our very first episode through the high arctic and a monumental archaeological discovery that our town had a small, but vital part in. History has a unique way of connecting every story eventually, and the many stories of our town are no exception. We can’t wait to make more of those connections in our next season of stories.

We take a moment to thank the behind-the-scenes team that have worked so hard to make these episodes available. We hope you have enjoyed them.  And finally, we invite you, the listeners, to come out and join us in person for some of our exciting programming over the summer months. As always, more details will be posted on our Facebook page. www.facebook.com/collingwoodmuseum.

We will be back with season two in September.

Episode Picture:

CCGS Sir Wilfrid Laurier, Copyright Canadian Department of Fisheries and Oceans, https://inter-j01.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/fdat/vessels/100

Research:

Watson, Paul. “The Star with the Franklin search: How the Franklin wreck was finally found” Toronto Star July 12, 2017. https://www.thestar.com/news/canada/2014/09/09/the_star_with_the_franklin_search_how_the_franklin_wreck_was_finally_found.html

Warrior, Claire and Jeremy Mitchell “HMS Terror and Erubus.” Royal Museums Greenwich.  https://www.rmg.co.uk/stories/topics/hms-terror-erebus-history-franklin-lost-expedition

Jun 28, 202213:41
Fiery Ann and the Orangemen

Fiery Ann and the Orangemen

In this episode we go back in time to observe the annual Orange Day Parade through the lens of a fiery local character. And while there on that hot July day we see patriotism, prejudice, a practical joke and just a little bit of profanity all come together to take a very serious (and controversial) international movement and put a decidedly local (and funny) twist on it. After all, a community is defined by its resident characters, no matter what else is going on in the world around it.

After the story we let you know about the upcoming summer activities at the museum including late night openings for Jazz and Blues at the station and our children’s summer programs, which you won’t want to miss! We also say good-bye to Elise Barr-Klouman, Museum Program Director and Podcast Producer, without who’s energy and excitement this podcast wouldn’t be. We are sad to see her go, but know she will be awesome in her new job. Thanks Elise!

Episode Picture:

Orange Day Parade, July 1925 [Collingwood Museum Collection X968.844.1]

Research:

Barbara Arp, ed., Reflections An Historical Anthology of Collingwood (Collingwood: The Corporation of the Town of Collingwood, 1983), 191.

The Orange Order in Canada https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/orange-order

Orangemen’s Day in Canada https://www.timeanddate.com/holidays/canada/orangemen-day

Grand Orange Lodges of Ontario http://www.orangeontario.org/about-us/brief-history/

Orange Order in Canada https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orange_Order_in_Canada

Jun 14, 202214:21
An Evening By The Water
May 31, 202214:50
The Museum That Wasn't

The Museum That Wasn't

In this episode we introduce you to Mr. David Williams, a man whose resume both here in Collingwood, Ontario, and to parts beyond defies all belief! Recognized for his tireless work across so many fields, he would win many honours and awards. But a most fitting recognition would escape him as the museum that would proudly bear his name never came to be. And so it is that we honour the  memory of a pivotal figure who helped to create our museum by telling you about the history of a Collingwood Museum that might have been ... but never was.

After the story we remember David’s wife Ida, a similarly busy citizen worthy of remembrance in her own right. And finally, from a history of what might have been we give you a look into the future that will be as we invite you to join us for the opening of a new travelling exhibit to help us mark May's Museum Month. See our Facebook page for more information.

Episode Picture:

Artist’s Rendition of the Proposed David Williams Memorial Museum [X2013.11.1, The David Williams Memorial Museum, Collingwood, Ontario Pamphlet ]

Research:

Cowley, Christine E. “Butchers, Bakers and Building the Lakers: Voices of Collingwood”, 2008. Pg 314.

Prominent Citizens, Collingwood Public Library

https://www.collingwoodpubliclibrary.ca/client/en_US/cwood/?rm=PROMINENT+CITI2%7C%7C%7C1%7C%7C%7C0%7C%7C%7Ctrue#david

Mayor Directory, Collingwood Public Library

https://www.collingwoodpubliclibrary.ca/client/en_US/cwood/?rm=1897+-+19292%7C%7C%7C1%7C%7C%7C1%7C%7C%7Ctrue#1933

“The Museum Mystery”, The Collingwood Museum: On Track vol 4 issue 5, 2010. 5

X2013.11.1, The David Williams Memorial Museum, Collingwood, Ontario Pamphlet

May 17, 202217:31
The Night the City of Collingwood Burned
May 03, 202212:17
Operators Are Standing By ... Until 4pm

Operators Are Standing By ... Until 4pm

Our world is fast changing and always has been. Technologies constantly spring up with promises of a new and better life. But which ones change the culture and which get put in the back of the closet with last year's fads? Join us in this episode as we look at the earliest days of the telephone in Collingwood, when people still hadn’t figured out what kind of future it would hold.

Next we focus in on the story of one particular telephone operator who worked through very interesting times. And finally we give a much deserved shout-out to our museum volunteers as we approach National Volunteer Week on April 24-30. As always if you have a story to share, any questions, or comments ... or are interested in volunteering for the museum ... we would love to hear from you! Send us an email to museum@collingwood.ca, go to anchor.fm/cwoodstories to drop us a line, or you can use that newfangled telephone by calling 705-445-.4811.

Episode Picture:

Telephone Operators in 1922 [Collingwood Museum Collection X986.14.10]

Research:

Barbara Arp, ed., Reflections An Historical Anthology of Collingwood (Collingwood: The Corporation of the Town of Collingwood, 1983), 57, 83.

Discover Collingwood Heritage Walk, https://www.collingwood.ca/sites/default/files/docs/Economic-Development/heritagewalk-downtown-15x17-2017.pdf

Bell Canada, 1894-2017 https://beatriceco.com/bti/porticus/bell/canadian_bell_companies.html

“Bell Canada Installed First Service in Collingwood in 1886”, Enterprise Bulletin July 31, 1958 Section 5 p. 2.


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Apr 19, 202215:08
Wild West Originals

Wild West Originals

Beginning with the story of a famous wild west sharp shooter who may or may not have been in Collingwood, we turn our attention to several of our own wild west originals, who called Collingwood home when it was a rough and tumble frontier town and the gateway to the wild, wild west. We talk about Kitty and her darn motorcycle as a reminder that there is always more to the story of a person’s (or town’s) life than what you see today. And finally we invite you the listeners to join with us in celebrating two recent good news stories from the museum. 

March Madness is over and out of all the very worthy contenders our own artifact and story about Nurse Dawson has come out victorious. You can find the link to all the videos on our facebook page: www.facebook.com/collingwoodmuseum.  

And lastly, this podcast has been honoured to be included in Feedspot’s list of top Canadian History Podcasts. You can find all the great podcasts (ours included) at: https://blog.feedspot.com/canada_history_podcasts/

Episode Picture:

The International Hotel before 1875 [Collingwood Museum Collection X970.916.1]

Research:

Barbara Arp, ed., Reflections An Historical Anthology of Collingwood (Collingwood: The Corporation of the Town of Collingwood, 1983), 3, 15, 17, 191.

Cotton, Larry. Whiskey and Wickedness, vol. 4, Town of Collingwood, Angus, Stayner, Creemore, Wasaga Beach and Clearview Township, Ontario 1830 to 1900. (Deep River: Larry D. Cotton Associates Limited, 2005), 98.

Shaw, Melissa. “Annie Oakley came to Collingwood's fair in 1898 ... maybe” CollingwoodToday.ca, December 1, 2019. https://www.collingwoodtoday.ca/remember-this/annie-oakley-came-to-collingwoods-fair-in-1898-maybe-1892375

Apr 05, 202212:59
Black Sunday

Black Sunday

Mar 22, 202212:11
Play Like a Girl
Mar 08, 202211:27
Coming Home ... Again.

Coming Home ... Again.

A World War 1 veteran named Fred, his brother Charles and a long and sometimes volatile history of how we remember those who served and uphold our civic duty to all who made sacrifices for our freedom ... give a listen as it all comes together in this week’s episode ... lest we forget! Following the story we talk a little about the town Cenotaph which shares the grounds with our museum and we ask for listeners’ stories about the veterans they know and remember. Our gallery is open once again for self-guided tours. Call ahead (705-445-4811) for information and to book your time.

Episode Picture:

The Cenotaph’s Unveiling [Collingwood Museum Collection X986.625.1]

Research:

Isabel Griffin, “Our Controversial War Memorial”, Enterprise Bulletin, October 16, 1985, October 30, 1985, November 13, 1985.

Erika Engel, Thievery, physical threats: Collingwood's cenotaph had a controversial journey to its final home.  https://www.collingwoodtoday.ca/local-news/thievery-physical-threats-collingwoods-cenotaph-had-a-controversial-journey-to-its-final-home-1843543

Feb 22, 202213:59
Blame Mickey!

Blame Mickey!

Shipbuilders, Tigers, and a notorious Chicago barkeep all converge in our story that asks the question “How far are you willing to go to get what you are after?” The answer might just make you sick. We travel back to the early days of Ontario Hockey for a notorious game where the skullduggery off the ice nearly caused one team to lose the game, but cost the other team everything. Afterwards we introduce you to the late Scotty Carmichael, who first told this and many other wonderful stories of Collingwood’s past. We ask for your favourite sports stories ... we would love to share them! And finally we ask if you would be so kind as to share this podcast with those you know.

Episode Picture:

Jack Dance of the Collingwood Shipbuilders [Collingwood Museum Collection X999.14.146]

Research:

Barbara Arp, ed., Reflections An Historical Anthology of Collingwood (Collingwood: The Corporation of the Town of Collingwood, 1983), 116-117.

Feb 08, 202211:31
The Bells of St. Harry
Dec 14, 202110:53
The Bombers that Built Houses
Nov 30, 202112:11
Until the Cows Go Home

Until the Cows Go Home

You never know who you might meet when you are out and about in Collingwood. Some of my favourites are of the four-legged variety (much to their owner’s amusement). In this episode we travel back to the end of the nineteenth century to witness the debate in our town over the place of our animal friends on our town’s streets. But the animals in question may surprise you. After the story Ken has a little fun exploring the town’s by-laws (when are by-laws not fun?) and lets you know about a special promotion the Museum is currently holding. Many of the items in our gift shop are discounted up to 40% off during the month of November. Call to set up your appointment and get that Christmas shopping done early!

Episode Picture:

Cows at Shannon’s Bridge, Pretty River [Collingwood Museum Collection X2014.30.1]

Research:

Cotton, Larry. Whiskey and Wickedness, vol. 4, Town of Collingwood, Angus, Stayner, Creemore, Wasaga Beach and Clearview Township, Ontario 1830 to 1900. (Deep River: Larry D. Cotton Associates Limited, 2005), 101-2.

Nov 16, 202112:28
The Waubuno

The Waubuno

Tragedy was an ever present possibility for those who worked in, or relied upon the great lakes shipping in the days of steamships and paddle wheelers. And when it struck, whole families and communities were often left with unanswerable questions. Such is the story behind the disappearance of the Waubuno, bound from Collingwood to Parry Sound in November of 1879. Following the story  we remind our listeners to check out our excellent four part video series over on Facebook (facebook.com/collingwoodmuseum), “Stories of Unsettling Lore” where, in episode three, you can hear more about the Waubuno’s sad story through the lens of two of her passengers on that ill fated final journey. We also make the connection to Ernest Taylor, a local artist and his amazing painting of this tragic story which you can see for yourself by coming to the museum for a visit. Call 705-445-4811 to book your appointment.

Episode Picture:

The Waubuno [Collingwood Museum Collection X007.19.25]

Research:

Barbara Arp, ed., Reflections An Historical Anthology of Collingwood (Collingwood: The Corporation of the Town of Collingwood, 1983), 71.

Dallaire, Elise.“The Waubuno’s Battle”  http://www.elisedallaire.com/49/the_waubuno_s_battle.htm

“The Waubuno” The Diver’s Nook. July 2008 http://www.diversnook.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=30&Itemid=72

Warnes, Kathy. “The Newly-Weds, a Winter Storm, and the Waubuno” Magic Masts and Sturdy Ships https://magicmastsandsturdyships.weebly.com/the-newly-weds-a-winter-storm-and-the-waubuno.html

Nov 02, 202111:56
Fair Play

Fair Play

What do you do when you think you are not being treated fairly by the powers that be? You cheat your way into a better deal, of course! Or at least that is what some of the citizens of the fledgling town of Collingwood decided to do when they felt they were not getting fair play. Can two wrongs make a right? Join us in this episode to find out. Finally, we let you know of a series of four videos coming from the Museum just in time for Halloween ... Stories of Unsettling Lore ... from Collingwood’s past. And the haunting story Ken will share as part of that series is directly tied into our next podcast episode, so don’t miss it.  You can find all our Stories of Unsettling Lore on our Face book page in the last two weeks of October. Go to facebook.com/collingwoodmuseum ... if you dare!

Episode Picture:

W.B. Hamilton, First Mayor of Collingwood. [Collingwood Museum Collection X976.545.1]

Research:

Barbara Arp, ed., Reflections An Historical Anthology of Collingwood (Collingwood: The Corporation of the Town of Collingwood, 1983), 10-11.

Cotton, Larry. Whiskey and Wickedness, vol. 4, Town of Collingwood, Angus, Stayner, Creemore, Wasaga Beach and Clearview Township, Ontario 1830 to 1900. (Deep River: Larry D. Cotton Associates Limited, 2005), 86.

Oct 19, 202111:43
A Day of Tall Work and Many Tears
Oct 05, 202110:38
Lighting a Fire
Sep 21, 202112:29
A Royal Snub

A Royal Snub

Royal visits are fraught with etiquette and ceremony ... so what happens when you break protocol? In this episode we journey back to 1860 for the visit of Albert Edward, the young Prince of Wales and the future King Edward VII of England to explore what can only be described as a Royal Snub. Later, we discuss meeting famous people and ask for your stories of the same. We also enlist your help to track down a photograph of this royal visit that disappeared from our care nearly sixty years ago.

Episode Picture:

Gold Tassels from Prince of Wales’s Royal Coach Car [Collingwood Museum Collection X970.266.1]

Research:

Barbara Arp, ed., Reflections An Historical Anthology of Collingwood (Collingwood: The Corporation of the Town of Collingwood, 1983), 38.

1860 – The future King Edward VII of the United Kingdom the first visit to North America by a Prince of Wales. https://europeanroyalhistory.wordpress.com/2020/09/21/1860-the-future-king-edward-vii-of-the-united-kingdom-the-first-visit-to-north-america-by-a-prince-of-wales/

“A Royal Visit”, The Collingwood Museum: On Track vol 5 issue 3, 2011. 3

Sep 07, 202113:40
No Shot in the Dark
Jul 27, 202112:51
Never Miss an Opportunity

Never Miss an Opportunity

In this episode we showcase one of our town’s prominent boat building families, the Morrills. Through successes and setbacks they made this community a better place to live and work and along the way they also made a well deserved name for themselves. We discuss the value of hard work and determination in both seeing the opportunities before us and taking advantage of them when they arise. We ask the question “What opportunities are just waiting for you to seize?” And finally, we take the opportunity to let you know about the museum’s reopening plans as Ontario moves through its steps toward life as normal. Watch our Facebook page for more details to come! Episode Picture: Morrill Boat Float, 1914 [Collingwood Museum Collection X970.725.1] Research: Shaw, Melissa. “Collingwood's other boat builder spotted in this 1914 parade photo” CollingwoodToday.ca, November 3, 2019. https://www.collingwoodtoday.ca/remember-this/collingwoods-other-boat-builder-spotted-in-this-1914-parade-photo-1824691 Barbara Arp, ed., Reflections An Historical Anthology of Collingwood (Collingwood: The Corporation of the Town of Collingwood, 1983), 33, 285. Leithead, Maggie. Collingwood Skiffs & Side Launches (Collingwood Museum, Collingwood, 1994), 7.
Jul 13, 202109:42
Not One Left Behind

Not One Left Behind

In this episode we discover just how rowdy our town could be when we travel back to the year 1856 to witness a riot in Collingwood’s streets that overwhelmed the good townsfolk, carried over two days, and required an armed force from Barrie to come and finally break it up. And all of it because a group of revelers didn’t want to leave something behind. Ken tries to blame Mr. Dressup for something important he once left behind and we ask for your own stories of leaving something important behind. And finally we let you know about our Summer Activity Kits to keep little hands (ages 6-12) busy over the school break. You won’t want to miss these Heritage inspired Activities and Crafts.

Call (705) 445-4811 ext 7211 to place your order.

Episode Picture:

Huron Street Saloons [Collingwood Museum Collection X2012.85.1]

Research:

Cotton, Larry. Whiskey and Wickedness, vol. 4, Town of Collingwood, Angus, Stayner, Creemore, Wasaga Beach and Clearview Township, Ontario 1830 to 1900. (Deep River: Larry D. Cotton Associates Limited, 2005), 83-84.

Jun 29, 202111:49
Fit To Be Tied

Fit To Be Tied

In this episode we look at the life and times of John Rutherford Creelman, Chief Constable of Collingwood from 1874 to 1876. A man trapped in a tough job (and some ridiculous situations) made even more difficult because of his personal failings. We'll cover his run-in with a church camp and how a local businesswoman escaped his clutches on the train to Barrie. We also dig a little deeper into early policing in the Town of Collingwood and encourage our listeners to explore more of this same history through a couple of wonderful resources available in our gift shop.

Episode Picture:

“Billy Club and Police Badge” [from the Collingwood Museum Collection items 2010.22.1 and 999.52.1]

Research:

Cotton, Larry. Whiskey and Wickedness, vol. 4, Town of Collingwood, Angus, Stayner, Creemore, Wasaga Beach and Clearview Township, Ontario 1830 to 1900. (Deep River: Larry D. Cotton Associates Limited, 2005), 106-110.

Jun 15, 202111:33
Pie in the Sky
Jun 01, 202109:14
The Man Who Wouldn't Be Mayor

The Man Who Wouldn't Be Mayor

In this episode we step into the strange world of town politics circa 1864. We are introduced to Mr. Charles Gamon by way of an unusual announcement he felt compelled to publish to the Electorate of Collingwood. Ken asks what job would you go to great lengths to get out of? And finally, we provide you with more information on our "cheeky" new T-shirts at the museum. Get them while they last! https://www.facebook.com/collingwoodmuseum

To order your T-shirts call the Museum at 705-445-4811 ext. 7211

Episode Picture: 

Collingwood Town Hall, 1858. [Collingwood Museum Collection, X973.515.1]

Research: 

Barbara Arp, ed., Reflections An Historical Anthology of Collingwood (Collingwood: The Corporation of the Town of Collingwood, 1983), 43.

May 18, 202109:54
Beginning at the End

Beginning at the End

In our inaugural episode we start by looking at the end of a pivotal era in Collingwood's history. Ken opines about history in the making and whether we know it when we see it. And finally we give a few details about May being Museum Month and some upcoming treats at the museum.

Thank you to George Czerny for giving us permission to use his photograph of Hull 230, Sir Wilfrid Laurier for this episode!

May 04, 202110:49
Prologue

Prologue

Let us introduce ourselves and welcome you to our podcast.

Whether you have ever been to Collingwood or not, we hope you will  find these "Stories From Another Day" to be as fascinating as we do!

Apr 03, 202102:52