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Did you know the Severn River Inn has a ghostly
guest? That Gravenhurst was home to a WWII Prisoner of War
camp? Can you find your initials in the old wood shed behind
the Housey’s Rapids School House?
Everything
from an old skeleton key to plank benches and a simple
pulpit will be on display and open for discussion during
Doors Open Gravenhurst. The event is set to run on May 17
and 18.
"We
invite you to be our guest as we celebrate our heritage as
the first town in Muskoka," said Ann Curley, executive
director of the Gravenhurst Chamber of Commerce. "Our
Doors Open is a continuation of the popular Doors Open
Toronto that has operated very successfully for the past
four years."
“For
the second year, the Ontario Heritage Foundation has
extended the program beyond Toronto boundaries. In total 17
communities will host a Doors Open event, and we think the
program will be very successful in Gravenhurst," says
Curley.
In
a nutshell, Doors Open is a program that allows for FREE
access to heritage sites that are normally off limits to the
public. For a weekend a community literally opens its doors
to the viewing public.
Gravenhurst
is offering some great sites, and Curley noted that it was
difficult to select from the multitude of possible heritage
sites in the community. The tour is divided into three main
sections: South Gravenhurst; Historic Ryde Township; and
Central Gravenhurst.
South
Gravenhurst sites are: Bethel Cemetery; Severn River Inn;
St. George’s Anglican Church; and Cooper’s Falls Free
Methodist Church.
The
two churches are located beside each other on District Road
#6. Virtually nothing has changed since these churches were
the focal point of life in Cooper’s Falls. "The Free
Methodist Church door is still opened with a skeleton
key," Curley said.
For
those who are able to go to Doors Open Gravenhurst both
Saturday and Sunday you might want to time your tour to take
in St George’s Anglican Church at 11am on Sunday, May 18.
As is tradition, the parish is planning on conducting
service on Doors Open weekend.
Featured
sites in Ryde township include: Barkway Pioneer Cemetery;
Ryde Community Centre; and Housey’s Rapids School House.
"Members
of the Ryde community have issued an invitation to all to
attend the open house. Anyone who has a past related to the
region is asked to drop into the Ryde Community Centre and
share stories," Curley said, adding that memorabilia
and pictures are encouraged.
Now
a private home, the former Housey’s Rapids School House is
also open to the public. Owner Frank Luce invites all who
went to the school to see if they can find their initials in
the old wooden shed. The original school piano ands some
texts will also be available for viewing.
Additional
drive-only sites in Ryde include: Barkway School House; Buck
Lake School House; Holy Manger Anglican Church; and Barkway
United Church.
In
Central Gravenhurst, eight sites will be open during Doors
Open weekend. Included in the tour are: Carnegie Arts Centre;
The Inn on Bay; Garner Lodge; Hall House (1924); The Finch
House B&B; Blaincroft B&B; Ungermar Gateway Park
(POW Camp); and Muskoka Today.
A
full program is available at all sites that will take
participants on a self-guided tour to all, or to the sites
of their choosing. The Gravenhurst Chamber is partnering
with the Ontario Heritage Foundation to make the event a
success.
For
more information please contact the Gravenhurst Chamber of
Commerce at 705.687.4432, or e-mail chamber@vianet.on.ca.
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