Despite the tragedy of World War II, some of the effects of that war effort were actually beneficial for our town of Collingwood. In today’s episode we explore one of the wartime manufacturers, Clyde Aircraft, that employed large numbers of locals, and even led to a housing boom. Next, Ken encourages you to go for a walk and see the history for yourself. We ask for your stories either as former employees of Clyde or as residents of our own Victory Village. And finally we invite you to “Give the Gift of Membership” by buying a one year museum membership for the history lover in your life. It al ..read more

Our story begins with car chases, gunfire and holiday parade mayhem on the festive downtown streets of Collingwood. It is a Christmas story unlike any other. Tune in to hear the outcome of this memorable Christmas Story and it’s lasting gift to our town. Following the story we invite the listeners to check out a couple of our offerings for Christmas gifts. Come down to the museum or give us a call (705) 445-4811 (ext. 7221) to order digital reproductions of our historic photographs. The staff would love to help you find just the right one. Or come and see us at the Downtown Christmas Markets o ..read more

Just in time for Remembrance Day, we tell the story of a Collingwood veteran, Captain Alan Telfer, whose time in the service during World War 1 took him to fascinating locations on multiple continents and embroiled him in the very stuff of later Hollywood movies. From England and France to India and Palestine, from trench warfare to espionage and Lawrence of Arabia ... see how this Collingwood native left his mark on the world. Following the story we invite our listeners to join us at the Collingwood museum over the month of November to see three temporary exhibits all related to the legacies ..read more

In this episode we explore the life of Collingwood daughter Madge Watt and the global movement among rural women that would result from her unwavering drive and determination. Join us as we look at this important figure in Canadian history and her pivotal role in the formation of the Women’s Institute and the Associated Country Women of the World (ACWW). After the story we invite the listeners to join us at the Museum this month for our Women in Local history Exhibit, produced in partnership with the Sheffield Park Black History and Cultural Museum. We also invite children and their families t ..read more

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 Can ..read more

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 s ..read more

This episode is a harrowing tale of life and death in the single worst disaster to happen on Georgian Bay. The sinking of the steamship Asia in 1882 marked a tragic but important turning point in Great Lakes travel and public demand for greater safety. Learn Collingwood’s important role in this story, both before and after this terrible accident. After the story our listeners are invited to join us at the museum for two separate exhibits running from October until December, each dealing with Canada’s pivotal role in the two World Wars. The first is a travelling exhibit developed by the Juno Be ..read more

September marks the 95th anniversary of Collingwood’s concrete grain terminal, one of our town’s most recognizable landmarks from both land and water. But did you know that for over 160 years not one but three different grain elevators have graced our town’s harbour.  In this first episode of our fourth season we recount the enduring tale of our grain terminals’ history beginning in 1855 and continuing to this day. 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. There is still time to get your ..read more

Swimming is not usually connected to winter sports, but for one man they were a perfect pairing. In today’s bonus summer episode we look at the story of John Scott and his record breaking swim across Georgian Bay, and how it was connected to a very special winter games hosted here in Collingwood. Where is your favourite local spot to hang out in (or by) the water on those long, hot summer days? We would love to hear your swimming stories! Episode Picture: Georgian Bay Long Distance Swim Monument [Photo by Irene Pradyszczuk, used with permission] Research: Enterprise Bulletin Sept. 4 1996 ..read more

How do you remember a father you didn’t know? In today’s bonus summer episode we look at the story behind an important local memorial overlooking the harbour. See how one man’s attempt to give honour to his father, would only be fulfilled by similarly honouring more than fifty other families at the same time. What is the one local monument or memorial that moves you most? Is it connected to your family or your own personal story? We would love to hear your reasons why! Episode Picture: Shipyard Workers Memorial [Photo by Ken Maher, used with permission] Research: Trott, Christine. Honouring ..read more