Fenelon Falls’ Museum First Opened, June 8, 1963

By the 1960s the pioneer era of the upper Trent Valley was passing out of living memory. European migration to Fenelon Falls began in the 1830s, and by the 1960s, even the children of pioneer settlers were becoming rare. Across the region there was a sense of loss of the connection with this pioneer generation, and the very different lives that they lived as they created farms and a village from the forests. Many communities founded a museum in the mid twentieth century.

James Wallis and his business partner Robert Jameson had owned Fenelon Falls at the time the village was founded. Wallis’ home, Maryboro Lodge, had later become a tourist lodge operated by three spinster sisters, collectively called the Misses Abbotts. As the Abbotts were moving to a nursing home, their nephew, Milburn Kelly, helped to ensure that Maryboro Lodge could become a community facility as Fenelon Falls Gazette editor and Historical Society President A.W. Robson helped to found the collection. Initially the Fenelon Falls Historical Society operated the museum, which was held in trust for the community by the village of Fenelon Falls. For many years, it was operated by volunteers working for the municipality. In addition to historical exhibits, the museum carried on the tradition of hosting afternoon teas at Maryboro Lodge, as the Abbott sisters had for so many years. In the last decade, many families have enjoyed visiting the museum to take part in its educational activities. Recently, the City of Kawartha Lakes approved a new operating structure where an independent not-for-profit, Maryboro Lodge Museum Corporation, operates the facility on behalf of the municipality.

Hon. Bryan L. Cathcart Officially Opens Fenelon Falls Museum

Originally Published in the Fenelon Falls Gazette, June 13, 1963.

The Honourable Bryan L. Cathcart, Minister of Travel and Publicity for Ontario, officially opened the Fenelon Falls Museum on Saturday afternoon, June 8, 1963. A reception and luncheon was held in the lower hall of the United Church, sponsored by the Women’s Institute, started the program of the day. The blessing was asked by Captain Townsend of the Salvation Army and following the delicious luncheon served to over fifty guests, interested citizens and visitors. Mr. A.W. Robson, president of the Historical Society expressed the appreciation of all to the Women’s Institute for the gracious hospitality.

The festivities continued under the sunny skies at the lawn of the Museum, which is housed in the home of the village’s founder, James Wallis, and is located on Oak Street. A musical programme by the Salvation Army Band and Mr. Jack Marshall at the Hammond organ preceded the ceremonies.

After the opening remarks of the chairman, Mr. A.W. Robson a civic welcome was extended by the Reeve, Mr. Morley Elliott, and Col. Hugh M. Wallis of Montreal, grandson of James Wallis, spoke on the significance of the occasion. He recalled a former visit in 1959, when a plaque was erected and dedicated to the memory of his grandfather and of the founding of Fenelon Falls, around 1851. He paid tribute to the handful of men and women who are dedicated to preserving all facets of early Canadian life, and who by the restoration of Maryboro Lodge have truly made history come alive.

The prayer of dedication was given by the Rev. M.C. Fisher. Mr. Leslie H. Saunders, ex-mayor of Toronto, and a summer resident of Fenelon Falls for 25 years, extended congratulations and best wishes on behalf of the summer residents. He brought regrets from Col. S.E. Lambert, who was unable to be present and paid tribute to our forefathers who “built better than they knew.” Another special guest was Mr. A.W. Taylor, of Galt, president of the Ontario Historical Society who offered his congratulations and best wishes on the dedication of a memorial to our forefathers in the preservation of such an historical building and site.

Mrs. G.H. Palmer, secretary of the local Historical Society, read a number of telegrams and letters of congratulations from former residents and interested supporters of the project who were unable to attend, after which Mr. Carl Hepburn, chairman of the finance committee outlined the financial situation briefly and asked continued support for the maintenance of the museum.

The guest speaker, the Hon. Bryan L. Cathcart, Minister of Travel and Publicity for Ontario was introduced by Dr. D.R. Warren of Sarnia. Dr. Warren recalled his boyhood days in Fenelon Falls before capably introducing Mr. Cathcart, who is a personal friend, and has been minister of Travel and Publicity since 1955. Mr. Cathcart spoke of the steadily increasing interest in preserving Canadiana. Last year, 312 plaques were dedicated for historical sites. He spoke of government grants for such worthwhile projects and of the historical committee appointed by Hon. Leslie Frost, under the chairmanship of Mr. William Cranston, and which is continuing efficiently under Mr. Robarts’ government.

Mr. Robson thanked Mr. Cathcart for his interesting talk which offered encouragement to the hardworking members of the Historical Society and volunteers.

Anne Bain presented Mrs. Cathcart with a bouquet of beautiful red roses, and Mr. Ken Coulter, accompanied by Mr. Marhsall sang the appropriate number, “Bless This House.”

“The Queen” was sung before the ceremony of cutting the ribbon was performed by Mr. Cathcart. A tour of the museum followed when all visitors viewed the many treasures of the past suitably arranged by the curators Mr. and Mrs. E.C. Bigley. Afternoon tea was served by the ladies of the James Wallis Chapter I.O.D.E. [Imperial Order Daughters of Empire] to conclude an afternoon when history was made in Fenelon Falls. It is hoped that many citizens and visitors will avail themselves of the opportunity to visit the museum, which will be open at stated hours. It will be a fascinating experience.

Also on display in the museum on opening day was an exhibition of paintings by local artists and one of the world’s greatest displays of woodcraft by Mr. E.B. Vanatter.