
2022 at Maryboro Lodge
We had a magical summer at Maryboro Lodge in 2022. Though our season was shortened due to construction, our attendance was the highest ever and, more importantly, everyone seemed to have a wonderful time this year. We tried a lot of new things, hosted many events and our teas were more popular than ever. We hope you enjoy this look back on our highlights of 2022.
Did you know that Maryboro Lodge Museum is run by volunteers? Though it is legally owned by the City of Kawartha Lakes, it is not funded like other city agencies. Since it was founded in 1963, the museum has always been a community-led organization. Our volunteers’ enthusiasm to make their community a better place is what makes Maryboro Lodge such a special place. Though the museum can apply for grants that allow it to offer specific programs, it is largely your donations that keep the place going. So if you are giving back this year, consider helping your community cultural centre. Even a small amount can make a big difference. For more information see:
Baby Robins
Our season began with a family of robins making their nest on the porch. Their mother faithfully came to feed them every day, and before long they had grown up and flew off into the Oak Grove.
Spring Party
For the first time since the pandemic began, the museum was able to re-open to the public with our Spring Party on the Victoria Day weekend. The event set the tone for the year with its surprisingly strong attendance, and ended with a bang when a thunderstorm rolled across Cameron Lake.
A Dragon Playing Croquet
Over the course of the summer, many magical creatures appeared at Maryboro Lodge, including this dragon who liked playing giant croquet!
Butterflies in the Museum Gardens
As always, the horticultural society did a wonderful job of caring for the museum’s gardens. They make a special effort to plant flowers that provide habitat for the pollinators. The Rocky Mountain Liatris was especially popular for monarch butterflies, who came to visit practically every day.
The Wind Machine
In 2022, the museum premiered many new interactive exhibits. Some like the little wind machine, gave visitors hands-on opportunities to learn about science.
The Kids Garden
The garden in front of the porch was turned into a kids’ garden, as local youth like Ryan Bellwood and Sophie Kaloudas planted a variety of vegetables and flowers. By summer, their lettuce, basil and tomatoes were ready to eat.
Canada Day
Maryboro Lodge Museum hosted Fenelon Falls’ Canada Day celebrations this year, co-ordinating event both at the beach park and on Water Street. One new activity was an evening street party, that was much enjoyed by everyone who attended.
Chris McKhool at Maryboro Lodge
Local kids had the chance to take part in Chris McKhool’s Fiddlefire show.
Getting Ready for the Fireworks
As the sun set over Cameron Lake, thousands of people assembled by the beach to watch the fireworks…
The Fireworks
And Supernova Fireworks put on a spectacular show!
Tea at Maryboro Lodge
The age-old tradition of tea returned to Maryboro Lodge in 2022, and the gatherings were very well attended. The Sexy Senior Outlaws showed up in force every week!
Tea Greeter Judy Kennedy
Judy Kennedy always dressed beautifully to greet visitors at tea.
Art at Maryboro Lodge
Maryboro Lodge hosted daily arts and crafts activities. The art workshops were a lot of fun!
Michael and Jennifer Doyle at Open Mic
The museum hosted weekly concerts in the park and an open mic. Many local performers shared their talents at Maryboro Lodge this summer.
Pride
One new event at Maryboro Lodge this year was Pride in the Park. Resident pianist Don Deathe was at the keyboard, sharing his wonderful musical talents.
Pride After Dark
In the evening, the Pride Committee put on a spectacular dance on the patio.
Garden Tour
On July 16, Maryboro Lodge hosted the Fenelon Falls Horticultural Society’s Garden Tour. Volunteer Judy Kennedy was on hand to interpret the Victory Garden.
Ms. Croxall in the Schoolhouse
Anna Croxall returned to lead our ever popular school program. This year we raised a butterfly, made fairies, sent telegraphs, built a bridge to the moon, and of course learned reading, ‘riting and ‘rithmetic.
Rotary Picnic
On July 21, the Rotary Club hosted a picnic at Maryboro Lodge, to thank all the volunteers who helped at the COVID-19 vaccination clinics. As the museum hosted so many wonderful public events this summer, it was a moment to reflect on all the volunteers who made our summer fun possible.
Anne Langton
Anne Langton (Barbara Dunn-Prosser) dropped by and hosted a tea, featuring her own biscuit recipe.
The Ball
Our students had a great idea for a new event: the Ball. Hearkening back to the days when James Wallis built Maryboro Lodge to host soirees of the local gentry, guests like Zoe, Sofia, Sophie and Edie dressed up to attend the ball. We enjoyed soda (a new product served at Northey’s Restaurant) and grape juice (after all, Fenelon Falls is a dry town!).
Sunset at the Ball
A boat sailed off into the sunset, as darkness came to the ball. It was the last weekend we had all of our summer students together.
Street Hockey
Among our new activities this year, was a street hockey game featuring legendary local goalies Alvin Gould (who won the Stratton Cup for Fenelon Falls) and Joe Junkin (Championship Bobcaygeon goalie who went on to play for the Boston Bruins).

The Grand Old Lady
One of the magical things about Maryboro Lodge is that it is situated in an ancient oak grove. It is always nice to look up through the twisted branches of the Bur Oaks.
The Catapult
Each Saturday the museum hosted an engineering challenge, where participants could put their ideas to the test. The catapult was one of the many popular science activities.

Castle Building
We also had a great time building cardboard box castles. Many thanks to Cornerstone Home Furnishings for saving us all those boxes.
KidsFest
KidsFest was an awesome end of summer party, featuring many new activities and a lot of talented performers.
A Chrysalis Becomes a Butterfly
Just as we were closing up for the season, our the caterpillar that we had been caring for in the school emerged from its chrysalis, hardened its wings, and flew off into the oak grove. It was a magical end to the season.

KidsFest from Above
We had a wonderful summer in 2022. Thank you very much to all the volunteers who made everything possible, and everyone who visited the museum and took part in our best season ever!