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Kawartha Lakes Museum and Archives @klmuseumarchives.ca · 12d

Today is the last day for this exhibit! If you haven't dropped by the museum to see it yet, you'd better hurry! We're open until 4 pm.

Kawartha Lakes Museum and Archives @klmuseumarchives.ca · Sep 2

We are excited to bring you a short-term exhibit celebrating the work of the Lindsay and District Rug Hookers! This exhibit, featuring both contemporary and historical works, officially opens on Sept. 6 and runs through to the end of October, so act fast if you want to see it.

Here's a sneak peek:

"Peaches for Sale" - rug showing a stone farmhouse, bordered by smaller images relating to rural life. Title of work is at the top. Artist: Marlene Edwards

"A New Day" - this Van Gough-esque piece was created by artist Eva Dunford.

SO MANY WORKS OF FABRIC ART! Our main floor gallery is overflowing.

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Kawartha Lakes Museum and Archives @klmuseumarchives.ca · 22d

On October 15, 1954, Hurricane Hazel hit southern Ontario. While its effects were felt most harshly in a line running between Toronto and Barrie, there was considerable damage farther afield - including right here in Lindsay, Ontario.

A black and white photo of a man standing on the roof of a three storey building (the Hotel Benson on Kent Street in Lindsay) surveying the damage. What appears to have been a structure - a deck or possibly a billboard - is hanging partially over the edge of the roof.

A black and white photo of 1940s or early 1050s-era vehicles, badly damaged by fallen timber. There is a lot of debris on the ground around the cars as well. Taken on Kent Street in Lindsay, October 15 or 16, 1954

Another photo showing damage to the cars, with considerable debris on the ground and many people milling about. Taken on Kent Street in Lindsay, October 15 or 16, 1954

Another view of damaged cars, with plenty of bystanders and debris. Taken on Kent Street in Lindsay, October 15 or 16, 1954

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Kawartha Lakes Museum and Archives @klmuseumarchives.ca · 28d

Ooooh, SPOOKY!!! 👻🦇

Have you ever wanted to take part in a paranormal investigation in a building that was an operational jail for 140 years before becoming a museum? YES? GREAT! This is your lucky day!

Tickets now available for 31 and Nov 1 events!

shop-klmuseumarchives.square.site/events

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Kawartha Lakes Museum and Archives @klmuseumarchives.ca · Sep 30

The Kawartha Lakes Museum and Archives will be closed today to observe Canada's National Day of Truth and Reconciliation.

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Reposted by Kawartha Lakes Museum and Archives

Nova Scotia Museum @novascotiamuseum.bsky.social · Sep 29

A few years ago, Roger Lewis (Mi’kmaq Cultural Heritage Curator, now retired) discovered a photo of ceramics made at the Shubenacadie Residential School between 1940-1950. In the picture, young Mi’kmaw boys gather with beautiful ceramic vases.

Roger Lewis, in the field examining a petroglyph.

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Kawartha Lakes Museum and Archives @klmuseumarchives.ca · Sep 24

We are open throughout our renovations, but there will be times when the building is (unfortunately) inaccessible to guests, so we recommend calling in advance!

Kawartha Lakes Museum & Archives | Discover Local Heritage Today

Explore Kawartha Lakes' rich history with engaging exhibits, events, and educational programs. Visit us to uncover fascinating stories through our collections.

www.klmuseumarchives.ca

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Kawartha Lakes Museum and Archives @klmuseumarchives.ca · Sep 24

If you've been by our museum lately, you *may* have noticed a few... structural changes.

Gone: deathtrap staircase, lots of dirt around the foundation
Incoming: safe staircase, restored double doors, some new windows, below-grade waterproofing!

The old, arched, double front doors of The Old Gaol building (now the Kawartha Lakes Museum and Archives), with a deep trench and exposed sub-grade stonework where there used to be an unsafe and boarded-off staircase. The building is constructed of grey limestsone and features many arched windows and a central arched doorway. The door - also in need of restoration - is constructed of thick, slanted oak boards. More oak boards fill the arch at the top of the door (which was once a transom light). Each door has one small square window, and large iron hinges.

The Victoria County Gaol building was built in 1863 and functioned as a jail until the early 2000s!

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Reposted by Kawartha Lakes Museum and Archives

Buckinghamshire Archives @bucksarchives.bsky.social · Sep 24

Oh no! It's 1795, and you're stuck on a pub quiz: Who was the Lord Mayor of London in 1774?

Fear not: This absolutely tiny pocket almanac is here to save the day.

The pocket almanac on a table next to a penny. The length of the book is about three times the penny's diameter. It has gold, blue, and red decoration on the front, with images of birds, wheatsheaves, and insects.

Two pages from the almanac showing a seal and a sketch of what is probably the front offices of the Company of Stationers who printed it.

Two pages from the almanac showing calendars for November and December.

Two pages from the almanac showing the names of Lord Mayors and Sheriffs.

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Kawartha Lakes Museum and Archives @klmuseumarchives.ca · Sep 20

Come visit us in the Commonwell Building at the Lindsay Exhibition! We have quilts on display, and a selection of popular items from our gift shop available for purchase.

Many historic and contemporary quilts are displayed, along with an antique sewing kit and information on some of Lindsay’s quilters of yore.

Kris Miethner (left) and Barbara Doyle (right) can’t wait to talk to you about the museum!

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Kawartha Lakes Museum and Archives @klmuseumarchives.ca · Sep 19

Worth noting: because of ongoing construction around our building, there may be days when we are unable to open to the public - it is always a good idea to call ahead, or check our website for updates!

Kawartha Lakes Museum & Archives | Discover Local Heritage Today

Explore Kawartha Lakes' rich history with engaging exhibits, events, and educational programs. Visit us to uncover fascinating stories through our collections.

www.klmuseumarchives.ca

Kawartha Lakes Museum and Archives @klmuseumarchives.ca · Sep 19

Don't forget! The KLMA building is closed to visitors this week while we're at the Lindsay Exhibition - but you can visit us there all week!

We'll be back to business as usual on Tuesday of next week.

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Kawartha Lakes Museum and Archives @klmuseumarchives.ca · Sep 17

If you're at the Lindsay Exhibition this week, make sure to stop by and see us in the Commonwell Building!

A photo of a wooden bed with many quilts on it, sitting on a concrete floor. Behind the bed is a divider covered in more quilts, with a display case partially visible to the right, behind the bed.

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Kawartha Lakes Museum and Archives @klmuseumarchives.ca · Sep 15

The KLMA will not be open this week - as we are taking our show on the road! Come and visit us in the Commonwell Building at the 171st Lindsay Exhibition!

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Kawartha Lakes Museum and Archives @klmuseumarchives.ca · Sep 6

Today is the official opening of our Lindsay and District Rug Hookers exhibit - this is a short-term exhibit, running until the end of October, so come in soon!

One panel in a multi-panel piece featuring some well-known Lindsay landmarks. This panel shows The Old Gaol - the building which now houses the Kawartha Lakes Museum and Archives!

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Kawartha Lakes Museum and Archives @klmuseumarchives.ca · Sep 5

Another sneak peek of the fascinating Lindsay Rug Hookers exhibit, which officially opens tomorrow!

A limited number of rug-hooked trinkets are available in the gift shop.

CELTIC DOGS
Designed by: Doris Norman
Artist: Pat Smyth
Fibre content: wool
Completed: 1997

A celtic knotwork design featuring two dog heads near the top, in pale green, pale orange, red, gold, black, and white, on a neutral beige background.

Jacob's Ladder Wall Hanging
Designed by: Adapted from a Jacobean crewel pattern
Teacher: Jane Johston
Artist: Vicki Gowan
Fibre Content: wool hooking and crochet stems
Commenced: 1978
Completed: 2006

A framed, hooked image of flowers in many colours. Background of image is plain beige woven material and is not rug-hooked.

A showcase featuring many designs, including a three-dimensional rug-hooked gingerbread house and two small designs. The mirror at the back of the case reflects a wall covered in more rug-hooked art.

THE LAST HIKE
Designed by: Cass Gaylor
Artist: Cass Gaylor
Fibre Content: Monks cloth foundation fabric, hand-dyed wool rug yarn
Completed: 2020
Note by artist: This piece was created during Covid and Punched with a #13 Oxford Punch Needle.
It was published in A Needle Pulling Thread Magazine
It was created from a photo taken on the last hike I took with my grandchildren.

Four footstep-shaped rug-hooked designs in bright colours and patterns emulating the patterns on the bottom of shoes.

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Kawartha Lakes Museum and Archives @klmuseumarchives.ca · Sep 4

Our notes indicate that the teacher is Marion Long, and that many of the children are related; we can certainly see a family resemblance in some of those faces!

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Kawartha Lakes Museum and Archives @klmuseumarchives.ca · Sep 4

Students in Ontario went back to school this week - here's a #TBT to... probably some time in the 50s or 60s at Mariposa School in what is now the City of Kawartha Lakes.

4" X 6.5" photo S.S. #10, Mariposa school, teacher Marion Long, also 5 Aldreds, 3 Johnson, and others. There are a total of fourteen people in the photo split into two rows, with seven people in each.
There is handwriting on the back of the photo, and the studio is written out as "R.H. Peter. 137-6th St; 2nd door north at P.O. NEW TORONTO. ONT. Phone 251J."

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Kawartha Lakes Museum and Archives @klmuseumarchives.ca · Sep 3

Last year, we opened our Edward Lacey exhibit - celebrating the life of a prominent gay author, poet, and serial passport-misplacer from Lindsay, Ontario. It has been so warmly received that we have decided to extend it - and have moved it to a new home on our second floor!

Entrance to Subverse: the life and poetry of Edward A. Lacey, in its new home on the second floor of the KLMA!

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Kawartha Lakes Museum and Archives @klmuseumarchives.ca · Sep 2

We are excited to bring you a short-term exhibit celebrating the work of the Lindsay and District Rug Hookers! This exhibit, featuring both contemporary and historical works, officially opens on Sept. 6 and runs through to the end of October, so act fast if you want to see it.

Here's a sneak peek:

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Kawartha Lakes Museum and Archives @klmuseumarchives.ca · Sep 1

A final post from our Oscar Irwin collection!

First: Irwin's letter of resignation, announcing his intention to retire.
Second: one of multiple name tags worn by Irwin over the course of his forestry career.
Third: Irwin's parka, worn during his tenure at Emily Provincial Park.

This is a letter of resignation for Oscar Irwin, related to his career with Ontario Parks. The letter is addressed to the Lindsay District Manager C.R. Gray and Oscar Irwin's name and information reveals that he was the Park Superintendent at Emily Provincial Park in Omemee, ON. Oscar's official resignation was December 31st 1980. The letter reveals that he turned retirement age (65) on December 13th, 1980.

Dimensions: 11 3/4 x 8.5 inches

Letter reads:

Dr. Mr. Gray:

Please accept this as my letter of resignation, as of December 31, 1980.

The reason being, that on December 13, 1980, I will have become of retirement age, which is sixty-five.

I trust that this is satisfactory, and meets with your requirements.

Yours truly,
O. G. Irwin
Park Superintendent
Emily Provincial Park

Metal nametag that belonged to Oscar George Irwin, related to his career with Ontario Parks. Shiny gold in colour and reads "OSCAR IRWIN". Embossed printing on the back reveals that this tag was manufactured by Reeves Co. Inc. Attleboro. Massachusetts. Reeves was established in 1947 in Attleboro by Bob Reeves, and has since maintained a reputation for high quality name badges. There are small scratches all over the face of the nametag but there is little to no discoloration on the front or back.

This relatively new official Parks Superintendent's jacket belonged to Oscar Irwin. It has the official badges at each shoulder and a removable hood. Faux fur black collar. It is dark green exterior and black interior lining. Cuffed and heavy duty zipper. Size 40.
Jacket is marked as "a" and hood as 'b".

Kawartha Lakes Museum and Archives @klmuseumarchives.ca · Aug 31

We’re out and about today! Visit Barbara, our general manager, at the Kinmount Fair, or Kris, our board president, at the Lindsay Labour Day picnic in Memorial Park!

Kawartha Lakes Museum and Archives @klmuseumarchives.ca · Aug 30

From our Oscar George Irwinn collection - this scrapbook was created in 1956 during Oscar's second term in Forest Ranger School in Dorset, ON. Scrapbook includes actual leaves that have been taped onto the pages, and drawings of conifer cones.

Page with four leaves taped to it, showing top and bottom of both Silver Maple and Red Maple leaves.

Page showing top and bottom of Black Locust and Dogwood leaves.

Page showing top and bottom of Basswood and Hobblebush leaves

Page with drawings of White Pine, Red Pine, Scotch Pine, Jack Pine, White Spruce, Red Spruce, Hemlock, Tamarack, Black Spruce, Balsam Fir, and White Cedar cones. A label on one cone on the second row is missing.

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Kawartha Lakes Museum and Archives @klmuseumarchives.ca · Aug 29

Irwin (born in 1915, in Angus, Ontario) began his forestry career in 1956. Over the course of his career, he became a Caretaker of the Ganaraska Forest, then superintendent of Presqu’ile Provincial Park before moving on to Emily Provincial Park in Omemee, where he worked until he retired.

14 x 10 1/4 inch Ontario Forest Ranger School Diploma awarded to Oscar George Irwin on April 1st, 1957 for his completion of the course in 1956. Related to his career with Ontario Parks. The Diploma is signed by the Minister of Lands and Forests: Clare E. Mapledoram and the Director of School: J. L. Mennill. The Diploma is stamped with the Department of Lands and Forest red seal. There is some fading along the edges of the Diploma and there are some bends in the paper.

Kawartha Lakes Museum and Archives @klmuseumarchives.ca · Aug 29

It's the last long weekend of summer, and many folks will be spending the next few days camping in one of our many beautiful provincial parks. Emma, one of our summer staff, has spent the last few weeks cataloguing a collection of items once belonging to Oscar Irwin, Park Ranger.

Newspaper clipping with photo of Oscar George Irwin planting a tree with 4 year old Linda Rennick, daughter of Paul Rennick a forester in Lindsay at the time. Item is related to Oscar Irwin's career with Ontario Parks. The description introduces Oscar as a timber technician with the Lindsay branch of the Ontario Department of Lands and Forests.

Text below photo reads:
Sometimes the trees are planted by hand in reforestation projects. Four-year-old Linda REnnick, daughter of Paul Rennick a forester at Lindsay helps Oscar Irwin, a timber technician with the Lindsay branch of the Ontario Department of Lands and Forests plant a tree.
--"Post" staff photo

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Kawartha Lakes Museum and Archives @klmuseumarchives.ca · Aug 29

Speaking of fall fairs... here's episode 2 of "Kawartha's Untold Stories" - produced in partnership with YourTV - which delves into the history of both the Kinmount Fair and Lindsay Exhibition.

Kawartha's Untold Stories EP2 A Fair Affair

YouTube video by Kawartha Lakes Museum & Archives

www.youtube.com