Statement from Mayor Brian Smith on the death of Town Archivist Mary Watson
Wasaga Beach – Mayor Brian Smith today issued the following statement on the death of town archivist Mary Watson:
“On behalf of town council and staff, I extend sincere sympathy to the family and friends of Mary Watson.
“Mary was appointed as town archivist, in a voluntary capacity, in 2008, and served diligently in the role, carefully documenting the history of Wasaga Beach.
“As town archivist, for several years Mary wrote a popular history column in the Wasaga Sun newspaper and later, in 2013, penned a book called Sharing Memories, Stories of Wasaga’s Past. The historical book is a great read about the people and places of our community.
“Prior to serving as archivist, Mary was a Town of Wasaga Beach employee for 30 years, working in different roles in the building department and later the bylaw department until she retired in 2006. As an employee, she took particular pride in working on a project that resulted in the Wasaga Beach Cemetery, a six-acre site on Sunnidale Road, established in 1995.
“Mary will be remembered for her passion for Wasaga Beach and its history. Mary’s efforts to record our heritage serve as a lasting gift to current and future residents. "
| Archives Hours of Operation - UPDATED |
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The Wasaga Beach Archives at 140 Main Street is open Tuesday to Friday 10:00am - 4:00 p.m. and Saturday 9:00am - 3:00pm for visitors. Drop in visits are welcome and entrance is free.
Please contact archiveco@wasagabeach.com or call us at 705-429-3560 if you require information about hours, location or to schedule a visit or an appointment to drop off a donation. We look forward to hearing from you!
The Archives houses numerous displays and historic artifacts and memorabilia from the early 1800's to more modern periods, including vintage photographs, newspapers, maps, written documents, paintings, postcards and books. The Archives has been working diligently on digitizing a large portion of the collection and requests can be made to view specific items by contacting the Archives Coordinator. Visitors are welcome to view the curated displays and to request to view maps and other documents in our reading room.
The Archives is also available to host club meetings, fieldtrips and other gatherings. For more information contact the Archives Coordinator. |
| Donations |
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Consider making a donation to the Archives so that the history of the Town of Wasaga Beach can be preserved. Check your attic, basement, garage. We accept donations by appointment only from individuals and families, community organizations, businesses and local government.
Items may include but are not limited to the following:
Please contact the Archives Coordinator if you wish to discuss a donation by emailing archiveco@wasagabeach.com or calling directly at 705-300-0203. |
| Do You Remember? |
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Do you have memories of Woodcrest Cabins? The Archive is looking for more information on the business, if you or someone you know has any recollections, please contact the Archives via email at archiveco@wasagabeach.com or stop in to the Archives where we will record any details you remember. |
| What's Up at the Archives - Rotating Exhibits |
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The Archives has an exhibit area that is changed monthly to highlight a specific subject in the history of our Town.
In our current exhibit, which will remain on display until February 28th, you will find artifacts from some of our current and past clubs, groups and organizations:
Kinsmen Club, Kinette Club, Lions Club, Rotary Club, Wasaga Community Theatre Group, Ganaraska Hiking Club, Wasaga Artists, Georgian Bay Coin & Stamp Club and Seniors Friendship Club as well as Girl Guides.
Clubs, groups and organizations are the backbone of our community - comprised of dedicated people with the aim of promoting community.
March 1st - March 31st: "Business in Wasaga" will the subject for the rotating exhibit for the month of March. If you have pictures or memorabilia from a business that you would like to donate to the Archives please contact us at archiveco@wasagabeach.com or call (705) 300-0203.
For more information on our rotating exhibits or some of the events that we are hosting please see our events calendar. |
| History in Motion |
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The Historical Advisory Committee in association with the Town of Wasaga Beach Archives periodically produces history related narrated videos available for your viewing via the Town Facebook and Twitter social media platforms, the Town website and the Wasaga Beach Historical Advisory Committee YouTube channel. The following videos are currently available: |
| Nancy Island Historic Site Hours of operation and Information |
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July 1 - September 5 - 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. September 10 - October 9 - Open Saturdays and Sundays, 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Please note that the Tower Island and Lighthouse will remain closed for the 2022 season |
Our Community
| Heritage Registry |
| View the Heritage Registry of 'Cultural Heritage Properties' in Wasaga Beach |
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