Historical societies take tour
by Florence Blanchard

The Essa Historical Society joined the Innisfil Historical society in their mystery tour planned and organized by Margaret and Brian Baker.

Leaving Thornton, our first stop was at the Barrie Farmers Market. We then journey to the Simcoe County Museum which dates back to 1928 which was the vision of two members of the Simcoe County's Women's Institute.

It was established at the old Registry building in Barrie and was moved to the Midhurst site in 1962.

We were given an interesting presentation by Gloria Taylor and were allowed to browse through the facilities.

A Huron longhouse and rare historic and prehistoric First Nations artifacts caught our eyes.

We have a street of early shops, pioneer displays and working steam age and horse drawn implements and machines.

We enjoyed a bag lunch in the shade at tables in the picnic area and watched a few drops of rain fall.

After we boarded the bus passed through the Hendrie Forest and we owe much thanks to former Ontario Premier E.C. Drury of Crown Hill for this project.

The Minesing Flats was crossed next. Crossing Willow Creek on the 9th line of former Vespra township, now Springwater, and part of the the 15 acre Minesing (Swamp) Wetland which is administered by the Nottawasaga Conservation Authority. Over 400 plant species including pink lady slippers grow here. The neighbourhood of Fort Willow which during the War of 1812 played a key role in saving northern western Canada from American takeover.

The next step was the Angus Tree Seed Plant which harvests native coniferous and deciduous tree see for tree nurseries through Ontario and to other countries.

Plant Manger Al Morley gave an interesting tour of the facility and spoke on the history and role of the Angus Tree Seed Plant facility.

The new Cultural Centre in Alliston was the next stop.

As we journeyed back to Thornton. Donna Wise, President of the Innisfil Historical Society, spoke about the newly restored gem that is the old Knock School House Community Centre. She was the driving force behind this project.