Bringing history to life for 35 years
By Chris Simon

Photo by Chris Simon Innisfil Historical Society president Donna Wice poses with several books produced by the organization, since it was founded in 1972. The society recently celebrated its 35th anniversary.

They've been making history come alive for 35 years.

Last month, members of the Innisfil Historical Society celebrated the organization's 35th anniversary.

Over the years, the society has published several books, such as the Farms of Innisfil, Skunks and Scholars, and Recipes Old and Modern for Cornmeal and Cornflower. They've also recently completed renovation work on the Knock School Heritage Site. But there's plenty more work to do, said president Donna Wice.

"This last year has been very busy," said Wice. "In the future, we're at a bit of a slower pace. But we are involved with Joan McLean, in compiling a history of every property in Cookstown. She has hundreds of pages, and she doesn't know what to do with all of it. The society is budgeting to assist (McLean). We're trying to create a CD and book which will have all of those properties, photos and information she has compiled."

The group, originally known as the Innisfil Historical and Archaeological Society, held it's first meeting at the municipal building on Innisfil Beach Road in 1972, at the urging of township council.

In November 1973, they leased a one room school house in Painswick, and met there until 1978, when they moved into their current facility at the Knock Community Centre, now the heritage site.

They have participated in the Painswick Community Fair at Warnica Public School, displaying photos and artifacts and demonstrating pioneering techniques, and held open houses throughout the town. During the early 1990s, the society held a week long Good Ol' School Days event, giving Innisfil students an opportunity to learn in a one room rural school.

Nearly 150 people also attended a reenactment of an 1889 wedding reception for William Kell and Lavinia Sawyer.

In 1996, the society participated in the 200th anniversary of Yonge Street, and gave horse and wagon tours of Stroud.

Last year, they provided walking tours of the village for students at Sunnybrae Public School, which focused on historical events and buildings.

Through several of those initiatives, the society has tried to inspire a sense of connection with the past, and spur an interest in history among local residents, said Wice.

Currently, the society has over 125 members, she said.

"There's been a huge increase in our membership, just having projects like (Knock and Farms of Innisfil) on the go," she said. "People come in and out of interest in (history), and we want to have it available when someone is researching genealogy or something sparks an interest. We're here and we care about people, buildings and events, and we want to share with young and old."

The society's website also continues to expand, and features several historical documents and photos.

On Nov. 17, the society will host an annual banquet at the Gilford United Church. There will be a history slideshow, and the public are invited to attend. For more information, call Wice at 436-2578 or visit www.innisfilhistoricalsociet y.ca.