Past Forward: The Robert Simpson House
The name should be recognizable to students of local history and beer drinkers alike. This home at 30 Mary Street was built about 1874 for Robert Simpson, the first Mayor of Barrie... and a brewer. Simpson appears to have had a long relationship with the brewing business. In 1836, he bought a store, tavern and brewery located in the village of Kempenfeldt (sometimes referred to as Mann's Point) from William Mann, who went on to open a book store in [...]
Past Forward: The Emma King House
A true pioneer once lived in this home. Emma King was 3 years old when her parents Robert and Sarah King came to Canada from England, first farming in Oro for two years, then opening [...]
The Escrig Mill Tragedy
At one time, four mills occupied the banks of Lover’s Creek from Yonge St to the bay starting with Wm Hewson’s Mill and working north to the bay, next was the Morse Brother’s Mill, near [...]
President’s report: Year in review
Due to the complications of hosting an effective annual general meeting in light of COVID-19, this year, the Barrie Historical Archive opted for a resolution instead of extending an invitation to join us at an [...]
Innisfil’s Electric Railway
In the early 1900s much of Innisfil's waterfront was under development creating many new cottages and homes for the Toronto and Barrie purchasers. A movement was afoot to build a railway to service the needs [...]
The Mechanics Institute was Barrie’s first library system
A nomadic beginning eventually led to a majestic building. Barrie’s first library began as a group. It started out in 1844 as a Mechanics’ Institute, a subscription and fee-based organization created for workingmen and mechanics [...]
Barrie tornado: Thirty-five years later, residents remember
On May 31, 1985, a devastating tornado touched down in Barrie and left eight dead, hundreds injured and countless homes and businesses in ruins. Despite the passage of time, for survivors, there are some scars [...]
Barrie’s changing skyline
Iconic bell tower slowly disappearing from the downtown landscape. The Toronto Street address wasn't the first location of the former Central United Church building, but it was its last. Just over 2 years ago, the [...]
Ted the Wonder Dog
One of the original 'dogs with jobs'! You may recall from previous blogs, mention of the Tordiff family - long time contributors to the Barrie Archive, since before it even launched. Whenever the Tordiffs drop [...]
Barrie says goodbye to two role models
They were just two. But to all, they were many. Willard Kinzie, to some, was the "Milk Man". To hiking partners, he was "Titanium Man". Officially, a mayor, a businessman. But also a husband, father, [...]
Our military neighbour: Camp Borden
Canadian Forces base west of Barrie has been a long-standing part of the community. This past weekend there have been numerous local events to commemorate Remembrance Day. We join with others around the world who [...]