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The City of Orillia is commemorating the 100th anniversary of Ontario’s participation in World War One with the 2014 edition of Doors Open Orillia on Saturday, May 24.
Doors Open Orillia takes people beyond the bricks and mortar of the area’s historical, architectural and cultural sites to learn of stories from the war that helped shape our nation.
“Doors Open Orillia would not be the success that it is year-after-year without strong partnerships,” said Mayor Angelo Orsi. “Together, our community is able to showcase just how fortunate we are to have such a rich and vibrant history at every corner of our great City.”
This year, Doors Open Orillia coincides with the Downtown Orillia Management Board’s Bring on Spring Sidewalk Sale, which will attract visitors and residents to explore our historic downtown during Doors Open. Stop by Marvel Beauty School on Saturday for a quick early 20th century updo as they share the story of the shift in women’s hairstyles and fashions following their entrance into the workforce during World War One. Known as “temporary men”, women joined the workforce to help sustain the local economy while the men went off to war.
“It was a time in history that defines the rights and freedoms we have today - voting, equality, and hard work,” said Marianne Golovchenko, Campus Director of Marvel Beauty School in Orillia. “We are and can be beautiful and still get our hands dirty.”
Other Doors Open Orillia events include:
- Orillia Central Public School. Beginning at 9 a.m., join the City of Orillia and partners, including the Orillia Silver Band, for a ceremonial bell ringing for the newly restored Orillia Central School Bell Tower.
- Orillia Farmers’ Market. Stop by one of Ontario’s oldest farmers’ markets for some local produce and more.
- Stephen Leacock Museum. Visit the newly restored Stephen Leacock Museum as they open their doors for a sneak peak of their $1.2-million renovation project.
- Orillia Public Library, Orillia Soldiers’ Memorial Hospital, Royal Canadian Legion, and the Orillia Museum of Art and History. Enjoy featured exhibits and stories related to the war effort.
- Coldwater Mill and Coldwater Canadiana Museum. Take a short drive to Coldwater and open the door to its historical roots. Stop by the museum for maple beans and Devon Tea!
“We are also excited to have the OPP Museum taking part in this year’s event,” said Jacqueline Soczka, Manager of Culture for the City of Orillia. “It is rare to have the museum open on weekends, which will be great for young families who have never seen their exhibits before.”
Share your experiences on the Orillia Parks, Recreation and Culture Department Facebook page. Like them on Facebook to find details on how your photo entries could be entered into Doors Open Ontario’s Digital Photo Contest.
For a complete list of Doors Open Orillia locations and events visit www.doorsopenontario.on.ca/orillia. Maps and brochures will be available at each participating site in the weeks leading up to the event.
The City of Orillia is a city of 30,586 people in the heart of Central Ontario on the shores of Lake Couchiching and Lake Simcoe. Visit our website at orillia.ca.
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Jacqueline Soczka
Manager of Culture
City of Orillia
705-325-4530
jsoczka@orillia.ca
Marianne Golovchenko
Campus Director, Marvel Beauty Schools - Orillia Campus
705-326-5363
orilliahairstyling@marvelschools.com
Jennifer Ruff
Manager of Communications
705-325-8929
705-238-9209 (cell)
jruff@orillia.ca
