In this special Holiday episode, we remember a much loved mayor of Collingwood and his yearly gift to the children of Collingwood. Do you remember the sleigh rides with Mayor Harry Bell? As we get closer to the holidays we ask you to share your memories of what made the holidays special here in Collingwood. We also give all you last minute present seekers an inside scoop on both a sale in our gift shop and the “Gift of Membership” promotion running until Christmas. Make an appointment to do some shopping or tour the gallery before we close up shop for the holidays (Dec. 24 – Jan. 4). And from all of us at the museum to all of you listening at home ... Have a very Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, and a Wonderful New Year!

Episode Picture:

Mayor Harry Bell and His Sled [Thank you to George Czerny for giving us permission to use his photograph for this episode!]

Research:

Cowley, Christine E. “Butchers, Bakers and Building the Lakers: Voices of Collingwood”, 2008. Pgs. 58, 75, 93, 277, 328.

Mayor Directory, Collingwood Public Library

https://www.collingwoodpubliclibrary.ca/client/en_US/cwood/?rm=1897+-+19292%7C%7C%7C1%7C%7C%7C1%7C%7C%7Ctrue#1970

Johnson, Maddie. “Seemingly impromptu sleigh rides made for fond childhood memories” CollingwoodToday.ca, February 21, 2021. https://www.collingwoodtoday.ca/rooted/seemingly-impromptu-sleigh-rides-made-for-fond-childhood-memories-3437066