Twenty-five years ago, in celebration of Bracebridge’s 125th anniversary, local writer Andrew Hind embarked on an ambitious project to document the town’s storied past. At that time, a novice in the world of publishing, Hind was already steeped in the rich history of Muskoka and had begun contributing articles to the now-defunct Vintage Muskoka magazine.
“I quickly discovered that writing a book is hard work, too hard, as it turned out in my case, while working a day job,” says Hind. “Bygone Bracebridge went to the wayside”.
Fast forward to last year, as Bracebridge prepared for its sesquicentennial, the manuscript was revived, and Hind finally completed the long-overdue work.
Historical exploration can be a daunting task, with crucial information occasionally remaining out of reach—dates of significant events may be particularly elusive. In this case, the challenge lay in distilling vast amounts of information into concise stories that could be easily consumed, each designed to fit into a few pages. The goal was to create a book that could be picked up and enjoyed in brief moments of spare time.
“I would love people to come away with a greater appreciation of the richness and diversity of Bracebridge’s history and of the people who shaped it. It’s a cliché to say that the past shapes the present, but it’s a cliché for a reason – it’s true,” says Hind. “Readers will find numerous strands throughout the book that help to explain aspects of the community they live in.”
One of the more surprising revelations during this extensive research was the connection between the historic Monteith House in Rosseau and John Beal, who founded Monteith House and was one of Bracebridge’s first settlers. Despite having written extensively about Monteith House, Hind had never linked its founder to Bracebridge’s early history.
“Not sure why I failed to make that connection, but when I did it was a moment of excitement” he says.
Many readers may be surprised to discover just how industrialized Bracebridge became during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Capitalizing on the free hydro power harnessed from local falls, the town attracted heavy industries, including tanneries, a short-lived furniture factory, and woolen mills, marking a period of bold ambition for the community.
Some historical stories naturally demanded inclusion in the narrative. For instance, anyone documenting Bracebridge’s history would be remiss not to mention the famed Birds of Woodchester Villa. Meanwhile, other captivating tales emerged unexpectedly. The story of Gustavus Adolphus Binyon, a constable and a man of colour in a predominantly white era, highlighted the often-overlooked diversity in Bracebridge’s history.
“Researching local history is always a multi-faceted task that leverages many resources, from books and newspapers to oral histories, archival material, and official documentation such as birth and death certificates, military records, censuses, and so on,” says Hind. “It’s important to use multiple sources because sometimes errors are made – especially in oral history where memories fade or stories are altered with each telling, like a game of broken telephone.”
As readers dive into Bygone Bracebridge, they will not only uncover the town’s past but also gain insights into the rich tapestry of faces and tales that define it. This work is more than a book; it is a celebration of Bracebridge’s heritage and a reminder of the stories that continue to shape its future. You can find Bygone Bracebridge on Amazon.
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