A celebration of Gravenhurst’s Scandanavian roots is set for Sept. 21.
Gravenhurst Mayor Paul Kelly will be joined by members of Council and the Gravenhurst Municipal Heritage Committee on Phillip Street East in the heart of Swedetown at the easternmost entrance to Gull Lake Park as they unveil an interpretive panel that celebrates the area’s heritage.
Between 1880 and 1910 over 40 families came to Gravenhurst from the Scandinavian countries of Norway, Sweden, Denmark, and Iceland. They built their homes near each other in an area east of Muskoka Road between David and Phillip Streets. Local residents named the area Swedetown, although Danish and Norwegian settlers were predominant. These men and women built businesses, a church, and several of our most iconic landmarks giving us a lasting legacy.
At 2 pm Mayor Kelly will share opening remarks at the eastern entrance of Gull Lake Rotary Park before members of the Heritage Committee provide further historical context and remarks.
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On behalf of my parents, grandparents and great grandparents…all of whom lived on Phillip Street…thank you to the town and the Gravenhurst Heritage Committee for this recognition.