After four years of research, investigation and hard work – complicated by the COVID-19 pandemic – the Innisfil Historical Society has completed its project for Innisfil’s bicentennial.
In those years, the 2020 Historical Review, Town of Innisfil 200th Anniversary Edition went from a concept to a call for stories, photos and local history from Innisfil residents, to a 450-page volume chronicling the changes in the municipality since the last Historical Review was published in 1984, and sharing never-before-told tales of the town’s past.
The 10-member Innisfil Review 2020 Committee, under chair Donna Wice, mapped out the topics – including interviews with the oldest generation of Innisfil residents, capturing their memories of days gone by – and put in long hours to get the book done.
There was support from town staff, the Innisfil ideaLab & Library and the community at large, that included a cover design by local artist R. Murrey Haist, and photos contributed by local professional photographer, James Haddon.
But just as the municipality's plans for huge bicentennial celebrations had to be scaled back because of the pandemic, the Historical Society also saw its plans for a big book launch party put on hold.
Instead, the Society pre-sold the 2020 Historical Review online and on social media, and held a “drive-through” book launch on July 9.
On Thursday afternoon, committee members, members of the Innisfil Historical Society, and volunteers set up tables in front of Innisfil Town Hall, and invited purchasers to drive in to pick up their pre-ordered copies – plus a free Innisfil bicentennial flag.
A total of 430 copies were pre-ordered, said Wice – nearly one-third of the 1,500 copies printed. She was also expecting a number of ‘walk-ins.’
“There’s a fair number of cash sales. People have called in to say they’ll be here,” Wice said.
Among those stopping by for the book launch were Deputy Mayor Dan Davidson and Mayor Lynn Dollin, who purchased four copies.
An assembly line was set up to ensure that purchasers received their books. Among those helping out were Review Committee members Paul Landry and Wayne Young, both former town employees who, with former Innisfil treasurer Andrew Cowan, met once a week over the past four years, to do research and work on the various chapters.
“Between the three of us, we had over 100 years in the community,” Young noted.
Another committee member and contributor was John Trotter, who penned the chapter on federal politicians. As he thumbed through a copy, Trotter pointed out that the Review represents “450 pages of the legacy of Innisfil. It’s a tribute to the town” – and a lasting tribute to the bicentennial.
First in line to pick up a copy of the 2020 Historical Review were Cathy McClure, and husband Cameron. “My family farm – the Lucas Farm on the 5th Line (Greystone Farm) – they’re in the book!” Cathy said.
Businesses, family stories, local farms, institutions and churches, the municipality itself – the Review is filled with information and photos of the people who have made Innisfil their home for generations, and those who have chosen to move here in recent years, weaving together the fabric of the community.
The 2020 Historical Review, Town of Innisfil 200th Anniversary edition is now available for $25. Anyone unable to attend the drive-through launch on Thursday can drop by the Knock School Heritage Site, at 10 Sideroad and Line 9 this Saturday, July 11, from 9 a.m. to noon to pick up a copy.
Copies can also be ordered at [email protected].
“Out of the darkness and unknown of COVID and its never-to-be-forgotten restrictions, comes something positive, enlightening and satisfying,” said Wice. “I urge new Innisfilites to learn about their new surroundings and fellow inhabitants!”
