SEVERN BRIDGE in 1871

This part of Morrison was first settled about 1858. The first settlers were James H. Jackson, William Johnston and John Young. It was then the farthest point north that was settled. The next season five or six more families came in among them - the Messrs, Symingtons and a few families of Prussians.

The first store was owned by O’Brien & CO., of Orillia, in the house now occupied by Mr. Mackenzie as a hotel. The next store was kept by a Mr. Gray and H. W. Dillon opened a tavern.

There is a good plank road, splendid water privilege, a first class hotel, two excellent stores, one kept by Mr. Jackson, the other by Mr. Samuel R. Thomson, who has named that part of Severn Bridge “Sandy Row” in honor of that loyal part of Belfast, Ireland; they are first class stores and reflect good credit on the enterprising proprietors. There is also a Town Hall, Orange Hall, blacksmith’s shop, carpenter’s and woodturner’s shop.