GRAVENHURST in 1867

Gravenhurst is the nucleus of a very fine village at no distant day if one were to judge by the numerous and commodious buildings now built and in process of being erected.

The first is an Episcopal church, nearly completed, and reflects great credit on the architect, John Scott, Esq. Almost directly opposite, in the “Freemason’s Arms”, our late townsman Mr. T. B. Horton is comfortably domiciled and admirably discharges the duties of “mine host.”

A few minutes’ walk brings us to another new house which is nearly finished and intended as a private residence and store for A. P. Cockburn, Esq., M.P.P. Immediately opposite, on the intersection of the Muskoka Road with the wharf road Mr. Dougald Brown has built a very fine and commodious hotel - The Steamboat & Stage House, which, when completely, will be one of the largest buildings in the northern region.

About a quarter of a mile west from this point is the Big Bay of Muskoka, wher the Wenonah’s wharf extends out into the lake nearly 400 feet.

From thence the march of progress is onward still onward and northward.