Gravenhurst History Walk Multi-Cache

Gravenhurst has a rich history and is known as the ‘Gateway to Muskoka’. This micro multi cache was designed to be an easy find. It will take you on a short historical walk around several blocks. You will visit 5 historical buildings and from each you must get the clues for the next stage. No need to even move your vehicle as you will end close to where you start.

YOU MUST REMEMBER: Letter “A” means ADD, letter “S” means SUBTRACT!

Bethune Memorial House

This former Presbyterian Church manse, built in 1880, is the birthplace of Dr. Norman Bethune, arguably the best known Canadian abroad since he is a national hero to over a billion Chinese. In 1936-37 he implemented mobile blood transfusion units at the battlefront during the Spanish Civil War. In 1939 he died performing surgery in China during the Second Sino Japanese war. He was a non-conformist surgeon of note, a humanitarian and an advocate of socialized medicine in Canada, even before Tommy Douglas. The site has been operated by Parks Canada since 1976 and receives 11,000 visitors annually, of whom almost half come expressly from the People's Republic of China.

Brown’s Beverages Ltd. (It now has a new name)

Enlarged several times, this bottling plant which produces the famous Muskoka Springs drinks was established in 1873 utilizing a nearby spring of crystal clear water. The owner, Dugald Brown, was a popular entrepreneur and hotel owner. It is one of the few remaining operating industrial buildings in Gravenhurst. It is now known as Muskoka Springs Inc.

The Albion Hotel

The original Albion Hotel was a frame building built by Frank Wasley in 1879. It perished in the Great Fire of 1887. The present hotel rose the following year with “pleasant parlors, a spacious dining room and well-equipped bar”. Notice the brickwork and window detail. In the late 1980s the exterior was restored and the interior converted to apartments and business premises. Travelers must now seek accommodation elsewhere but they can still quench their thirst at the Albion.

The Bakery

Over 50 years of tradition. Fritz Rebelein established The Bakery on Brock Street in downtown Gravenhurst in 1959. His son Peter and daughter-in-law Judy took over the business in 1974. Keeping with family tradition their two children, Jay and Robyn, and Jay’s wife Christine now help run the business.

The Opera House , Statue of Dr. Norman Bethune , Carneige Library

Now designated an historic building by the Town, the red brick Opera House was built in 1901. It was originally intended to house the town offices, council chambers and magistrate’s court in addition to entertainment. Since 1947 professional concerts have been presented year round, enhanced by superior acoustics. It was restored and enlarged in 1972. The parking lot at the back was a bowling green until 1940. It is fronted by the Opera House Square which includes the cenotaph.

Carnegie Hall

Scottish born philanthropist and steel magnate Andrew Carnegie established a foundation which funded the building of public libraries in communities across North America. Gravenhurst made late application but nonetheless witnessed the opening of its own Carnegie Library in 1923. It was enlarged in 1975 and has since been designated a heritage structure by the Town. A statue of Norman Bethune funded by the Town stands out front. It was unveiled by Governor General Adrienne Clarkson in 2000.

The new Gravenhurst Library was built in 2000 to replace the old structure.

Stage 1:

Bethune Memorial House

YOU WILL REPEAT THIS PROCEDURE FOR THE NEXT STAGES.

Stage 2:

Stage 3

Stage 4

Stage 5

These new co-ordinates will take you to the cache. Enjoy the history and be sure to read all the plaques along the way.