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E. Roy Smith Gallery

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Graham MacDonald

This Model Railway was created over a period of 17 years by the donor, Graham Macdonald. Started in 2000, it was built in his home basement which he opened yearly for tours by fellow modellers and the public, welcoming over 2500 visitors through the door. Graham’s interest in the Ottawa Arnprior & Parry Sound Railway was sparked by Niall McKay’s book “Over the Hills to Georgian Bay” which he bought during a stay with his young family at Red Pine Camp on Golden Lake. This led to further research and visits to remnant sites of the railway’s past. The Model represents the OA&PS Railway in 1922/23 as it was being taken over from Grand Trunk by the Canadian National Railway. The model depicts scenes from the Western Division between Madawaska and Depot Harbour. Graham is a Professional Engineer with a broad experience in mechanical and electrical design. He retired in 1996 and moved to the Region of Waterloo, Ontario, where this model was created, enjoyed, and later modified for display in this gallery. It is all his own work, with some help and much encouragement from his wife and friends. Graham is a member of the National Model Railroad Association (NMRA), Western Ontario Division and, in 2020, was awarded the honour of Master Model Railroader. Advancing years and the need to move to smaller housing led to the decision to donate his Model Railway and his research materials to the West Parry Sound District Museum for the enjoyment of many more visitors.

The Ottawa Arnprior and Parry Sound Railway timeline

*Building the Ottawa, Arnprior and Parry Sound Railway through the southeast section of Algonquin Park, Unknown, 1894, Algonquin Park Archives, APMA 128

Timeline
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*Scotia Junction, Parry Township, circa 1909) where work was begun on the PSCR in 1886. National Archives of Canada

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Timeline
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John Rudolphus Booth

*John Rudolphus Booth and possibly his two sons standing beside a shipment of logs at Depot Harbour C. 1900

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Other Displays

Cottage Life

The cottage Life display showcases an insight on the cottage life around Parry Sound. Enjoy the detailed historicaal scenes, but make sure to keep an eye out for any pesky critters who might want to steal unattended pies from a window.

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Northern Nature Exchange

In partnership with Science North in Sudbury, we offer our very own Northern Nature Exchange Program. Visitors can earn special points by trading and demonstrating their knowledge and initiative to learn about natural history. Points earned can then be used to purchase rare and unique natural specimens from our museum's exchange station cabinet!

Seguin Sam & Sarah

This display changes annually, allowing us to show different snippets of the districts history. This year were highligting the history of Seguin Sam & Sarah!

Fresnel Lens

Fresnel Lens was once a part of the light house on Michipicoten Island, Lake Superior. Built in 1912, the lighthouse stood 83 feet tall.

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The Waubuno

A new display on the history of the Waubuno steamship, which was in operation during the 1860s & 1870s. The ship transported passengers and freight between Collingwood and Parry Sound along the Georgian Bay. 

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Velocipede

Our very own manually operated railway vehicle known as the velocipede or 'rail bike' housed inside the museum! This unique antique form of locomotion is sure to offer an interesting sight.

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