Stories From Another Day

We are wrapping up Season Five of Stories from Another Day with another special collaboration with our friends at the Craigleith Heritage Depot, exploring the shared stories and connections the Town of Collingwood and the Town of the Blue Mountains.   In the final episode of the season, host Ken Maher and guest co-host, Josh Skelton take a closer look at one of the region’s most iconic and celebra...

A full 15 minutes before the scheduled launch of Hull 192, on May 29, 1969, nearly 200 workers remained beneath the ship completing final launch preparations in Collingwood. Without warning, disaster struck as the ship broke free prematurely, surging into the launch basin. In this episode we explore the tragedy, the heartbreak, and the extraordinary acts of heroism that unfolded on that day 57 yea...

In this episode we explore the rise and eventual decline of Collingwood’s Grand Opera House, a vibrant venue that welcomed international stars to local talent alike, hosting everything from plays and musicals to public meetings and community fundraisers. Following the story we invite our listeners to join us in celebrating Archive Awareness Week, and call for your assistance in a very special oppo...

In this episode we invite you to step back in time and discover the remarkable story of two sisters whose lives left a lasting mark on their community and beyond. Elizabeth “Annie” Birnie, a beloved Collingwood teacher and accomplished artist, and Amelia “Jessie” Birnie, a medical doctor and pioneer in infant health. Each followed a different path, and both left a powerful, lasting mark on the wor...

The death of young Gloria “Glory” Whalen in May 1903 sent shockwaves through Collingwood and drew widespread attention throughout Ontario, with newspapers across the province reporting on the investigation into her death. In this episode we examine the community impact of one of Ontario’s longest running cold cases. Episode Picture This illustration of Gloria Whalen was published in a 1903 newspap...

Born in Collingwood before it was even a town, Captain James McNabb grew up alongside the waters that would shape his remarkable life.  In this episode we explore the story of Captain McNabb, a lifelong Great Lakes mariner whose career was filled with legendary adventures, hard-earned experience, and unforgettable moments on the water. Following the story we give the listeners a glimpse into some...

This episode takes a deep and thoughtful journey through the history of Collingwood Collegiate Institute, from its beginnings in the mid-1800s to the vibrant school community we know today. Whether you walked the halls yourself or simply love learning about Collingwood’s past, this episode reminds us how a school can anchor a community. Following the story we invite our listeners to consider suppo...

As we open on the month of remembrance, this episode shares one soldier’s extraordinary experience during the Second World War. It serves as a moving reminder that those who served were, for the most part, everyday sons and daughters, husbands and wives, and friends and neighbours who faced unimaginable circumstances with courage and resilience. Following the story we invite the listeners to join...

On April 4, 1915, a fire sparked by faulty wiring tore through the Bryan Manufacturing Company’s factory located on Huron Street. The fire consumed the building, but fortunately, no lives were lost. The bigger blaze came afterwards, in the days and weeks of public debate between the company’s owners and the town over what would rise from the ashes. Much of that drama played out in the opinion page...

The season begins with a special collaboration with our friends at the Craigleith Heritage Depot, highlighting one of the many stories that connect the histories of Collingwood and the Blue Mountains. Join host Ken Maher and guest co-host, Josh Skelton as they dive into the history of early skiing in the region and trace the rise of Blue Mountain Resort. Following the Story we invite listeners to...

This summer, we’re setting sail beyond Collingwood! Join us as we follow the incredible adventures of ships built right here in Collingwood - travelling oceans, crossing decades, and surviving wars, disasters, and even a few identity changes! In this, our last summer episode, we uncover the unexpected careers of Hull 71,  Charles Dick , and Hull 86,  Gate Lifter No. 1 . and see how form follows fu...

This summer, we’re setting sail beyond Collingwood! Join us as we follow the incredible adventures of ships built right here in Collingwood - travelling oceans, crossing decades, and surviving wars, disasters, and even a few identity changes! In this episode we are tracing the journeys of ships like Hull 25, Hiram Robinson and Hull 81, J.H. Carter as they head off on very different paths across On...

This summer, we’re setting sail beyond Collingwood! Join us as we follow the incredible adventures of ships built right here in Collingwood - travelling oceans, crossing decades, and surviving wars, disasters, and even a few identity changes! In this episode we meet the stubby stars of Toronto’s waterfront, Hulls 198 and 199, Harvey H. Simpson and Gladys M. Simpson, who were literally cut down to...

This summer, we’re setting sail beyond Collingwood! Join us as we follow the incredible adventures of ships built right here in Collingwood - travelling oceans, crossing decades, and surviving wars, disasters, and even a few identity changes! Meet  Hull 31, Estevan,  the first ship commissioned by the Federal Government for the Canadian Department of Marine and Fisheries in 1912. She took a  27,35...

Some institutions become such an essential part of a community that people take their presence for granted, trusting they'll always be there in times of need. But what happens when the institution itself is in crisis? In this final episode of the season we look at the history of the Collingwood General and Marine Hospital, beginning with a day in 1942, when the hospital faced just such a momen...

She wasn’t the first ship built in Collingwood, but she was the first of her kind! In this episode we explore the remarkable story of Hull #1, Huronic, the first steel vessel constructed at the Collingwood Shipyards, and the first in a prestigious trio of steamships known as the Three Sisters. For nearly 50 years the Huronic sailed the Great Lakes but in the end, it was her connection to her siste...

Good things often come in small packages, and Nurse Ethel May Dawson was a living testament to that. In this month’s podcast episode of Stories from Another Day, we honour the incredible legacy of a woman whose compassion and kindness shaped our community for decades. Though small in stature, Nurse Dawson’s impact was immeasurable. She dedicated her life to caring for the youngest and most vulnera...

Family-run businesses are the heart and soul of local communities, and Collingwood is no exception. This is the story of one such business that despite changing times, changing business models and changing names, became an enduring part of daily life in Collingwood. Listen to the story of how Keith’s Dairy became a beloved institution, deeply woven into the very fabric of Collingwood’s history in...

In this month’s episode an intriguing old poster in the Museum’s collection leads us into the history of horse racing in Collingwood. Get ready for a wild ride as we discuss this popular pastime, some of its key figures (man and beast) and how it was an important part of many community celebrations for over a century. Following the story we invite our listeners to join us at the museum for Family...

Hockey season is in full swing, and we are celebrating our country’s beloved winter sport in this month’s episode featuring local hockey legend Eddie Bush. Learn about how his “never take defeat lying down” attitude led Eddie Bush to an extraordinary career and a lasting impact on our town. After the story we give similar recognition to the late sports writer Scotty Carmichael who’s name now also...

Our story begins with car chases, gunfire and holiday parade mayhem on the festive downtown streets of Collingwood. It is a Christmas story unlike any other. Tune in to hear the outcome of this memorable Christmas Story and it’s lasting gift to our town. Following the story we invite the listeners to check out a couple of our offerings for Christmas gifts. Come down to the museum or give us a call...

Just in time for Remembrance Day, we tell the story of a Collingwood veteran, Captain Alan Telfer, whose time in the service during World War 1 took him to fascinating locations on multiple continents and embroiled him in the very stuff of later Hollywood movies. From England and France to India and Palestine, from trench warfare to espionage and Lawrence of Arabia ... see how this Collingwood nat...

This episode is a harrowing tale of life and death in the single worst disaster to happen on Georgian Bay. The sinking of the steamship Asia in 1882 marked a tragic but important turning point in Great Lakes travel and public demand for greater safety. Learn Collingwood’s important role in this story, both before and after this terrible accident. After the story our listeners are invited to join u...

September marks the 95th anniversary of Collingwood’s concrete grain terminal, one of our town’s most recognizable landmarks from both land and water. But did you know that for over 160 years not one but three different grain elevators have graced our town’s harbour.  In this first episode of our fourth season we recount the enduring tale of our grain terminals’ history beginning in 1855 and conti...

Swimming is not usually connected to winter sports, but for one man they were a perfect pairing. In today’s bonus summer episode we look at the story of John Scott and his record breaking swim across Georgian Bay, and how it was connected to a very special winter games hosted here in Collingwood. Where is your favourite local spot to hang out in (or by) the water on those long, hot summer days? We...