A Brief History of Orillia - by Dennis Rizzo (Paperback)

About the Book

Orillia, once a gathering place for Huron, Iroquois and Chippewa Nations, is now a well-loved, year-round recreation destination. Orillia native Dennis Rizzo joins other locals to tell the fascinating and diverse history of this gateway to Muskoka, from its pre-European origins, to the fur trade, forestry, and now tourism.

Book Synopsis

Local author Dennis Rizzo tells the fascinating and diverse history of Orillia, Ontario. First populated by the Huron, Iroquois and Chippewa Nations, Orillia is now a well-loved, year-round recreation destination. Its history is deeply tied to its water. Situated in the narrows where Lake Simcoe flows into Lake Couchiching, Orillia was a gathering place for centuries before Europeans used it to bring furs to market. Sir John Simcoe, first governor of Upper Canada, fostered permanent settlement of the area. A gateway to the Muskoka region, it has been home to lumber, manufacturing, and artistic endeavours. Today, summer cottagers and winter athletes alike enjoy the Sunshine City and its more than twenty annual festivals. Local author Dennis Rizzo tells the fascinating and diverse history of Orillia, Ontario.

About the Author

Dennis C. Rizzo has written several local histories, as well as articles on the American Revolution and slave sanctuaries in New Jersey. He ended up in New Jersey for fifty-odd years until his wife rescued him and brought him north to Canada. Rizzo lives in Orillia and has been involved in writing groups, mentoring and social issues.