This past weekend we thoroughly enjoyed being part of a VERY Canadian celebration at the former home of Stephen Leacock on the shores of Lake Couchiching. Having celebrated their wedding earlier this summer in the bride’s homeland of Germany, this happy couple invited their North American based friends and family to this Canadian historic site for a dinner in honour of their new marriage.
About Stephen Leacock
Stephen Leacock spent much of his lengthy academic career as the head of economics and political science at McGill University in Montreal. An avid writer, Leacock published more than 20 books about history and politics. But it was his humorous non-fiction stories that eventually made him famous. Stories like “Sunshine Sketches of a Little Town”, a book that pokes fun at life in the small Ontario town of Mariposa, would become extremely popular in Canada and around the world.
"I don't know whether you know Mariposa. If not, it is of no consequence, for if you know Canada at all, you are probably well acquainted with a dozen towns just like it."
About the Location
Sunshine Sketches of a Small Town was written in 1912, just a few years after Leacock settled on a 16 acre peninsula he called “Brewery Bay.” According to Canada’s Historic Places, As a summer home, the cottage by the lake would be allow Leacock the opportunity to hunt, fish and write. In 1928 he would finish construction the larger two story Arts and Craft style cottage that sits on the property today. The cottage and the much reduced 3.9 acre property are both designated as a National Historic Site and are maintained as a museum by the City of Orillia.
The Current Celebration
On this lovely September day, the Leacock Home provided a fabulous backdrop to this happy celebration. With the gardens in bloom and a fresh breeze rolling off the lake, guests mingled and explored the property in comfort. Fresh flowers in the tent mimicked the colourful gardens and provided an uplifting atmosphere.
It was our pleasure to serve the guests a meal of freshly grilled salmon and chicken together with fresh tomato salad, and summer berry salad. To make the event completely Canadian, the bride and groom treated their guests to Shaws maple butter tarts and Nanaimo bars for dessert. We would like to extend our thanks to the bride and groom for including us in such a fun celebration and extend our very best wishes to you as you start your new life together!
