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Up in Flames: The History of Fire in Muskoka RegionThis exhibit will detail the series of devistating fires in the Muskoka region including the 1931 Port Carling fire as well as fires that destroyed surrounding lodges and hotels.
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1st Segment from a video about the 1931Port Carling Fire29 August 2005
Port Carling, Ontario
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Like nearly all communities the village of Port Carling has had its share of disastrous fires. Among them have been the destruction of the public school in december of 1904, the burning of the Stratton house and nearby Anglican Church on June 13 1912, and the loss of the original Port Carling Garage building in 1933. For property destruction however, few communitites have at one time suffered so great a loss as did Port Carling on October 27th 1931 when over 15 buildings went up in flames. The first fire was in the Port Carling Boat Works and was discovered at 5:30 AM on Tuesday October 27th. The flames spread very rapidly and for a time it was felt all the western section of the village would be destroyed. The entire boat works plant with four launches and some incomplete work, machinery , patterns, and other equipment was destroyed. The reason for the fire was a mystery as there had been no fire in the plant for three days and the electric power had been turned off each night at the entry boxes. The fire at the Port Carling Boat Works was just a prelude to what was in store for the village. On October 29th 1931 the Muskoka Herald reported on what was to become the worst fire in Port Carling's history.4
Hanna Store before 1931 fire.1930
Port Carling, Ontario
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Employees of the Old Hanna Store and Post Office before 1931 Fire1927
Port Carling, Ontario
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Staff of Hanna Store1903
Port Carling, Ontario
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Bank of Nova Scotia and George Sutton's Store before 1931 Fire1926
Port Carling, Ontario
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J Wallace barbershop before 1931 fire.1930
Port Carling, Ontario
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Port Carling Boat Works before the 1931 Fire.1930
Port Carling, Ontario
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Duke Motor Service and George Sutton's store before the 1931 fire.1925
Port Carling, Ontario
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Duke Motor Service before 1931 fire.1927
Port Carling, Ontario
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2nd segment in a video about the 1931 Port Carling Fire.29 August 2005
Port Carling, Ontario
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The enterprising village of Port Carling suffered a serious blow on Wednesday morning when practically all of the older section was destroyed by fire. Mostly of wooden construction the buildings quickly fell prey to the flames despite the splendid efforts of the fire fighters who were assisted by firemen from Bracebridge, Huntsville, and Bala. The early destruction of part of the electric power line meant the loss of the water pump and until a gasoline engine arrived from Bala, no water service was available except by bucket line. The blaze originated in the basement of the Hanna Company store. It was first discovered about 5:00 and the alarm given. There was not much wind but the flames spread in both directions until all the buildings on Lock street and Maple street and the Wallace Estate building were in ashes. With the Hanna Company store was the post office and telegraph office, next below was the Bank of Nova Scotia then Mr. George Sutton's restaurant, dance hall and residence and next to that Mr. C.J. Duke's Boat Service works. On the other street were the residence and barber shop of John Wallace, an empty store owned by George Sutton, George McCulley's butcher shop, the Victoria Hall used by the United Church and Bayview House owned by Mrs. William Hanna. At the rear of these buildings were storehouses and stables, a bake shop and other buildings. The wharf house and office were destroyed and also a portion of the dock. The Muskoka Telephone Company and hydroelectric system also suffered heavy losses.14
Port Carling Fire28 October 1931
Port Carling, Ontario
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