Stephen Leacock Museum Winter Updates

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Stephen Leacock’s house in Orillia was a labour of love. He built it for his wife, Beatrix Hamilton Leacock. Beatrix, the niece of Sir Henry Pellatt, who was the builder of Toronto’s Casa Loma, was used to the finer things in life, though she chose to marry a schoolteacher who was well below her social standing. Of course, Stephen Leacock would later become the most well-known humorist in the English-speaking world (much thanks to Beatrix herself).

Though at the time, Old Brewery Bay was a summer home and the Leacock’s main residence was in Montreal, both Stephen and Beatrix loved the property located on the shores of Lake Couchiching and sought any excuse to visit. Plans for a new, stately 19-room home commenced in the early 1920s; plans that included a beautiful sunroom and grand bedroom, in which Beatrix could enjoy a relaxing summer away from the bustle of Montreal.

Amid these plans and despite her excitement to see this house completed, Beatrix began to feel unwell. While Stephen was busy working at McGill University and unable to join, he arranged for Beatrix and their 10-year-old son, Stevie, to travel to the Bahamas, hoping the warm air and tropical climate would help Beatrix recover from her symptoms.

When she returned home, Beatrix learned she was suffering from breast cancer. Tragically, Beatrix did not live to see her dream home completed and passed away in December 1925.

Something did survive though. Discovered during restoration inside Stephen’s bedroom closet long after both had passed: Beatrix’s final letters. Through these letters and other historical archives, Leacock researchers have discovered a touching love story that must be told.

Guests are invited to see Beatrix’s original letters, now 100 years old, up close this February as part of the Leacock Love Story Tour. Details about the romantic story will be told inside the cozy Leacock home that was completed, with Beatrix’s sunroom, in 1928.

This Valentine’s Day, guests will learn that Beatrix was more than Stephen Leacock’s wife.

Additionally, the Leacock Museum will be hosting a Valentine’s themed high tea in the living room and dining room of the historic home. Visitors are invited to celebrate this special love story in the style of Stephen and Beatrix: a living room filled with guests, tea, and treats.

Leacock Love Story Tour offered Feb. 14 and 15, 2025, at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Valentine’s Tea offered Feb. 9 and 16, 2025, at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Visit www.LeacockMuseum.ca for tickets to both events.

Now a National Historic Site that welcomes thousands of guests yearly, the Leacock Museum is a beautiful, picturesque example of Ontario cottage country. From the historic gardens to the historic boathouse replica, the Leacock Museum has something for everyone to enjoy, all year long!