This book relays the Orillia YMCA’s ground-breaking position in the YMCA movement and its impact on our town. For years, it was well-known as the “finest small town YMCA in North America,” and more than once led the way in innovation and accomplishment. The Orillia YMCA was the first YMCA to invite women, built the only indoor pool north of Toronto for 40 years, and developed the largest Y’s Men’s service club in Canada. It prepared Mert Plunkett (who created the famous “Dumbells” vaudeville troupe during WWI) and Skid Watson, the legendary civic leader in Orillia.