Songs of Nature

“Good-bye Summer, So Long Fall, Hello Wintertime”, and “Lovely Lake Muskoka” are two early 1900s pieces written about the beauty of the Muskoka region. 

This song was written by Percy Wenrich in 1913, and was published by the Wenrich Howard Co. Music Publishers.

“Lovely Lake Muskoka” was written by E.B. Sutton in 1903, a resident of Bala, and was donated to the Museum by Mrs. A.H. Duke.

Lonely Lullabies

The theme of loneliness is certainly a universal one. These two songs demonstrate that point. In both songs, the speaker expresses a desire not to be alone.

“Sittin’ In a Corner” was written in 1923, and contains lyrics such as: “Each night at eight I wait for someone to phone, I sit up late, and hate to sit up alone.”

“I’m Tying the Leaves so they Won’t Come Down” was first recorded in 1947. It carries a dark theme – telling the story of a sick girl who is given till autumn to live, so her friend goes and ties the leaves so they won’t fall down. In the end the girl lives and the friends are reunited.  

In Love in Muskoka

Perhaps it was the beauty of the Muskokan landscape that inspired the fascination with these songs about love and romance. 

“In a Boat for Two”, written in 1921 by Herman Ruby, tells the story of a young man preparing to propose to his sweetheart on a romantic boat ride. 

“If You Talk in Your Sleep, Don’t Mention my Name” was written in 1911 by Seymour Brown, and is the tale of a married woman engaged in a flirtatious relationship only to come upon the surprise of a lifetime – hint: not dissimilar to the Pina Colada song. 

Without graphic designers, all the cover art for this sheet music had to be illustrated by hand by talented artists. 

Laugh Along

Comedic music has been popular in Muskoka for decades. These two songs were highly popular in their heyday (1925 and 1903 respectively).

“I Miss My Swiss (My Swiss Miss Misses Me)” by L. Wolfe Gilbert (1925) follows the tale of a lonely skier yearning for his love in the Swiss Alps.

“I May be Fickle” by legend E.B. Sutton (1903) describes a young man moving from girl to girl, and swearing loyalty to them all.