Norma’s Lunch

This watercolour painting depicts the restaurant known as Norma’s Lunch that was found along the water in downtown Port Carling. The restaurant was started by William Johnston Jr. in 1933 for his granddaughter, Norma Massey.

The original building which stood on the property had been built in 1875, but was destroyed by a fire in 1923. After being rebuilt, the back section burned again in a fire that devastated the Johnston residence in 1933. However, it was this incident that led to the remodelling and creation of the restaurant.

After her death in 1941, Norma’s changed hands multiple times until it was torn down in 1973 to make room for new development

Whiting’s

Around 1911, John Whiting purchased a two-story pharmacy and ice cream parlour, once a restaurant, which had been built by and belonged to Joseph Ruddy, owner of the Port Carling House.

Whiting, originally from Toronto, built a verandah and balcony to add to the building’s space and atmosphere. He owned the business until 1953. Whiting hosted dances at the shop whenever he could find available musicians and on Thursday nights he threw children’s costume parties.

Port Carling House

Though the Port Carling House was torn down in 1970, on Lock Street East, evidence of this old hotel is visible in its retaining wall and stone steps.

Beginning as the Polar Star in 1871, it was the first hotel in the area. Not long after its opening, this establishment went through multiple name changes, beginning as the Polar Star, changing to Interlaken in 1886 by R.A. Arskey, and becoming the Port Carling House in 1897 with Joseph Ruddy

Doctor Elliot’s House

In the early years of Port Carling’s development, the nearest doctor was in Bracebridge, and would have been scarcely called to attend to someone in Muskoka Lakes.

Dr. J. H. Elliot is one of the first few doctors documented in the area. Working at the sanatorium in Gravenhurst, he also opened a small practice in Port Carling during the summer months.

His house, as depicted by Kitty Tassie, stood on the bay just beyond the Port Carling Boat Works.

Standish House

The Standish House was the private summer home of the Standish family, built around 1890. Its site was eventually turned into the Edenvale Inn, and then the Green Slate Inn.