(Thanks to Betty Crutcher for her recollections and to Andy Monk for compiling)

A bridge club began in Orillia in 1946 at the old “armories” on West St. (hence the “Garrison Trophy”).  Players included Betty and Jim Crutcher, Charlie Evans, Bill Hill and Weldon Fowler.  By the late 1950’s with “duplicate” bridge becoming increasingly popular, the Garrison Club became the “Orillia Duplicate Bridge Club” and was soon affiliated with the ACBL.

In the 60s and 70s the club was ably managed by Frank Harrison and Peggy Jones. During that time our club was honoured by the presence of Eric Murray and Sammy Kehela arguably Canada’s best players ever. And in 1975 Sam McKee became our first Life Master closely followed by the young Danny Schamehorn.

The club has had many homes over the years; the longest stays included Georgian College, the Birchmere, Knights of Columbus Hall, the TIE Club, the Trillium Home, Guardian Angels Church and presently the Masonic Hall . One year the club actually moved three times!