Name/Title
Helen Gillies - Author, Journalist & ArchivistScope and Content
Helen Gillies - Author, Journalist & ArchivistContext
Helen Gillies, a Wasaga Beach business owner, was appointed the Town’s Archivist in 1977 by then Mayor, Clair Robertson. Helen and her husband were the proprietors of Kirkland Cabins and Snack Bar which was once located on the corner of River Road East and Beck St. It was Helen’s responsibility to take from the Town, the many books, accounts, photographs, newspaper articles and historic memorabilia, and preserve them so future generations could familiarize themselves with the rich history of Wasaga Beach. The first proposed budget for the Archives was in 1978 for $2,800 and included costs for such items as pens, index cards, scotch tape and paper clips.
Helen was also the “unofficial” first Librarian. The Wasaga Beach Public Library had its beginnings in 1967 when a number of local volunteers, led by Helen, recognized the need for such a facility. It began as a book exchange and opened with 1200 books, 900 on loan from the Simcoe County Library and the rest donated by local residents. A Library Board was formed in 1968 and in 1972 the book exchange became a public library and was incorporated into the Ontario Library System.
Helen Gillies passed away in 1984 and is buried in Stayner, Ontario.
