Central Oshawa in Durham Region, Ontario — Central Canada (North America)
Recreation by the Lake
By Tony Johnson, Oshawa, Ontario (1997)
Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, May 27, 2022
1. Recreation by the Lake Marker
The Lake Ontario waterfront was a favourite gathering spot during the summer. Streetcars running north and south on Simcoe Street were a popular means of getting to the waterfront. Barnhardt’s Pavilion was famous throughout Oshawa and beyond for its Friday night dances. The merry-go-round, called “The Ocean Wave” was a fixture at the Lake.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Entertainment • Parks & Recreational Areas.
Location. 43° 53.752′ N, 78° 51.712′ W. Marker is in Oshawa, Ontario, in Durham Region. It is in Central Oshawa. Marker is on Celina Street just north of Bruce Street, on the right when traveling south. Marker and mural are on the north side of the building at this address. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 74 Celina Street, Oshawa ON L1H 4N2, Canada. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Borsberry Music Hall (about 120 meters away, measured in a direct line); Driving Force (about 150 meters away); Ontario Regiment 130 Years of Service (about 180 meters away); McLaughlin Band Shell (about 180 meters away); Kingston Road Stage Coach (about 180 meters away); Memorial Park (about 240 meters away); On The Lake (The Argyle)
this page online
Also see . . .
1. Barnhart’s Pavilion.
Barnhart’s became a well-known “hangout” for the Oshawa locals and campers. The Barnhart’s held dances in the pavilion and rented out four apartments and cottages. The Barnhart’s also resided in one of the cottages as well. They were also well-known for their ice-cream parlour and snack bar. Betty Mac of Oshawa recalls purchasing all sorts of one-cent treats at Barnhart’s, such as liquorice babies, hard hars and marshmallow cones.(Submitted on July 8, 2023, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)
2. The Ocean Wave.
The centre construction was a steel frame pyramid with cross mounts that children would try to climb. At the top of the pyramid was a metal plate that spun on a central point, perhaps on a bearing. The ropes or wires attached at the top to the metal plate and the bottom to metal braces. The ride could accommodate upwards of thirty people. Betty MacInally explained, “Everyone pushed as hard as they could to get it into motion and then you jumped on and it would dip and dive as it circled. It could be dangerous.(Submitted on July 8, 2023, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)People would come to dance at the Barney’s Pavilion [Barnhart’s] and would often sit on the Ocean Wave. The girls would sit there while the guys got it going. Often you would hear a yelp when someone got their legs caught.Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, May 27, 20222. Recreation by the Lake Mural(marker is on the left [east] side, at eye-level)
Credits. This page was last revised on July 8, 2023. It was originally submitted on July 7, 2023, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 62 times since then and 20 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on July 8, 2023, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.
