THE DUMBELLS - Albert, Merton and Morley Plunkett - Inducted 1966
Merton Plunkett (1888-1966) - Morley Plunkett (1897-1954) - Albert Plunkett (1899-1957)

Albert, Merton and Morley Plunkett, three brothers with good voices and histrionic ability, brought fame to Orillia, their birthplace. During World War I, they volunteered to produce entertainment to boost the morale of the war-weary troops.

They took the name The Dumbells from the insignia of the 3rd Division and the name became widely known in the trenches, in London, across Canada and even on Broadway.

The all-soldier revue was a resounding success, staging shows in the trenches and later into peacetime. One outstanding member of the cast was Ross Hamilton who played a very realistic Marjorie.

Peacetime shows continued until 1929, and patrons of the Orillia Opera House always gave them an enthusiastic reception when they played there.