The Ruth Martin Papers

BOOK II

Lake of Bays Heritage Foundation Suite 2800 130 Adelaide Street West Toronto, Ontario M5H 3P5

The Ruth Martin Papers

In the summer of 1995 the Lake of Bays Heritage Foundation was, by great good fortune, entrusted with four precious loose-leaf notebooks. On their pages were recorded interviews with descendants of many of the first settlers in Lake of Bays Township--interviews that contained fascinating, priceless social history. Had cottager Ruth Martin not had the foresight to pursue her interest in our pioneers, their stories would have been lost forever. We owe her a tremendous debt of gratitude.

Settlement around Lake of Bays began after the Free Land GrantAct (1868) made land available. Little of it was arable, however, and the new arrivals faced daunting challenges. During the late 19th and early 20th centuries the lumber industry offered employment for some, and the arrival of the first summer cottagers at the turn of the century added another dimension to life by the lake. The people interviewed from the early 1950s to mid-1970 by Ruth Martin were, in most cases, children or grandchildren of the first settlers in the township.

Ruth Martin (neé Campbell) summered for many years at a cottage near Norway Point. Born in Toronto in 1908, she taught at Eastern High School of Commerce, and for three years served as a social hostess at Bigwin Inn. When illness prevented her from continuing this labour of love, the Ruth Martin Papers were put in safekeeping with a step-daughter, Annette Benson and her family. About five years ago Jane Tate, whose mother had been a friend of Ruth Martin, took possession of the papers. She and her nephew, Lee Van Ormer, have kindly allowed the Lake of Bays Heritage Foundation to arrange for their publication. The originals have been deposited with the Fisher Rare Book Room at the Robarts Library, Toronto.

The Ruth Martin Papers have been photocopied unedited. Each set comprises four books of textual material and one book containing 186 photographs of some of our first residents (Chief Bigwin among them) and a few early buildings. They have been deposited in the Dorset, Dwight, and Baysville libraries.

Margaret McBurney Chair, Built Heritage May 1996

Publication of the Ruth Martin Papers has been made possible by donations (tax deductible) to the Lake of Bays Heritage Foundation. THE RUTH MARTIN PAPERS

Index

BOOK #1: General Muskoka History

Part I--1879 Atlas/Northern Lakes--1886/Free Grant Lands 1868

1. Overview 1879 Atlas Ruth Martin 1--1 2. Muskoka & Parry Districts W.E. Hamilton (Atlas) 1--2 3. Muskoka and Northern Lakes (part) 1886 1--37 4. Free Grant Lands of Canada 1871 by Thomas McMurray 1--42

Part II--General History--published (extracts)

1. Muskoka Memories by Ann Hathaway (1849--) 1--51 2. Algonquin Story Audrey Saunders 1--52 3. English Bloods Roger Vardon 1-55 4. History of Muskoka Capt L.R. Fraser 1--59

Part III--Homestead Books & Township Papers

1. Selected List of First Owners Homestead Books 1--70 2. Township Papers at Ontario Archives 1--83

Part IV--Haliburton/Baysville/Local Government

1. Early Days in Haliburton (excerpts) by H.R. Cummings 1963 1--101 (Dorset Public Library) 2. Northern Exposure (excerpts) by Rev Richard Warder (Ang)1--103 (Baysville Library) 3. The Light of Other Years (excerpts_ Gravenhurst Library 1--108 4. Local Government Review--1968 a research report 1--116

BOOK #2

Part I--Lake of Bays--General History

1. Fifty Years of Muskoka History Harry Linney 2--1 2. G.T.R. Booklet 9th edition 1914 loaned by Mr. S. Booker 2--3 3. First Tourist--100 years ago Huntsville Forester 2-6 August 24, 1961 4. Bruce West Program 2--8 5. G.T.R. Booklet 1st edition 1908 loaned 2--9

By Doris Taplin 6. Early Lake of Bays Hotels Forester July 26, 1906 2-13 7. Beautiful Lake of Bays --1905 Mrs Asbury’s scrapbook 2--20 8. Campbell Family’s 1st trip by Mary G. Campbell 2--21

to Lake of Bays--1904 9. The Navigation Company Forester May 28, 1951 2--25

Part II--Tom Salmon

1. Interview with Harry Salmon August 1966 2--27 2. Visit with Mrs. David Langford Sept 6, 1966 2--29 3. Poem by Mr. Thomas Salmon 2--30 4. Tom Salmon Diary 1880 2--38 5. List of People mentioned in Diary 2--72 6. Interview with Mrs. Ann Emberson Oct. 2, 1967 2--73 7. Tom Salmon --observation Margaret Bowlby 2--81 8. Pioneer Tom Salmon Ashworth Tweedsmuir History 2--83 9. Tom Salmon Obituary 1943 2--85

Part III--Fox Point Road

1. Interview with Mrs. Joseph Tapley Sept 28, 1966 2--86 2. Interview with Mrs. William Keown August 30, 1970 2--90

Part IV--Birkendale & Ten Mile Bay

1. Interview with Mrs. Langford July 28, 1967 2--94 2. Interview with Dorothea Robson Sept 25, 1967 2--97 3. Interview with Rev. John Robson Aug 23, 1968 2--101 4. Visit with Mr. Alfred Chevalier Sept 15, 1968 2--103 5. Naming of Birkendale Ashworth Tweedsmuir History 2--109 6. Interview with Charles Dillon August 29, 1971 2--110

Part V--Port Cunnington Road

1. Naming of Fox Point 2--119 2. Drive with Mrs. David Langford August 9, 1967 2--120 3. Boyce Henry Cunnington Mrs. Asbury’s scrapbook 2--122 4. Visit with Mr. & Mrs Bert Boothby Oct 15, 1970 2--123 Ross & Helen at Point Ideal 5. Interview with Alex Thompson Sept 27, 1970 2--127 6. Visit with Mr. & Mrs. Bert Boothby Oct 20, 1970 2--132 Mrs. Boothby’s sister Mrs. Will Munro (nee Emily Cunnington) 7. Interview with Dr. & Mrs. Bradford Young Sept 15, 1970 2--135 8. Diary Boyce Cunnington loaned by Mary Elder 2--144 9. Family Tree--Cunnington 2--146 10. Interview with Mr. & Mrs. Wm. H. Boothby Sept 9, 1971 2--147 11. Visit with Mr. & Mrs. Elwood Campbell Oct 12, 1971 2--153 12. School Register Information loaned by Elwood Campbell 2--154

Part IV--Haystack Bay Tweedsmuir History 2--157

BOOK #3: Dwight--Portage--Newholm--Portage

Part I--Dwight

1. A Village--Heart of Gold Toronto Telegram Nov. 8, 1958 3--1 2. First White Settler (Tom Salmon) Forester Sep 27, 1962 3--4 By May Salmon 3. Mrs. Langford--Dwight July 28, 1967 3--7 4. Drive with Mrs. Langford, Port Cunnington Aug 9, 1967 3--10 Road & Jessie Hood & Esther Keown 5. Old Residents Gather (Dorset) July 28, 1967 3--18 6. Pioneer Days at Dwight Forester 1925 3--20 Mrs. Asbury’s scrapbook 7. Interview--Mrs. Norman Boothby Sept 16, 1968 3--22 August 19, 1969 8. Gouldie’s Store Ledger loaned by Mrs. N. Boothby 3--27 9. Rev. James McCrea diary notes loaned by Mrs. N. Boothby 3--34 (1895) 10. Frank Blackwell Recollections Feb 27, 1952 3--41 Loaned by Doris Taplin 11. Visit--Mr. & Mrs. Charles Corbett Sept 9, 1968 3--44 12. Notes re Booklet “Vacation Trips” 1908 3--48 13. Interview--Mr. & Mrs. Ralph Blackwell June 7, 1970 3--49 14. Dwight Tweedsmuir History Sept 16, 1969 3--53 Mrs. V. Asbury 15. Notes--Mrs. Asbury’s Scrapbook 3--55 16. Interview re Bert McKeown Mrs. Sadie Woodcock 3--57 17. Interview--Mr. & Mrs. N. Boothby Sept 29, 1970 3--61

Part II--Stewarts of Dwight 1. The Stewarts of Dwight by Harold Stanely Stewart 3--64

Part III--Dwight-Wiman Club

1. The Tourists (1871) Northern Advocate June 30, 1871 3--118 2. Visit with Mrs. Langford Oct 13, 1967 3--120 3. Poem by Mrs. Thomas Salmon c 1873? 3--122 4. Interview with A. Dwight Ross Aug 29, 1967 3--124 5. Interview with Mrs. Langford Sept 12, 1967 3-127 6. Long Lake Hunt Club Log loaned by Ralph Blackwell 3-128 (1882---1929) 7. Dwight-Wiman Club & Cole Bracebridge Gazette 3-137 Family (Dorset) Nov 22, 1923, loaned by Mrs. Stewart of Huntsville

Part IV--South Portage--Cain’s Corner--Millar Hill

1. Visit with Aylmer Campbell Sept 3, 1968 3-177 2. Interview--Martha Burns & Robert Burns October 1968 3-184 3. Story of Millar Hill (excerpt) Forester June 20, 1963 3-191 Loaned by Marg Bowlby 4. Story of Millar Hill by A.W. Hiscoke 3-193 Asbury Scrapbook Forester June 20, 1963 5. The Portage Railway loaned by Mrs. E. Kelly 3-196 6. History Portage Railway Ashworth Tweedsmuir History 3-197 7. Interview--Mrs. Vivian Murray July 26, 1970 3-198 8. Interview--Mrs. Jack Boothby Sept 19, 1971 3-202 9. Continuation--Portage School Minute Book 3-208

Part V--Road from Newholm to South Portage

1. Interview--Miss Effie Alldred July 11, 1968 3-211 2. Drive with Miss Effie Alldred Sept 19, 1968 3-214 3. Interview--Mr. Alfred Jennings Sept 26, 1968 3-220

BOOK #4 Bigwin--Baysville--Gordon’s Corners-Brown’s Brae

Part I--Bigwin

1. Copy--Abstract 4-1 2. Interview—Sam Forsyth…………………July 27, 1964 ………………………… 4-4 3. Bigwin Auction Sale Ends Era…………...Nov 22, 1966 Telegram ……………… 4-7 4. Various articles on Mr. Shaw…………….Source—Pioneer Village …………… 4-11

Tannery & Band 5. Bigwin Inn—1943………………………..Ashworth Tweedsmuir History ………… 4-20 6. Poem—Bigwin…………………………...by Mrs. J.B. Shrigley Dorset …………… 4-22

PART II—Chief Bigwin

1. Notes from articles…………………………………………………………………… 4-23.

PART III—Baysville and Environs

1. The Pulford House—booklet…………….loaned by Mrs. L. C. Brown ……………4-26 2. Baysville & McLean Township………….Langford papers ………………………….4-29 3. When Muskoka was New………………..Mark Langford ………………………… 4-34 4. Interview—Mr. & Mrs. L.C. Brown…….Aug 28, 1967 …………………………… 4-39 5. Interview—Mrs. St. Clair Ferguson……..Oct 15, 1968 …………………………… 4-56 6. Interview—Mr. & Mrs. Lloyd Green……Oct 17, 1967 ……………………………. 4-62 7. Drive with Mrs. Langford……………….July 31, 1967 …………………………… 4-67 8. Visit with Mrs. J.J. Robinson……………Oct 4, 1967 ……………………………… 4-73

9. Interview—Mr. Karl Campbell………….Aug 8, 1968 ……………………………… 4-76 10. Interview—Mrs. P.C. Stewart…………..June 20, 1969 …………………………… 4-79 11. Interview—Mrs. Fred VanClieaf………..Sept 16, 1974 …………………………… 4-82

PART IV—Back Road—Gordon’s Corners & Brown’s Brae

1. Interview—Miss Eva Booker……………Oct 18, 1967 ……………………..………4-83 2. Brown’s Brae Road……………………...Aug 6, 1968 …………………………… 4-88

with Dorothy & Jessie Campbell 3. Interview—Jack Rowe & Joe Morrow…..Sept 30, 1969 ………………………… 4-90. 4. Interview—Gordon Robinson……………Oct 14, 1969 …………………………… 4-91. 5. Interview—Mrs. Effie Tyrrell……………Sept. 25, 1970 …………………………… 4-98 6. Interview—Mrs. James Watson………….Sept 1973 ……………………………… 4-106.

PART V—Dorset

1. Chronological History—Dorset……………Charles E. Burk ……………………… 4-111 2. Interview—Mr. & Mrs. Alexander McKay...Aug 9, 1966 ……………………………4-113 3. E.A Remey’s Book…………………………Sept 25, 1967 ………………………… 4-117 4. Dorset—Dreamland The Telegram…………Aug 11, 1956 ……………………… 4-120 5. Mr. Arvine Barry Scrapbook Notes………………………………………………… 4-123 6. Charming Paint Lake by Harry Linney……Ethel’s scrapbook …………………… 4-137 7. Off Beaten Trails in Muskoka……………..by Harry Linney ……………………… 4-141 8. Interview—Margaret Dayment……………April 4, 1968 …………………………… 4-144 9. Visit with Stanley Booker…………………Aug 12, 1968 ……………………………4-146 10. Visit—Mrs. P.C. Stewart………………….July 23, 1968 …………………………… 4-154 11. Visit—Mrs. William Cassidy……………..Aug 17, 1968 …………………………… 4-159 12. Visit—Mrs. Cassidy & M & M Kelly…….Aug 24, 1968 ……………...…………… 4-163 13. Visit—Mrs. Cassidy & M & M Kelly…….Sept 1, 1968 …………………………… 4-172 14. Visit—Mrs. Cassidy & M & M Kelly…….Aug 11, 1969 …………………………… 4-177 15. Dorset Information………………………...loaned by Mrs. L. Barry ……………… 4-181 16. Visit—Mr. & Mrs. Lesley Barry…………..Sept 11, 1968 ………………………… 4-185 17. The Outfitter of Dorset (Wes Clayton)…….loaned by Marg Bowlby …………… 4-199 18. Visit Mrs. G. Dawkins……………………...March 28, 1969 ……………………… 4-201

“Robertsons of OxTongue Lake” 19. Visit—Mr. & Mrs. Hudson…………………March 30, 1969 ……………………… 4-208 20. Fisher Family of Dorset…………………….W.R. Fisher ………………………… 4-213

Diary of sailing 1870 21. Visit—Mr. & Mrs. Norman Fisher…………July 1, 1969 ………………………… 4-225 22. Visit—Mr. & Mrs. Norman Fisher…………August 10, 1969 ……………………… 4-227 23. Interview—Mr. Leonard Avery…………….July 28, 1969 ………………………… 4-229 24. Interview--Mr. Leonard Avery……………..August 10, 1969 ……………………… 4-240 25. Interview—Len, Sidney, Orrie Avery……...Aug 31, 1969 ………………………… 4-246 26. Article—c 1915—no heading………………Lloyd Green? ………………………… 4-254 27. Treasurer’s Accounts—SS#1………………………………………………………… 4-257

Sherbourne/Ridout/McClintock/Franklin 1881-1899 28. Hugh McEachern…………………………..July 14, 1970 ………………………… 4-288 29. Interview—Mrs. Orrie Avery……………...Sept 24, 1972 ………………………… 4-290

& sister Miss Kate McKay

Fifty Years of Muskoka History by Harry Linney

No history of Muskoka can be written without including the Indian occupation. Proofs are abundant. From the stream now known as the Severn River, north through the Muskokas, came the Iroquois, Huron, Mohawks and Nipissings. Gradually they were exterminated, and the year 1848 saw white men, military attaches from Penetanguishene, using the water course to reach the Ottawa Valley.

When, in the early fifties trappers and hunters found their way here, these white men saw only traces of the big Indian bands, remnants of the aboriginals. Indians of peace came in to the district it 1859-60. Among these families were Samson, Elijah, and Peter Yellowhead; nine families of the Joes, including Joseph, Stinson and Cousin; three Blackbird families, John, Peter and Elijah; two Norsnake groups, Noan and George; John and Robert Bigwin, with eight or ten adherents each, most interesting in their training and outlook, big men, and important in their day. There were also the Georges, Menominees, Quinbushes, and numerous other bands, crafty, alert, and mighty as hunters, such as Mesquaukee and Begamagobaway, two important chiefs, after the first of whom Muskoka receives its name. Sections of Muskoka, Draper, Oakley, Macaulay, Franklin, Medora and Ridout Townships furnish proofs of Indian habitation in large numbers.

As early as 1858 it was decided by the legislators that the Muskokas should be opened for settlement. Roads were projected from Bytown. The Peterson and Bobcaygeon roads were among the earliest, traces of which exist to this day.

Little was actually known of the resources, excepting as a big hunting ground, abounding with fur, until a year or two before the passing of the Free Grant Act in 1868. Then it was that the rush started. Men from all over the Empire started for Muskoka, rich and poor, learned and unlearned, some seeking homes, others seeking adventure. A study of our first people reveals deeply interesting and romantic types. What contrasts exist between the Mary's Lake and the Hekkla peoples, even to this day, but more outstanding in the original. Upper Draper was settled by English Protestants; lower Monck by Irish Catholics. We have similar contrasts between Morrison and Stisted Townships, one agriculturally inclined, the other militarily.

The family of David Hanna was one of the first, located in the south part of the district, from which family the late William Henna sprung, and which figures in the district's history quite prominently. A.P.Cockburn early engaged himself with the transportation problems and established boats on the three lower principal lakes. Then, in the same enterprise we have the Marsh family on the Trading Waters.

The coming of the Burgess family to Bala is typical of many others.Thomas Burgess was a man of adventure and ambition. Hearing of the great timber wealth of Muskoka, and seeing his family grow up, who needed great fields of opportunity, he resolved to locate here. In 1868, he canoed around the shores of Muskoka Lake, the shores of which water were then practically an unentered wilderness. Wherever he looked, forests of stately pine reared their giant forms. Here the deer roamed plentifully. Fish were abundant. When he came to the place where the Musquah River begins to empty the waters of the lake into Georgian Bay, he selected a mill-site

on the third branch of its three forked head. He secured squatter's rights to the property, and, by the summer of 1870, had a mill erected, and a house built. Here he converted logs into lumber, and wheat into flour. The same might be said of Alexander Bailey at North Falls (Bracebridge). With the assistance of his wife, a woman of tact and industry and kindly heart, and his son George, and two young fellows who assisted, William Spencer and Aubrey White, he supplied the incoming settlers with supplies and bought from the Indians their Furs.

The district filled up rapidly, and, by 1870 every location worth while was taken. To quote one family as a type; Take the Bogarts who settled in Watt. Jacob Bogart and his wife arrived with their four children, the eldest ten years old, in 1861. The steamer Wabamick conveyed them from Belle Ewart to Orillia, a sail boat, from Orillia to Washago, and they walked from there to Bracebridge, Mrs. Bogart carrying her baby in her arms. Their first cook stove was carried from the trunk stage road at Falkenburg to Ufford by Peter Pickering, John Shea, Bill Shea and John Giles.

Such were the experiences of the first settlers seeking farms, and while there were many hardships, no people were happier. Those were the days when the community spirit reigned. Those with food, divided with those who had none. Settlers walked for miles to assist the latest arrival to build his house. William and John Kirk of Macaulay took their oxen to Port Carling to help the Johnsons clear their land. Nathaniel Kirby walked to Orillia from Falkenburg for flour, which he carried back on his shoulders, together with a side of pork. Mrs. Matthias Moore walked from Falkenburg to Toronto and return without making much ado or thinking it a feet of skill. Francis Forbes of Windermere one spring day broke a ploughshare, and journeyed on foot to Clipshams at Sparrow Lake for a new one, or to have the broken one repaired. To walk from Baysville to Bracebridge to post a letter was not more seriously considered than walking across one's dining room to-day.

The pathetic feature of the first days was the destruction of so much first quality timber to make clearings, so that the soil might be tilled. None but the best was accepted. Pine was the only timber looked at. About the taking out of square timber for shipment to the Old Land, and for the building of the first Welland Canal, much of romance clings, and data gathered for a future story of Muskoka, of the days of the big lumber operations, when the Dodges, the Dollars, the Cockburns, the Gilmours, were kings, is rich in folklore, and depicts a people worthy and courageous, who could love and work, and fight, if necessary, and who have given to the world men and women who are winning for themselves honour and success and making the world brighter for having been a part of its activities. [handwritten: From Mr Stanley Booker]

There is another booklet entitled - Lake Of Bays- Highlands of Ontario- a concise description of one of the most attractive summer resort districts in Ontario, Canada. Seventh Edition, 1914 issued by General Passenger Department, Grand Trunk Railway System, Montreal

Perhaps nowhere in the Highlands of Ontario, or anywhere in Canada, is there an outing place which has been such a signal success from the start, as the Lake of Bays district. While it is true that a number of small hotels and cottages have existed here for some time, the real start was

made in 1908, when the spacious Wawa Hotel was opened at Norway Point. This magnificent hotel, a detailed description of which will be found elsewhere in this book, was filled to capacity the first month it was opened. The following season, 1909, notwithstanding considerable extension, and the addition of a tent city, at the foot of the rugged bluff near the hotel proper, 500 applicants were turned away.

There is a. poem here entitled "WAWA" ( Wawa means wild goose) In the days of yore, the Wild Goose came From sunny, southern days. To spend the pleasant Summer months Within the Lake of Bays.

Long years have passed, the sons of men Follow his northern flight And here within the Lake of Bays Find seasons of delight. And here they've built a monument To the pioneer who came, To show the way of pleasure, But cannot use his name.

The Wild Goose House, would shock the sense Cf those who have equipped it. And so the Wawa is the name With which they have 'yclipt it.

A particularly charming spot is Dwight Bay, with its green shore curving caressingly around it, and sloping gently and gradually back, sheltering groves with open evenness, running down to the water's edge, through which we get glimpses of open fields beyond, long reaches of slanting, sandy beaches where babes can bathe with absolute safety. Cunning little cottages, picturesque summer houses, the white church, the school house, the hotel, and the Iroquois in the offing. That is but a faint hint of the picture of this beautiful bay. Dwight is its own best advertisement. The fact that the first visitor to this comparatively new resort, 20 years ago, from a certain city in the State of New York, went home happy, came again and again, bringing each year others from the same section of that interesting state, speaks well for the Lake of Bays generally, and for Dwight Bay in particular. The bay, walled in on three sides is as safe for the canoeist, as the shallow beach is for the bathers.

On the west shore, the dark, wooded mainland rises abruptly, while the river comes singing in from the east. Always, there will remain with you the memory of Norway Point, Point Ideal, Bona Vista, Britannia, and more distinctly still, Dwight Bay, the beautiful.

Britannia Hotel. This hotel was built in 1908, to accommodate 100 guests. The annex was added in 1909 with room for 50 more. Each year, extensive improvements have been made on the grounds, tennis courts and bowling greens. There is an excellent bathing beach, and nine

new bath houses. - In 1912, Britannia Hall was built nearby the hotel with accommodation for 100 additional guests. For the 1914 season, there will be an excellent golf links - 9 hotels

The Wawa hotel was named the Wawa, which is the Indian word for wild goose. It contains 153 rooms, arranged so that they may be occupied singly or en suite. The structure is built after the cottage style of architecture, and rises to a height of two stories only. - Dining room has seating capacity for 300 people. The proprietors of the Wawa were the Canada Railway News Company Limited. Speaking of the Huntsville and Lake of Bays Navigation Company- steamers are operated from about May 1st to Nov. 20 in each season. Five boats, the Algonquin, Iroquois, Ramona, Mohawk Belle and Minota have been added to their fleet. The first two named have a speed of 16 miles an hour, and are unquestionably as fine as any steamers on inland waters. They are equipped for carrying 500 passengers each, lighted with electricity, and each equipped with a powerful searchlight, which adds greatly to the pleasure and interest of moonlight trips, about the lakes. The Ramona and Mohawk Belle, also lighted throughout by electricity, and carrying powerful searchlights are of lighter draft for the river and coast service. An attentive stewardess is employed, and a first class lunch service is operated on the larger boats, by the Canada Railway News Co. These boats also have large cold storage refrigerators, for carrying meats, fruits, vegetables etc., to the cottagers about the lake. A close connection is made with the through trains of the Grand Trunk Railway System at Huntsville, by the Algonquin and the Ramona which connects with the Iroquois and Mohawk Belle for Lake of Bays service. Ronville Summer resort is advertised. Their post office address is Fox Point, Ont. Can accommodate 125 guests- -C.J.C.Crump.

Port Cunnington is also advertised.

In Dorset, it says the Iroquois Hotel - a large new brick hotel - with accommodation for 75 guests - open the year round

The Ganoseyo- also located at Dorset, is a splendid quiet retret. —Miss G.L. Persch of Buffalo.

The establishment of a motor wagon service between Dorset and Hollow Lake by Mr. Hiram Barry of Dorset, in connection with his livery service is an innovation that will be greatly appreciated this season by patrons of resort in this section. The vehicle is commodious, and will be operated on regular schedule in connection with the summer boat service of the Navigation Company.

Dwight The Gouldie House, The Dwight House A.G.Gouldie Peter F.Newton Nor Loch lodge - 35 guests Pine Grove Inn - Harry A.Corbett

Point Ideal - Mr. Egbert Boothby

Bona Vista - a new colony of summer visitors have located at this point. During the seasons 1911 and 12, several beautiful summer cottages were erected, and more will be built during 1913. Cottages and sites for sale. Write - Rev. J.A. Brown. - Fergus

Garry Owen Lodge- located about 4 miles from Dorset, and has accommodation for 20 guests. It is one of the most popular private places on the lake, and is directly on the steamer line.

Fox Point - Park Place, and The Hemlocks are also on the steamer route. The Maples, about 2 1/2 miles from Dorset - 15 guests - Gid Burke.

Sea Breeze Cottage - Ten Mile Bay - 25 guests- Mrs. W.G. Burke, Birkendal

Clovelly - several picturesque cottages, and a fine new pier, have been built at this attractive resort in the past few months. The cottages are among the finest on the lake - supplied by a gravity system, with pure spring water from the hills nearby. J.W. Tyrrell, Hamilton

Cottage sites -Besides those already enumerated, might be mentioned the following - Bigwin Island, comprising about 550 acres, beautifully wooded with both hard and soft woods, and located in the most picturesque part of Lake of Bays, in close proximity to Norway Point, Port Cunnington, Grove Avenue, and other resorts. Building sites are for sale on this island, in lots of any size. For further particulars, address the Bigwin Island Land Company, Limited, Huntsville, Ontario

First Tourist Here - 100 years ago

Lake of Bays, Favourite Recreation Area Huntsville Forester - Aug. 24, 1961 lent to me by Margaret Bowlby

Lake of Bays was earlier named forked Lake, and, the mainland across from Bigwin Island, was long a trading centre for the earliest Indians and fur traders. The lake is very popular for scenic beauty like this.

(The above is caption underneath picture.)

The Lake of Bays is one of the historic parts of this region, and, was an important location along the trade route which crosses the province between the Georgian Bay, and the Ottawa River.

By canoe, Indians and fur traders came up one of the branches of the Muskoka River, actually, the South Branch, crossed the Lake of Bays, and proceeded up what we to-day call the Oxtongue River.

From this point, they paddled to the head waters, and then, portaged across the Petawawa River. By this stream, they made their way to Ottawa and perhaps, as far as Montreal.

Lake of Bays first came into the official records soon after the war of 1812-14, when military authorities sought alternative travel routes across the province, far from the United States

border. The Duke of Wellington was one man who took a great interest in this matter. Eight such exploration trips have been recorded, and five of these were made by military men.

In commemoration of these explorers, a historic site marker was unveiled in Baysville, on the West bank of the Muskoka River, in August of 1958.

Dr. S. Wallace, noted historian, and former librarian of the University of Toronto, points out in some of his reports, that the Lake of Bays had been a principal station for traders for some time, and mentions a civilian by the name of Charles Sherriff interested in agriculture and lumbering. Sherriff apparently travelled from the Ottawa Valley across to Georgian Bay and back again, in 1829. On his maps, he had marked "posts" on the mainland across from Bigwin Island. (Bigwin Inn).

The name, Muskoka River, was in use during the early 1820's, and Sherriff states in his reports, the name, came from an old Indian Chief, who fought with the British in the War of 1812-14, and was awarded a medal from the King.

Lake Muskoka was then known as Lake Chomle. Army officers Carthew and Bradley, explored the area in 1835, mentioned among other things that Lake Rosseau was named Rosseau's Lake, named after a fur trader.

Explorer David Thompson, who is famous for the British Columbia River he mapped and named after him, gave names to several lakes in Muskoka. He called Lake of Bays, Forked Lake.

Alexander Murray, a provincial geologist, later named it Lake of Bays in 1853, and his report shows he named Mary Lake, Fairy Lake, Peninsula Lake, Oxtongue Lake and several others.

Colonization Roads from Washago and Bobcaygeon, were started in 1858, and the settlement of Muskoka began within two or three years. Tourist business began as early as 1860. It is said that Summer people came to the Lake of Bays, before they did to the Muskoka Lakes, by way of colonization roads.

The early settlers in McLean twp., included Brown's, Bastedo's, Dickie’s and Langford's. Other early names around the Baysville area were Van Clieaf's , Kelly's, Henderson's, Robinson’s, Shewfelt's and others. McLean was settled earlier than angy other twp around the Lake- though the Thompson's were very early settlers around South Portage.

Lake of Bays seems to have been a favourite place for Indians during their time of occupation here. Indian flint arrowheads could be dug out of the sands of the area, in large numbers, 30-40 years age. Indians led by Chief Bigwin, used to do their trading on Bigwin Island. Old books tell that one Indian Chief's daughter, and several others are buried on that Island.

To-day, Lake of Bays is the favourite Sumner playground for thousands of Summer people, and, cottages, resorts and cabins dot the shores of this popular Muskoka vacation centre.

Excerpts from a T.V. programme - Sat. Jan. 4, 1969 featuring Bruce West, guide, Wrenshaw Tooke, and John Mitchell, a small boy from the city.

The Muskoka River in November. Tomahawk Point, on Sandy Gray Lake.

Old Sandy Gray, went down to the point to a log jam, saying, “I'll break the jam, or have breakfast in Hades.". Well, Sandy broke the jam, but, he was lost.

A paragraph from a little English magazine, called “Country".

Why do so, many come? Although most of us do not know it, and relatively few admit it, and, even fewer can explain it, there is a deep mental and spiritual human need for the countryside. The more of our life we use in the getting and the spending, the more we hem ourselves in with brick and concrete, the greater the need to turn to the countryside. All that is man-made is unsure, unsafe, transient. The God-made is eternal, re-assuring and faith restoring.

In the bleak, grey dawn, a season dying, The wilderness calls, the geese are flying, To seek, to stalk, to be a man without fear, An urge that is primitive, passed through the years, Thoughts unwind, senses clear, in the Northern air, And, more than that, is just being there.

Lake of Bays - Highlands of Ontario lent to me by Doris Taplin Published by the Grand Trunk Railway System

Apparently these were published each year. This one was the first, published in 1908. The one lent to me last Summer by Mr. Stalny Booker was Published in 1914, and was the seventh.

In side the cover of this is a Paragraph devoted to "the new hotel”, the Wawa, which has beer erected at Norway Point, Lake of Bays, with accommodation for 150 guests, And, there is an article further on about the Wawa,

It describes the trip in from Huntsville to the Lake of Bays, over Fairy and Peninsular Lake. Beyond Peninsular Lake, we come to a portage made over a toy like railroad- - one of the shortest on the American continent- 14miles in length. Here, the traveller, bag and baggage, is entrained and carried up over a hill 110 feet above the lake, and dropped gently down to the Lake of Bays. Here, the water journey is taken up again on the Iroquois, a sister ship, and the exact duplicate of the Algonquin,- or the Mohawk. These are probably the neatest, and, best appointed of the scores of boats that ply on the Highland waters. In fact, it would be difficult to find fault with them, or to suggest a single comfort or convenience that has not already been provided.

The Lake of Bays is far the largest lake in the Huntsville district. From the deck of the Mohawk or the Iroquois, can be seen some inland scenery unsurpassed. The woodland hills billow away in every direction, not a rough and inhospitable shore always, for, here and there, are open reaches running down to the lake, and sometimes away high on the hills, are fine farms, from which the lakeside hotels draw new garden truck, fresh milk, butter, buttermilk, and sweet cream for the Summer tourists. There is a ten mile sail across the Lake of Bays. Dwight Bay, with its green shore curving caressingly around it, and sloping gently and gradually back, sheltering groves with open evenness running down to the water's edge, through which we get glimpses of open fields beyond. Long reaches of sloping sandy beaches where babes can bathe in absolute safety; cunning little cottages, picturesque Summer houses, the white church, the school house, the hotel, and, the Iroquois in the offing- that is but a faint hint of the picture of this beautiful bay. Dwight, is its own best advertisement. The fact that the first visitor to this comparatively new resort, came 20 years ago from a certain city in the State of New York, went home happy, came again and again bringing others each year from that same section of that interesting State, speaks well for the Lake of Bays generally, and Dwight, in particular. The Bay, walled in on three sides; is as safe for the canoeist, as the beach is for bathers.

The opening paragraph in this description, describes the scene to the North at the head of the Bay. On the West shore, the dark, wooded mainland rises abruptly, while the river comes singing in from the East. Sail around the entire shoreline, leave, and sail around all the other lakes in the Highland of Ontario, and there will remain with you, the memory of Norway Point, Point Ideal, Britannia, and, more distinctly still, Dwight Bay, the beautiful.

- - - - - - Wahawin, a delightful resort consisting of 140 acres, has a frontage on the Lake of Bays, beginning at a fine shelving beach, it rises in natural terrace, 70 to 80 feet to a plateau above,

and is wooded on the slope with the choicest of hardwood trees. The location commands one of the finest views on the lake. Cottages are available here, also fine locations for cottage sites. Not the least of the charms of Wahawin, lies in the many woodland walks radiating in every direction from the cottages. There is a daily hail service by steamer.

Another popular resort, is Britannia. Britannia is the first calling point of steamer after leaving South Portage. Located in a fine bay, on a sloping hillside, with fine beach, this resort includes some 300 acres of land, part wooded, and part cultivated. Extensive additions and improvements have been made here this past year, and this resort has room capacity for 100 guests. Beautifully cleared walks through the woods, along the lake shore, tennis courts, and croquet grounds, and a fine baseball ground situated on the brow of the hill back of the house, overlooking the lake; a large covered pavilion, 100 ft by 42 ft for dancing and musicales, etc., electric lighted, and weekly excursions are run to this point by the Iroquois, for social hops, or, other amusements. The hotel, at this point, has been furnished with modern conveniences, baths, etc. It is also electric lighted. Lots are for sale here for cottage sites, in any size. This is destined to became one of the chief resorts of the Lake of Bays. Milk, cream, garden produce, supplied in abundance from own farm in connection. For further particulars as to cottege sites et., address C.R. Rumball, Hotel Britannia, Huntsville, Lake of Bays.

Wawa

One of the most charming parts of the Lake of Bays district, is Norway Point, a popular haven for a colony of Summer residents who have erected a number of picturesque cottages. This 'point has been chosen for the site for a new hotel, which has been constructed this year, for the accommodation of those who do not wish to be bothered with the cares of house-keeping, and desire the rest that is found in a life of ease at a resort where the comforts of home are found without the worry and cares of city life. This new hotel has been named the Wawa, which is the Indian word for the Wild Goose. It contains 100 rooms, arranged so they may be occupied singly, or en suite, besides the public baths that are found on each floor there have been provided 22 private baths in connection with bedrooms en suite, a feature which will be very much appreciated by the patrons of the district this year. Hot and cold running water in each bedroom.

The hotel is electric lighted, and a powerful search light has been placed on top of the dome of the hotel, which will cast its rays over lake, wood and island scenery, during the evenings. This is a novel feature, new to Canada, and one which is very popular in leading resorts in Switzerland. The dining room extends from the rotunda to the rear of the building, and, is a large bright room, lighted from both sides, and with a seating capacity for 150 people. The cuisine will be under the supervision of an experienced chef, and it will be the object of the management to see that the table service is satisfactory to the most fastidious. Arrangements have been made for heating the dining room in cold weather. A small dining room is connected with the main dining room, for the use of children and nurses, or or small evening gatherings, or, private parties.

The Huntsville and L. of B. Nay. Co., are building at this point a new and commodious wharf, on which will be erected a covered pavilion which will be used for dancing, and other forms of amusement. An orchestra will be in attendance during the Summer season. This auxiliary to the

hotel will be a great boon to the guests, and is placed sufficiently far from the hotel so as not to interfere with the quiet and rest of those who wish it.

The hotel is supplied with fresh milk, cream, poultry and vegetables from its own 200 acre farm.

The rates at Wawa are most reasonable for the service offered, and run from $2 to $3 per day, and $12 to $18 per week according to location of rooms.

Improved Boat Service

During the past couple of years, the H. and L.of B. N. Co., have greatly improved their equipment on these lakes, and are better prepared than ever to take care of the ever increasing number of tourists who visit this ideal territory.

Four boats, the Algonquin, Iroquois, Ramona, and Mohawk have been added to their fleet. The first two, have a speed of 16 miles an hour, and, unquestionably are as fine as any steamers on inland waters. They are equipped for carrying 500 passengers, and are lighted with electricity, and are each equipped with a powerful searchlight which adds greatly to the pleasure and interest of trips by moonlight. about the lakes. The Ramona and Mohawk, also lighted throughout, with electricity, and carrying powerful searchlights are of lighter draught for the river and coast served. An attentive service is employed, and a first class meal or luncheon and refreshment service is operated on the larger boats. These boats also have large cold storage refrigerators for carrying meats, fruit, vegetables etc for cottagers about the lakes.

Close Through connection is made with the through trains of the Grand Trunk Rwy. System at Huntsville by the Algonquin, and connects with the Iroquois and the Mohawk for Lake of Bays service, and the Ramona for Grunwald, and Mary Lake points and Port Sydney. The addition of these fine steamers to the fleet, enables passengers to reach their destination on the Lake of Bays much earlier than heretofore.

The weekly moonlight excursions on the big boats have become so popular, that the management have determined to run them nightly on the lesser lake and weekly through to the Lake of Bays. The excursion boats carry a band, and serve light refreshments.

Tourists wishing to make a trip between Lake of Bays and Algonquin Park via Hollow Lake will find competent and reliable guides for the trip available. Hollow Lake is noted for its most, excellent trout fishing.

(There are ether paragraphs on the fishing of the area, and, for the hunting and so on.)

Principal Points

I am only including the ones on the Lake of Bays.

Ronville Summer Resort- post office address - Fox Point, Ont..

Ten Mile Creek, and Ten Mile Bay- about one mile from this Point, have excellent salmon and trout fishing. The trolling in Ten Mile Bay, in the shadow of the high and rocky bluff that lines the shore, is unexcelled.This is one of the best fishing grounds of the district, First class hotel at this Point, where tourists and pleasure seekers, are made comfortable and happy- very fine beach. Telegraph connection with Huntsville. Port Cunnington - An ideal spot for rest. An exceptionally fine bathing beach, and one of the oldest established, and most popular resorts. Address H.B. Cunnington, Fox Point, Ont.. Baysville- a first class fishing point- speckled trout. Has two hotels and boarding houses with good accommodations Dorset - capital place, with good accommodations, also starting point for the sportsman's paradise of Hollow Lake and vicinity. It is one of the finest speckled trout fishing grounds north of Toronto. The large new hotel, Iroquois, erected lest year- accommodation for 75 guests the year round, gas, bath, modern lavatories, and all conveniences. Well conducted, and most accommodating management. Rigs supplied for trip to Hollow Lake. Dwight - also situated on the Lake of Bays, has become the favourite pleasure ground for a number of Rochester, N.Y. families, who each year take up their abode in this delightful retreat. Private cottages are in evidence here, also good boarding houses for the accommodation of tourist travel. Point Ideal - Mr. Egbert Boothby, proprietor, is also one of the meet favorably located resorts on the Lake of Bays, located directly on the line of the steamers- daily mail service- table bountifully supplied with —etc, from our own farm. This resort was opened in 190, is destined to become very popular with all those who desire rest end quiet. Surroundings exceptionally fine as to scenery- bathing beach- splendid fishing. Address - Point Ideal, Fox Point, Lake of Bays, Ont..

Fox Point, Grove Avenue, Edgewood, Garryowen, Park Place, Bayview Farm and Hemlocks are also on the steamer route

Cottage Sites. There are innumerable choice sites available in the Lake of Bays region for those who desire to erect Summer homes, camps or cottages. Besides those already enumerated might be mentioned the following; Bigwin Island- comprising about 550 acres- beautifully wooded with timber-both hard and soft woods, and located in the most picturesque part of theLake of Bays, in close proximity to Port Cunnington, Norway Point, Edgewood Grove Avenue, and other resorts. Building sites are for sale on this island, in lots of any size. For further particulars address the Huntsville and L of B. Nav. Co.,Ltd., Huntsville, Ontario.

Hotels and Boarding, Houses- Baysville

White House— prop. J Alldred - acc 40 Pulford house - A.J. Henderson - 70 Idylwild - Mrs. R.Green -25 Rosebank Farm - H Deakin - 15

Birkendale

The Hemlocks - W.E.Irwin - 30 Bt rkendale Summer Resort - W.C. Robson- 20

Brown's Brae, Ont..

Fairview Farm-John E. Brown, 18

Dorset

The Iroquois D McIlroy- 75 Alvira E.A. Langford - 25 Fairview J.W.Roberts - 50 Garryowen S.B.Ball - 15 Mountain Trout House - Hollow Lake - Miss Russell - 20

Bayview Farm - W.O.vSparkes Sr. - 30

Dwight, Ont

Gouldie House A.G. Gouldie - 50 Norloch Lodge - Miss Pauline Morton - 35

Fox Point

Edgewood A.F. Bailey - 30 Park Place - P.B. Walmsley -15 Island View Cottage - Thomas Salmon - 10 Grove Avenue - T.B.Robertson - 30 Port Cunnington Resort - B.H. Cunnington 30 Point Ideal - E. Boothby - 30 Lumina - Charles H.Cook- 10 Ronville - C.J.C.Crump- 100

Huntsville

Britannia - C.R. Rumball - 100

Norway Point - via Huntsville

The Wawa Canadian Rwy News Co - 150

Rates - $1-$3 per day, and $7 to $18 per week

The Huntsville Museum- Aug 8, 1969

The Huntsville Forester, July 26, 1906

The Fairview Hotel The Fairview Hotel is in the charming little village of Dorset, on the Lake of Bays. The writer reached the village by the water route from Huntsville and this is the most desirable way to reach Dorset, though it can be visited by land from either Huntsville or Bracebridge.

The Fairview has accommodation for 50 guests, and the diing room will seat 32 persons at one time. The present proprietor of this hotel is Mr. J. W. Roberts, who acquired the property some four years ago. Guests come to Dorset from all over the continent, and find I this vicinity, the very essence of enjoyment. The letterhead of the Fairview Hotel says that this is the home of the tourist, sportsmen’s paradise, having the finest trout fishing on the continent. This too, is the rendezvous in the Autumn for hunters of the gentle deer, and here have met many ardent sportsmen, and many are the hunting stories these walls have listened to, as the warm fire made rosy the Autumn evening.

The patronage of Fairview is always good, for, if it is not the tourists who seek health and pleasure, it is the hardy lumberman who makes this his stopping place, in the pursuit of his strenuous vocation.

The rates at Fairview are from 8 to 10 dollars a week, and the house could be filled, if it were twice as large as it is.

The Alvira House—Dorset E. A. Langford, proprietor

If you have visited Dorset, and have failed to call at the Alvira House, you have missed the opportunity of seeing one of the most promising Summer resorts, in the whole Lake of Bys region. Like many other p[laces, these lakes, and, like the proverbial Topsy—the Alvira House has just “growed up.” It is situated in the very heart of this promising little village, within a stone’s throuw of the boat landing. From its bedrooms and windows, one is permitted to enjoy a beautiful view over the lake, and witness the incoming boats. Alvira House is now two hyears old as a Summer resort, and, from the very commencement, it gave promise of a huge success. It furnishes accommodation for 75 people, at very moderate rates of $1.25 a day—$6 to $8 per week. The proprietor is one of the best known residents in Dorset, having been in the mercantile business there for some years, prior to this new venture. He was also post master at Dorset for some time. Some very marked improvements are contemplated before next season, in the accommodation and entertainment of guests. An addition, which will enlarge the accommodation by one third, will be erected. Modern improvements will be made to the interior, and two launches will be purchased, and placed at the disposal of the guests. These, added to the present attractions of boating, canoeing, private bathing, tennis, fishing etc., will add still more to the popularity of this pretty resort. You can get to Alvira House, either by ticket to Huntsville, and thence purchase passage over the Nav. Co.’s boats to Dorset, or, you can purchase tickets from the Railway Co., direct to Dorset, and have your baggage checked right through. (1906 picture of A.H. — appears to be much smaller place than In other pictures I have seen.)

Huntsville Museum McKee and Co. - General Store, Dorset, Messrs. J. And M.F. McKee are members of the above firm, who conduct a general store in the village of Dorset. The stock carried, is valued at about $7000, and consists of dry goods, groceries, boots and shoes, hardware, crockery, paint oils, etc. Practically everything that is required for wear or to keep the house, is to be had at this sotre, and the firm is doing a good business. Raw furs are also among the wares handled by this store, and these are accepted in exchange for goods. Tan bark and wood are also practically as good as cash, for they can be easily converted into money.

The firm has been in business here for two years, but, previous to starting this business, had been engaged in lumbering. The store they occupy is 24 by 50 feet in size. This location makes possible large orders from tourists and lumbermen, besides the general trade of the village and country people.

Huntsville Museum

Sardis Chevalier

Farm Valley is the name of the spot where stands the cottage of Mr. Chevalier. The cottage stands upon a rise of ground overlooking the bay, and, immediately behind the house, the mountain rises to a height of 200’ in rocky majesty. From the house, a pretty view meets the eye, and the ripping waters and smiling landscape invite to a sojourn in such pleasant surroundings. One longs to climb the mountains, to explore the fields and woods for berries, or to bathe and fish in the waters, or sail over the surface. The spot is three miles only from Dorset, and is in view of the daily passing boats. The house has now, accommodation for 12 visitors, and additions are to be made to it.

Mr. Chevalier owns 300 acres of land, 45 of which are cleared—some of this is in meadow, some in pasture, and some is cultivated. The little farm supplies fresh vegetables and dairy products to the table, and guests are treated to the best the place affords for 6 and 7 dollars a week.

The Huntsville Museum

The Gouldie House

One of the largest houses in the Lake of Bays district is named above, and located at Dwight, 8 miles from the Portage by water, 7 miles by land. This house has room for 75 guests, and, several times that number pass through it each season, enjoying its facilities for rest or pleasure as the fancy dictates.

Mr. Arch J. Gouldie, the proprietor of this popular Summer home, is an Englishman by birth, and, with his father’s family, came to Canada half a century ago. He came to Dwight, before that name on the map existed, and has there some 150 acres of land, cultivating some of it, as he does, and keeping a dairy, he is able to supply the table with vegetables fresh from the garden, lots of milk and butter made on the premises, berries of various kinds, gathered nearby. The house is splendidly equipped for the comfort of guests—water from the lake is pumped into a reservoir and, by gravitation, is supplied to all parts of the house. Sparkling spring water is available for drinking. The bathing, boating, fishing, and all other delights are available in a most desirable degree to guests at Gouldie House. Mrs. Gouldie is the genius who presides over the interior arrangements of the house, and her care for her guests, and her charming and amiable manner win for her the highest encomiums and attract visitors to the house season after season. The rates here are from $8 to $12 per week.

An engraving of the Gouldie House will be found on this page.

Huntsville Museum

Captain W.G. Robson

It was in the steam yacht of Captain Robson, that the writer had the pleasure of touring the Lake of Bays. Captain Robson lives with his sister who resides at Birkendale, and keeps the post office of that name. The situation is in Ten Mile Bay, Lake of Bays. Here, the Captain owns 100 acres of land, the Misses Robson, 200-40 acres being under cultivation. Six cows are kept, and plenty of milk and butter are always available. The Misses Robson have accommodation for 30 guests, and their home is a charming place to sojourn for health or pleasure. The house occupies an elevation a few hundred yards from the water’s edge, and faces the South. A grand view for many miles is available from this hill, and there are endless possibilities for pleasure in the prospect of a stay of a few weeks here. The fields and woods and rocky slopes offer fascinating attractions for the lover of Nature and the splendid bathing beach is safe for children or ladies who cannot swim. Captain Robson has lived in Muskoka for 30 years, and at Birkendale for a quarter of a century. He is the oldest steamboat man on the Lake of Bays. This is his 24th year on these waters. He knows this region like a book, and is safe and competent guide. mr. Robson owns the steamboat Equal Rights which is chartered to carry 20 passengers, and can make 10 miles an hour. He uses this boat, either for towing purposes or passenger traffic, and it is nearly always available for picnic parties on short notice. The Captain is genial and obliging, and will give a party an enjoyable outing on these lovely waters.

Huntsville Museum Ronville Summer Resort

Of all the Summer resorts in the wonderful lake of Bays district, there is none larger, more perfect in its equipment, more charming in location than Ronville. At a bend in Ten Mile Bay, the first glimpse of Ronville is obtained—a large frame house—by far, the most roomy house on the lake, nestling in a grassy valley, at the foot of a towering mountain. In front—a long line of sandy beach is visible long before one nears the shore, and the whole presents rare possibilities of comfort and pleasure to those favoured to be guests here.

The Equal Rights, Captain and passengers, were impatient to be on their way, when the scribe was landed for a brief visit to the house, and a few words with mine host, Crump, on that smiling June afternoon. Mr. Crump had just emerged from a refreshing bath in the cool waters, as the boat drew up but, he hurriedly led the way to the house, and through several of its handsome rooms, rapidly answering questions that were fired at him. The picture here printed will give some idea of the location and the appearance of Ronville. The building, of course, is a frame one, and there are some 50 bedrooms, besides other rooms too numerous to mention, and devoted to every useful purpose in the way of entertainment of guests. There is a smoking room, a Manhattan room—where a game very like bagatelle is played, a reception room, where heads of the mighty moose look down with glassy stare, a visiting room—where you may peruse correspondence, write letters, dispatch telegrams, a music room, a large dining room, seating nearly a hundred people—and other rooms.

The house is kept spotlessly clean, is tastefully furnished, is lighted by acetylene gas, and sparkling water is conveyed from mountain springs through pipes to various parts of the house, and is always available. A sandy beach 200 yards long promises much opportunity for enjoyment when bathing. Fishing in the neighbourhood is accounted good. Strawberries, raspberries, blueberries are in abundance in eh neighbourhood. The woods and fields and hills promise many a delightful stroll or ramble, and a sheltered bay holds out tempting prospects of canoeing.

Mr. C.J.C. Crump is the owner of Ronville. He is a son of Merrie England, and came to Canada 19 years ago. For some years he followed the occupation of farmer in Chaffey Twp., till the idea of Ronville came to him 8 years ago—the year 1898 was Ronville’s first season, and every year since has been better than the year before, and some 200 guests spend a vacation here each season. Mr. Crump owns 198 acres of land here, and grows all the vegetables consumed at Ronville. Home made bread and butter, and lots of cream and fresh milk are supplied the guests, also berries fresh from the bushes.

The nearest post office to Ronville is known as Fox Point, and a daily mail is made possible by the operation of the Nav. C.’s boats which connect daily with the Muskoka Empress. The business man stopping at Ronville may have telephone or telegraph connection with the business world, or may even flash a message direct across the ocean by cable. The rates at Ronville are from $8-$12 per week. Mrs. Crump presides over interior affairs, and everything is done to make guest comfortable and happy. An excellent portrait of Mr. Crump, and an engraving of his house will be found on this page.

Beautiful Lake of Bays — Sept 1908 Mrs. Asbury’s scrapbook - 1969

How a casual visitor is impressed with the marked improvement seen everywhere throughout the great lake district.

The situation at the Portage is vastly different from that which prevailed a short three years ago. The old wharf, with its dilapidated planking, and its unsteady foundation, is now replaced by a splendid structure, lengthened to accommodate the larger steamers, and providing greatly improved facilities for passengers. Also, the rolling stock of the famous little railway has undergone a change. The combination cars and the locomotives have been re-pained, the former now bearing the dignified titles of Victoria and Alexandria, and the latter, Bigwin and Menominee. Three boats now await the visitors as they reach South Portage Wharf—the Joe, plying on the Baysville route, the Iroquois, calling at Dwight, Brittania, Wawa and Dorset, and the Mohawk, taking the North Shore route via Ronville and reaching Dorset about noon.

Brittania, formerly known as Patmore House, is now one of the commanding resorts on the lake. The view from the boat is magnificent, the elevated location, landing, and majestic appearance—to its exceptionally fine design. To the immediate right, is located the large pavilion, which was formally opened on Aug. 21, and, just beyond that, are the bath houses.

Wawa—magnificent building—painted a quiet, restful green, harmonizing so perfectly with the majestic bluff at the rear, and the smooth, capacious lawn in front.

Among the guests, freely mingled Mr. C. O. Shaw, Pres. of the Nav. Co..

The beauty of the wharf, like many another seen on the Lake of Bays trip, is destroyed by ungainly piles of lumber, nases[?], etc., piled thereon.

The boat passes on to Dorset, calling en route at Grove Avenue, and Edgewood.

Dorset has grown. The place would scarcely be recognized by those who remember it of old. Wharfage facilities have increased.

The accommodation for tourists, and the travelling public has been enlarged by the erection of the new brick hotel Iroquois—by Mr. Dan McIlroy. The three public houses of Dorset, one, the Fairview Hotel, owned and managed by Mr. Joseph Cassidy, formerly of the Kent ? House, Huntsville, the Iroquois, by Mr. Dan McIlroy, and the Alvira Resort, an unlicensed house, run by Mr. N. Langford. Mr. Langford and Mr. McIlroy both pay special attention to the tourist trade.

We met the popular young warden of Haliburton County—Mr. E. B. Speers, who is a merchant at Dorset.

The following is an account of the first trip to the Lake of Bays made, by the A.M. Campbell family. It was written by Mary Campbell, although she was not born at the time of the trip, and lent to me by Bessie in April 1970.

This is the story of our first trip to Lake of Bays. My brother Alick had had pneumonia in Feb. 1904, and was not picking up his strength, and our doctor, Dr. R. Shaw Tyrrell, told Mother of a wonderful place to go- in fact, he called it God's Country- and, we often refer to it as such, as indeed it is.

We had the most, wonderful minister- Dr. D. McTavish, and, on one of his pastoral visits to our home, Mother mentioned this place Norway Point, and said that, our doctor thought that it would be an ideal place for Alick to recuperate, and also it was the nearest in scenery to the braes and lochs of Scotland. As Father was away at the time, Mother made the big decision on her own. We were to have a well equipped cottage- 4 bedrooms- 2 storeys high cottage, 2 verandahs, and a gorgeous sandy beach. The name of the cottage was Blink Bonnie. Dr McTavish couldn't speak highly enough of the Lake of Bays, and also told us he had a friend the Rev. John Brown, who had a cottage for rent, and he would speak to him, and make arrangements for renting, etc. This little community had 5 ministers - Rev. Dr. McTavish, Rev. John Neil, Rev. John Brown, Rev. James Murray, Rev. Dr. Hamilton, also 2 lawyers- R. V. McPherson and Mr. Higgins.

On the 19th of June, we started off- Mother, Alick, Ewen, Margaret, Jessie, Dorothy and John, who was a baby of 4 months, and our maid, May, who was as deaf as a door nail- the dog Tiny, and our cat, Blackie- a 24 lb crock of butter, 9 loaves of bread, plus 4 trunks filled with clothes, 5 dunnage bags filled with blankets, a 100 lb bag of flour, a 50 lb bag of sugar. These last three were a must, as the nearest place to shop was Dorset- which could only be reached by going by boat, and was a day's trip.

All arrangements were made for 6.45 a.m., as all baggage had to go down at the same time. Fisher Cartage looked after this for Mother, as her hands were full with the children. At 6.30, the carriage called from T.A. Crow Carriage Shop on Yonge St. at Wellesley, and this just gave Mother time to get us all up by 4, get dressed, have the maid make lunches for breakfast, noon, and when we would arrive, about 4.30 p.m.. What a scene—couldn't locate the cat- then, we got it put in an old egg crate-- if you remember, with open sides- then, catch the dog- put him on a leash, which he had never been used to- close “93” for we would not be back until Aug. 30th. All went well. Mother must have been just out of her mind by now, when as we were almost at Queen and University, May, the maid remembered the crock of butter was not accounted for- so, back we had to return to. “93” and get the crock.

Then the fun started. The ages were from 12 down to 4 months- 6 children, cranky from having gone to bed too early, and worse, for having had to get up at 4. The train left at 7.50, but Mother, who had never had such a big responsibility thrust on her all at one time, had to go to see that the baggage was all checked, and on the train. One thing people do not realize now, when they go on the Northland, is- what fun they miss. The old 7.50 a.m. North, was a milk train (that is what we cared it)- for, after we left Parkdale Station, we would stop, pick up milk, or leave milk cans.My how we remember- Downsview, Concord, Maple, King, etc., etc., as we years later,

realized we were on our way to the cottage. Then, there was a snag. The conductor would not let us have the dog and cat with us. They had to go back to the baggage car, and all went well—only some farmer was late in getting his milk down, and there would be a slight delay- so, every one got off the train, to smell the new mown hay, and nobody thought to count noses, and, when we had gone about 2 miles, it was discovered that Terrence Higgins was missing. What to do. But, it all ended well. The farmer realized the little boy would be missed at the next milk stop so he drove him there. What great judgment on the part of the engineer to think that one out, and wait. Away we start again, - getting near to lunch time. By this time, Mother had got acquainted with M. Higgins, who, also like Mother, had a large, young family, plus 2 guests, had never been to where she was going before. But, they were delighted to find that they were both going to Norway Point, and that Dr. McTavish had recommended it. They were to be next door neighbours.

As this was one of the hotter days in June, everyone began to get thirsty—by 10.30 all the water in the big bottle at the end of the car gone, and could not be renewed until we get to Barrie. Now, first Dorothy was train sick, then, two of the Higgins, and Mother said she never smelled an orange or banana again, but it didn't bring back memories of that hot train trip.

The misery went on - everyone tired, and noisy and quarrelsome- and, the train was 1 1/2 hours late in getting to Huntsville. Which meant, instead of arriving in Huntsville at 2.15, it would be nearer to 4. But, all the grown ups could do, was grin and bear it.

Finally, Huntsville was called as the next station, and Mother and Mrs. Higgins agreed there never was a longer stretch of 23 miles, than what they put in, after they left Bracebridge. Getting everything together again, checking lunch baskets- for there was still one more lunch to go. This was a hot day - no air-conditioned coaches- soot all over- faces, hands and clothes covered with grime, and, to cap it all, the crock of butter had been well covered on the shady side when we left Toronto- but, what do you know - the sun came over to that side, and it started to melt. Coats, etc., were a slimy mess, but, like the slogan- you've got to carry on- and just carry a slimy 21 lb crock of butter, and, with a baby in her arms, the 2 year old, train sick, and, Mrs. Higgins wanting to return by next train to Toronto - Mother was really in agreement with her.

Then, the train slowed down- pandemonium broke loose- just to get a sniff of the elixir in the air, the gorgeous blue sky, and all so green and clean. All children, dogs, cats, rabbits, 5 hens, were accounted for, and We proceeded down the wharf, where the boat was waiting to take us to the cottage— or so we, thought.

Can you imagine-- Mother trying to keep track of her brood- count the trunk dunnage bags, etc.,- and then, settle back to count her blessings that all hurdles were over? Not so. A beautiful trip through the canal, where the boat had go almost dead slow, to watch the water lilies standing up straight, one minute, and then gradually bowing their heads, and being sucked under. This fascinated all for a time- but this new attraction soon' palled. Then, we stopped at a place called Deerhurst, and everyone proceeded to get off, only to find that they were to stay on board to South Portage. The sky was beginning to cloud over, and it looked as if a storm was brewing. Oh no , said the captain, and all was serene again.

Arrived at South Portage- sky still dull- and there was a mile from North Portage to South Portage- As there was such a crowd of women, children, babies, dogs, cats etc., and baggage- the captain said - only women with babies in arms, and only children under four, could go on the Hay Rick- as this was the only way they could get them over to the South Portage- as the cart had to take the trunks, baggage, etc, etc., and there would be no room for anyone. So Mother saw the maid, Alick, Ewen, Margaret and Jessie setting off to dear knows where, and it looked as if it were going to pour any minute. All arrived at South Portage in safety- and the walkers had had a struggle - the dogs went wild, our cat's cage was too heavy, and the kids put it down. (It was picked up by the man in the baggage cart.) Then, the hens started to cackle. But it was fun - for they all did not mind the walk. Incidentally, the baggage was taken off the train- then put on the boat, at North Portage, taken off the boat, and put on the wagon- then one mile over land- then, at South Portage, put on to the next boat- to stay until its destination.

Then, all were on board, and away we went to Norway Point Wharf. The gang plank was just up, when great big blobs of rain started to fall, and a really true Summer storm broke loose. They had gone about two miles, when the mast of the boat was struck by lightning- and Mrs. Higgins was almost ready to throw in her gloves. By this time, it was nearly 9.30 pm. You wouldn't believe that the unloading off train, loading, unloading, loading - because it took about an hour each time- as there seemed to be so much baggage.

At last, the storm blew over- the lake was beautiful and calm, and, in the late twilight, they could make out the majesty of the rocks, pine trees, and shoreline- and they were all beginning to relent. The boat was silent. All the children were exhausted- but, when the purser said - next stop, Norway Point, you would have thought the Iroquois Indians had returned again. They just hurtled down the gang plank, whooping and screaming, as our teenagers do now. As Alick was still not too well, he was slower in moving, and, just as he was in the middle of the gang plank, a mattress was tossed off, and hurled him in the water. Grannie Robertson was there, saw what had happened, and threw out her shawl for Alick to catch onto, and she took him to shore, and, when she found out whose child he was, Mother and Grannie Robertson were great friends from that day. This was even before Mother knew she had rescued Alick from the water. It was the wonderful Scottish accent, that mother had, that endeared her to Grannie Robertson- who had been over 30 years in this North country. Alick was the only lucky one, that night. He was in a good warm bed, and had a glass of real cow's milk.

The well-equipped cottage was far from the standards of to-day- straw mattresses, heavy crockery, candles (2), and by 10.45 it was dark- and, going into a strange cottage- and, in the kitchen, two bright eyes, inquisitively watching all that was going on. Just a racoon.

Mother told the man who brought over the luggage, not to take it off the cart, as she was going home in the morning. All were so exhausted, that they never minded beds, mosquitoes, our first initiation to blank flies. Then, mother was awakened with a start in the morning, with the maid in a loud voice saying- All right, Mrs. Campbell, I am coming as fast as I can, but I don't know where the steps are. Then again- All right, I am coming. Then Mother heard the knocking, assured her she hadn't called her, and then, they went to investigate. No one at the door, yet this tap tap tap. After exploring around, they went up to her bedroom, and

there, in an old dead oak, which they could see from the window, was a woodpecker busily searching for her breakfast.

Soon the household was awake - a glorious morning in June, and Mother could hardly get the children to come to breakfast. She had told the man to be there at 8, as she would be going home. With all the goings on, time had slipped away, and Mother's thoughts of leaving, were dashed to the ground, as the boat was whistling, ready to come in to the wharf. So Mother and Mrs. Higgins were left for another day. By noon, some unpacking was done, and Mother saw what a wonderful time we would have on the beach- lovely, white, clean sand, and shallow water. She was really in ecstasies over the blue sky and warmth. Needless to say, by afternoon tea time, Mrs. Higgins decided they would give it a try, and, do you know, sixty years, for it is now April 19, 1964, we have been going to Lake of Bays- and love it more dearly each year.

In 1965, the cottage Rocklea, will be 60 years old, and I hope that we are spared to have a celebration.

The only reason that we moved from Norway Point, farther West- to nearer Terryberry's Wharf, was because of the beautiful pine trees, which shaded the cottage so well. Mother was never able to get the washing dry- especially the diapers- so, on a Sunday afternoon, or a stroll with Father and others, they used to walk along the shore line- and then, when Mother saw the view from the top of the hill, she said she cried, as it reminded her so much of the hills around Dunoon, her birthplace, and, when the cottage was built, it was called Rocklea, after her own home, and also for the rocks that were cleared off the property. The love we all have for Rocklea, will, I hope, never fade. It always seems to be an anchor- something just extra special to look forward to. When things seem dark to me I close my eyes, and in minutes, I feel calm and peaceful. This is the magic of the North. We are sentimental about Rocklea - but, every cottager feels the same. This is God’s Country, and there is no more wonderful place to go for regaining health and strength.

I have jumped from June 1901 to August 1964- how time quickly passes. I am going to write little short, I hope, amusing stories of things I myself do remember.

Mary G. Campbell - Aug. 17, 1964

An Editorial article from the Huntsville Forester, May 28, 1951

Navigation Business in Huntsville Changes

Huntsville's early development was not marked by the introduction of good highways service. It was built up in the pioneer period by the courage and foresight of two men whose vision of the future encouraged them to invest heavily in equipment which was destined to build the foundations upon which we have reared our whole tourist structure.

The late Captain Denton built the first passenger boat service to operate between Port Sydney and Huntsville, back in the days when road transportation to this northern outpost was over a mere trail through the dense forest. The new navigation route carried passengers from Port Sydney to Huntsville, many of the seeking settlement on the Gov't surveys following the decision to open Muskoka for Free Grant settlers.

It was the old steamer Northern which inaugurated this first service. She later was burned, and the old hull still rests in the waters of Fairy Lake at the foot of the Memorial Park mountain.

Captain G.F. Marsh, who had started a similar service on the Lake of Bays with headquarters at Baysville, bought out the Denton interests- and now- a new craft to carry out the local service. These early boats were known as the Florence and Empress. Their activity was largely with the lumber trade. Large quantities of freight and bush supplies were transported around the lakes, and, with a bus and cadge service over the portage, the old Iroquois filled in the gap on the Lake of Bays. Much of the lumbering activity on that lake was made possible by the service, rendered by water.

In the early years of the present century, the first Algonquin was built at South Portage, intended for operation on the Lake of Bays run. Before completion however, it was decided transport the new boat to Huntsville, and the Herculean task of transporting the constructed hull across the portage to Peninsula Lake is still a memory of many of our older citizens.

For many years, the Algonquin did an active trade between Huntsville and North Portage, carrying huge quantities of material and equipment to operating lumber interests. When this trade diminished, Captain Marsh began to realize his former vision of supplementing industrial trade with tourist passenger service. It took six years to develop the new achievement, but the veteran mariner was never discouraged. Ultimately, with much of the lumbering service performed by tug boats, the business of the Navigation Co. centered around the transportation of building supplies for the many tourist resorts being constructed about the lakes, and the transportation of the growing volume of passenger service.

It was due to the insight and courage of Captain Marsh, that the Portage railway was finally built to facilitate the transfer of passengers and freight from North to South Portage. He lived to see the railway opened for traffic but succumbed shortly after to a fatal malady which had lessered his ceaseless energy some months previous.

The first Algonquin was finally replaced by a new boat of the same name, and the navigation business was purchased by the late C.O.Shaw. Its service was extended, and some auxiliary

boats became a part of the local fleet. During the construction of Bigwin Inn, and prior to the First World War, huge quantities of material and supplies were transported by boat from Huntsville.

Shortly after the change in ownership, Mr. W.J. Moore, then associated with a lumbering firm, as accountant, at Gravenhurst, was brought to Huntsville and made secretary and General Manager of the newly formed Navigation Co. Mr. Moore has served the Co. ever since, covering a period of over forty years.

As road building became active to meet the demands of motor transportation, passenger and freight navigation traffic here as in many of the inland lakes here in Ontario, diminished, and, with advancing costs, the operating costs correspondingly increased. This has created much difficulty in maintaining service of the standard formerly given. As in many parts of the province, curtailment has been necessary. In many localities in the province, service by local boat companies has been entirely discontinued.

The change here in Huntsville means a curtailment of our navigation service. For this year, at least, there will be no service by the Algonquin, and, the result is that the Portage Railway will cease operation, and service on the Lake of Bays, by the local navigation company, will be discontinued. The plan to transport the cruiser Iroquois, from the Lake of Bays, to Huntsville waters will permit what will possibly be an unscheduled service out of Huntsville. Such service will, of necessity, be restricted to passenger traffic.

Interview with Mr. Harry Salmon - re Mr. Tom Salmon

Called on Mr. Harry Salmon- Aug.1966- at Clear Lake- at what was formerly Brown's Brae Post Office, before rural delivery went into effect.

Mr. Harry Salmon [handwritten: son of Dick Salmon] is Mr. Tom Salmon's nephew, and Tom Salmon's father was Harry Salmon's grandfather.

He told me that it was his understanding too that Tom Salmon had lived for a while on the South Shore- with a man named Green- but he was not sure of the exact location,

Said that Tom Salmon was quite a man. He would paddle over from Fox Point — leave his bark canoe on shore, and walk to the home of Harry Salmon's parents, between Dwight and Dorset- he would stay all day Friday, that night, all day Saturday, that night, and all day Sunday. Then, Sunday afternoon, around four o'clock, he said casually. “I'll tell you why I came over. I came over to see if I could get a begging of flour. Lizzie didn't have a pick of flour in the house, when I left.” He would receive the flour, and, just as casually, start back home.

Another time, he and Lizzie came over, walked to our house, and, when it was time to return home, Harry Salmon's parents got out their team, and, along with Harry Salmon, drove them back to the shore of the Lake of Bays, where their canoe had been left. When they reached the shore, they found that a storm had come up, and a strong wind was blowing. High waves were roaring in on the shore. Lizzie got into the canoe, and got out her knitting. Mrs. Salmon asked, "Lizzie, aren't you nervous going out on the lake in a storm like this?" Lizzie replied, "With Tom at the paddle?" And off they paddled, the canoe making its steady and untroubled course towards home, with the man in whom Lizzie had such complete confidence quite in command of the situation.

Mr. Salmon told me about his grandfather being shipwrecked in the Red Sea when he was on his way home to England, from India. His trunks were in the hold of the ship, and were completely under water. They were later rescued. They were camel trunks, with slanting tops, and two sturdy iron bars or straps around them. They were so called, because they were designed to be transported by camels- one trunk hanging on each side of the camel- the strap hanging over the camel's back to hold them in place.

Mr. Salmon showed me an Indian Club. It resembled an extra long baseball bat. Mr. Salmon's had been cut in half- he having the end away from the handle. It was very heavy, and the colour of very dark mahogany. The handle end had a fringe around the top, and, at the very end was an ivory star inset (did not see this.) These were really lethal weapons, for, if anyone were ever hit hard with one of these, he would have little chance of survival.

Mr. Salmon advised me to see Mrs. Daisy Langford- one of Tom Salmon's three daughters- who has taken pride in collecting all kinds of material and information connected with her family. Mr. Salmon's daughter, Mrs. Percy Row. I then planned to visit Mrs. Langford. Mrs. Langford lives on the Airport Road in Huntsville.

Another story that Mr. Salmon told me, was about one time when Tom Salmon, and Mr. Dwight were hunting partridge- Mr. Dwight was pres. of the Great N.W. Telegraph Co.. Mr. Dwight had a high powered gun,Uncle Tom had just a small one. They saw a partridge sitting on the road. Uncle Tom said, "You'll blow it all to pieces with that gun.” Mr. Dwight said, " If you shoot at it, you wouldn't hit it. " So, they argued about it, and the partridge went off the road, of course.

Uncle Tom said, "All right - you go up where that partridge was, and bend over, and I'll show you whether I could have hit it, or not. "So, Mr. Dwight went up to the spot- bent over - and jumped about fifteen feet.

Visit with Mrs. David Langford- (Daisy Salmon) - Airport Road Sept. 7,1966

Went to Huntsville with Mr. Harry Salmon - Mrs. Hemmings was . Langford - lunched at Rainbow Motel

Thomas Salmon came to Lake of Bays on Oct.8th - his birthday. He landed at Huckleberry Point. He liked the looks of the place. He went back to Port Sydney, and collected his belongings, and came back to Lot 10, Concession 4, Brunel Township, which is right behind the Anglican church at Newholm. He settled there, and lived for several months with the David Ferguson's who were English Emigrants here. Then, he went over to Huckleberry Point and met Jonah Nanabushkong, from whom he got a canoe, and he stayed for days, in fact weeks, I think with the Indians at Huckleberry Point and Bigwin Island - finally moving to what had been the beginning of a Hudson Bay Trading Post on what was later known as the Boothby property that came straight down to the lake just south west of Grove Park, and there was a cabin on it, but not being occupied, and he just lived there. Finally he moved from there for three or four years, or he may have just lived with the friends that he made, like the two families of Phillips, and the Remey's, and at Mr.Hoover's on Otter Lake, for over a year.

To make a living, he hunted and trapped, and made snowshoes, which he learned to make from the Indians - and he made moccasins. He also learned that from the Indians.

Then, so far as I know, he came back to Lake of Bays, and stayed mostly on Lake of Bays, but possibly with the different people he knew at Dorset, which was Colebridge at that time- Mr. Cole having come to Dorset in March of 1872. [handwritten: (?)]

Mrs. Langford has her father's diary. Mrs. Salmon did not know that her husband had ever kept a diary. He had given it to his daughter Daisy. The mother finally prevailed upon Daisy to let her see it. It had a hardcover on it at one time. Mrs. Salmon tore several pages out of it, because it contained such remarks as - Met Miss Elizabeth - Met Miss Robson- Went down to see Miss Robson - Took Miss Elizabeth for a canoe ride - then, it gradually got to where it was Lib. So, mother tore all those pages out. But, it was started in 1878, - Oct. 15 being the date of the first record.

He wrote something in it each night - but the pages are all mixed up. I haven't done anything with it since mother passed away.

I am sure he met mother shortly after they (the Robson's) came here -probably in 1877. I don't imagine he met her before that. In 1877, the Robson's sold the place in Baysville, and moved to Edgewood.

Poem by Mr. Thomas Salmon

Galoshes

She looked to be just past fifty, She was, perhaps more, than less, A camouflaged, youngish, old lady A young looking, old looking mess. Her grey hair was streaked with powder, And it hung right down 'round her face, Togged like a kid of 'steen Summers, A humbug in ruffles and lace. She wore a Hudson Seal mantle The kind the 'chickens' all sport. Her skirts, by gosh, if who wore one, Appeared to be several feet short. I looked at her legs, forgive me, I should not do this on the street, It wasn't her shanks that caught me, But the galoshes, north of her feet. Good night, aren't those gaiters awful, 'Round a leg that looks like a shank. She, who wore those contraptions, Was due well, perhaps, for a spank. At first, I thought that her bloomers Had slipped from their usual place. Dropping to earth in confusion, Encircling her skirt* in disgrace But no, 't was simply those gaiters For which they say women now thirst Of fashion's awful contraptions, Those galoshes, I think are the worst.

*[ ‘skirt’ crossed out and handwritten beside the line: x feet]

Mrs. Longford's grandmother and grandfather were married; in England, and went out to India the year before the Indian Mutiny. Grandfather’s regiment was the first regiment to mutiny. They lived at Muawmeer [handwriting: ‘Muawmeer’ crossed out then written: Mecranmar?] in India. After their house was burned, and after he recovered from sunstroke, he didn't know that grandmother was still alive, for eight months - or anything about his children. She had gone into a hospital to nurse - in India. When she found out that grandfather was still alive, and he found out about her, he sent her home - to England. She came to the Crimea, and stopped - I have the letter that she sent back to grandfather - saying that she would stay there, and help her cousin, Florence Nightengale with her hospital work. Florence Nightengale was a first cousin of grandmother Salmon's- their mothers were Barton's. She stayed there and nursed for nearly two years, in the Crimea. Then she came to England, and grandfather stayed in India.

Then, he came on a three year leave, and came home from India, so his letters say. They established their home then in England, and the other two children were born - Uncle Alex and Harry's father. Grandfather never returned to India after that.

He was wrecked in 1847, returning from India - in the Red Sea, on the "Alma". Nothing was sa