2011
Kicking off the Season
Yes – the ice is out, finally! Its been taking a while for spring to arrive and there are still a few dusting’s of snow in the Muskoka area. This time last year I had my boat in the water so I would say the season is behind a tad. Nevertheless warmer weather is on the horizon. I suspect this Easter weekend will be the return for many people starting spring cleanups and opening their cottages. This is a photo of the Christ Church in Gregory which is between Port Sandfield and Minett, Ontario.
In: historic muskoka, in and around muskoka ontario, tripin around towns
2011
Beaumaris Dock
Beaumaris is a well known settlement located on Tondern Island within Lake Muskoka. You can reach it by traveling off Hwy #118 at Milford Bay. It was an important transit point in the steamboat era and once hosted the Beaumaris Hotel and a post office. Today there is a general store, marina, church, summer camp, yacht club and this cool government pier.
Please click on the image for a large size
In: historic muskoka, in and around muskoka ontario, on the water, tripin around towns
2010
Bohemia Island, Lake Rosseau
The weather was cool but still warm enough to enjoy a seasonal boat ride without layering up too much. This is Bohemia Island on Lake Rosseau near Tobin Island not to be mistaken for North Bohemia which lies on the opposite side of Tobin Island closer to Juddhaven. I am not certain of its history however if its consistent with other Muskoka Islands I am sure it has a storied past.
Please click for a larger sized photo
In: historic muskoka, in and around muskoka ontario, on the water
2010
Shadows
Down the Indian River and through the Port Carling locks on a sunny afternoon. Where else do you get to see a scene like this?
Please click for a large photo
In: historic muskoka, in and around muskoka ontario, on the water, tripin around towns
2010
Gentleman’s Racers of Muskoka
I dropped by the Antique Boat Show in Port Carling this past Saturday just as it was coming to an end. It was put on by the Muskoka Lakes Association better known as the MLA and this year they featured the Gentleman’s Racer. Many of the vintage boats were starting to make their way back home through the lock system and I hurriedly snapped a few shots. The locks in Port Carling straddle Lake Muskoka on one side and Lake Rosseau on the other. This is a very busy are and popular tourist destination. The hub of the lakes as its known.
If you are interested in the Gentleman’s Racer boats, check out Neil Honeymen’s book that documents many of the vintage boats of the area. And thanks Neil for including one of my photos of Dukes Marine
In: historic muskoka, in and around muskoka ontario, on the water, tripin around towns
2010
Joseph River Marina, R.I.P.
It’s the end of an era in Muskoka. The Joseph River Marina held an estate type auction sale this past Saturday July 31, 2010. The Rosenthal family operated this popular marina on Peninsula Rd. near Minett, Ontario for over 35 years. I believe this marina was originally called the Waters Marina prior to Joerg Rosenthal’s purchase back in the early 1970’s. Joerg and his wife Marilyn have left us now and the family has decided to sell everything off and move on. They will be greatly missed.
please click on the photo for a larger shot
In: boathouses of muskoka, historic muskoka, in and around muskoka ontario
2010
Passing By The Lady of the Lakes
The sky was overcast and it threatened rain all day however that did not stop the crowds from coming out to the lawn for the Windermere House concert on July 24, 2010. As I was passing by in my boat I could hear the distinct sounds of Canadian tenor Michael Burgess and the National Academy Orchestra emanating from the lawn. Just as I started to take some shots this work boat swooshed by from out of the shadows.
Please click on the image for a larger sized photo
In: historic muskoka, in and around muskoka ontario, on the water
2010
From The Mother In-Laws Seat
This photo was taken from the mother in-laws seat in a 1930″s Ditchburn launch on Lake Rosseau in Muskoka. Unfortunately we were not allowed to bring cameras on the Muskoka Heritage Foundations annual Summer Tour. I snuck this low quality shot in from my iPhone as we were being transported across the lake by beautiful vintage boats. The summer tour was well organized and we had the privilege to learn about 3 very distinct and fascinating summer homes, Grey Rock, Monyca Island and Llanfair.
In: historic muskoka, in and around muskoka ontario, on the water
2010
The Old Farm in Rest Harbour Muskoka
This is all that remains of a farm in Rest Harbour on Lake Rosseau in Muskoka with the exception of the old boathouse across the road. The land, “owned free and clear to the waters edge” was originally deeded to the Wrenshall family dating back to 1884. It was amongst the first 20 free grants issued for Medora township. The Judd family purchased the property from the Wrenshall family around 1886.
Up until the 1940’s this property was only accessible by water. The steam ships would come into the docks and bring supplies. Of course in the winter everything was carted across the ice. The farm and a resort called Rest Harbour operated until the late 1960’s. Many of these historic places are disappearing from Muskoka.
I want to thank the numerous and knowledgeable people out in Blog land that have left comments, forwarded information, land surveys and photos to me. Thank you Deborah!
2010
Off the Cleveland House Dock
In about another month this dock will be filled with people lying in the sun, swimming, boats pulling up etc. This is at the world famous Clevelands House family resort located on about 3000 feet of prime Lake Rosseau frontage in Muskoka. Its a great place to explore, drop by for drinks, have dinner or people watch.
In: historic muskoka, in and around muskoka ontario, on the water
2010
Wharfing Around
It can be a little desolate walking around the Muskoka Wharf in the winter time. The Muskoka Wharf project is part of the $170M rebirth of the 89 acre waterfront in Gravenhurst that features the famous Muskoka Steamships, Grace & Speed Museum, shops and restaurants and many great events such as the Muskoka antique and classic boat show.
2009
The Ghosts of Muskoka
I decided I would take the long way home and drove through Bala early this morning. It was dead quiet and I noticed an empty Bala Bay Inn parking lot so I did a little u-turn and headed back for a few quick snaps.
The Bala Bay Inn was built in 1910 by Ephraim Browning Sutton from Leads in Yorkshire, England. Initially it was named The Swastika Hotel and due to the unpolitical correctness of the times it was renamed to the Sutton Manor in the early ’30s. In 1945 the name was changed to The Bala Bay Lodge, and in 1998 to The Bala Bay Inn.
E.B. Sutton died in room #319 of the hotel in 1917 and many of the staff and patrons say the Inn is haunted by him. There are Muskoka ghost tours and even seances that have been held here for you paranormal types.
Please click on the image for a 1280 pixel sized photo
In: historic muskoka, in and around muskoka ontario, tripin around towns
2009
A Pinball Wizard, There’s got to be a Twist
Ever since I was a young boy
I’ve played the silver ball
From Huntsville down to Barrie
I must have played them all …
Just a few doors down from The Kee I could not resist a little peek inside the Balacade. It was like a journey back in time (gee now I’m dating myself) with vintage pinball machines and games crammed into the small room. Balacade is an arcade shop that was started in Bala Ontario over 50 years ago and is still run by the original owner Paul Arney and his wife Patricia. Please click on the pic or HERE for a biggie 1280 pixel photo
In: historic muskoka, in and around muskoka ontario, tripin around towns
2009
Snooping on Snoop Dogg at the Kee to Bala
Snoop Dogg in The House Cottage
The rapper / hip hop artist, Snoop Dogg or formerly known as Snoop Doggy Dogg played two sold out nights at The Kee to Bala August 13 & 14, 2009. I took a drive by (perhaps not the best choice of words) just to see what kind of crowd he would draw in Muskoka’s cottage country. It turns out the Snoopster drew a large crowd … of Cops.
Unfortunately I did not get a chance to take a decent shot under the high security situation. (required high ISO and there were lots of moving) There have been a lot of interesting bands come through The Kee including, Duke Ellington and Louis Armstrong in the old days. There has also been other great bands like Rush, Max Webster, David Wilcox, George Thorogood, The Ramones, Tragically Hip, Blue Rodeo and others that have rocked The Kee.
2009
The Ditchburns of Muskoka
In 1869, four Ditchburn descendants, brothers William, Henry, John and Arthur, emigrated to Canada from England. They settled in the village of Rosseau, Ontario. When the resort industry in Muskoka began to flourish. The Ditchburn brothers turned to what they new best, their family tradition of boat building.
After about 20 years of building small craft in Rosseau, the Ditchburns, moved their operations to the Muskoka Wharf area of Gravenhurst in 1890. Gravenhurst had much more traffic as the trains arrived and the steamers departed for various parts of the lakes. The Ditchburn is considered one of the most cherished crafts and a household name in Muskoka.
This is the identification plate off of the 31 ft launch On Behalf Of Sam, a 1930’s Ditchburn docked in Gravenhurst Bay.
Ditchburn History
Please click on the image for a large sized photo.
In: historic muskoka, in and around muskoka ontario, on the water
2009
In the Belly of a Muskoka Steamship
I had a chance to spend some time in the pilothouse with the Captain of the R.M.S. Segwun steamship in Gravenhurst earlier this month. I thought it would be rather fitting to also visit the engine room to see whats happening. Well you can see by the look of crew Grumpy that he was none to pleased to see me and my camera. Oh well, I’m sure he got over it.
In: historic muskoka, in and around muskoka ontario, tripin around towns
2009
Mary Lake at Port Sydney, Ontario
The welcome sign says “Home of 800 nice families and 1 old grouch” in Port Sydney, Ontario.
Located approximately 12 km’s south of Huntsville and just off highway #11. This is the area next years G8 Summit will be held.
Port Sydney is situated on Mary Lake and is also part of the North Muskoka River. See Google Map
2009
The Rambler – The Gravenhurst Antique and Classic Boat Show
I noticed this mammoth monster sized boat in Port Carling last year. Someone told me it used to be Conrad Black’s boat but I’m not sure about that. Connie did like things a tad grandiose so its always possible.
Just a reminder that this Saturday July 11, 2009 is the 29th annual Antique and Cassic Boat Show down in Gravenhurst. All the classic boats will be there along with a flea market, steam boat rides and more …
Its definitely worth checking out. More info here and here
Update: August 5, 2014 – this boat is called the Rambler and is owned by Bobby Genovese and is part of the BG Vintage Racing Team. Recently restored the Rambler Debuts Saturday August 9, 2014 at Muskoka Lakes Association Show, Port Carling, Ontario. More info here.
In: historic muskoka, in and around muskoka ontario, on the water, tripin around towns
2009
Take Me to Your Captain
It was a blustery 4th of July when I had a chance to board the R.M.S. Segwun steamship out of Gravenhurst, Ontario. The Segwun is North Americas oldest operating steamship and one of the crown jewels of Muskoka. The R.M.S. designation stands for “Royal Mail Ship” and you can still mail a letter or postcard from her today. I had the opportunity to spend some time in the pilothouse with the Captain discussing his many adventures on the Muskoka Lakes.
Put it on your bucket list if you are visiting Muskoka or plan to in the future
Steamship schedule and info
Please click on the image for a Steamship sized photo
In: historic muskoka, in and around muskoka ontario, on the water
2009
Summerholm, a piece of history in Muskoka
Summerholm is a landmark property located on Lake Joseph. The original owners first log cabin built in 1856 still stands today. The original main cottage was completed in 1894. The cottage was constructed from stone found on the property and the lumber from Lamberts saw mill located next door.
The elements of the interior design reflected the arts and crafts movement of the time and would include oak floors, ceiling beams, stained glass and dark woodwork. The main living room was two stories high with an upper gallery that was home to a large pump organ. The owners would bring their own cow from Rosedale, Ontario so that they would have fresh milk all summer. This beautiful and historic property has been in the same family for five generations.
Please click for a large photo
