2008
Cruising Through the Backroads of Muskoka
I did not know exactly were I was when I found this old 1942 Dodge sitting in a farmers field. Sitting across the road there was a small monument that said, The Hamlet Bardsville, Est 1865. There was a for sale sign on the fence so if your looking for a new set of wheels …

In: historic muskoka, in and around muskoka ontario, tripin around towns
2008
Muskoka boat season, excuse me I am not done yet
Ok so its only September, I mean there’s no reason to pack up and leave yet although most have done so. Boating season still has at least 2 months to go for me and the odd other nut bar I see around the lakes. We are Canadians and we have to stretch it out as long as we can even if it does mean blue fingers and toes.

In: historic muskoka, in and around muskoka ontario, on the water
2008
The Chessboard at Clevelands House in Muskoka
While driving back from the Rosseau farmers market the other morning I decided to take a little side trip into Clevelands House which is one of the last remaining 100 year old resorts still standing in Muskoka. I noticed this really cool giant chess set in the back area for guests to play. Most of the people were down at the water but I would imagine there have been a few interesting matches here in the evenings.

In: historic muskoka, in and around muskoka ontario, on the water, tripin around towns
2008
The Church on Lake Rosseau in Muskoka Canada
When you travel north past Cleveland’s House in Minett and towards Royal Muskoka Island you will find this very distinctive church on the waters edge. This is St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Morinus, Ontario. They celebrated their 100th anniversary in 2002. I have often caught glimpses of brides arriving in old Muskoka woodies for their big day. There are some images you cannot capture with a lens however they do remain etched in my brain.

In: historic muskoka, in and around muskoka ontario, on the water, tripin around towns
2008
Inside Dukes Boatbuilders of Muskoka
I was lucky enough to get a tour of Dukes Marine Services in Port Carling, Ontario at the hub of the Muskoka Lakes. Dukes has been around for a very long time and used to build rowboats, launches and even produced minesweepers during the Second World War. Charles Duke moved his business to this particular site in 1924. Dukes beautifully crafted Playmate boats are still often spotted on the lakes in Muskoka. Today the shop refurbishes many of the classics from yesteryear including Greavettes, Minett-Shields and Ditchburns.

In: boathouses of muskoka, historic muskoka, in and around muskoka ontario, on the water
2008
Take the Time Machine, Visit the Rosseau General Store Circa 1874
Located at the northern tip of Lake Rosseau at Hwys # 141 and # 632 you will find the famous Rosseau General Store.
Not only is it a tourist destination its also one of the best places for groceries, hardware and supplies in the area.
Built in 1874 the two-storey white frame building is much the same as it was 100 years ago.
The creaky wooden floors and interior displays are like taking time machine back to another era.
Rosseau General Store
In: historic muskoka, in and around muskoka ontario, on the water, tripin around towns
2008
Not Everyone has a Million Dollar Place in Muskoka
While driving just outside of Minett, Ontario in the Muskoka district I noticed these decrepit old buildings along the roadside. I haven’t been around the area long enough to know their history. I am sure all of these old homesteads will vanish over the next few years especially with the new Red Leaves Resort going in around the corner.

In: historic muskoka, in and around muskoka ontario, tripin around towns
2008
Behind the doors of Muskoka
I am always intrigued by doors. Whats behind them? Who goes in them? Do they come back out of them? How did they get to look like this? What gnawed the hole through at the bottom and who put those latches on it? I was walking down the main street of Bracebridge in Muskoka, Ontario and saw this door in the alleyway of an old building. Now I have to go back to see what the building was for.

In: historic muskoka, in and around muskoka ontario, tripin around towns, uncategorized
2008
The Muskoka Antique Boat Show in Gravenhurst Ontario
The Antique and Classic Boat Society, (ACBS) had their annual Muskoka boat show this past weekend at the Muskoka Wharf in Gravenhurst. This show featured many of the classic boats from yesteryear including Ditchburns, Dukes, Minett-Shields, Greavettes, Peterboroughs, Dippy’s, Sea Birds, Hackers and more.

In: historic muskoka, in and around muskoka ontario, on the water, tripin around towns
2008
Tripping around the small towns of Muskoka Canada
Sometimes taking a little peek around the corner pays off. I discovered these cool old doors around the side of the building that sells antiques in the town of Rosseau, Ontario. The building was just crammed with memorabilia and assorted stuff that someone must want.

In: historic muskoka, in and around muskoka ontario, tripin around towns, uncategorized
2008
Antique hunting in the town of Rosseau, (Muskoka) Ontario, Canada
At the north end of Lake Rosseau you will find the Town of Rosseau which is situated on Hwy 141. There is a great general store and a few other shops and galleries including this interesting antique shop. Don’t forget to stop here for ice cream as its one of the best places in all of Muskoka. While I was taking some pictures an incognito gentleman walking his dog sauntered by. Good to see you Ed Grimley.

In: historic muskoka, in and around muskoka ontario, on the water, tripin around towns
2008
The Classic Wooden Boats of Muskoka include the 1930 Ditchburn
Here is another shot of “On Behalf Of Sam” a 31 foot Ditchburn beauty built in 1930. Taken from the docks at Port Sandfield in Muskoka on a sunny Sunday afternoon.

In: historic muskoka, in and around muskoka ontario, on the water
2008
Sullivan Island on Lake Joseph in Muskoka Canada
There are many islands within the Muskoka lakes district. This is Sunbeam Sullivan Island on Lake Joseph. (thanks Jamie for the correction on the name) I am not sure of its history but I am sure it has an interesting one with its wrap around veranda and big lake views or “vistas” as the real estate marketer extraordinaire’s call it. This baby can be picked up for a mere 1.99M

In: historic muskoka, in and around muskoka ontario, on the water
2008
Ditchburn and other Classic Boats of the Muskoka Lakes
On any given day on the Muskoka Lakes you can spot the beautifully crafted boats that were built in this region almost one century ago. “On Behalf Of Sam” a 31 foot Ditchburn built in 1930 was spotted on Lake Joe out for a Sunday cruise.

In: historic muskoka, in and around muskoka ontario, on the water
2008
An Old Cabin on Lake Joseph, Muskoka
I discovered this old cabin on a small island while traveling towards the north end of Lake Joseph. It is still possible to find old cabins and cottages around the Muskoka Lakes that date back over 100 years. New development has not taken everything.

In: historic muskoka, in and around muskoka ontario, on the water
2008
The Boatworks of Port Carling, Muskoka
The Boatworks of Port Carling, Muskoka
The Port Carling, Ontario Boat Works was established in 1925. During the Depression, the company sold the most stock production inboard boats in Canada. Their famous SeaBird launches were built on site and at a branch plant at Honey Harbour.

In: historic muskoka, in and around muskoka ontario, on the water, tripin around towns
2008
The Six Waterskiers on Lake Rosseau
Zooming out of Clevelands House – the six waterskiers

In: historic muskoka, in and around muskoka ontario, on the water
2008
The Dempster Cottage (Former Big B Camp) built in 1894 Muskoka, Canada
Doors Open Ontario presented an opportunity to look at some interesting places.
Dempster Cottage (Former Big B Camp) built in 1894, located on Lake Muskoka
In: historic muskoka, in and around muskoka ontario, on the water
2008
Cruising the Muskoka lakes
While cruising down Lake Joesph on Saturday I spotted the Segwun Steamship anchored at the Sherwood Inn

In: historic muskoka, in and around muskoka ontario, on the water
2008
The Sun Sets on Muskoka’s Historic Marygrove
For those of you following the story about Marygrove formerly the Glen Home Hotel circa 1939 in Muskoka.
Well shes gone now. Hope The Sisters are happy.
See also: The Wrecking Ball Takes Down Another Historic Muskoka Landmark
and …
The Continuing Destruction of Muskoka Courtesy of your Muskoka Lakes Township Council
The Sun Sets on Marygrove

Twisted Sisters Stoves Waiting for the Scrap Man

And after a hard days work remember to drink Muskoka Dry

In: historic muskoka, in and around muskoka ontario, on the water







