14 Sep
2008
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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 …

1942-dodge800.jpg



In: historic muskoka, in and around muskoka ontario, tripin around towns

10 Sep
2008
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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.

Lake Joseph Boats



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

02 Sep
2008
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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.

Clevelands House Chess Game



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

27 Aug
2008
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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.

Morinus Church Muskoka



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

21 Aug
2008
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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.

Dukes Boats Muskoka



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

17 Aug
2008
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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 MuskokaRosseau General Store



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

05 Aug
2008
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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.

Okd house near Minett Ontario in Muskoka



In: historic muskoka, in and around muskoka ontario, tripin around towns

13 Jul
2008
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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.

Bracebridge Muskoka Door



In: historic muskoka, in and around muskoka ontario, tripin around towns, uncategorized

07 Jul
2008
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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.
Muskoka Wooden Boat



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

02 Jul
2008
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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.

Muskoka Scenes



In: historic muskoka, in and around muskoka ontario, tripin around towns, uncategorized

02 Jul
2008
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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.

Rosseau Ontario (Muskoka)



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

25 Jun
2008
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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.
Ditchburn Muskoka Boat



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

24 Jun
2008
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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

Sunbeam Island



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

22 Jun
2008
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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.
Ditchburn Muskoka Boat 1930



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

18 Jun
2008
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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.

Lake Joseph Cabin Muskoka



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

16 Jun
2008
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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.

Boatworks Port Carling



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

15 Jun
2008
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The Six Waterskiers on Lake Rosseau

Zooming out of Clevelands House – the six waterskiers

thesixskiers-72dpi.jpg



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

15 Jun
2008
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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

dempster-72dpi.jpg



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

11 Jun
2008
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Cruising the Muskoka lakes

While cruising down Lake Joesph on Saturday I spotted the Segwun Steamship anchored at the Sherwood Inn

Segwun on Lake Joe Muskoka



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

08 Jun
2008
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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

Muskoka Marygrove destroyed

Twisted Sisters Stoves Waiting for the Scrap Man

Marygrove Muskoka Scrap

And after a hard days work remember to drink Muskoka Dry

Muskoka Dry



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

design & theme by Nikola Lazarevic