2008
The Continuing Destruction of Muskoka, Courtesy of your Muskoka Lakes Township Council
The developers came with the worlds greatest plans and we wrote all down as the progress of man …
The previous post about Marygrove formerly the Glen Home Hotel circa 1939 seems to have created quite a stir. I received many e-mails and comments from people that are very furious with what has transpired here.
The Muskoka Lakes heritage committee and the Architectural Conservancy of Ontario had recommended that Marygrove be preserved due to its historical and architectural significance. The Muskoka Lakes township council ignored these request and decided to grant demolition permits and rezoning to allow for four new cottage lots to be developed instead. This hapless and cavalier decision resulted in the resignation of all seven Muskoka Lakes heritage committee members.
This photo was taken from the docks of the Lake Joe Club on Saturday May 24, 2008. It shows the last standing portion of Marygrove which is now reduced to rubble. The oblivious expressions of the boaters are rather fitting.
In: historic muskoka, in and around muskoka ontario, on the water
2008
The wrecking ball takes down another historic Muskoka landmark.
Marygrove (formerly Glen Home Hotel) was an important historical structure on the shores of Lake Joseph, Muskoka. It was a rare example of streamline moderne architectural style built in 1939.
It was operated as the Glen Home Hotel until labour day 1974. In 1975 it was purchased by the Sisters of St. Joseph and used as a seasonal religous retreat, renamed Marygrove. The Sisters put the site up for sale last year with no takers. They recently applied for rezoning from commercial to residential and received a demolition permit from town council. It seems the property is more marketable by carting everything off to landfill and making 4 new cottage lots. They wasted no time in tearing it down. Below is a photo showing part of the structure that’s still standing. Next week it will become a memory.
Article from the Bracebridge Examiner
Article from the Globe and Mail
Article from The Architectural Conservancy of Ontario
In: historic muskoka, in and around muskoka ontario, on the water, tripin around towns
2008
Pumped in Muskoka Canada
Well it wasn’t the warmest Victoria Day weekend on record
As we left on Monday ice pellets were coming down
While at Windermere House in Muskoka I decided to escape the hoopla and take a walk down to the docks
In: historic muskoka, in and around muskoka ontario, on the water, tripin around towns
2008
The Lady of the Lakes, Windermere in Muskoka Canada
This past weekend was the grand re-opening (new owner) of the famous Windermere House. Originally built in 1870 “The Lady of the Lakes” sits on Lake Rosseau in Muskoka. It has just gone a major makeover with updated rooms, new dining areas including a sushi bar and a very cool pub which I of course tested out.
Back in 1996 during the filming of The Long Kiss Goodbye, Windermere burned to the ground when one of the production lights caught fire. It was rebuilt to its original glory back in 1997 and today remains a very popular place to visit in Muskoka. You can sometimes catch Canadian hockey players like Steve Yzerman, Eric Lindros, Shayne Corson and Darcy Tucker chillin with family and friends as all have cottages near by.
In: historic muskoka, in and around muskoka ontario, on the water, tripin around towns
2008
Muskoka’s Port Sandfield Marina still flooded out while Victoria Day weekend quickly approaches
With the Victoria day long weekend quickly approaching the folks at the Port Sandfield Marina in Muskoka are sure hoping for the lake levels to drop. At present the water is rolling over their docks. Lake Muskoka appears to be back to normal however Lakes Joseph and Rosseau remain a bit high. Port Sandfield is where Lake Joe and Rosseau connect and is a well known stop for gas, shopping and supplies.
In: historic muskoka, in and around muskoka ontario, on the water, tripin around towns, uncategorized
2008
North Americas oldest operating Steamship in Muskoka, Canada
Another shot of North Americas oldest operating steamship located in Muskoka, Ontario, Canada. They will start cruising in early June. These famous steamships can be seen in the town of Gravenhurst right on the new waterfront development area which is on Lake Muskoka.
The “Grace & Speed” Muskoka Boat and Heritage Center is located here as well and worthy of some time.
In: historic muskoka, in and around muskoka ontario, on the water, tripin around towns, uncategorized
2008
Muskoka Steamships ready to sail into the 2008 season
I was passing through the town of Gravenhurst this morning and noticed the Muskoka steamships docked at the wharf. On the left is the R.M.S. Segwun built in 1887 and re-launched June 1st, 1974, by Prime Minister Pierre Elliott Trudeau. On the right is Wenonah II a replica (2002) designed with the style and grace of a 1902 Muskoka steamship. There is also the 1915 Wanda III (not shown) originally commissioned for Mrs. Timothy Eaton of the Eaton department stores currently being restored.
Long before the era of modern roads, steamships sailed the Muskoka lakes from early spring to late fall, carrying passengers, mail and freight to the many resorts and villages not served by the railways. If you have not had the opportunity of taking a cruise on one of these historic beauties I would highly recommend it.
