Amherst Pointe Association celebrates milestone anniversary

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“From there, this area continued to grow,” said Keogh. “Over the years it transformed into a neighbourhood.”

Neighbours wave to each other and say hello to one another, and Keogh believes not every neighbourhood can say that. She calls it “very, very community minded” and they work on projects like decorated posts with family names on them, beach cleanups and neighbourhood improvements. They don’t recall an Amherst Pointe day cancelled for any reason and they weren’t going to start last Saturday, even with the rain.

Residents are very tight-knit, she noted, and many of the families date back decades. The Miller family has lived in the area for over 80 years while the Reids and the Cotes have roots that date back over four decades.

“Every year, Amherst Pointe Day is held,” she added.

In addition to games, activities and gatherings, there is a potluck meal.

Rules in the Amherst Pointe Association used to be very strict years ago, she added, and governed how homes and gardens were maintained. Things have relaxed somewhat over the years but neighbours still take great pride in the area and look out for one another.

“There’s so much history here,” said Keogh. “I came here from London. I’ve been here 20 years. Moving here, there is a sense of community and you get to know your neighbours. It’s very unique.”

The Amherst Pointe Association is working with current and former residents on a booklet compiling the history and memories of the area. Keogh stated they are partnering with the Marsh Historical Collection on the project.

The Amherst Pointe Association still meets a few times per year, with agenda items typically being the Amherst Pointe Day and neighbourhood improvements.

Amherst Pointe is a mix of people with Canadian and American roots with Pete Reid being in the former.

“I came here in ’47,” he recalled. “There were pretty much only two or three Canadians at that time.”

Reid recalled waking up in the morning as a child, putting on a bathing suit and playing down by the water all day.

“I’d take it off to go to bed,” he recalled, with a laugh.

There used to be a baseball diamond nearby and they would play against a team from the Lake Erie Country Club, he stated.

“It was great here growing up,” said Reid. “It’s a great community for people getting together.”

Mary Lou Miller and her son Andy also recalled fond memories of living in Amherst Pointe. Mary Lou, now 92-years-old, said her family’s history in Amherst Pointe dates back to 1928.

“My parents bought here three years before I was born,” Mary Lou said.

“I’ve seen it change quite a bit,” Andy added.

The area was comprised of a lot of cottages, he recalled, and “all those places shut down until spring.” There are more permanent residents there now, he said, with a lot of growth as well. One memory Andy mentioned was a 21-gun salute from Legions in both Canada and the United States, one that is commemorated with a plaque.

Despite some newer homes and changes in some parts of the area, other components are the same. Those include swimming, boating and sunsets, Andy said.

“We look due west and see fabulous sunsets,” said Andy.

Mary Lou remembered the General Amherst High School band leading parades, having tomato fights in a nearby field, and enjoying being around her neighbours.

“I’m glad, as an American, my parents had the foresight to invest in Canadian property 94 years ago,” she said. “I’ve always felt extremely fortunate that as an American, I have always been welcome here. I’ve had Canadian friends my whole life.”

“It’s come to be a wonderful spot,” added Andy.

Lawrence Cote said he has been a resident of Amherst Pointe for 49 years and enjoys being there.

“I watch the boats go by,” he said. “It’s nice and peaceful.”

Cote’s grandson Nicholas added sometimes he doesn’t fully appreciate all they enjoy in Amherst Pointe, noting friends and family that visit are often amazed by the sunsets.