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Our cover photo in this issue features a magnificent historic home in the heart of the beautiful hamlet of Queensborough (Elzevir Township, Municipality of Tweed).
The Historic Thompson House, Queensborough By Katherine Sedgwick Cover Photo: Robert Ferguson
FEATURING
The house was built in 1848 by Daniel Thompson, the owner of the sawmill and grist mill that were the hamlet’s main industries in its early days. The mills were beside a dam on the Black River, and the house overlooks the river and millpond. “It is a very attractive example of what may be called ‘Upper Canada Regency,’ ” the book ‘Rural Ontario’ notes. “The trellis veranda echoes the balconies and narrow verandas found in some English cities, but other details are more local in character.” One local detail is the material of which the house was built, which came from Thompson’s sawmill. The house is of post-and-beam construction, using wooden pegs instead of nails, and features intricately detailed woodwork. “It took two years to build … because of the woodwork all being done by hand,” reports ‘Times to Remember in Elzevir Township,’ the definitive history of the Queensborough area. It’s a large house, and it had to be: Thompson and his wife, Anne, raised 11 children there. They were an important family in the village, with Daniel Thompson serving not only as a main employer but also as Queensborough’s first postmaster. The grist mill, which still stands, did double duty as the village post office, and traces of that use are still visible inside it. The house’s current owners are Elaine and Ludwik Kapusta. Elaine’s parents, John and Marguerite Thompson (no connection to Daniel Thompson, as it happens) were the last operators of the flour and feed mill, which closed in 1965. The Kapustas have lovingly maintained their magnificent home, and work tirelessly to encourage community projects and the preservation of Queensborough’s heritage. One such project was the production of a booklet called ‘Historic Queensborough,’ a walking tour of the village’s points of interest. Copies of the booklet, a fundraiser for the Queensborough Community Centre, are available for $3 plus postage from Elaine Kapusta (613-473-1458, elainekapusta@hotmail. com) or Katherine Sedgwick (613-473-2110, sedgwick.katherine@gmail.com). More information about Queensborough can also be found at queensborough.ca, a website developed by the Queensborough Community Centre Committee.
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Country Roads • Summer 2015
Country Roads
celebrating life in hastings county
Country Roads
celebrating life in hastings county
CR Country
CO-PUBLISHER & EDITOR Nancy Hopkins 613 968-0499 CO-PUBLISHER & EDITOR John Hopkins 613 968-0499
Roads
SALES DEPARTMENT
CENTRAL HASTINGS & AREA celebrating lifeGibson-Alcock in hastings county Lorraine lorraine@countryroadshastings.ca 613.902.0462 NORTH HASTINGS & AREA Hope McFall hope@countryroadshastings.ca 613.202.1541 ART DIRECTOR Jozef VanVeenen CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Orland French Angela Hawn Sharon Henderson Barry Penhale Lindi Pierce Michelle Annette Tremblay Sarah Vance Shelley Wildgen CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Robert Ferguson Danielle Graham Sharon Henderson Jozef VanVeenen
“Caring for your family’s dental health”
h t i m S g u o D . r D ssociates and A
Dentistry
Family & Cosmetic Dentistry • Comprehensive examinations • Periodontal assessment • Routine restorative fillings • Cosmetic veneers • Crowns and bridges • Full dentures, partial dentures • Oral surgery • Implants
New PatieNts & emergeNcies welcome
COUNTRY ROADS, Celebrating Life in Hastings County is published four times a year by PenWord Communications Inc. Copies are distributed to select locations throughout Hastings County including the c ommunities of Bancroft, Belleville, Madoc, Marmora, Stirling and Tweed. Copies are also delivered to select homes within southern Ontario. SUBSCRIPTION RATES: 1 year: $17.85 2 years: $33.90 3 years: $47.46 All prices include H.S.T. The contents of this publication are protected by copyright. Reproduction of this p ublication in whole or in part without prior written permission of PenWord C ommunications Inc. is prohibited. The advertising deadline for the Fall issue is August 14, 2015. COVER PHOTO: ROBERT FERGUSON Made possible with the support of the Ontario Media Development Corporation
At either of our two locations you will enjoy friendly people and gentle dentistry for your whole family. HOW TO CONTACT US Telephone: 613-968-0499 E-mail: info@countryroadshastings.ca Website: www.countryroadshastings.ca For written enquiries you can reach us at: PenWord Communications Inc. P.O. Box 423, Stirling, ON K0K 3E0
Belleville
208 Bridge Street east (613) 966-2777
Stirling
9B tuftsville road (613) 395-2800
Summer 2015 • Country Roads
I 5
CANADA’S LARGEST
e d i t o r i a l
SHOW
This land is our land
GEM & MINERAL
This issue is chocked full of stories about land, water, cottages, historical buildings and communities that make up the landscape of Hastings County. In light of this overriding theme we wanted to share some interesting information about this County of Hastings. So, let’s take a roadtrip. For starters (we know we’ve said this numerous times), Hastings is the second largest county in Ontario, only outsized by Renfrew. A tall and narrow piece of land it stretches approximately 160km from the Bay of Quinte on Lake Ontario north to the lower reaches of Algonquin Park. A drive from south to north really is a feast for the senses. You’ll experience a wide variety of terrain. The south is home to the county’s only urban centres – Belleville and Quinte West -- and sits on the Bay of Quinte, home to world class sailing, fishing and boating. As you reach the rolling hills of Centre Hastings you’re literally surrounded by a substantial amount of very fertile farmland where crops, livestock and other farm views are the norm. This farming history includes a large and illustrious cheese-making era that is making a resurgence. If you think you’re seeing a lot of trees when travelling the roads and waterways you’d be correct. Forests occupy approximately 65 percent of the land area in Hastings County with maple and poplar-birch being the dominant types. And we’re definitely overflowing with waterways! Hastings County is home to 180 lakes. And that doesn’t even take into account the rivers, and countless streams, ponds and bogs. The County is situated within the Moira, Crowe and York River watersheds. The headwaters of the Moira River originate in the central portion of the County, flowing south into the Bay of Quinte. The Crowe River originates in the upper reaches of the County and flows southward, draining into the Trent River that winds its way into the Bay of Quinte. The York River cuts across the top of the County in an easterly direction to eventually head north to flow into the Madawaska River that drains into the Ottawa River. It’s literally rock solid obvious when you begin entering the Canadian Shield. The path north gets rockier and when you land in the Bancroft area you’ve hit Canada’s Mineral Capital. That’s how prevalent the rocks and minerals are. From south to north – this land is our land!
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Country Roads • Summer 2015
•
Nancy & John Hopkins contributors The Community Archives of Belleville and Hastings County preser ves the documents and photographs that make up the recorded memory of Hastings County. The Archives works cooperatively with other organizations and welcomes inquiriesP.O.Box about our The Archives is located in 539region. Bancroft, ON K0L 1C0 the former Thurlow Township Hall at 154 Cannifton Road North but will be moving to the Belleville Public Library. You can contact them through archives@ cabhc.ca or 613-962-1110, or visit them at cabhc.ca. Lorraine Gibson-Alcock grew up on the farm in rural Saskatchewan but has lived in a number of cities across Canada and has travelled the country extensively thanks to her work for the Hudson Bay Co. In her role as a National Buyer for Fragrances with the Hudson Bay Co., Lorraine had the honour of hosting a number of visiting celebrities, most notably Sophia Loren, who spent three days in Edmonton during a promotional visit for her fragrance, Sophia.
After “retiring” from corporate life at the Hudson Bay Co., Lorraine met her future husband Doug and moved to Marmora to live by the water and “relax.” She is now secretary for the newly-reorganized Marmora Business Association and has recently joined the Country Roads team as a sales representative, where she shares her expertise, knowledge and passion for retail and business. Lindi Pierce, of Prince Edward County United Empire Loyalist stock, enjoyed life in Vancouver, Grand Forks, BC and North Bay before returning to her roots and settling in Hastings County. Lindi is an active volunteer at Glanmore National Historic Site. She indulges her passion for heritage architecture with her blog at ancestralroofs.blogspot.ca and by writing and photographing for ‘Country Roads’ and other local publications. In her spare time, this nature-nut joins her husband Denis, a vintage motorcycle frame designer/builder, on their camping, hiking and cycling expeditions, always on the lookout for another good house to snap.
V O LU M E 8 , I S S U E 2 , S U M M E R 2 0 1 5
Contents 8
16
30
36
FEATURES
DEPARTMENTS
8 WATER TIGHT
6 EDITORIAL
By Angela Hawn
6 CONTRIBUTORS
16 THE LAND DETECTIVES
26 JUST SAYING
By Angela Hawn
22 GOING THE DISTANCE
By John Hopkins
24 ON THE AUTUMN HORIZON
By Michelle Annette Tremblay
30 THE QUEEN’S NEW CLOTHING
By Michelle Annette Tremblay
36 THE LAKE EFFECT
By Lindi Pierce
Sunshine Superwoman
34 CROSSROADS
PANEL WEATHERWALL PATIO SYSTEMS
Leaving Green Footprints
44 THE VILLAGE IDIOT
Built to Last
46 ADVERTISER INDEX 48 COUNTRY CALENDAR 49 MARKETPLACE 50 BACK ROADS
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Bathrooms, Kitchens & Family Rooms 232 College St. West, Belleville, Ontario K8P 2H3 Tel: 613.967.1915 fax: 613.967.0646 ljreno@cogeco.ca
Summer 2015 • Country Roads
I 7
Water tight Marmora resident preserves boating history By Angela Hawn Photos By Anne Philpot
Although not constructed of wood, this Finn sailboat holds a special place in Philpot’s collection, as it was used in the 1976 Summer Olympics by a Yugoslavian competitor. The boat was rescued by Andre’s sister from a Toronto landfill!
N
ot long into a conversation with antique wooden boat collector Andre Philpot, a couple of things become perfectly clear. An engaging and friendly guy, Philpot seems quite prepared to talk about boats for hours, if needed. At the same time, modesty prevents him from talking a lot about himself. Not exactly eager to stand front and centre, Andre consistently deflects the conversation onto other topics: his beloved wife Anne and the beautiful boat named “Annie Doll” in her honour, family, his home community of Marmora, grandkids and, of course, boats in general. They’ve been part of his life since his Toronto Islands childhood. But peeling personal details out of Andre about Andre presents a bit more of a challenge. At the same time, he comes across as the type of guy you hope you end up sitting next to at a party: charming, funny and more than prepared to listen to whatever you have to say. Within minutes, Philpot reveals the following: his multi-talented wife Anne has taken several gorgeous boat photos that (in Andre’s opinion) probably make the collection look much better
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Country Roads • Summer 2015
In the early 20th century English’s Boathouse on Toronto’s Centre Island was a popular spot to rent the Sunnyside Cruisers built by noted Canadian constructor Walter Dean. Photo courtesy blogto.com
than it appears in real life. Also, even though Andre seems quite prepared to go into detail about the boats, he wonders if a visit to Peterborough might prove more helpful. His brother owns a
marina on Chemong Lake and possesses a boat collection apparently far superior to Andre’s own. “Terry ran Woodarts Custom Millwork,” explains the self-deprecating Andre, proudly
Building a business By Angela Hawn
Before and after restoration shots of a 1910 Walter Dean racing canoe purchased by Philpot. Canoe racing was a popular sport in Toronto at the turn of the century and famous rower Ned Hanlan may well have paddled a Dean product like this one.
noting his brother’s ability to make boat repairs. “He’s a far better wood worker than I’ll ever be.” Further questioning eventually digs up the fact Andre once served as Marmora’s Reeve in the late 1980’s and 1990’s. But then, unlike most politicians, he deftly swings the conversation away from himself and back to boats, outlining the kind of detailed craftsmanship boat builders exhibited during a pre-mass production era. Philpot describes with enthusiasm a 21-foot sailboat dating back to the late 1950’s. A wonder of hand-built beauty, the boat’s plan originated in a long ago issue of Popular Mechanics. Every single board matches up, every piece bends in exactly the same way. Some geometrically inclined genius must have poured over those vintage blueprints and taken the task to heart. “A lot of people in these old barns around Marmora are pretty talented,” chuckles Andre, noting most of the boats in his collection have been acquired locally. In fact, one of the best comes from Bonter Marine, a long-time Marmora family business. A smooth-skinned, cedar strip double-rower, the whole thing has been masterfully fastened together with copper. “There must be a thousand copper nails in it,” jokes Andre, explaining drilling regular nails into the wood would have caused the wood to split. When you collect antique boats and have a special affinity for wooden ones, who could resist a vintage Sunnyside Cruiser crafted by the legendary Walter Dean? Who cares whether
This 1930’s double rower was built by Ruth and Bill Bonter and is part of Crowe Lake resident Andre Philpot’s collection. Photo by Anne Philpot
Walter Dean wasn’t the only one crafting and selling gorgeous boats back in the day. Just ask brothers Andy and Jeff Bonter of Marmora’s Bonter Marine. Both have stories about their grandfather’s boat-building days back when wooden boats ruled the waterways. “He used to build these beautiful, all cedar strip boats, nailed together with copper,” Andy reminisces. “No stainless steel back then, and copper was good for weight anyway.” Why boats? Andy explains his grandparents, Bill and Ruth used to run a tourist resort up on Crowe Lake near the family farm. And when your tourist business operates lake-side, you need boats. “They had nine cottages and a fleet of six to eight boats,” explains Andy, noting most of the early resort clientele consisted of American families seeking lengthy fishing holidays. “It was usually the same people returning year after year.” As fishing and pleasure craft evolved, a new business opportunity surfaced for talented boat-builder Bill Bonter and his son, Ted. Boaters seeking speed wanted a vessel with an engine. Enter Bonter Marine, circa 1930, one of the first Johnson outboard dealers in the province. And though Bonter Marine has changed over the years, the actual business has stayed put, standing solidly in its original location on Highway 7 for over 80 years. These days the Bonter brothers might sell more off-road recreational vehicles than watercraft, but boats are in their blood. “We still have the name, Bonter Marine, and we still do winter storage and service,” explains Andy. “I can always order in boats for customers looking to buy.” But the days of the Bonter wooden boats are long gone. Andy sounds almost wistful when he talks about them. Sadly, he didn’t hang on to any of his grandfather’s handiwork, though he’s got plenty of memories. With a chuckle, he recalls bailing out the cottage boats after every single rain. “No wooden boat is ever really watertight,” Andy laughs, “but they’re sure were some cool designs back then.”
Summer 2015 • Country Roads
I 9
The “Annie Doll” was built in honour of Philpot’s wife of 43 years, Anne.
Rear view from “The Peanut”, a 1954 Lakefiled Seminole purchased in Eldorado.
or not it’s a bit damaged and might not hit water again? Call it a collector’s item and consider it a prize. “I seem to be a sucker for old boats,” chuckles Philpot. “Everybody thinks of me when they’ve got an old boat lying around they’re looking to get rid of.” This particular old boat cost Philpot $50 or thereabouts; he really can’t remember. But even though Dean’s popularity peaked and fell long before Andre’s time, he knows enough about the boat builder’s handiwork to appreciate Dean’s place in Canadian boating history. “The boats had an interesting form,” claims Andre, the admiration clear in this voice. “Not as many ribs as a contemporary boat and with a
sweetheart, his wife of 43 years Anne, out on the lake these days, he still thinks the Sunnyside Cruiser is a romantic little boat. He’s even braved the water with it a number of times. “You just wouldn’t want to do it too often,” he laughs. “You’d spend a fair bit of your time bailing it out!” Though not made of wood, a 1970’s Finn sailboat still holds special status in the Philpot antique boat collection. When Canada hosted its first Summer Olympics in Montreal in 1976, this boat saw action in the men’s sailing races. “Rather than bring your own boats with you,” Andre explains, “the host country would collect a fleet of matching Finns.”
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molded flat balsam hull, everything connected by copper strips.” According to Philpot, tourists used to flock to English’s boathouse on Centre Island, hoping to rent the boats for a little weekend respite. Considered a “courting boat”, Sunnyside Cruisers quickly caught on as the perfect and proper spot to get a little face-time with your sweetheart in Victorian era Toronto. At one point, some of these lovely vessels even sported gramaphones, all the better to woo the object of your heart’s desire. “They were extremely elegant boats,” explains Andre, “very sporty.” And though Andre usually chooses more practical watercraft when he takes his own
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July 1 Canada Day 2015 - 11:30 – 9:30 Parade, Bike Rodeo, Games, BBQ & Fireworks
Now’s the time to discover the stunning forests and crystal clear lakes of Wollaston Township in the beautiful hills of North Hastings.
August 28 & 29 Coe Hill Agricultural Fair
September 5 & 6 Warriors Day Weekend Event, Coe Hill Agricultural Fairgrounds
Topguns in Foodplots is a program created by outdoor enthusiast Tom Spatafore. He has learned from the best - the animals themselves. Tom has developed his own highly diversified food plots only available from his outdoor store located in Coe Hill, or his authorized dealers. Tom has set out to give landowners and hunting clubs a complete foodplot program to help them understand the power of food plots to draw in wildlife, like the whitetail deer, and keep them coming back.
Topguns in Foodplots in association with Toms Place Outdoor Store 2294 Highway 620 613-337-5058 tomsplace@sympatico.ca www.topgunsinfoodplots.com
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Summer 2015 • Country Roads
I 11
A favourite of Philpot’s is this old boys’ camp sailing canoe, which is over 70 years old.
This particular Finn hit the water of Portsmouth Olympic Harbour near Kingston (which hosted the sailing events) with a competitor from the former republic of Yugoslavia at the helm. And where did the Yugoslavian place? “I don’t think he did too well,” recounts Andre wryly. “I remember I looked it up once and I think he was in the bottom third.” That said, the Olympian probably fared better than his boat. Just before the Finn entered Andre’s possession, it resided in a Toronto landfill. “I got a call from my sister,” says Andre. “She had gotten hold of it and I guess she thought ‘this is
probably something Andre would be interested in.’” And the price was right. Andre just had to figure out a way to make the old sailboat seaworthy again. Thanks to some floorboards and a rudder from a similar vintage Finn found on Kijiji, as well as a little elbow grease courtesy of an avid boat collector, the sailboat now makes regular voyages again on Crowe Lake. “It was in pretty rough shape,” remembers Andre, recalling the patch job required to cover a good-sized hole in the side. “But it’s all fixed up now and I got a pretty decent little yacht out of it.” One of Andre’s personal favourites is an old boys’ camp canoe attached to a sailing rig. Over 70 years old, the boat can be steered by paddle, though an apt sailor might rely on the rudder, too. “It looks nice against a sunset,” claims Andre with a smile. And the sunsets on Big Island in Crowe Lake where Andre and Anne now live are glorious. Once Marmora townies, they moved out to the island just before retirement, seeking the solitude of country life and ready access to the water. “We first moved to Marmora looking for a good place to raise a family, and we certainly found that,” says Andre, noting the Philpot brood consists of two daughters and a son, plus five grandchildren. “Not a bad one in the bunch,” he adds with a smile. And, for over 40 years, Andre worked as the only lawyer in town, practising a bit of every kind of law, filling whatever need existed. Over the years, two young lawyers articled with him but neither took up permanent residence in Marmora. Now that Andre has retired, the town remains essentially “lawyerless,” though Andre still tackles the occasional legal project.
“That seems to be the way of rural life,” he laments, musing briefly about previous boomtimes in small towns years ago. “Lawyers, the butcher, the baker...now everyone seems to be leaving for bigger centres.” But just because many leave their small town roots these days in search of opportunity elsewhere doesn’t mean some don’t return. Andre quickly points out that tourism frequently leads the way as a major source of employment in the beautiful area he calls home. His own son operates a thriving Kingston-based business selling high-end motor boats. Good chance some of those boats see action on the gorgeous waterways around the Land O’ Lakes area. In fact, the Marmora Tourism Information office is the best place to head if you want to see one of Andre’s beautiful boats for yourself. Simply go inside and look up. Lovingly lodged in the rafters sits a splendid cedar strip canoe, immediately alerting visiting watersports enthusiasts they’ve come to the right place. “The staff have decorated around it and put up some bullrushes,” says the always selfdeprecating Andre. “They made it look really nice.” And are there plans to display a few more boats from the collection? Perhaps Andre is thinking of opening up his own boat museum and showing off his 25 plus boats to the public? What about a smaller version of Peterborough’s Canoe Museum, located just a bit further east? But Philpot just laughs off this suggestion. Right now the only plans on the Philpot books involve an outing with the grandkids when they stop by this evening. Will they be heading out on the water? You bet, though Andre notes they’ll be playing it safe and
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urban advantages in a natural setting 12 I
Country Roads • Summer 2015
The “Ellie B” was named after the woman from whom it was purchased, Ellenore Bicknell of Deloro.
Andre Philpot worked as a lawyer in Marmora for 40 years before he and Anne retired to Big Island on Crowe Lake.
using a contemporary fibreglass boat for the trip. None of the wooden boats are water-ready yet. That process involves finding a quiet, relatively wave-free spot and letting the boat sink straight under. Within a couple of days,
the craft resurfaces, all of its seams sealed by virtue of the very water responsible for sinking it in the first place. “Wood isn’t the most practical material to make a boat out of. You leave it in the water
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guided tours , demonstrations of pioneer crafts such as blacksmithing, rope making, spinning, rug hooking, candle making, log hewing and wood working. The sawmill will be running and there will be a spelling bee at the school house and much more to see and do
enjoy some hot buttery corn on the cob!
the O'Hara Mill Homestead Heritage Day
and it rots,” muses Andre, explaining none of his wooden boats could ever claim complete “leak-proof” status. “But it certainly is the most beautiful.”
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hot dogs and drinks are also available! donations are greatly appreciated Summer 2015 • Country Roads
I 13
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Summer 2015 • Country Roads
I 15
W
e’ve all seen them, those mysterious red-tipped posts, stuck purposely and with apparent authority into the corners of private backyards and public lands everywhere; and then there are the guys in the fluorescent orange vests, hoisting tripods, taking measurements and yes, driving those same stakes into the ground. Most of us probably think we know what the stakes mean, but how many of us can confidently declare we understand the process behind how they got there? Is it random? Are there rules? Do you have to ask permission first? If you just said you know the answer to all of these questions, you’re probably a land surveyor. So what exactly is surveying? Google the word and brace yourself for what pops up. Full disclosure, the website leading the pack was Wikipe-
The land detectives Surveying a profession with many boundaries …and that’s OK! By Angela Hawn 16 I
Country Roads • Summer 2015
A specialist in cadastral surveying, or the practice of establishing boundaries for the purpose of land registry, Kevin Smith describes the Association of Ontario Land Surveyors historical documents as a “treasure trove,” and spends free time poring over them. Photo by Anna Sherlock
The tools of the trade are always evolving. Simple peg and rope geometry has been replaced by complex satellite systems. Photo by Anna Sherlock
Artifacts like this diary from 1794 can provide a great deal of pertinent information regarding details of land boundaries. Photo courtesy PA Miller Surveying Ltd.
A quick surveying Q & A By Angela Hawn Compiled from information available on the Association of Ontario Land Surveyors (AOLS) website
Q. Why get a survey in the first place? A. Looking to buy or sell some land? Perhaps
you need a mortgage. Knee deep in a boundary dispute with a neighbour or simply curious about the exact dimensions of your property? Hoping to build a garage or install a fence along what you think is your back yard boundary? Depending on your municipality’s by-laws, a survey might be the necessary first step in the process.
Q.Why do I have to get a new survey? Can’t I
dia, that gloriously democratic domain to which both experts and amateurs of all stripes can contribute. But since this particular amateur knows absolutely nothing about surveying, why NOT start with the “everyman” site? For what it’s worth, here’s the Wikipedia definition: land surveying is the technique or science of determining the terrestrial or three-dimensional position of points and the distances and angles between them. Hmmm, clear as mud. It goes on to say (and I’m not making this up): these points are usually on the surface of the Earth. Uh, seriously? Exactly what other surfaces might we be talking about? Do surveyors sometimes go intergalactic? Have they been measuring boundaries on the moon lately? “No,” laughs Kevin Smith, a real honest to goodness land surveyor who kindly did not pass judgment on the idea of heading straight to the internet, and even suggested Wikipedia as a place to start. “Surveying can be topographical, but it can also be air and space. You can measure on the surface of the earth, below the surface and even under water.” Aha, so that’s what they meant. Should have asked the ‘Real McCoy’ in the first place. Still, why should your average non-surveying Joe care? A specialist in cadastral surveying, or the practice of establishing boundaries for the purpose of land registry, Kevin ponders that question very seriously. His own enthusiasm for the profession leads him to spend hours of free time trolling through historical articles archived by The Association of Ontario Land Surveyors (AOLS), the body in charge of regulating surveying in this province since 1892. Kevin
refers to the enormous number of AOLS stories as a “treasure trove”, but admits he’s not sure the public might readily understand his interest. “Most people think they know what doctors do, or lawyers, or pharmacists, but few people out there know that much about land surveying,” he muses. “Sometimes I wonder if people watch us walking around with our tripods and think we’re the driest, most boring people in the world.” And according to Kevin, nothing could be further from the truth. With great respect and affection, he refers to his boss, a surveyor who’s been in the business for nearly 40 years. Paul Miller of PA Miller Surveying Ltd. claims his career started back when surveyors still measured with a steel tape. To hear both Kevin and Paul describe the job, surveying sounds not only fascinating, but fun. Picture a profession akin to detective work, or maybe a gigantic jigsaw puzzle with a couple of key pieces missing. In order to solve the problem, surveyors must keep an open mind and approach the situation from any number of angles. And that’s not just a metaphor. Surveyors frequently take their findings and use them to draft complex mathematical models, triangulating points seemingly out of thin air (or so it might seem to a non-surveyor). In reality, that math starts first with a hunt for solid facts. “The land registry office, crown records in the form of old surveyors’ diaries, previous surveys,” Paul tics off a list of potential sources land surveyors consult on a regular basis. “Historical research comes first.” Now consider how far that history might take you. Some of those diaries date back to the 1700’s. Contemporary surveyors might end up checking notes from over 200 years ago, aim-
just use the one commissioned by the previous owner? A. Perhaps the survey contains private and confidential information meant only for the previous client’s eyes. Or maybe the survey is time-sensitive and missing information about any number of changes (i.e. building overhangs, overhead utility lines, etc.) which took place, post-survey.
Q.In a boundary dispute, one surveyor says
one thing, another surveyor says something different. How can such a dispute be resolved? A. While all surveyors craft their opinions based on a number of elements, including detailed historical research and measurement of clearly defined boundaries with the latest in surveying technology, occasionally mistakes still happen. Perhaps critical documents from a couple of hundred years ago went missing. Maybe an unscrupulous land owner shifted a property stake to gain a little more turf. When the impartial judgments of two surveyors don’t match up, going to court might prove to be the only option.
Q.Who is that guy in the fluorescent vest
wandering around my backyard? A. Section 6 of the Surveys Act allows a surveyor or someone working for a surveyor to enter and/or pass over the land of any person at any time. They can even enter a building, at a time deemed suitable by the occupant. Thankfully, surveyors are a well-mannered lot and tend to follow AOLS guidelines in regards to contacting land owners in advance whenever possible.
Q.What happens if I’m unhappy with a
surveyor’s work? Can I file a complaint? A. AOLS will address any surveying concerns, provided they are made in writing to the AOLS registrar.
Summer 2015 • Country Roads
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Deloro: After the gold rush By Angela Hawn
While most individuals are familiar with land surveying through their experience with home purchases, the profession can also cover work under the earth or water. Photo by Anna Sherlock
ing to retrace boundaries set when the British government first started carving up their latest colony into farm-sized chunks. And you might have to skim a considerable amount of text before you come across something critical. Sure, reading about wind conditions the morning a long ago surveying crew set sail for Kingston might prove interesting. Maybe you really want to know how many axes a surveying team purchased before heading into the forest in 1794. But when today’s surveyors sift through pages and pages of historical documents in an effort to retrace a lost boundary, they’re usually looking for landmarks. Fortunately, those long dead settlers generally respected the first boundary markers and built their fences accordingly. Good English breeding at work? Perhaps. More likely, settlers knew tampering with a surveyor’s bar came with an automatic death sentence. Seems harsh, though Paul assures punishment for the same offence softened around the turn of the last century. By the early 1900’s, someone fooling around with a boundary marker might only net five years in prison. With any luck, contemporary surveyors working in the field manage to find those old
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Country Roads • Summer 2015
boundary markers. And hopefully, when they check actual physical measurements against notes compiled from historical records, the data matches up. On a good day, that boundary exists exactly where they expected to find it. But frequently, the task presents more of a challenge. No boundary marker in sight? What about a fence post? Maybe even the remains of the fence itself? Nothing? What does a surveyor do then? Sometimes the job requires bringing in the human element. Perhaps the family who lives down the road recalls the original property boundaries. Witness statements, sometimes in the form of legal affidavits, can prove informative and helpful. But what if someone has a vested interest in dictating where a boundary exists? The human element is, after all, human. Kevin points out sometimes surveyors must rely on their gut. Does the witness seem reli-
Picture a gold mine opening up in the heart of Hastings County. A section of the scenic Moira River cuts through part of the property, meandering south before emptying into the Bay of Quinte and Lake Ontario. It’s 1867, the year of Canada’s confederation, and the community of Deloro begins to blossom, attracting settlers with the promise of prosperity. Now fast forward a hundred years or so and note the mine is closed and the owners have gone bankrupt. By the time the courts decide the company should assume financial responsibility for the toxic stew left in its wake, the money is gone and the provincial government must step up and take over. Arsenic, low-level radioactive waste, copper, nickel, the list of contaminants reads like a recipe for epic environmental disaster. Of the many teams needed to help organize the kind of massive and ongoing clean-up required at Deloro, some of the first on site were surveyors. Before you can determine the extent of the job, you need to figure out how much property you’re dealing with. What’s more, someone needs to find and map all of those abandoned mine shafts for safety reasons far removed from the perils of pollution. No one wants machinery or personnel dropping down some hidden hole. And once the cleanup or containment plan is in place, someone has to take care of all the intricate and important details, such as surveying every part of the multisectioned cap used to seal all of those nasty toxins in place. Should a leak ever occur, those in charge of repair work will want a detailed map showing just what is where.
able? Does he have a reason to lie? Getting a feel for the truth can play an important role in the outcome of survey. Sometimes witnesses bring along tangible evidence to support their claims. Paul recalls a case in which the location of a driveway seemed off kilter with the rest of the property. Puzzled, he actually began to wonder if the driveway had once sat somewhere else. A woman who lived in the house years earlier managed to dig up childhood photos of herself, happily posed on a bicycle right in the middle of the driveway in
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PA Miller Surveying Ltd. has tackled projects on a variety of scales, from mapping blocks of a town to sorting out land boundaries concerning the Alderville First Nation. Photo by Anna Sherlock
question. A fence visible in the photo’s background gave Paul just the kind of boundary information needed. Another time Paul tracked down the original owner of a hotel about to go up for sale. Although the man had long since moved to a nursing home, his vivid description of a corner landmark promptly cleared up a couple of boundary questions. During a telephone conversation, the man talked about a distinctive pine tree while Paul took notes. Armed with that description, the survey crew easily found the tree, now a stump, and placed their surveying posts accordingly. More often than not, figuring out exactly where to place those property stakes involves a lot of complex interplay between historical
Historical documents, such as this plan of the Snow Colonization Road of Weslemkoon Lake, can provide critical information in determining land boundaries. Photo courtesy PA Miller Surveying Ltd.
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Country Roads • Summer 2015
research and field work, with a little evidence from a witness or two thrown in for good measure. Working out where a lost boundary marker should go can be a formidable task. And sometimes the boundaries in question can be pretty big. For those of us whose only experience with a survey team probably involved obtaining a mortgage, comprehending boundary decisions which stretch beyond the size of an average back yard might prove tough. A quick glance at PA Miller Surveying’s resume reveals just how tricky some of those enormous surveying jobs can be. Consider surveying blocks and blocks of an entire town, ever mindful of the fact a river runs through the middle of it. The result? In an effort to inventory downtown Bancroft’s physical assets, Miller’s team made a series of comprehensive digital maps covering several city blocks. These same mapping templates formed an important foundation for other teams involved in the project, from traffic studies to groups concerned
You’ve come a long way, baby! By Angela Hawn
Surveyors like Kevin Smith need a broad and deep education, including the understanding of various mathematical concepts, research skills, data analysis and strong language skills. Photo by Anna Sherlock
with Bancroft’s cultural heritage. And when disaster struck a few years later, those maps even helped locate submerged manholes and catch basins during the 2013 spring flood. But if mapping a town still doesn’t impress, try going even bigger. What about sorting out the boundaries for an entire nation? In 2009, Miller’s company worked to help determine the exterior limits of the Alderville First Nation. Suddenly the firm found themselves immersed in historical records dating back a century and a half. Depending extensively on GPS, land surveyors helped figure out conflicting documents outlining boundaries between First Nations lands and lands under Provincial jurisdiction. Sometimes those surveying jobs might just involve the entire planet, so to speak. Heard of the Deloro mine clean-up? (See sidebar.) Managing an environmental mess that big requires hard work and collaboration. Who formed some of the first teams on site? Why surveyors, of course!
Given the territorial nature of mankind and our inherent need to mark our turf, it’s no surprise surveying dates back to ancient times. Ever wonder how the Egyptians got those pyramids so perfectly positioned? A surveyor undoubtedly laid the groundwork. But though history presents several miraculous examples of surveying work done right (think Stonehenge), who knows what kind of qualifications those ancient surveyors had? Their contemporary counterparts generally earn an engineering degree, steeping themselves in technical know-how. To survey in today’s world, one must be well-versed in various important mathematical concepts, from algebra to trigonometry. And it’s not just about the math. Be prepared to demonstrate you’re also a master of research technique, data analysis and the language skills necessary to articulate the survey’s findings in a written report. Got your degree and think you’re ready? Not quite. All surveyors must spend time articling with an accredited surveying firm before applying for their own Ontario or Canada Lands certificate. Got your paperwork in order? Now make sure you’ve spent adequate time perfecting your skills with all those nifty measurement gadgets, part and parcel of the surveying profession. A surveyor’s tool kit has come a long way since the plumb line first made its debut. Where once simple peg and rope geometry got results, now surveyors make use of complex satellite systems to achieve the most exacting measurements. When NASA launched its first rockets into space more than 50 years ago, surveying blasted into the future, too. Good-bye steel tape; hello GPS!
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Paul Miller of PA Miller Surveying Ltd. says he has used old family photos or even an individual’s personal recollections to help solve boundary puzzles. Photo courtesy PA Miller Suveying Ltd.
So next time you see someone in a fluorescent vest carrying a tripod, take a good, long look. Imagine all the work he or she performed prior to heading into the field and all the work to follow. The driest, most boring people on earth? Hardly!
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Summer 2015 • Country Roads
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Going the distance Wells Ford draws customers from near and very far By John Hopkins • Photos courtesy Wells Ford
The place where it all began in 1935. The Texaco service centre at 98 Front Street became a Ford dealership in 1940.
o you know how many car dealers there are in the Greater Toronto Area? It’s hard to find a precise number, and it would depend on what your parameters are, but safe to say it is a lot. Just as a point of reference, if you type an East York postal code into the ford. ca dealership locater, you will be informed that there are 75 dealers within a 100km radius of that location. That’s right, 75! Which leads to an interesting question. Why would Steve and Carol, a couple from Toronto who have a choice of 75 Ford dealers within an easy hour’s drive of their home, travel essentially twice that distance to have their oil changed at Wells Ford in Stirling? Wrap your head around that and you get an idea why Wells Ford has been in business for 80 years. “In any small town if you don’t look after the customer they won’t come back,” points out dealer principle Allan Wells. “That’s why we look after our customers. That’s the way any business should operate.” With that in mind it is perhaps fitting that the dealership’s 80th anniversary on June 20 was called a Customer Appreciation Day. The big event was staged at Wells’s 48 Belleville Road location, on the east side of town, and included food, live music, a carousel ride and antique cars and tractors on display.
D
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Country Roads • Summer 2015
Eighty years, and three generations, in any business is something to celebrate. But to survive and thrive for 80 years in a business as fickle
Harold Wells in 1929 at the age of 19 with his first car.
and sometimes volatile as car sales is particularly noteworthy. No doubt that’s something Allan’s father, Harold Wells, and his partner Sheldon McIntosh would have appreciated when they opened up their business in 1935. They started out as a Texaco service centre but took on Ford sales in 1940, a difficult time for any enterprise to be sure.
“They got the franchise in 1940 but they couldn’t get any cars until 1947 or ’48,” Allan says. “I suppose it was because of the [Second World] War. In the war years you couldn’t get cars to sell. They were building tanks and jeeps instead. It probably helped that they sold tractors, which would have been good for the farmers.” Wells continued selling tractors until 1967. Further challenges came in the early 1980s, when inventory shrank drastically and interest rates reached almost 20 percent, making car loans unattainable for many consumers. Through it all, however, Allan never lost his enthusiasm for the business. “I love it,” he enthuses. “I was brought up pumping gas and washing cars. I never thought of doing anything else. Much of Allan’s enthusiasm appears to have been passed on to his own sons Mike and Steven, who work in sales and serve as the dealer manager, respectively. That continuity extends to the staff as well. Wells Ford currently employs about 30, and many of them boast long careers with the dealership. “After 25 years with us each employee is given the money for a vacation,” Mike says, “and lately it seems like we’ve been giving away a trip every year!”
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You don’t spend 80 years in business without marching along with the times, and Wells Ford has managed to grow and evolve to serve a changing automotive market. The family is particularly proud of the addition put on in 2014.
“A lot of these small town dealerships have gone by the wayside,” says Mike. “And after the third generation there is only a three or four percent chance of survival.” “There are no stairs, just ramps,” says Mike. “We revamped the outside to give it the look of a modern, professional business.” The pride in the new facility is perhaps reflected in the fact that the 80th anniversary celebrations were staged there, after the 50th was held at the Stirling Arena and the 75th at the Agricultural Museum (now called Farmtown Park) on the other side of town. In addition to its sales and service departments, Wells Ford also boasts a collision centre that has been in operation for 50 years and was recently renamed Fix Auto Stirling. “It’s the only collision centre in the area,” Allan says, “and it’s convenient. It saves people having to travel to Belleville or Peterborough for the service.” And then there is the product. Mike points out that Ford’s F150 pick-up is North America’s best-selling vehicle and “we sell tons of them.” And, he adds, the Focus is rated the world’s bestselling car. The Wells family formula seems to be working, and the length and breadth customers will come to enjoy Wells Ford’s sales and service is certainly testament to that. No word on whether Steve and Carol made the trip from Toronto. No doubt they would have been warmly welcomed as a fitting testament to how far a commitment to customer service and a tradition of excellence can take you.
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Summer 2015 • Country Roads
I 23
On The Autumn Horizon The intimate studio tours of rural artscapes
A
An example of Mary Moldovan’s abstract work. One of the main organizers of the Apsley Studio Tour, Moldovan admits the fall tour date provides a useful deadline for participating artists. Photo courtesy Apsley Studio Tour
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Country Roads • Summer 2015
By Michelle Annette Tremblay
nyone who has visited the Ontarelry, pottery, and hand crafted furniture, the io Highlands in autumn knows tours each have something that will appeal to it’s the ideal season for a sceeveryone. nic drive. With the kids back at Organizers explain that studio tours, which school after a full season of BBQs and camphave become increasingly popular throughout ing, family reunions and summer holidays, cottage country over the last decade, provide a most of us have retruly unique experience turned to comfortfor art lovers. Not only able routines and do they get to explore have, dare we say, this majestic region of caught our breath. eastern Ontario during The mosquitos its most aestheticaland blackflies are ly vibrant season and gone, the days are immerse themselves still long and hot in art, they also get to (but not too long connect with the creand hot), and of ators in their own stuc o u r s e , t h e f o rdios. ested hills are beOften, upon arrival, jeweled with vivid visitors enter the very fall colours. It’s landscapes that have no wonder several inspired the art they communities have admire. They meet the chosen this seaartists’ families, see son to host studio their workspaces, learn tours. about their process, pet The Tweed, Bantheir dogs, maybe even croft and Apsley drink their tea. It crestudio tours, each ates an intimacy. If held in September Visitors to the various studio tours have the opportunity to see they purchase a piece annually, are well a range of artists and disciplines. Potter Karen Gray is part of of art, they have a feelthe Bancroft tour. established and cel- Photo courtesy Bancroft Studio Tour ing and a memory to ebrated for the high go along with it. Requality of their featured artists. Displaying evlationships are built. If they return year after erything from paintings and photo prints, to year, as many do, they witness the progression stained glass, carvings, textiles, custom jewin an artist’s craft. They end up with a treasured
The Tweed Studio Tour will feature the wood creations of Linda Yorke. Photo courtesy Tweed Studio Tour
one-of-a-kind collection, curated by time, communion and authenticity. Organizers of the tours all agree that rural Eastern Ontario attracts especially accomplished artists. This is partly because of the vast and inspiring landscape, but the relaxed lifestyle, sense of community, and lower cost of living contribute too. The lower cost of living, specifically in terms of real estate, allows serious artists to have large studio spaces that may not be viable in more urban settings. Sharing these studios with the public is a real treat for the artists, say organizers. Of course the opportunity to present their most recent works and to hopefully make some sales is a big incentive for the artists to be involved, but there’s much more to it than that. “Artists need deadlines,” says Molly Moldovan with a chuckle. It’s true. Ask pretty much any creative type, and they will tell you that finishing a project, or recognizing when a project is complete is one of their biggest challenges. The stereotype of the tortured artist, alone in his studio, obsessing over a masterpiece for months, exists for a reason. “The studio tour provides a fixed deadline every year,” explains Moldovan, a featured abstract painter on the Apsley Tour, and also one of the tour’s main organizers. She says that knowing she has a deadline every September keeps her inspired, motivated, and on task. Artists need people, too. The Tweed, Bancroft and Apsley tours each have at least 20 different artists, from all different disciplines, and in all sorts of different venues. Being involved in the tour provides a social tapestry
for them: they interact with guests during the tour, and they collaborate with each other leading up to it. In recent years, some of the artists have been teaming up for the tour. One studio might feature two or three artists. “It makes things easier and more enjoyable for us,” says Bancroft wood-working artist David Ferguson. “We get to share the workload for the day, which means we have more time to stop and chat with guests.” It also increases the likelihood that people will make a point of stopping at that particular venue because there’s more than one type of art to see there. This is helpful for newer tour participants who might not be as well known, or for those who have less-common disciplines. Having the time to connect with visitors is paramount, says Ferguson. He explains that some types of artists, like himself, rely mostly on commissions. While a textile or jewellery designer might hope to sell a bunch of items during the tour to make room for new projects, other types of artists, like Ferguson, are less focused on selling during the tour, and more on building lasting relationships. Though each of the tours are well established, they all have a few new features this year. The Apsley tour has added some live dem-
onstrations to its programme, and the Bancroft tour has several new artists including an organic artisan chocolatier and a new clothing designer. The Tweed Tour has been busy creating a new logo, which features the town’s tiny historic jailhouse (which now serves as a visitor information centre), and this is the first year they’ve been active on social media. So as you wander through the sunny days of summer, don’t forget to think ahead and mark your calendar. The Apsley tour runs from Sept. 19-20, the Tweed tour runs from Sept. 2627, and the Bancroft tour overlaps them both, running over two weekends: Sept. 19-20, and 26-27. You can find out more by picking up a studio brochure in each of the communities, or check out their websites.
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Tweed Studio Tour: www.TweedStudioTour.org Bancroft Studio Tour: www.BancroftStudioTour.org Apsley Studio Tour: www.ApsleyStudioTour.com
m u s m o i e r r a t ! n O r u o f o An essential part ES
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Discover where to find our premium ice cream at kawarthadairy.com
Summer 2015 • Country Roads
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JUST SAYING
BY SHELLEY WILDGEN
Sunshine Superwoman
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o….winter happened. What a blast! It noisily sat there, all big and blustery, laughing at the plastic shovels parked at our side doors. The year before, winter was just as rude but with less centimetre volume. Perhaps enduring such downright malevolent winters makes us feel that summertime is our soul’s reward. We open our arms to the fresh, warm, generous elements and welcome all the goodness coming our way. Some years, we ease into the sweetness with a few near tornadoes; hugging our trees firmly, because we know summer’s coming, and with it – that omnipotent feeling of unfolding potential. Everyone starts looking a little smarter and happier. Heads up, usually some smiles and if you’re anywhere near Home Depot or Canadian Tire, lots and lots of supplies. Fix it, make it, construct it. We can do it. All the ads say so and that summer vitality coursing through our veins convinces us that we can…do…it. It’s our compensation for those months of frozen desperation. The only hitch is that sometimes, well, it’s overspent confidence. A few summers ago, I had a vision. The lawn leading down to the river in our backyard needed a border on either side, something to define the lawn but still look river-y. It needed tall grasses! Not 10 or 15 pots. The border needed to be lush and abundant and able to sway in the summer breezes. Buckets and buckets of tall grasses. There were many trips to the garden centre with the guy at the cash assuring me, “Oh yes, these’ll come back every year,” while I squeezed another five feathery, reedy fountain bluegrass type deals into the cart. Dig, plant, dig, plant, dig, plant…get… the…grass…into…the…dirt. I was creating a piece of self-sustaining art, except that it wasn’t. They didn’t all come back every year and they didn’t all undulate with the sway of the music in my head. Mostly, they just sat like varying heights of un-mowed clumps. None of it really mattered. Summer inspirations rarely do. Another year, the thrill and promise of summertime motivated me to suggest that my
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Country Roads • Summer 2015
daughter and her friend set up a trailer in our flowery front yard and sell jewellery. After all, they made plenty of cute bracelets and necklaces for fun, so why not take advantage of the unrelenting summer tourist traffic out there and make some summer cash. They bought it. They believed, and so ‘The Garden of Beadin’’ was born. I made fast tracks to the craft store and loaded them up with bags and bags of beads and accessories. Beading all morning and part of one afternoon, they were full steam ahead, riding the wave of creativity shooting out of those blue, cloudless skies. With a table full of bracelets and one customer, the Garden Beaders
Summer projects aren’t limited to renovations and new business plans. Hobbies stand firmly in the forefront of summertime bravado. I find boating to be one of my manufactured summertime skills, albeit without any training, reading or general knowledge of the sport.
were exhausted. Strong start, slow finish, much like summer itself. I think it was the summer of ’09 that my brother, having returned from years away in Japan, utilized his genetic predisposition for huge summer projects. For the first time ever, he built a shed, to house his stuff. Back and forth across the yard – hot days, rainy days, all days - with all manner of used lumber and metal things and not
an instruction book in sight. In the summer, no one needs instructions. That strange, simmering confidence leads the way. And it did. My brother made a good shed. A tall shed, with a little fence and a door and shelves. It didn’t look like the ones at the box store parking lots, but it held his stuff and it still stands tall, years after selling the property. Now it’s someone’s too tall chicken coop, a veritable Cluckingham Palace. Summer projects aren’t limited to renovations and new business plans. Hobbies stand firmly in the forefront of summertime bravado. I find boating to be one of my manufactured summertime skills, albeit without any training, reading or general knowledge of the sport. In all, I’ve owned three kayaks (why buy just one when you may want to teach a friend or two), two pedal boats and two motorboats. The memory of my “Here, let me show you how it’s done” suggestion that my husband ‘pour’ me and my kayak off the dock is as fresh as the river weeds atop my head that day. Undeterred, I changed vehicles but held tight to my watersport ignorance – perhaps something less tippy would be better. I sunk the first pedal boat in the middle of the Trent River and bought the second from Kijiji before my clothes were dry. Wisely, both of my motorboats were only driven by other people and the most recent motorboat still lingers in some repair shop somewhere, while I continue to pay insurance on it rather than deal with whatever it is that sends boats to shops. Why people like me take on unsuitable challenges may just have something to do with deadlines. Summer is short in southern Ontario, and we have a lot to conquer before the snow flies. Ninety days to master a new craft means no time for research. Undaunted, we forge ahead. One look down any city block or country road, and you’ll spy us. Summer-getic spirits, all trying on the skills we wish we were born with, and that’s okay. Like bumblebees bobbing about, we think we’re flying but really, we’re just tumbling from one near-disaster to another, soaking up the sunshine and hurting no one
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Country
celebrating life in
CHEESE CO-OP
Country Roads
celebrating life in hastings coun
Country Roads
celebrating life in hastings coun
ADVERTISING FEATURE
CR
Summer 2015 • Country Roads Sip & Savour
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Country SIP & SAVOUR - THE REGION’S BEST FOOD & DRINK Roads celebrating life in hastings county
Contents
Country Roads
celebrating life in hastings county
CR Country
2 - BY THE WAY CAFÉ
CO-PUBLISHER & EDITOR Nancy Hopkins 613 968-0499
2 - HIDDEN GOLDMINE
CO-PUBLISHER & EDITOR John Hopkins 613 968-0499
Roads
3 - MIXIN MOMMAS CAFÉ
SALES DEPARTMENT
celebrating life in hastings county
SOUTH HASTINGS & AREA Nancy Hopkins nancy@countryroadshastings.ca 613.968.0499
3 - BARLEY PUB 3 - EMPIRE CHEESE 4 - STIRLING HERITAGE WINES
CENTRAL HASTINGS & AREA Lorraine Gibson-Alcock lorraine@countryroadshastings.ca 613.902.0462
4 - BLACK DOG FAMILY RESTAURANT
NORTH HASTINGS & AREA Hope McFall hope@countryroadshastings.ca 613.202.1541
4 - OLD SCHOOL CAFÉ, LAUNDRY & GREENHOUSES
ART DIRECTOR Jozef VanVeenen This Sip & Savour - The Region’s Best Food & Drink Guide is an advertising i nsert to COUNTRY ROADS, Celebrating Life in H astings County, and is published by PenWord C ommunications Inc.
“The coffee shop” O
ver the years, By the Way Café has become a cornerstone of Tweed. Located in the downtown core at 301 Victoria St. N., it is known simply as “the coffee shop”, no name required, which is apt for a community-minded business. Selling only coffee and tea almost 10 years ago from a very small (but funky) storefront, By the Way has grown, so much so that the venue expanded two years ago. The coffee is fair trade organic and roasted fresh every week. You can buy fresh beans by the pound or enjoy take-out or in-house cups, including espresso-based coffee drinks. But that’s just the tip of the iceberg. The food is simple and home-made, including daily soups, curry, meat pies and a variety of sandwiches and specials. For the sweet tooth, you can find freshly baked goodies every day such as scones, muffins, pies, and
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a variety of yummy bars and special sweets. Montreal-style bagels are the basis for some of the more popular sandwiches, including an all day breakfast bagel. Bagels are also sold by the dozen. Vegetarian options are available every day and the daily soups are gluten-free. The atmosphere is both kid and senior friendly (there’s a toy corner!), the staff is friendly and warm and there is a patio. Give By the Way Café a try if you are travelling and weary and need a bit of sophisticated country, a jolt of good coffee, or a heart-warming meal and experience. You can contact By the Way Café via email at bythewaycafe@gmail.com.
Country Roads Sip & Savour • Summer 2015
The cover of our Recreation Guide was created by Andre Jolicoeur. Andre is a weirdo illustrator art guy from Stirling. His work has appeared all over the world on billboards, magazines, games, products, TV shows... You name it! Visitdoodlemachine.com for more of his silliness. Among his projects is Art in the Park, an outdoor art festival held at beautiful Henry St. Park in Stirling. Visit on August 8 for a day of artsy fun. With many artists from around Stirling and an eclectic mix of styles you’re sure to find something you’ll love. Interested artists can contact Andre to participate, (613) 920-0010, or visit www.facebook.com/stirlingartinthepark. The contents of this publication are p rotected by copyright. Reproduction of this p ublication in whole or in part without prior written permission of PenWord C ommunications Inc. is prohibited.
HOW TO CONTACT US
Telephone: 613 968-0499 E-mail: info@countryroadshastings.ca Website: www.countryroadshastings.ca For written enquiries you can reach us at: PenWord Communications Inc. P.O. Box 423, Stirling, ON K0K 3E0
Discover Baking Just Like Grandma’s
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et your taste buds guide you back to a simpler time at Hidden Goldmine Bakery. Remember the taste of Grandma’s home cooked meals and fresh, out of the oven baking? Well, that’s exactly what you can expect from the Goldmine. Indulge in oldfashioned made from scratch baking. Specializing in butter tarts, fresh fruit pies, buttermilk tea biscuits and the classic golden fudge nugget, Hidden Goldmine Bakery prides itself on baking preservative-free so they maintain a traditional and old-fashioned home baking essence. Take a seat by the window and watch the world go by in beautiful,
downtown Madoc as you enjoy the cafe’s homemade soup and sandwich of the day made with local produce, honey, meat, butter and cheeses. After lunch, browse through primitive antiques and decor rich with old time charm and local history. Heading to the cottage for the weekend? Be sure to stop in, grab a home brewed ice tea and baking by the 1/2 dozen for the road. Hidden Goldmine Bakery is a treasured find.
Hours of operation: Tuesday through Saturday 9am to 5pm 55 Durham St. S. Madoc, On K0K 2K0 Phone: 613-473-5310 FOLLOW US @hgmbakery
SIP & SAVOUR - THE REGION’S BEST FOOD & DRINK
Getting fresh
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ooking for some nice and fresh homemade goodies to start off your day? Or maybe that nice specialty coffee or tea to help get you through a long afternoon. Either way, Mixin’ Mommas in the heart of Bancroft has you covered. Mixin Mommas calls itself a fresh café, and that just about says it all. They offer a breakfast and lunch menu that includes locally-sourced meats and produce. They offer Reunion Island Coffee and Teas, Specialty coffees, smoothies, paninis, salads, sandwiches and homemade soups daily.
CHEESE CO-OP
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astings County and its surrounding area has a wellearned reputation as cheese country, and for travelers heading east from Toronto, the Empire Cheese Co-op provides a gateway to that rich tradition. Located just over the Hastings / Northumberland border on the Campbellford Road, Empire Cheese has been in operation for 135 years and reaped numerous awards along the way. That long history of local cheese making has an impact on visitors. “For many families, a visit to Empire is a summer tradition,” explains Empire’s Vicki McMillan. “Often people
Let the good times roll
They also provide gluten free and vegan options along with their regular menu, and Paleo options are available. Gluten free muffins are a big hit at Mixin Mommas, and the greek salad has received rave reviews as well. If eating in, you can enjoy the local artwork showcased inside the café or, during the summer months, take advantage of their patio. Mixin Mommas is located at 8 Flint Street, just off the main drag at the south end of Bancroft. Their summer hours are 7:00am-5:00pm Monday to Saturday, and during the winter they are open from 7:00am-5:00pm Monday to Friday, and 8:00am-2:00pm on Saturday. You can reach Mixin’ Mommas by calling 613-332-6642 or find them on Facebook.
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reat food in a warm and inviting atmosphere are always on the menu at Madoc’s Barley Pub & Eatery. Located at 40 St. Lawrence St. West in downtown Madoc, the Barley’s relaxed vibe and varied menu make it a great place to meet for any occasion. Patrons can pull up a stool at the bar or grab a table in the dining room. In summer you can enjoy the screened-in porch out back or in winter relax with a drink in front of the fireplace. House specialties include Nachos, Zucchini Sticks, Bangers & Mash, Meatloaf, Chicken Bruschetta, the Steak Fajita Wrap and Smoked Meat
The tradition continues
tell us stories of visiting a local cheese factory when they were young and the memories associated with it. Obviously things have changed with current health and safety regulations, but the excitement of visiting the cheese factory still resonates with both the young and old.” As a co-op, Empire Cheese is owned by local dairy farmers and each year they hold elections to vote in a board of directors to run the factory. While some aspects of cheese making have certainly changed over 135 years, tradition still plays a big role in the Empire process. Its cheese
is made in open-style vats, which Empire feels gives its cheese and curd a better flavour. No additives are used and no artificial flavours are added to the cheddar. Empire’s cheese is all natural, with no preservatives added. Once finished, the cheese is vacuum-packed to preserve the flavour. Empire distributes a wide variety of cheeses to suit all tastes. Cheddars range from mild, which is aged from one to two weeks, to four years old, with a variety of flavours available. There is also a wide array of mozzarella flavours, ranging from black pepper to jalapeno with red chiles. “If you are looking for something extraspecial, take home some Seven-Year-Old Cheddar, Hot Whiskey Mustard Cheddar, or Caramelized Onion Cheddar,” McMillan points out. Indeed, Empire’s Caramelized Onion Cheddar has unique status as being the only one of its kind available locally. Empire has the awards to back up its popularity. Its Old Cheddar and Monterey Jack took first place in last year’s Royal
on Rye. And the Barley pays tribute to its heritage as the old Madoc Fire Hall with the Firehouse Burger, two lean ground beef patties topped with bacon, Swiss and Cheddar cheese, mushrooms, beerbattered onion rings, jalapenos, and the Barley’s own signature chipotle sauce. The menu also includes a selection of vegetarian items, such as Quesadillas, Fettuccine Alfredo and a selection of salads. Visitors have also enjoyed the Fish and Chips, Wings or Greek Salad, and are quick to rave about the friendly and efficient staff. Drop in to the Barley Pub & Eatery for a drink, snack or meal and you’ll discover why their tagline reads, “Good food, friendly service, fun times.” Visit them on Facebook to learn about upcoming promotions. Or call 613-4731800. www.barleypub.ca
Winter Fair, and the Mild Cheddar and Extra Old Cheddar both placed first in the 2013 Royal. No visit to a cheese factory is complete without curd, and Empire has fresh curd available six days a week through the summer months. “Not only do we have award winning cheese, and fresh squeaky curd,” adds McMillan, “we offer Kawartha Dairy Ice Cream, local maple syrup and honey, homemade chocolate and skin care products made from local goat’s milk. There is something here for the whole family to enjoy.”
The Empire Cheese Co-op is located at 1120 County Road 8 in Campbellford, and can be reached by phone at 705-653-3187 or found on the web at empirecheese.ca. They are open Monday to Saturday from 8:00 am-5:00 pm, and Sunday between 9:00 am-5:00 pm.
Summer 2015 • Country Roads Sip & Savour
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SIP & SAVOUR - THE REGION’S BEST FOOD & DRINK
The personal touch
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veryone wants to bring their own flavour and style to a special occasion, right? But how can you be a true original and stand out from the crowd? One way to put your unique stamp on an event is by making your own wine, and Stirling Heritage Wines, located at 30 West Front Street in downtown Stirling can help you along the way. Stirling Heritage Wines is a ferment-onpremises winemaking shop and offers a range of fine wine kits to suit every taste, from entry level to the highest quality, all ready in four to six weeks. “We also carry supplies and kits for beginners or seasoned winemakers to make their favourite beverage at home,” notes Darlene Baker, of Stirling Heritage Wines. “Our wines are perfect for hostess gifts, wedding favours, anniversaries – really any special occasion.”
Stirling Heritage Wines always features seasonal releases, such as Black Forest, Orange Chocolate, Coffee Dessert Wines as well as the Orchard Breezin’ Cranapple Celebration, which is always a fall favourite. New this fall is the Cru Specialty – Raspberry Mocha Dessert Wine. One final way to make your homemade wine truly your own is to choose from a collection of personalized labels. Stirling Heritage Wines also sells Brew House Beer kits, as well as specialty cheeses, jams, honey, wine and beer giftware, gift baskets and more. You can like Stirling Heritage Wines on Facebook, email s tirlingheritagewines@ gmail.com or call them at 6 13-395-0002. And keep an eye out for their revamped website, coming soon!
A place for everyone
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relaxing dinner for you and your sweetie, a place where the family can dine ‘unplugged,’ the perfect place to hang with friends, S tirling’s Black Dog Family Restaurant & Lounge is the place for everyone. Owner Colleen Belanger is proud that the restaurant caters to all groups and all tastes. And all numbers. Got a bus load of hungry folks? Yes, when prearranged, the Black Dog can feed your group too. Located at 227 West Front Street, the Black Dog has a new menu to go with its nightly specials. Wednesday night is pasta night, with the fresh, homemade cook’s choice pasta special, including Caesar Salad toast round on the menu for only $10.
Thursday night is wing night, while on Friday night you can get fish and chips – it’s only $10 for two pieces or $8 for one piece of fish. “Our fish and chips are so popular that they have become a Friday night ritual,” points out Belanger. “It is always our busiest night.” For Saturday there’s the rib ‘n wing combo, with a half rack of ribs, a half pound of wings and fries all offered for only $16. The Black Dog also features local music. Check them out on Facebook or call 613-395-9444 for a schedule. The Black Dog Family Restaurant & Lounge is open Wednesday-Sunday, with a full menu available until 9:00pm and pub food available until closing.
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Doing it ‘old school’
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s the name suggests, you can do it all at the Old School Café, Laundry and Greenhouses, located just off Highway 62 in Combermere. Looking for great, local and naturally grown food? Head into the café. Trying to connect with the outside world on your escape from it all? You can also take advantage of the café’s wifi service. Need to get your laundry done? Step into the Laundromat and sample its natural, chemical-free laundry soap. As a family-owned and run business, with a background in farming to boot, there is definitely an ‘old school’ vibe to the Old School Café, Laundry and Greenhouses. But it is literally an old school as well! The property is part of the Combermere Heritage Walk developed by the Combermere Heritage Society. The café property was the site
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of a one-room log schoolhouse built in 1871, while the current structure was completed in 1952 and closed as a school around 1968. The Old School Café, Laundry and Greenhouses is located at 3 Meadowlark Road. You can reach them at 613-756-9729 by phone or via email at hello@ theoldschoolcafelaundrygreenhouses. com. You can also visit them on the web at www. theoldschoolcafelaundrygreenhouses. com. During the summer they are open daily, Monday to Saturday from 7:00am9:00pm and on Sunday 7:00am7:00pm. Winter hours are Monday to Saturday, 7:00am-7:00pm and Sunday, 8:30am-6:00pm.
Country Roads • Summer 2015
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What’s not to like?
C Check out our website and ‘Friend’ us on Facebook
celebr
www.countryroadshastings.ca
www.facebook.com/pages/ Country-Roads-Celebrating-Life-inHastings-County-Magazine/ 129317950479693
@countryroadsmg
SAY IT IN PRINT & YOU SAY IT FOREVER
613.968.0499
Complimentary copies available throughout Hastings County ARTS • OUTDOORS • HISTORY • PEOPLE • PLACES
Combermere Playground of Madawaska • Locally and organically grown vegetables and meat products • Woodlot management and consulting • Firewood sales • Custom farm work
Shulist Family Farm WHITEWATER CANOE + KAYAK INSTRUCTION
2248 Dafoe Rd., Combermere, ON 613.756.5634 Email:ink_shulist@hotmail.com
» janitorial for office and building » retail sales floors » cottage housekeeping and staffing » facilities management
P.O. Box 119 • 39258 Combermere Road
ON THE MADAWASKA RIVER
Highland AUGUST 02, 2015 STARTS 11 AM
Join us! Whitewater paddling programs run every weekday and weekend throughout the season! Private courses available for friends and family, including KidActive for ages 7 to 13. WE SPECIALIZE IN CUSTOM COURSES Any size group—Any day of the week
BOOK NOW
www.paddlerco-op.com
Paddler Co-op is a not-for-profit organization that provides high quality outdoor programs for new and experienced paddlers, kids, families, schools and outdoor professionals. For 16 years we have offered programs which recognize the value that being active in the outdoors brings to people’s lives.
613-758-2772
info@paddlerco-op.com Whitewater Kayak and Canoe Programs River Safety and Rescue • WFA • Exceptional Instructors Campsites on the Shore of the Madawaska River
LIVE AUCTION
Fence & Decks
ADDITIONS, RENOVATIONS & NEW CONSTRUCTION • Home & Cottage Building • General Construction & Renovations • Outdoor Leisure Structures • Decks & Fences
Daly Auctioneers
STUART HECHT, COMBERMERE
LIVE MUSIC
www.highlandconstruction.ca
613.756.3776
CARDBOARD DUCT TAPE BOAT RACES
KID ZONE
Farmers’ Market Saturdays 8 am – noon
Across from Hudson House at the corner of Hwy 62 & Farmer Road
• FRESH, LOCAL PRODUCE •
FOR MORE INFO
Check Combermere Recreation FB page
613.756.9729
Combermere & Area Community Centre
1095 Farmer Rd. Come support your local Fire Department & Combermere Recreation Committee
Madonna House
Madonna House v Antiques v Paintings Giftv Collectibles Shops,v Crafts Gallery && Prints All items in OPEN: May long weekend to July Pioneer Museum our Madonna - Thurs, Fri, Sat - 10-5 Gift Shops, Gallery & Pioneer Museum Celebrating 50 Years
House shops are July long weekend to Labour Day donated and all - Tuesday to Saturday 10-5 Celebrating 50 Years the proceeds go to the poor. All Shops are closed on Sunday and Monday v Antiques v Collectibles v Crafts 2887 Dafoe Rd., Hwy.& Prints 517, Combermere, v Paintings
613-756-3713
v MUSEUM
TOURS
Extensive Pioneer Collection
IMAGINE WOOD PRODUCTS
Madonna House NEW INN TOWNE GiftOPEN: Shops, Gallery May long weekend to July & Thurs, Fri, Sat - 10-5 July long weekend to Labour Day Museum RESTAURANT Pioneer All items in our Madonna House shops are
Open Daily donated and all the proceeds go to the poor. All Year
Tuesday to Saturday 10-5
Combermere, ON
ROCK MAPLE KITCHEN UTENSILS
WWW.IMAGINEWOOD.COM • 613-756-9759
NEW INN TOWNE RESTAURANT Combermere, ON
613-756-3522
613-756-3522 Celebrating BOOK SHOP: Thurs,50 Fri,Years Sat. 2-5pm All shops are closed on Sunday and Monday
Antiques v Collectibles v Crafts Internet vCafe • Coin Laundry • Garden Center Paintings Prints 517 2887vDafoe Rd.,& Hwy. Food Truck • Farmer’s Market Stand
Ontario Specialty Coffee,Combermere, Gluten Free Treats, High Speed Internet
v MUSEUM 613-756-3713TOURS Pioneer Collection 3 MeadowlarkExtensive Road (enter off Hwy. 61) Comberemere hello@theoldschoolcafelaundrygreenhouses.com
613.756.9729
All items in our Madonna House shops are donated and all the proceeds go to the poor. OPEN: May long weekend to July Thurs, Fri, Sat - 10-5 July long weekend to Labour Day 2015 • Country Tuesday to Saturday 10-5Roads
Hub of the Universe – Wish you were here! Summer
BOOK SHOP: Thurs, Fri, Sat. 2-5pm All shops are closed on Sunday and Monday
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Century Old General Store on the corner of Hwy 62 & 127 in Maynooth
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Country Roads • Summer 2015
Paintings Based On Over A Dozen Polar Expeditions Studio • Gallery • Art Classes • En Plein Air Workshops
Open by Appointment: 178 Church Road, Maynooth (off Lutheran Church, Rd, and Hwy 62)
www.lindalang.ca • linda@lindalang.ca
613.338.5751
FIREWOOD
705.448.3593 Free Delivery Custom Cuts Metal Bin Rentals Portable Wood Processing
Summer 2015 • Country Roads
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By Michelle Annette Tremblay
Current owner Bernie Munich has made a point of creating a warm and inclusive environment, a place where deer hunters and drag queens collide. Photo courtesy Bernie Munich
The Queen’s new clothes
How a debaucherous hotel evolved into the Arlington
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here’s a hint of amusement in Vivian Bloom’s voice as she recounts spying on the bar patrons of the Queen’s Hotel. It was the 1960’s and her family lived on the main drag of Maynooth, right next door to the historic building, known these days as the Arlington. From the window of her childhood bedroom, she could look right into the ‘gentlemen’s lounge,’ which was generally full of miners and loggers on a Friday night. They would emerge from the bush, pockets full of unspent wages, ready for a night of hard drinking and partying. Invariably a liquor-fueled fight would break out, sometimes leading to a full-on-barroom-brawl that would eventually spill into the parking lot. “We’d stay up late watching the fights through my window,” says Bloom. “Then, on Saturday morning we’d be down in the parking lot collecting all the loose change that had fallen from the men’s pockets.”
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Country Roads • Summer 2015
Current owner Bernie Munich was a regular visitor to Maynooth in his efforts to escape the city before having an opportunity to purchase the Arlington and make the community his permanent home. Photo by Michelle Annette Tremblay
There’s no shortage of stories. The Queen’s Hotel was a hard place, known for its ruckus and debauchery. It wasn’t terribly popular with the Maynooth rate payers during its heyday in the 50’s and 60’s; until bylaws changed in the mid 1970’s, it was one of the few places alcohol could be procured in North Hastings, and therefore drew a crowd that some found unsavoury. According to a few sources, wayward parents would leave their children locked in cars for hours while they drank inside. At one point, the hotel was apparently an unofficial brothel. Bloom remembers her parents telling her to hit the floor one day during hunting season, to avoid stray bullets during an especially heated altercation next door. The hotel was known for its fights and rowdiness, even after new management took over and changed its name to the Arlington Hotel. “I was scared of the Arlington back in the 80s,” admits artist and musician Wayne Elliot. “Even by then it was still a pretty rough place.”
Among its many functions, today the Arlington welcomes travellers from around the world in a variety of languages, many of them on their way to see Algonquin Park. Photo by Michelle Annette Tremblay
But you wouldn’t know it now. These days, the Arlington is celebrated throughout North Hastings as a lively community hub. While the building’s facade has remained mostly unchanged since it was constructed in the mid to late 1800’s (and then rebuilt after a huge fire took out most of the downtown core in 1907), the interior has been cleaned up dramatically. Moreover, the spirit of the Arlington has evolved from rowdy to welcoming. Situated across the street from the Hastings Highlands Centre -- which features a public library, gym, and the municipal chambers in which Bloom (now all grown up) holds the office of mayor -- the Arlington is a symbol of inclusivity. It is a refuge for artists, venue for eclectic entertainers, and a clean, friendly hostel for international travelers on their way to Algonquin Park. The three-storied building can accommodate up to 30 guests in its nine rooms for let, and has a space adjacent to the main floor pub that can be rented out for special events. There’s a full commercial kitchen on the main floor, a smaller eat-in kitchen upstairs for guests, and a common room. Over the years, the Arlington has gradually evolved into a welcoming environment to all ethnicities, abilities, sexual identities and orientations, religions, cultures, and sub-cultures.
Built in the mid to late 1800s and rebuilt after a fire in 1907, the old Queen’s Hotel provided its share of excitement in Maynooth when loggers or miners hit town. Photo courtesy Vivian Bloom
Resident artists William (left) and Ren Lonechild are among the diverse individuals who populate the Arlington. Photo by Michelle Annette Tremblay
It’s a place where deer hunters and drag queens collide. In recent years it has hosted a plethora of community events, including film workshops, awards ceremonies, movie launches, pool tournaments, Maynooth Pride, open mic nights, a literary festival and much more. The rooms upstairs are often booked by film crews or ice climbing
clubs, and the stage downstairs has been graced with some big talent, including Fred Eaglesmith, Astrid Young, Jane Bunnett and Maqueque. “Mary Gauthier is playing here on June 12,” beams the Arlington’s current owner, Bernie Munich. “It’s just phenomenal that she’s coming here!” Munich, who grew up in Toronto was a Summer 2015 • Country Roads
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In addition to providing accommodations for travelers, today the Arlington hosts community events and popular musical acts like Blues Boyler. Photo courtesy Bernie Munich
fan of the Arlington long before he took it over from the previous owners. “I was always trying to find a way out of the city. If there was a ride coming up to Maynooth, I was on it,” explains the multilinguist, who speaks English, German and French, and is also fluent in American Sign Language. In 2012 he came into some money and realized he had a once in a lifetime opportunity to make a huge change. He showed up at the Arlington, unannounced, with a bid to buy it. “I had always wanted to own my own bar,” says Munich. “And the Arlington attracts such a great mix of people! I’m doing my best to create a safe and inclusive environment for everybody, and am always open to hearing how I
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can continually improve on that.” Munich says gender equality is one his top priorities when booking talent. “The entire music industry is very androcentric. It’s easy to take everyone who comes in a venue like this and then realize later that you’ve had nothing but men on the stage for three months,” he explains. Munich says by being cognizant of this pitfall he can avoid it. So far it’s working. He’s been lining up great talent, and the community has definitely taken notice. celebrating life “The pub is more of a nightclub or entertainment venue than a bar,” says Munich. “It’s only open on weekends and for special events.” Still, when it is open it draws a big and loyal crowd. Annual parties, such as the Sagittarius party and
Cabin Fever have been embraced by the community, and the slogan ‘see you at the Arlington’ has become synonymous with Maynooth culture. It doesn’t just stop there though. Munich says he has some big hopes for the future, including building a community radio station on premises. He also enjoys having resident artists, and has plans for increasing opportunities for spring and fall writer and artist residencies. “If you’d told me back in the 80’s what the Arlington would be today, I’m not sure I would in hastings county have believed you,” admits Elliot, who is currently one of several rotating artists in residence, including musicians, painters and poets. William, another resident artist, joins our discussion. He doesn’t give me his last name, but
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Currently the Arlington has nine rooms and can accommodate up to 30 guests. Photo by Michelle Annette Tremblay
is eager to share his experiences and play with my camera. He has a warmth and playfulness that breaks down all barriers. “I asked Bernie about putting in a little garden,” William says, as he fondles his long white braid. “Follow me, look at this.” He sprites across the parking lot, beckoning me to follow. First he takes me on a tour of the old barn on site, pointing out an area that a local woodworker is currently using, and talking about plans to build a loft in the rafters that can accommodate additional overnight guests. Then he leads me to a lovingly worked plot of land just behind the barn. Perennial herbs are just starting to lift their heads from the spring soil. On his way inside to paint the Arlington logo in the lobby, another resident artist, Ren Lone-
child stops to chat a bit about his experiences as a young First Nations artist, and how different his life in Maynooth has been from other areas across the country. He enjoys the communal and supportive environment, as well as meeting travellers from all over the world, and chatting with them in the hostel’s communal kitchen and impressively high-tech living room on the third floor. We end up lounging on the back patio for an hour or more with a few other resident artists and various other people who casually drop by. We’re sitting pretty much exactly where young Bloom and the other children used to collect change that had spilled from brawlers pockets. But there’s no conflict here today. Birds sing. Someone re-
Current artist in residence Wayne Elliot admits to being amazed in the transformation of the Arlington from its rough and tumble heritage to its current, more sedate state. Photo by Michelle Annette Tremblay
pairs a bike. Tobacco is exchanged. A quiet poet sits on the fire escape above, not joining in the conversation but listening, listening for a long time. There’s a thoughtful discussion about how hard it can be for people on the fringes of society, such as artists, those with chronic wanderlust, any member of a marginalized or minority population and so on, to find a place that really feels comfortable, like home. “The Arlington is a place of possibilities,” says William, with a crinkled smile. “It’s a place of hope.”
•
To book a room at the Arlington, or check out the entertainment lineup, visit www.TheArlington.ca.
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c r o s s r o a d s
Leaving green footprints Sauriol a pioneer of environmental awareness By Barry Penhale Photos courtesy the Barry Penhale Collection
Although most famous for his conservation efforts in Toronto, and in the Don River Valley in particular, Charles Sauriol spent considerable time on his property in Actinolite, north of Tweed
T
hroughout his 91-plus years Charles Sauriol initiated many of the practices in use today for the preservation of natural areas, including wetlands. As one of Canada’s true ‘green heroes,’ Sauriol’s many achievements ultimately brought much-deserved recognition his way. The recipient of countless honours, he received the Order of Canada in 1989. Author of the best-selling Remembering the Don, Charles Sauriol’s varied outdoor activities included canoeing, hiking, skiing, and beekeeping. He wrote extensively in the American Bee Journal, and devoted many hours to an intensive study of nectar-bearing plants. Sauriol’s Hastings County beekeeping efforts near Actinolite for upwards of eight years paid off with generous crops of excellent ‘take-off’ honey, that is until the resident black bears so numerous within the Tweed district discovered his hives. The pillaging of his honey crops continued unabated during Charlie’s absences, which often lasted a week or more at a time. It was obvious that the marauding visitors could be expected to consume his honey until there was no more. Nothing he attempted repelled the determined invaders. Sauriol finally removed the damaged hives and frames that had been strewn in all directions, and with much reluctance shut down his local beekeeping operation. The colonies, now finished would have produced thousands of pounds of honey in time, if left unmolested. Much has been written about this famous conservationist whose interests and accomplishments dwarfed others in his field. What is much less known is his long attachment to Hastings County.
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His largely forested acreage near Actinolite reguThis idyllic setting and, in time, the frame cotlarly drew him back over the years, but Charlie’s tage, which Charlie dubbed ‘The Cardinal,’ becomings and goings were sporadic and likely not came his favourite hideaway place. But more than known to many of his neighbours. a place to relax, it fuelled the creative inspiration His guests, however, soon that led to his writing copidiscovered how important ously about the history of the Actinolite property was the Don Valley. The winter to their host. They also months would frequently learned quickly that the man find Charlie there, adding made every effort possible to the journals he kept so to not come across as an meticulously and which aloof ‘big city’ guy. I well later provided the source recall how Charlie, once of articles and books. settled in, would always It was almost too good to visit his nearest neighbour, last. Charlie’s one-of-a-kind a man up in years who lived retreat property finally disalone. Such visits generally appeared in the late 1960s resulted in an earful of lo— the victim of exproprical gossip, a surefire way ation by the Metropolitan for Charlie to feel he was Toronto and Region Conpart of the Actinolite-Tweed servation Authority — the community. very same body Sauriol was Sauriol’s trips either on so identified with during the the way up or back to To50’s and 60’s. Fate, as in the ronto almost always incase of the loss of Charlie’s cluded impromptu visits holdings, did indeed make with area beekeepers. As its appearance with some the author of A Beeman’s notably strange twists. Journey, a much-lauded Long before Sauriol bebook in its field based on Sauriol’s beekeeping interests included the came the executive director pulishing of A Beeman’s Journey in June 1984. his many years as a hob- The cover was designed by E.B. “Bev” Saunders, of the Nature Conservancy byist beekeeper, swapping a self-taught artist and illustrator and friend to both of Canada, he had become honey-bee stories with Sauriol and Barry Penhale. well-known as champion others gave him immense of the Don River Valley. pleasure. Stopping to shop at the popular Ivanhoe His guardianship of a vast natural portion of CanCheese factory was another not-to-be-missed part ada’s largest city was no easy task, and his pubof his travelling routine. lished writings confirm the environmental battles Sauriol is perhaps best identified with Toronto’s he waged with bureaucrats and developers. Totally Don River Valley. His introduction to this region determined to protect the Don Valley for future began in the early 1920s as a member of the 45th generations, he lived to see his efforts appreciated East Toronto troop of Boy Scouts. It has often been when a sizeable section of the valley lands was speculated that Charlie’s earliest association with officially recognized. Today thousands of motorthe area provided the incentive to become a career ists daily travelling the Don Valley Parkway pass conservationist. the Charles Sauriol Conservation Reserve. Sadly, By 1927 he had acquired part of the historic De most do not likely know the story of the man who Grassi property at the Forks of the Don which, had become widely-known as ‘Mr. Conservation.’ as early as 1831, was settled by Captain Philippe During his lifetime (1904–1995), Sauriol was to De Grassi, a veteran of the Napoleonic Wars. eventually raise more than $20 million for the pro-
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that cocktail party small talk was not his style. When circumstances thwarted his best conservation pitch, Sauriol would just as soon be elsewhere — particularly at his Hastings County property. When it came to time spent in the ActinoliteTweed area, Charlie usually hand-picked companions with conservation interests. As one such individual, I always found myself at the wheel of his car since Charles was uncomfortable with highway driving. He and I had met when I was living close to where Country Roads is now published and a letter arrived that contained complimentary words concerning my outdoor activities. The writer was Sauriol and I was encouraged to take him up on his invitation to overnight in ‘The Cardinal’ when next in Toronto. It marked the beginning of a relationship that eventually included the publishing of three of his books. It may also have been the only time when someone other than a Sauriol family member was to occupy what was the last remaining cottage in downtown Toronto — a unique experience still vividly recalled and treasured. The trees Charlie initially planted on his Actinolite property have now become magnificent specimens — a tribute to a giant in his time who was proud to be known as a tree hugger.
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tection of natural areas. His knack for fundraising was quite remarkable. One evening while we were together at the Actinolite property, Charlie recounted the unique details involving the acquisition of an ecologically important parcel of land north of his place, in the Land O’Lakes near Denbigh. The impressive large property contained a richness of flora and fauna not readily found. It was, as he described it, “a precious jewel ideally suited to the Nature Conservancy of Canada.” But it came with a rigid set of conditions since the owners insisted that unusual lake names on the property be retained. Now Sauriol was, in many respects, a conservative guy with a very staunch Roman Catholic upbringing. The name of one body of water particularly rankled his sensibilities, but Charlie found he could not pass up such a unique property simply because of unorthodox nomenclature. Thus, another rare site was acquired for the public good, and, as far as I know, the lake names that so offended Charlie remained intact. Bilingual, nattily dressed, and always exceptionally fit, Sauriol stood out in any crowd. He thrived on being in the spotlight, always ready to promote his conservation projects with the fervour of an evangelist. But anyone knowing the man well knew
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This framed cottage, dubbed ‘The Cardinal’, on his property in the Forks of the Don area, was a favourite hideaway for Sauriol. Ironically, he lost it when the land was expropriated in the late 1960s by the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority.
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TheLake Effect
Cottage memories span generations Story and photos by Lindi Pierce
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Grant Island was bought by two teachers, Cora and Lucy Grant, in 1916 and the cottage that sits there was pulled across the ice to the island.
here’s something so Canadian about summer cottage life. It starts with that spring ritual: opening the cottage for the May 24 weekend, readying the old place for family and visitors to spend those precious summer days making memories. Then begin those endless days of freedom from routine, healthy home-made fun, reconnecting with friends. Many families celebrate cottage traditions which have been passed down for generations. These stories from cottage neighbourhoods on two local lakes will resonate with cottagers around the hundreds of lakes in Hastings County. They remind us of the need to keep cottage journals and write the names on the back of photos. Crowe Lake was a tourist destination well before 1900; the lake’s legendary fishing drew sportsmen from southern Ontario and the north-
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ern United States. A steamer was ferrying fishermen to the head of the lake by 1893. By that time, some cottages had already been built along Marble Point Road, the oldest road to the lake. Cottaging developed rapidly after the turn of the last century. By 1908 “summer residence lots” were advertised for sale. The 1920’s saw a boom in subdivision and sales of cottage building lots. By 1923, 35 cottages were completed, and more were underway. Road improvements were undertaken to deal with the growth in visitors. Some of Crowe Lake’s biggest fans hailed from Cleveland, Ohio. The Cleveland Athletic Club bragged about the area’s fishing, hunting and local guides. Visitors arrived from several US states, Montreal, Toronto, Oshawa and Sudbury in the 1930’s, when Highway 7 became the new standard in carefree travel.
Of course, the early cottages weren’t the massive second homes we see today. Simple square one-storey hip-roofed frame structures, or small one and a half storey clapboard farmhouse style buildings, they had screened porches, dormitory sleeping accommodations, plain furnishings and no indoor plumbing. One such cottage was Ardrossan, built in 1886 by A.W. Carscallen on the east shore, near ‘the Cove’, the earliest developed area. The large property was rich in birch and red pine; one of the largest pines still stands by the stone steps to the lake. Over the years both the family and the picturesque red-trimmed brown cottage grew. Son-in-law James Parker purchased the cottage and brought his bride Lillian and her three children to Ardrossan. One of these children is the current owner of the modernized cottage; Jeanette and Irving Campbell bought
Now vanished, TAKAREST was the first permanent cottage built on the shores of Stoco Lake, in 1906. This photo, dated within a couple of years of the cottage’s construction, shows (from left to right) Alan, Ethel and John Bond. Photo courtesy Tweed and Area Historical Society
Point Lodge were summer highlights. Ardrossan is still central to the lives of the extended family, including the great, great-grandchildren of Lillian Parker, who recently celebrated her 100th birthday at the lake. *** Ardrossan from Judge James Parker’s grandson, Ron, in 1964. The family spent six to eight weeks at the cottage each year. Swimming, boating, fishing, croquet on the lakeside lawn and dances at Marble
Summer activities changed over the decades, although fishing remained a constant. Lawn socials, a Venetian fete with a procession of decorated boats, picnics, boating parties and regattas were eagerly anticipated. By 1953 hy-
droplane races had taken over and in 1954 Canada’s second largest scuba dive club explored Crowe Lake. Dances and entertainment at Marble Point Pavilion/Lodge (1923) and Tipperary House (1915) attracted residents and visitors. ‘Tommy’ O’Neill, as his friends call him, grew up summering on Crowe Lake. Now he and wife Carol live year-round in a comfortable new home on the old cottage lot. Nevertheless, Tom regrets the loss of the old cottages - for he knows the stories they tell. “People try to keep something old, even when they rebuild,” he says. He’s proud of his 1950’s
Many old cottages had peculiar names, such as ‘U-go-I-go’, which stood on Houston Lane on the west shore of Stoco Lake in the early 1900s. Photo courtesy Tweed and Area Historical Society
Summer 2015 • Country Roads
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The Craigen property on Stoco Lake has remained in the family since the 1950s, when the Tweed area’s cottage community was developed largely by local business and professional people.
wooden shed, and the weathered bench built by Carol’s father. As Tommy walks along Marble Point Road, childhood memories surge back. “We used to play Monopoly in Morton’s screen porch on rainy days,” he recalls. At another cottage he remarks, “Here’s the tree where they nailed the fishheads after they cleaned their catch; don’t know why.” The boys used to hop onto the milk delivery van. They’d dash to cottages to pick up the empty bottle with its note, then run the bottles of milk back to the doorstep. “We likely slowed the fellow down, but we felt we were helping,” Tommy says. A maze of tiny gravel roads climbs up from Marble Point, each leading to a family’s piece of paradise along the lake or river. Mature forest towers over hundreds of cozy cottages. In the 50s and 60s, two farms operated across Marble Point Road. One was owned by a Finnish couple, Otto and Fannie Mikolla; other Finns followed and set up cottages along the river. Tiny outbuildings - the traditional sauna - are evident today on many lots. The Mikolla barn still stands at the entrance to Cove Road; Mikolla Lane climbs the hill above the river. Tom recalls “the Marble Point Lodge dances and the pretty Finnish girls with their long blonde hair.” *** Cathie Jones of the Marmora Historical Foundation recalls Vera Morton swimming with her small dog along the shore from Marble Point Lodge to the Cove. Morton first came to the family cottage in 1952. The small square hip-roofed cottage, painted cream with red and green trim, was built about 1928 by Vera’s father-in-law, the Reverend Stanley Morton, who wanted a good place for their five small children to spend summers. She is still fascinated by the custom made furniture which came with it - benches, tables and beds. Mrs. Morton and the children spent school holidays on Crowe Lake. The Reverend joined them for his August vacation. “Can you imagine? A woodstove and five kids! I don’t know how she survived,” Jones marvels. As the years went on, the grown children brought their own offspring to vacation with their grandmother; now the third generation shares the old cottage in the summers. The old farm gate with 10 years of Crowe Lake Waterway Association plates welcomes visitors. “Screening all round, fresh air and sunlight”. There are no plans to modernize; they value the cottage tradition. There’s a cottage log recording each summer’s special events. Vera’s sister-in-law has written a cottage history.
There are no plans to modernize the Morton family cottage on Crowe Lake, which was built around 1928 by the Reverend Stanley Morton and now hosts the third generation of the family in summers.
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Built on Crowe Lake in 1886, Ardrossan is still a key part in the summer lives of the extended family of its builder, A.W. Carscallan.
Other old cottages still stand in their original form, like the Gladney (1920) and Bleecker (1938) places. The Pink Palace was built by an American family in 1909. The cottage grew with regular additions, and now sports a jaunty tilt. The boathouse wears initials and the date 1920 carved into its pink clapboard. *** Stoco Lake east of Tweed has a long-established cottage tradition also. Although the peak of the cottage movement was the 1950’s, there are several examples of very early cottages, whose stories are told at the Tweed and Area Heritage Centre. Historian Evan Morton found photographs of two early ones. Many old cottages had peculiar names. ‘U-goI-go’ stood on Houston Lane on the west shore of Stoco Lake. In 1912, the St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church Ladies’ Aid held their July meeting there. An inscribed book in the Heritage Centre collection was presented to the John McGowan family as a thank-you gift after a pleasant visit to the cottage. The date is July 11, 1913. In 1906, another now-vanished cottage, ‘TAKAREST’ was the first permanent cottage.
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Built by George Frost and family, it stood on Sugar Island, a popular cottage community nestled between two branches of the Moira River on the lake’s south shore. Materials were brought across the lake by boat, as there was no road south of the lake at the time. Other private cottages, and some rentals, existed by the 1920’s. Today, the island’s Rush and Mulroney Lanes are lined with several generations of cottages, and cottagers. In 1916, sisters Cora and Lucy Grant purchased a tiny island off the south shore; their cottage still stands on Grant Island. Lucy and Cora were teachers, their father Alexander was an MPP. The cottage had been the office of Ontario Powder Works. Grant Cottage was pulled across the ice to the island, and can still be seen from Marlbank Road, which runs along the former Bay of Quinte Railway right of way. *** Another old cottage, ‘Back of the Moon’ on the north east end of Stoco Lake, remains to this day in the Craigen family. The Craigen brothers are the kind of people who welcome drop-in visitors and are willing
to spend a summer afternoon telling tales. Mike and his brother James know their neighbours, their community and their history. They’re the right people to tell the Stoco Lake cottage story - because they live it. It was largely local business and professional people who developed the Stoco lake cottage community in the early 1950’s. Mike shows a photo of his three-year-old self standing beside their dad Anthony; in the background stands a simple frame cottage on pilings. Next to it, a scrawny pair of tiny spruces are the only trees around. Today the cottage, expanded but essentially the same, still stands under those now towering spruce trees. James and his wife Geri spend their summers there, with Mike and wife Gail right next door. Mike and James take the story back to 1950. Anthony Craigen was a teacher at St. Carthagh in Tweed; He and Agnes had five children. Astonishingly all five became teachers. Several Tweed area families used to picnic under the trees on the lakefront of a farm property owned by Willie Rush, who later sold three lots, one to Tony Craigen, one to Tony Quinn, store owner. Respected local builder Paddy Whalen erected cottages for the two families.
Today James lives in the family cottage and Mike has the Quinn cottage next door. In recent years, they have improved the cottages, while retaining all the original elements - the stone fireplaces, open rafters, rustic wood, and the superb view to the lake. The Craigen brothers describe summers at the cottage. “Lots of water, lots of work. Still doing it,” laughs Mike. The Quinn and Craigen families spent the summers together. Each family had five children, corresponding roughly in age. Life was simple. The farmer turned his cattle out for summer pasture, which made conditions underfoot tricky, so Quinn built a fence. Everyone was welcome. Someone recalls the Knights of Columbus picnic, the field set up with activities like a school play day. Locals played on the ball diamond. They even had a three- or four-hole golf practice course. “It was a lot more social then, more family oriented,” the brothers agree. “Everybody knew everybody up and down the shore.” What changed? People started living here full time. A drive along Charles Lane (named for Willie Rush’s nephew, who inherited and subdivided the large property in the late 60s) reveals an increasing number of permanent homes with families who work in town or further afield, with activities outside the community. Life is
The aptly named Pink Palace was built on Crowe Lake by an American family in 1909.
Summer 2015 • Country Roads
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too busy. A few names on mailboxes along the shore - Lesage, Quinn, Rashotte - are from the early cottage families. But even today, James (based in Oshawa) and Mike (who has lived in the Yukon for 40 years) rekindle the old cottage spirit each summer. They connect with the old folks, like Tiny Rivers, at 90 the shore’s oldest resident, and Don the milkman, now 85. “You come back to your roots here,” they agree. A cycle around Stoco Lake takes about 45 minutes. But for the Craigen brothers, it’s up to three hours “depending on where you stop.” ***
Gladney Cottage was built on Crowe Lake in 1920 and retains its original form.
Doug and Charlene Chisholm’s residence on Kanata Beach on Stoco Lake is a year-round retreat but has early cottage origins.
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Country Roads • Summer 2015
Doug and Charlene Chisholm live in a welcoming waterfront home on sandy Kanata Beach; picturesque rock outcrops and a long dock are pleasant extras. But this year-round retreat has early cottage origins. Although the couple’s return to Stoco Lake is relatively recent, their roots run deep here. When Doug was six or seven, his father Walt bought an old cottage from Louis Rashotte. Doug’s dad and his Uncle Joe subdivided the property and had Paddy Whalen build two family cottages in the early 50s. Doug’s happy childhood and adolescence were spent around the lake. Fast forward to the mid-70s, when young professionals Charlene and Doug, and their two children were living in Toronto. Uncle Joe wanted to sell the cottage. Doug and Charlene had fond memories of growing up in Tweed, and felt it was a wonderful way for their children to spend summers around grandparents and cousins. So they found a way, and “became cottage owners before we owned a home!” Then in the 70s Doug’s dad took down his cottage and built this permanent home in which they now live. But cottage life exists under the tall pines right outside the door. Uncle Joe’s cottage is now a welcoming retreat for family and friends. And just up the hill is another cottage, the bunkie, dating from the 1950s American plan cottage resort run by Harold Bramley. The cottages were basic (all meals were served in the lodge) but Doug purchased and restored one, creating a welcoming retreat for family visits curtained bed alcoves, a great room with stone fireplace and a porch overlooking the lake.
While the lake is a busy spot in summer, the big water-ski boats of the past have largely been replaced by pontoon boats, a much better pace for grandparents and visiting grand-kids. Some say you can’t go back but Charlene and Doug are happy to be back in the Tweed area, and very content to be living on beautiful Stoco Lake. Cottage life. Year-round.
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Credits 1. Historical information on Crowe Lake is taken from Crowe Lake Memories, a compilation of photos and Marmora Herald articles compiled by Cathie Jones, available at Marmora Historical Society. 2. Archival photos and historical information about Stoco Lake were provided by Evan Morton, Tweed and Area Historical Society. 3. Thanks also to the cottagers who shared stories: Judy Backus, Charlene and Doug Chisholm, James and Michael Craigen, Vera Morton, and Tom O’Neill, and to Michael Cassidy for his assistance. In the 1950s and 60s an influx of Finns set up cottages along the Crowe River and the traditional saunas that went with them are still evident today on many lots.
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THE VILLAGE IDIOT BY JOHN HOPKINS
W
hen Nancy and I first met, in the summer of 1997, she owned a large, simple television that had been purchased through Sears two or three years earlier. It was not fancy, but it worked fine, and it became our primary set when we moved in together, coming with us to our first home, north of Toronto, and then on to Stirling in 2006. There were plenty of reasons and opportunities to get rid of the TV. For one thing, it did not have the necessary equipment to hook up a DVD player, so we ended up buying a smaller, newer TV to use for that purpose. And when we moved to Stirling, and High Definition programming was becoming all the rage, we succumbed to the marketing and bought an HD set to use as our primary unit, with Nancy’s trusty Sears model relegated to the bedroom. Through this succession of moves and repurposing, the big fella never complained. And for that reason we persisted in using it. It seemed ridiculous to us to get rid of a perfectly good TV set. Finally, over the past couple of years, the old guy started to show his age. The picture started losing its crispness and when it came time to move last fall, the Sears TV did not come with us. Even though he was past his best and clearly fading, it still seemed sad to cast him to the recycle bin. He was far from dead. Our current culture seems less inclined to hang on to its possessions these days, particularly when it comes to electronics or automobiles. The trend appears to be more geared to replacing items, not so much because they don’t work anymore, but more because they seem to be very quickly eclipsed by
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Country Roads • Summer 2015
Built to last machines with newer, if not necessarily better, bells and whistles. In the time I have written this I’m sure my smart phone, purchased last October, has been made obsolete by two or three generations. OK, maybe not that quickly, but you get the picture. I understand that my position on this matter flies in the face of our current consumption-driven society, and that I may be doing irreparable damage to the Canadian economy by my insistence on not replacing products until they stop working. But I still find it difficult to “throw away” an object that continues to perform its intended function. I think my obsession with hanging onto things throughout their working life is primarily a factor of my generation, and I believe there are a couple of reasons for the shift in perception in our society. One is the rate of technological development, and the other is the relative cost of certain products. In the 21st century we are seeing electronics evolve at a rate much faster than they did in the latter part of the 20th century. For example, the television you bought in early 1970s probably would not be markedly inferior to one purchased 20 years later. As long as it was a colour set, and as long as it survived 20 years, you wouldn’t be too far behind the times if you still watched it in the early 1990s. But in the 20 years that encompass the early 1990s until now television has undergone a remarkable transformation, as my example at the top indicated. And who would dare predict what is on tap for the next 20 years? In a similar vein, my first laptop computer was purchased in the late 80s for university, and had so little memory that all the programs were stored on
floppy disks (remember those?) and the term laptop was a generous one, given its weight. It also wasn’t cheap and I felt lucky to have one. Today, 25 years later, a laptop computer is considered an essential part of a person’s life, and in fact may even be reaching the point of becoming obsolete itself, given the rise in popularity and effectiveness of tablets. As far as expense goes, when Nancy had trouble with the screen on her relatively new laptop blacking out recently, we found that it would be almost cheaper to buy a new computer rather than invest in the diagnostic service and possible repair offered by the outlet we purchased it from. Apparently I am not alone in my concerns. Last autumn The Core Arts and Culture Centre in Belleville hosted a Quinte Repair Café, where owners of household electronics and small appliances could get some insight into how they worked and learn repair techniques. The event, a partnership between Quinte Waste Solutions, Loyalist College and Bay of Quinte Tourism, is part of a growing worldwide trend. According to an article on theconversation.com, the first such event was established in Amsterdam in 2009 and the Repair Café Foundation says there are now over 400 around the world. In the future it seems we will be geared more than ever to rapidly disposing of products and replacing them as we try to keep pace with the newest technological offerings. But I will still remain loyal to those products that continue to perform their function, and the companies that make them. I just hope the economy can survive.
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Art Below Barley Pub & Eatery Hidden Goldmine Bakery Johnston’s Pharmacy Moffat Manor Antiques O’Hara Mills Renshaw Power Products Steinberg Dental Centres 14 Marmora Air Barrier Insulation Systems B F Fabrics BMR Drummond Bonter Marine Boutique Inspiration Crowe Lake Campground Crowe Lake Cruises Flowers by Sue & Café Jillian’s Antiques Possibilities Shore Acres Design Centre
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Apsley Autumn Tour Kawartha Docks Bancroft A Place for the Arts Art Gallery of Bancroft Artisans’ Junction Ashlie’s Books Bancroft & Area Autumn Studio Tour Bancroft Arts & Craft Guild Bancroft Century Shoppe Bancroft Community Transit (BCT) Bancroft Mineral Museum Birchcliff Lodge Bird’s Creek Developing Bulk Food Store Cottage Docks.com Kathy Tripp,Royal LePage Frank Real Estate Lakeside Gems ALGONQUIN PARK Lucky Duck Tatoos Market Café & Fudge Factory 1 Mixin’ Momma’s Café Nature Discovery Tours North Hastings Family Pharmacy 12 North Hastings Naturally Old Tin Shed HASTINGS HIGHLANDS Posies Flowers and Fashions Red Steer Butcher Rockhound Gemboree 15 Stone Kitchen Thrift Warehouse York River Framing Zihua Clothing Boutique Barry’s Bay 10 Madawaska Kanu Centre HARCOURT Belleville 3 Glanmore National Historic Site Leon James Home Renovations & Repairs Loyalist College Ruttle Bros. Furniture
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VanVeenen county Map celebrating life in Joe hastings
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Arlington Pub & Hostel Linda Lang Art Studio M.G. Daly Funeral Home Madawaska Art Shop, Gifts & Gallery Maynooth Farmer’s Market Maynooth General Store Old Peterson Road Gallery Potter’s Studio & Gallery Sun Run Pantry Wildewood Gallery Ormsby Old Hastings Mercantile & Gallery Paudash Craftsman Restaurant Peterborough Discovery Dream Homes Ontario Federation of Anglers & Hunters Stirling Apple Store - Cooney Farms Black Dog Family Restaurant & Lounge Brad Comeau Lawyer Hearts to God Christian Books & Gifts Julia’s Women’s Wear Pro One Gas Stirling Heritage Wines Stirling Manor Wells Ford Dr. Doug Smith & Assoc Tweed Black River Trading By the Way Café Tweed Studio Tourcelebrating life in hasti
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Country Roads - Celebrating Life in Hastings County wallmap
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Scotia McLeod Dr. Doug Smith & Assoc 6 Campbellford Empire Cheese Co-op 7 Coe Hill Little Bean Organics Red Church Gallery Red Eagle Family Campground Tinhouse Woodworking Tom’s Place Outdoor Store Township of Wollaston 8 Combermere CO Blitz - Family Day Combermere Farmer’s Market Highland Fence & Decks Imagine Wood Products Kaszuby Kleaners Madonna House New Inn Towne Restaurant Old School Cafe, Laundry, & Greenhouses Paddler Co-op Shulist Family Farm 9 Deseronto Steinberg Dental Centres Town of Deseronto 10 Harcourt Bridging Dimensions Classy Commodes South Algonquin Trails 11 Hastings County Shops & Services Absolute General Contractors Kawartha Dairy Remax Quinte Steven Switzer Construction Waterloo BioFilter Weeds B’ Gone Welcome Wagon 12 Hastings Highlands 13 Oaks Firewood Gallo-Teck Electrical Contractor Hastings Highlands Honey Doo’s Restaurant Linkie’s General Store Madawaska Lodge & Restaurant Municipality of Hastings Highlands Seaborn Electric West Pine Cottages APSLEY
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P.O. Box 423, Stirling, ON K0K 3E0 P: 613 968-0499 E: info@countryroadshastings.ca www.countryroadshastings.ca
celebrating life in hastings county
Country Roads
C o u n t r y
C a l e n d a r
Things to see and do in and around Hastings County. To submit your event listing email info@countryroadshastings.ca or call us at 613 968-0499. ART GALLERIES/EXHIBITIONS Art Gallery of Bancroft, 10 Flint Avenue, Bancroft, 613-332-1542 agb@nexicom.net www.artgallerybancroft.ca J une 3 - 27 – Mary McLoughlin – Becoming the Light: the Art of the Flower Sponsored by Stephanie Henderson in Memory of Robert C Henderson. Opening reception Friday, June 5 at 7:30pm July 1 - August. 1 - Sheila Davis - Riding the Elephant (Lake Road) - landscape painting. Sponsored by Day arid Night Woodworking. Opening reception Friday, July 3 at 7:30pm August 5 - 29 - Gertrud Sorensen retrospective. Sponsored by Couple’s Resort. Opening reception Friday, August 7 at 7:30pm September 2 - 26 - Three Women Painters - Landscapes of the Spirit with Eva Dametto, Leilah Ward and Clasina Weese. Also: Studio Tour sampler in gift shop. Sponsored by Barbara Allport. Opening reception Friday, September 4 at 7:30pm Belleville Art Association, 392 Front St., Belleville, Ontario 10am to 4pm, Tuesday to Saturday. 613-968-8632 info@bellevilleart.ca www.bellevilleart.ca J une 8 – July 11: Fine Art Show & Sale Artist Choice
August 17 – September 12: Fine Art Show & Sale One by One September 14 – October 11: Fine Art Show & Sale Artist Choice SideStreet Gallery, 264 Main St. Wellington, ON. 613-399-5550 September 1 – 30: New work by Robert Huffman. Reception Saturday Sept. 5th at 2 pm Wildewood Gallery, 33012 Hwy.62, Maynooth, ON. 613-338-3134 wildewood.madawaska@gmail.com J uly 4-August 31-Spirit of the Animals by Henry Gordon. Eight recent paintings of creatures bearing distinct species characteristics but also their mysterious individual spirit. Opening reception July 4-Meet the artist.
THEATRE/LIVE ENTERTAINMENT Bancroft Summer Theatre at Bancroft Village Playhouse, www.bancroftvillageplayhouse.ca 1 877-322-4682 or www.boxofficebancroft.com July 7 to August. 1 - You’re A Good Man Charlie Brown. Show runs Tuesday to Saturday. Tickets at the Box Office, 5 Hastings Street, Bancroft. August 11 to 22. The Melville Boys by Norm Foster. Show runs Tuesday to Saturday. Tickets at the Box Office, 5 Hastings Street, Bancroft.
Stirling Festival Theatre, West Front St., Stirling 613-395-2100 1-877-312-1162 www.stirlingfestivaltheatre.com July 11 – August 21 - Viscount Victor –Vaudevillian Variety Show! A Young Company Show. Friday & Saturday performances: 11:00 or 2:00. Two sisters discover a strange trunk in Grandpa’s attic! The story they find will delight everyone, young and old, with entertainment from a time before tablets and video games. The SFT Young company will bring this story to life with music, puppets and comedy for all ages! All Seats $10.00
EVENTS June 20, July 18, August 22 Saturday Postage Stamp, Coin & Postcard Fairs Over one million Worldwide Stamps, Postcards & Coins in stock. Stamps, Postcard & Coin Supplies available, many at discounted prices. King Edward Community Centre / Hockey Rink Complex, 75 Elizabeth St. / Hwy # 2, Brighton, Ontario. Free Admission, Free Parking 10:30 am – 3:30 pm
A ugust 6 – 23- Legally Blonde, The Musical. Elle Woods can handle anything. So when her boyfriend, Warner, dumps her she decides to follow him to Harvard Law School and win him back. With some help from new-found friends Paulette, Emmett and her Chihuahua, Bruiser, she learns that it’s so much better to be smart! Recommended for ages 12 & up
June 20 - Summerlicious- Downtown Belleville - Downtown restaurants compete in this delicious competition by using seasonal ingredients to create their dishes. Enjoy samples and vote for your favourites. www. downtownbelleville.ca June 21 - Farmtown Park Strawberry Social. Enjoy locally grown strawberries and ice cream, beef on a bun, music in the courtyard by “The Reasons” while you tour the eight amazing buildings. It’s going to be a party! (Hastings County Museum of Agricultural Heritage), 437 West Front Street, Stirling, ON.(613) 395-0015 info@agmuseum.ca www.farmtownpark.ca
September 11, & 12 – Johnny and June, A Musical Tribute. Sept. 11 ; 2 & 8. Sept. 12; 8. A tribute to country music legend’s Johnny Cash and his wife June Carter. Johnny Cash was one of the most influential musicians of the 20th century. Known for his distinctive bassbaritone voice and dark clothing, he earned the nickname “The Man in Black.”
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Country Roads • Summer 2015
July 5 - Gem Shower – hosted by the Kingston Lapidary and Mineral Club. 4th Annual show and sale showcasing gem and mineral, lapidary and jewellery vendors from across Ontario & Quebec in the historic Crystal Palace – PEC Fairgrounds, 375 Main Street, Picton, ON. Admission: $3.00 per person, 12 and under free 10am – 5pm July 10, 11, & 12 - Bancroft Wheels, Water & Wings. Vintage Car show, soap box derby, airplane rides, York River Paddle Challenge, York River Amazing Race, and much more. www.beautifulbancroft.ca July 11 & 12 - York River Paddle Challenge &York River Amazing Race. York River Paddle Challenge – Beginner 3km, and Recreational 12km on July 11. York River Amazing Race -family paddling scavenger hunt - July 11. Elite 23 km - July 12. Register on-line prior to race at www. bancroftcommunitytransit.com. janem@bancroftcommunitytransit.com 613-334-2385
June 27–Crowe Lake Waterway Assoc. World Famous Lighted Boat Parade (approx. 7:30pm) and Fireworks on Crowe Lake, www.clwa.ca info@clwa.ca
July 13 – August 15: Fine Art Show & Sale One by One
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July 4 - Friends of the Hastings Library BOOK and TRUNK Sale. 9 am - 1 pm, Hastings Civic Centre Parking Lot. Corner of Albert Street & Bridge Street, Hastings. To book a space (@ $10 a parking space) call Joyce Higgs @ 705-696-3473 or the Hastings Library @ 705-696-2111. www.trenthillslibrary.ca, aldborough@sympatico.ca 705-696-1366
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C o u n t r y
C a l e n d a r
Things to see and do in and around Hastings County. To submit your event listing email info@countryroadshastings.ca or call us at 613 968-0499.
CANADA'S LARGEST GEM & MINERAL SHOW
52 ANNUAL July 12 – Fibre Fest at Farmtown Park. (Hastings County Museum of Agricultural Heritage), 437 West Front Street, Stirling, ON.(613) 395-0015 info@agmuseum.ca www.farmtownpark.ca
August 1 & 2 - 34th Annual Bancroft Art and Craft Guild’s Summer Art and Craft Show, Millennium Park , 66 Hastings Street North, Saturday 10am - 5pm, Sunday10am - 4pm.
August 16 - Queensborough Community Corn Roast & Hot Dogs – A fun time to be had enjoying fresh cooked buttered corn and BBQ hotdogs outside at the Community Centre at 1853 Queensborough Road. 2-4 pm
Nite at Farmtown Park. (Hastings County Museum of Agricultural Heritage), 437 West Front Street, Stirling, ON.(613) 395-0015 info@agmuseum.ca www.farmtownpark.ca
August 2 - CO Blitz Family Day. 11 am start. Kids Zone, Live Daly Auctions, Cardboard Duct Tape Boat Races. Combermere & Area Community Centre, 1095 Farmer Road, Combermere. 613 756-9729 or Combermere Recreation FB page.
August 21, 22, & 23 - Tweed Tribute to Elvis Festival. This year’s theme Elvis Christmas in August. Competitions, classic car parade & show, rising star youth competitions, and much more. www.tweedelvisfestival.ca
August 8 - Art in the Park. An outdoor art show in beautiful Henry Street Park, Stirling, Ontario. 10 am – 4pm. Check FB page for more info.
September 13 - Grandparents Day at Farmtown Park. (Hastings County Museum of Agricultural Heritage), 437 West Front Street, Stirling, ON.(613) 395-0015 info@agmuseum. ca www.farmtownpark.ca
ND
BANCROFT, Ontario July 31, Vette August July 1530, - Freddy Cruise1, 2, 2015
www.bancroftdistrict.com (888) 443-9999
July 18th - 75th Anniversary Crowe Lake Waterway Association Annual General Meeting. Updates on local issues in addition to formative speakers. Door prizes. A 75th anniversary luncheon to follow. 9:am. Curling Club ( 2 Crawford Drive) in Marmora. sdkoivusalo@gmail.com www.clwa.ca
30, 31, August 1, 2 - 52nd • July Annual Rockhound Gemboree. Bancroft, ON. Canada’s largest gem & mineral show. Mineral specimen dealers, gemstone jewellery and lapidary supplies, mineral identification, and field trips. www.bancroftdistrict.com www.rockhoundgemboree.ca 1 888 443-9999. August 1 - Tweed Art in The Park presented by Tweed & Area Arts Council. All types of artisan vendors (all arts and crafts) for our show held in Memorial Park in Tweed. Paintings, photos, craft products, pottery, printed products, calendars, etc - crafts of all types. www.tweedartscouncil.ca or call Bonnie at 613-478-1777.
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September 19, 20, 26 & 27 - Bancroft & Area Autumn Studio Tour. Self guided tour, brochures available at local businesses, Bancroft Chamber of Commerce and Art Gallery of Bancroft. www.bancroftstudiotour.org
marketplace
Celebrating Life in Hastings County
Back issues of Country Roads magazine are available.
September 19 & 20 - Apsley Autumn Studio Tour. 10 am – 5 pm. Downloadable map: www.apsleystudiotour.com
August 13 – 16 – 157th Stirling Agricultural Fair. Stirling Fairgrounds. www.stirlingfair.com
September 26 & 27 - 18th Annual Tweed & Area Studio Tour, 10 am – 5pm. Free Admission, Studio map and artist information on www.tweedstudiotour.org / tweedstudiotour@gmail. com 613 477-2869, 613 477-2039
DON’T DELAY QUANTITIES ARE LIMITED! Call 613.968.0499 or email info@countryroadshastings.ca
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W W W. T I K I T W E B. C O M Summer 2015 • Country Roads
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Back Roads
Camping at Oak Lake, around 1910 Oak Lake, in the Oak Hills southeast of Stirling, has been a summer holiday site since the 1850s. These pictures are a few of the many snapshots taken by the Riggs family at their Oak Lake property in the early twentieth century. Nearly all the photos show women and children, as the men typically stayed in the city to work. Credit: Community Archives of Belleville and Hastings County (Riggs family photo album 2)
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Country Roads • Summer 2015
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