| The story of Muskoka is one strongly tied to the environment. For centuries, the granite that lies just beneath its surface has shaped life on the edge of the Canadian shield. From the Anishinabek - who traditionally plied the waterways throughout the district according to the cycles of the seasons, to the European settlers – who struggled to farm amidst the boulders, to the first tourists – who dared to venture into the sparsely settled wilderness. This is the story of those seeking opportunity just beyond the familiar, on the edge of the unknown North. |
| Chapter 1 – Up the Muskoka Road - In the 1860’s, James Bain and John Campbell struck out for the Northern wilderness. They made their way to Gravenhurst, which was then known as McCabe’s landing. Upon meeting the boys, Mother & Mickey McCabe, the settlement’s namesakes, are flabbergasted as to why anyone would come to the Muskoka district just for fun. In this chapter we discuss: McCabe’s Landing / Gravenhurst’s beginnings, the Muskoka Club. |
| Chapter 2 – First Peoples - The Canadian Shield has for thousands of years influenced the movements and lifestyles of the people who have lived on the edge of its rocky terrain. For the peoples who first occupied Muskoka, the waterways quickly became their highways, and were easily navigated by canoe.
In this chapter we discuss the Precambrian Shield
First Peoples
Seasonal cycles and movements of the Anishinabek
Beausoleil Island / YMCA Camp Kitchikewana
Chief John Bigwin. |
| Chapter 3 – Europeans on Turtle Island - With the assistance of the area’s First Nations, Europeans – such as fur traders and surveyors - began moving through the Muskoka Wilderness. After the War of 1812, the search was on to find an inland water route to connect the Georgian Bay to Ottawa. This chapter discusses the War of 1812, David Thompson & early surveys and the origins of the name Muskoka. |
| Chapter 4 – Moving to the Mysterious North -
As available arable land in Southern Ontario began to run out, the government and entrepreneurs began to look to the North. Treaties between the government and the First Nations Peoples who already occupied Northern areas, helped clear the way for settlement.
This chapter discusses the Robinson-Huron Treaty, Obajewanung’s (Port Carling’s) beginnings, colonization roads, and A.P. Cockburn’s Introduction to Muskoka. |
| Chapter 5 – Steam! - A.P. Cockburn saw the potential for Muskoka’s lakes, and promised the government steamers for the area’s waters if locks and roads were built. Settlers and commerce were sure to follow. Port Carling Lock, The Wenonah. |
| Chapter 6 – Free Land - The Free Grant and Homesteads Act of the 1860’s lured settlers to the Shield with the promise of hundreds of acres of free farmland – if they could survive on it for 5 years. This chapter discusses the Free Grant and Homesteads Act, the Northern Advocate – Muskoka’s First Paper, Rock Farming, and the allure of the Canadian West. |
| Chapter 7 – To the Woods - Immense stands of white pine stretched across the North, and were quickly exploited by the lumber barons of the 1800’s. Settlers who were facing hardship on the farm turned to lumber camps in the winter to supplement their incomes. This chapter discusses how the farmers became lumberjacks, the Georgian Bay Lumber Company, the story of Go Home Lake and the dangers of logging. |
| Chapter 8 – Backpackers in the Wilderness - In the late 1800’s, during the early days of tourism, many American visitors came to Muskoka’s shores. They fished, hunted, and camped in the wilderness, but it wasn’t long before the area’s visitors began knocking on the doors of settlers, looking for some of the comforts of home. Early tourism, Bondi Village Beginnings, The Native presence in Port Carling. |
| Chapter 9 – The Muskoka Club - The members of The Muskoka Club, who included Bain and Campbell, were keen on ‘roughing it’ in the wilderness. However, the idea of vacationing in the North had taken off and hotels began to appear on the landscape to accommodate those who were looking for more luxury. Pratt’s Rosseau House, The Muskoka Club. |
| Chapter 10 – An Age of Expansion - In 1875 Gravenhurst became a transshipment point for the lower lakes when the railway reached the town. Bracebridge and Huntsville would flourish as the rail pushed north – and offered tourism operators, lumbering interests, and settlers access to the outside world. This chapter discusses the Northern Railway, Fire on the Nipissing, Captain George Marsh, and the Portage Flyer. |
| Chapter 11 – Tanning Hides - Muskoka’s abundance of Hemlock trees and soft water prompted the opening of tanneries in Bracebridge and Huntsville. The tanneries offered farmers an additional revenue stream through the collection of hemlock bark. Muskoka Tanneries, Hemlock Bark, C.O. Shaw, Tannery Pollution |
| Chapter 12 – The Muskoka Tonic - By 1910 more than 75 resorts of all shapes and sizes doted the area’s lakes. People were escaping the pollution of industrial cities for the clean, cool air of Muskoka. This chapter examines the Muskoka Sanitariums, Windermere House, Bondi Village, Stanton House, Beaumaris, Britannia & Severn Lodge. |
| Chapter 13 – The End of an Era - By the time of his death in 1905, A.P. Cockburn was able to see hotels, steamers, and commerce booming in the district. Cockburn’s foresight allowed Muskoka to flourish and left him with a legacy that still resonates today. This chapter discusses the Muskoka Lakes Association, Regattas, the Royal Muskoka Hotel and A.P. Cockburn’s Death. |
| Chapter 14 – Formative Times - The unique landscape that is Muskoka has continually drawn people to the area that were looking not only to define themselves, but also the Canadian identity. Torrance Barrens, The Group of Seven, WWI & 122nd Regiment, Georgian Bay vs. the Inner Lakes. |
| Chapter 15 – Shaw’s Projects - Operating the tannery in Huntsville was not enough for C.O. Shaw. A band and a luxury resort were among the many projects that occupied Shaw’s time. This chapter includes the Anglo Canadian Leather Company Band, Bigwin Island and its famous clientele. |
| Chapter 16 – From all Walks of Life - While venues such as Dunn’s Pavilion and the Royal Muskoka attracted celebrities from throughout North America, the area’s residents worked hard to keep the Muskoka Mystique alive. Dunn’s Pavilion, Celebrity tourists, Muskoka’s Working Class |
| Chapter 17 – Boats, Boats, Boats - Like jewels in a crown, the district’s landscape is dappled with lakes. Numerous boat-building enterprises evolved to help Muskokans navigate the waters. This chapter discusses Disappearing Propeller Boats (Dippies), Ditchburn, Minette-Shields, & Greavettes, Fairmiles, Minesweepers and Honey Harbour. |
| Chapter 18 – Norwegian Flyers - When Norway was occupied during WWII, the country’s Air Force established a training camp in Muskoka. Here, they could fly over terrain that was similar to that of their home. Royal Norwegian Air Force & their Muskoka camp, Vesle Skaugum |
| Chapter 19 – Car Culture - When the highway reached Muskoka in the 1930’s, the ever-increasing numbers of automobiles prompted great changes in the tourism economy. While the car was a boon for some enterprises, it was the death knell for the Steamships. Includes the last days of the Steamers, the fall of the big resorts and the rise of cottages, Santa’s Village and winter at Limberlost Lodge & the Huntsville winter carnival. |
| Chapter 20 – Environmental Stewardship - Concerned residents have been working for decades to reclaim lands and waters that were tainted by industrial and residential abuses of the past. Today, countless community groups work to protect Muskoka’s shores. Includes caring for the Watershed & mitigating pollution, the Iroquois Cranberry Growers and the Wahta Mohawks. |
