Newsletter | Muskoka Steamships and Discovery Centre

Artist Life Stories Speaker Series: An Intimate Evening with Canadian Artists

If you’re an art enthusiast looking for an evening that blends captivating conversation, live music, and an engaging atmosphere, the Artist Life Stories Speaker Series is an event you won’t want to miss. This series offers a unique opportunity to connect with some of Canada’s most beloved artists in an intimate setting, and it promises a night of storytelling, reflection, and live performances that will leave you inspired.

Each event in this series is like a perfectly crafted cocktail: two parts conversation, one part live music, one part question and answer, and a dash of the unexpected. The evening features intimate interview sets with the artists, giving you a rare chance to hear the personal stories behind their creative journeys. The night concludes with a post-show meet-and-greet, where you can mingle with the artists and fellow attendees, making for a truly unforgettable experience.

At just $60 per person, the Artist Life Stories Speaker Series brings you an unparalleled opportunity to hear directly from the people who have shaped Canada’s arts and entertainment landscape. Below are just a few of the exciting upcoming events in the series.

Get your tickets here!

Thursday, March 6, 2025 – 7:30 PM | Muskoka Discovery Centre

Sharon & Randi

For over 45 years, Sharon Hampson has been a staple in Canadian music as one-third of the iconic children’s music trio Sharon, Lois & Bram. The group produced over 23 recordings, performed in concert halls across North America, and earned countless awards for their contributions to family music. Following Lois’s departure, Sharon continued to perform with Bram as a duo, and now, with Bram’s retirement, Sharon has teamed up with her daughter, Randi, to carry on the beloved legacy of Sharon, Lois & Bram.

This evening will be filled with heartfelt stories, beloved songs, and fond memories from Sharon’s incredible career. Expect an intimate glimpse into the life lessons and experiences of a music legend, as well as the joy of passing the torch to a new generation of fans. It’s sure to be a night of fun, laughter, and music for all ages.

Thursday, April 17, 2025 – 7:30 PM | Muskoka Discovery Centre

Twin Flames

Winner of four Canadian Folk Music Awards, including 2022 Vocal Group of the Year, Twin Flames is a dynamic husband-and-wife duo that has captivated audiences with their unique blend of music, comedy, and storytelling. Jaaji, from Nunavik and Kahnawake, and Chelsey June, from Ottawa, are known for their powerful mix of Indigenous spirit flutes, traditional drums, and Western instruments. Their music is a perfect fusion of contemplative folk and unapologetic rock ‘n’ roll, delivered through a rich combination of English, French, and Inuktitut.

With over 44 music awards and nominations to their name, Twin Flames are rapidly becoming one of Canada’s most innovative and celebrated musical acts. Join them for a memorable evening that blends thought-provoking stories, a mix of genres, and a celebration of their unique cultural heritage. Their journey from small-town Canada to international acclaim will inspire you to connect with the power of music and the love that drives their creative spirit.

Thursday, May 15, 2025 – 7:30 PM | Muskoka Discovery Centre

Maureen Jennings: Murdoch and Beyond

Maureen Jennings is best known as the creator of the beloved Murdoch Mysteries series, which has captivated audiences for 18 seasons. The show, which airs in 120 territories worldwide, is a testament to Jennings’ skill as a writer and her deep understanding of historical crime fiction. In addition to her work on Murdoch Mysteries, Jennings is an accomplished author with several novels to her name, including the Charlotte Frayne series, which explores the tumultuous years before World War II.

In this intimate evening, Jennings will share personal photos and reflections from her storied career. A creative consultant for the Murdoch Mysteries show, Jennings will offer insights into the process behind adapting her novels for television, as well as her personal journey as a writer. She’ll also discuss her newest works, including her recent play Dying Like This, which was professionally produced in 2024. This evening promises to be a rich and engaging discussion for fans of crime fiction and television alike.

Tickets for the Artist Life Stories Speaker Series are $60 per person, offering an exclusive and personal experience with some of Canada’s most celebrated artists. Whether you are a long-time fan or a newcomer to their work, each event promises to leave you with a deeper understanding of the artist’s creative journey, along with the personal stories and inspirations that have shaped their careers.

So, if you’re looking for an evening that combines the magic of live music, thought-provoking conversation, and personal stories from legendary artists, Artist Life Stories is the perfect event to add to your calendar. We look forward to seeing you there!

Get your tickets here!

December 5, 2024/by Jordan Waines

Newsletter

The Stories Behind the Power

Four historic steam engines are now on display

This article first appeared in the summer 2023 edition of Reflections magazine

Steam power has been essential to the development of Muskoka since the mid-1860s, transporting passengers to the region’s many lakeside hotels and private residences, as well as moving finished goods and commodities. Employed on the region’s big lakes, steam powered boats and ships have ranged from the most sleek and sophisticated to everyday work craft. The engines from four of these vessels have been preserved and restored, and they’re on display and ready to reveal their inner workings at the Muskoka Steamships & Discovery Centre.

Naiad

In Greek mythology, a Naiad is a nymph who gives life to springs, rivers and lakes. The 21 metre (68 ft) yacht Naiad, capable of carrying 40 passengers at a top speed of 28 kilometres per hour (17.3 mph or 15 kts), was built in 1890 for businessman and philanthropist Senator Eli Sanford of Hamilton and Sans Souci Island, Lake Rosseau.

The boat operated on Lake Rosseau until 1940, when it was sold to collector Cameron Peck, on Lake of Bays. In the fall she cruised under her own steam to Gravenhurst and over the winter of 1940-41 she was transported by sleigh through Bracebridge and on to Lake of Bays. When Peck sold his collection, Naiad was bought by the Ontario Northland Transportation Company, which re-equipped the boat with a diesel engine and transported it by train to Temagami in Northern Ontario in 1955.

In 1964, the boat became derelict and the engine was placed on the dock in Temagami. It was rescued by Andrew Merrilees whose business bought and sold used railroad equipment at his yard in Weston, Ontario.

Naiad’s two-cylinder power plant is a fore-and-aft compound condensing steam engine built by Polson Iron Works of Toronto. The Scotch marine boiler drove a 163 cm diameter, 119 cm pitch, four-bladed cast iron propellor on a 7.62 cm shaft. (64-in diameter, 47-in pitch, 3-in shaft). Two cords of hardwood stored beside the boiler were used for fuel. In 1978, the engine was lifted by crane from the Merrilees property and transported to storage at the Muskoka Lakes Museum.

In the late 1990s the Muskoka Lakes Museum donated the Naiad engine to Muskoka Steamships. It sat on display near the office and was later stored in the Nelson Street Yard, Gravenhurst. On November 5, 2020, Naiad’s engine was lifted by boom truck and placed in the Heritage Boatworks building, Gravenhurst for refurbishing.

Mildred

In 1903, Polson Iron Works built Mildred, a 21 metre (70 ft.) steam yacht for E. R. Wood. He cottaged on Lake Rosseau, and named the boat for his daughter. In 1921, the yacht was purchased by Captain Wesley Archer who used her for sightseeing cruises from Bracebridge. After Archer’s death in 1946, she was sold to Ralph McPherson who continued to offer cruises. In 1961, while on a cruise, Mildred burned on the Muskoka River. MacPherson rebuilt Mildred using steel. She was owned by four other people and is now being refurbished with the hopes of cruising the Muskoka lakes again.

In 1954, her triple-expansion steam engine was replaced by a diesel engine. Roy Davies, a Bracebridge machinist found her original rusty steam engine in a barn in 1993. He beautifully restored the engine and adapted a drive to turn it over. It was displayed at the former Steamship Museum and is now at the Muskoka Discovery Centre in Gravenhurst.

Wanda III

Wanda III was built by Polson Iron Works in 1915 for Margaret Eaton, widow of Timothy Eaton, the founder of Eaton department stores. This yacht was the third Wanda yacht owned by the family on Lake Rosseau.

At the request of Mrs. Eaton, the builder installed a triple-expansion steam engine similar to those being used in Royal Navy ships during the First World War. This triple-expansion steam engine, also built by Polson, represented the pinnacle of marine steam technology. Using steam from a wood-fired water tube boiler it was approved to a maximum working pressure of 300 pounds per square inch. Being 28.6 metres (94 ft.) long, with a beam of 3.7 metres (12 feet), she was sleek and fast. She was capable of 39 kilometres per hour (21 kts, or 24 mph), making her one of the fastest yachts on the Muskoka lakes.

Mrs. Eaton sold Wanda III to C. O. Shaw, owner of Bigwin Inn on Lake of Bays in 1930. The yacht was transported by water, rail and overland to Lake of Bays, where it was used to take guests on sightseeing excursions. The next six owners were all on Lake of Bays. In 1992, the last of these owners, Sandy Thomson, donated her to Muskoka Steamships in Gravenhurst. Since that time, Wanda has cruised the three larger lakes, undergone several restorations and been laid up for 13 years.

Today, Wanda III is housed in a new boathouse, undergoing restoration once again, and has been changed from steam to battery electric power.

Waterous Engine

In 1996, a small Waterous steam engine, built in Brantford, Ontario, was donated to Muskoka Steamships by the Krell family of Lake of Bays.

The Waterous Engine Works, dating from 1864, was a famous Canadian builder of farm and road engines. The Brantford factory also made small marine steam engines. This engine is a simple two-cylinder non-condensing steam engine with 10 cm (4 in) diameter pistons and a 12.7 cm (5 in) stroke, producing about 14.7 kw (20 hp.) The slide valves on each cylinder allow steam to act on both sides of the piston, providing more power.

Single- and two-cylinder engines of this type were used on smaller boats up to 9 metres (30 ft) in length, and employed small wood fired boilers to create the steam power. Heritage Boatworks volunteers completed the restoration in 2023.

– By John Storey, a volunteer with Heritage Boatworks, a part of Muskoka Steamships & Discovery Centre.

December 5, 2024/by Jordan Waines

Newsletter

The Royal Muskoka Hotel

Every lake district needs hotel accommodation and full-service hotels. Muskoka is no different. One of the early hotels built in Muskoka was one of the largest and grandest.

The Royal Muskoka Hotel was built by the Muskoka Lakes Navigation Company starting in 1901. The goal was to create the finest lodging in Muskoka. Alexander P. Cockburn, founder of the Muskoka Lakes Navigation Company and primary investor in the hotel, set out to exceed all limits of luxury for the time and to attract thousands of discerning guests from across Canada and the United States.

The hotel was situated on an island, joined to the mainland by a causeway on Lake Rosseau. The capacity was 350 guests at a rate of $3.50 a day or $20 a week. The clientele was wealthy families who preferred to experience Muskoka from a luxury vantage point. It was the first hotel in Muskoka to have electricity, and it also had steam heat for the rooms which could be reversed for cooling, and hot and cold running water, which was not common at that time.

The Royal Muskoka offered a range of activities: hunting, fishing, walking trails, a 9-hole golf course, tennis courts, bowling greens, a riding stable, a post office, barber and beauty shops, a bakery, a bar, and a billiard room.

The hotel was such a success that another ship, RMS Sagamo, was built to augment the fleet so that visitors could easily get there from the train and the wharf in Gravenhurst.

The hotel burned May 18, 1952, and today the 130-acre property is subdivided into lots with cottages.

December 5, 2024/by Jordan Waines

Newsletter

Kahshe Lake is home to Rob Roy II

“If you can dream it, you can do it.”

It is obvious that Cliff Fitchett of Houseys Rapids, Muskoka had a dream when he decided to build a new steamboat, a replica of Rob Roy. What an exciting day in July 2021, when we first viewed this new boat as it steamed around on Kahshe Lake, blowing its steam whistle often as Cliff waved from the wheelhouse. Many people stood on their docks saluting Rob Roy, a boat he had worked so tirelessly to build.

Let’s go back in history to the first Rob Roy steamboat. She was 35 feet long and built on Sparrow Lake in the 1890s for the purpose of taking passengers, freight, groceries, and mail from the train at Washago to various cottages and resorts on Sparrow Lake. When Orillia Light and Power Commission started to build the dam at Hydro Glen (1899), Rob Roy was contracted to take cement and supplies to the Sparrow Lake Chutes, usually pushing a scow along to move the supplies to the dam site. It served in these capacities until 1910 when it was sold to Tommy Houston and taken to Kahshe Lake.

For thirteen years, she ran tourists and supplies from Klueys Bay to various points on the lake. In 1924, she was scuttled on a beach in Deep Bay close to the Rattan sawmill on Kahshe Lake. In recent years, landowners in that area of the lake found parts of the metal transom and bolts in the water.

In 2018, Cliff Fitchett, a local contractor and man very capable with wood working, steam generation, and anything that requires skills in building, decided to build a replica of Rob Roy. He had the fibreglass hull built in West Virginia, where he also found a working steam engine. The original bell was found where the first boat was scuttled, and he found a steam whistle on the internet.

Now that he had most of the major parts, Cliff went about building the deck and cabin and adding finishing touches. Two knee replacements slowed his boat building project, but he used the time to learn and make all the rope fenders for the boat.

The two-cylinder steam engine burns about a wheelbarrow of wood a day. With 12 passengers maximum, Rob Roy is now in demand for small wedding parties and social gatherings.

Cliff has enjoyed many trips with her since that summer of 2021, he states that “he had a ball building her. He loves the look on people’s faces when they are riding on her. His dream has come true.

Article by Mary Storey

December 5, 2024/by Jordan Waines

Newsletter

Make the Most of Winter Break and March Break with MDC’s DayCamps

Looking for exciting and educational activities for your kids during the holidays? The Muskoka Discovery Centre has you covered with two incredible DayCamp options: the Winter Holiday DayCamp and the March Break DayCamp. Both camps are designed to provide a fun-filled and enriching experience for kids aged 4-11.

Winter Holiday DayCamp: A Winter Adventure Awaits!

This year, the MDC is hosting a Winter Holiday DayCamp on December 30th & 31st and January 2nd & 3rd. It’s the perfect way to make your child’s winter break extra special. From crafting and creativity to hands-on fun, our Winter Holiday DayCamp is packed with exciting activities that your kids won’t want to miss!

Some of the exciting activities include:

Butter-Making Workshop: A fun, hands-on way for kids to make their own butter and learn about the process.
Paper Plate Skating Race: A playful activity that combines creativity and physical activity with a paper plate skating race.
Sparkling Snow Dough: Sensory fun with this sparkly, winter-themed dough that allows kids to explore and create.
Winter Watercolour Painting: Kids will use watercolours to create beautiful, winter-themed artwork.

These activities are designed to spark creativity, inspire teamwork, and keep your child entertained during the winter break!

March Break DayCamp: A Week of Fun and Learning

The excitement doesn’t stop after the winter break! MDC’s March Break DayCamp runs from March 10th to 14th, 2025 and promises to be an unforgettable week of adventure. This year, we’ve teamed up with Science North and Amanda’s Exotic Animals to bring extra-special experiences to the camp!

Highlights include:

Science North Visit: Your kids will get to experience the wonders of science with hands-on activities and live demonstrations, sparking their curiosity and learning in a fun, interactive way.
Amanda’s Exotic Animals: An incredible opportunity to meet fascinating animals up close and learn about the diverse species from around the world.
And So Much More: The March Break DayCamp will be jam-packed with exciting activities like arts and crafts, games, and team-building challenges, all designed to keep kids engaged and active throughout the week.

This camp is perfect for kids who love science, animals, and creative play. With a mix of educational experiences and plenty of fun, your child will be excited to return every day!

Affordable Pricing & Flexible Options

Both the Winter Holiday DayCamp and March Break DayCamp are not only fun but also affordable. The Winter Holiday DayCamp is just $50 per day or $180 for all 4 days, while the March Break DayCamp offers a great value with a full week of activities. Discounts are available for families with multiple campers, making it easy for siblings to join in the fun!

How to Register

Ready to sign your child up for a winter or spring adventure? Visit Muskoka Discovery Centre Camp Registration for full details on schedules, pricing, and registration. But don’t wait—spaces fill up quickly!

Key Details for Each Camp:

Winter Holiday DayCamp (Dec 30th, 31st, Jan 2nd & 3rd):

Ages: 4-11

Cost: $50 per day or $180 for all 4 days

Discounts: Available for 2+ campers

Activities: Butter-making, skating race, sparkling snow dough, winter painting

Dates: December 30th & 31st, January 2nd & 3rd

Registration: Click here to register

March Break DayCamp (March 10th-14th, 2025):

Ages: 4-11

Cost: Full-week pricing available

Discounts: Available for 2+ campers

Activities: Science North visit, Amanda’s Exotic Animals, arts and crafts, games, and more

Dates: March 10th to 14th, 2025

Registration: Click here to register

Both camps offer a perfect mix of fun, creativity, and learning. Whether your kids are exploring the magic of winter or embarking on an educational adventure in the spring, they’re sure to have a fantastic time. Don’t miss out—sign up today and make this winter and spring break memorable for your kids!

December 5, 2024/by Jordan Waines

Newsletter

Heritage Boatworks Volunteers keeping busy with Wanda III projects

Heritage Boatworks Volunteers keeping busy with Wanda III projects

The talented team of volunteers at Heritage Boatworks are always busy helping with important projects for the steamships and MDC, but recently their focus has been on items for the Wanda III. Currently they are working on several finishing touches to complete the Wanda for relaunch. One of the bigger tasks has been adding safety netting to all of the railings around Wanda’s decks. The task of adding this special netting is more complex than it sounds. It all has to be precisely measured, cut, and then carefully threaded and attached to the many railings. The process started by the team making detailed templates of the areas to be covered and then building a work surface large enough to lay out all the materials for further measurements and cutting. This was done both on the ship and then at the workshop next to the steamship office. Once cut and ready, the netting had to be woven and tied along the rails. When asking about how the process was going, the comment back was that the team have now had a lot of knot tying practice! With the job nearly complete now, it really looks great. The colour and material selected fit with the look of the ship as best as possible. This may look like a simple job, but has taken an extreme amount of planning, coordination, and talent to complete.

The boatworks team is also busy with other projects for Wanda that include cleaning and polishing the antique gauges from the ship to go on display as part of the exhibit, refinishing tables and other furniture for Wanda, building a lifejacket box, and countless other tasks behind the scenes that are contributing to the success of the Wanda relaunch. We truly could not complete these projects without the amazing support of the Heritage Boatworks team!

Other recent projects by the boatworks team include: building a mast for Wanda, refitting the Wanda canopy, restoring the Wanda fenders, restoring the Segwun’s Phoenix, restoring Segwun gangway & cabin doors, cleaning & restoring the Wanda steam engine for display at MDC, and many more! Thank you boatworks volunteers!

October 4, 2024/by Jordan Waines

Newsletter

Gorgeous new book connects to Misko-Aki exhibit

Gorgeous new book connects to Misko-Aki exhibit

The Niagara Parks Commission, in partnership with Plenty Canada, has unveiled Landscape of Nations: Beyond the Mist, a stunning 256-page coffee table book that delves into the history of Indigenous peoples in the Niagara region over the past 13,000 years. This anthology features contributions from 17 authors, numerous photographers, mapmakers, and artists, providing a comprehensive examination of the rich tapestry of Indigenous life along the Niagara River corridor.

The book presents insights into the Haudenosaunee and Anishinaabek cultures, bolstered by archaeological findings and historical records. General Editor Rick Hill, an esteemed educator of Indigenous cultures, reflects on the significance of the project, stating, “It is amazing to think that for some 13,000 years, my ancestors have been living within the beautiful environs of the Niagara Peninsula. We welcome you to our world.”

This publication is especially relevant to the Misko-Aki exhibit at the MDC, as many of the Indigenous communities highlighted in the book contributed to its development. The narratives explored in Landscape of Nations: Beyond the Mist resonate deeply with our local history, making it as pertinent to our area as it is to the Niagara region.

Tim Johnson, Managing Editor of the book, emphasizes its importance, saying, “This magnificent book does something truly remarkable; it greatly expands understanding of the deep Indigenous history along the Niagara River corridor, revealing the place-based learning power inherent at heritage destinations throughout the Niagara Parks system.”

Copies of Landscape of Nations: Beyond the Mist will soon be available for purchase at the MDC gift shop, inviting visitors to engage with the Indigenous stories that are integral to both our exhibit and the broader historical landscape.

Click here to learn more from the creators of this book.

October 4, 2024/by Jordan Waines

Newsletter

Artist Life Stories: Susan Aglukark

Join Us for Artist Life Stories: Speaker Series with a Twist!

Date: Thursday, October 10, 2024

Time: 7:30 PM

Location: Muskoka Discovery Centre

Get Your Tickets Here

Dive into an unforgettable evening with Susan Aglukark, one of Canada’s most significant cultural treasures. This event is a unique blend of conversation, live music, and audience interaction, designed to give you an intimate look at the life and journey of this remarkable artist.

About Susan Aglukark: Canada’s Arctic Rose

Susan Aglukark is not just a talented singer-songwriter; she is a powerful voice for the culture of northern communities. With a career spanning over 25 years, Susan has not only won three Juno Awards but has also been recognized with the Governor General’s Performing Arts Award and the Special Humanitarian Juno Award. Her hit single, “O Siem,” reached the top of the Canadian country and adult contemporary charts, and her music weaves together Folk traditions with Country and Pop influences.

As Deane Cameron notes, “Susan Aglukark is truly one of Canada’s most significant cultural treasures… She is an inspiration to humanity.”

What to Expect

The evening will feature two engaging interview sets, interspersed with live performances, allowing you to experience the stories behind the songs. You’ll hear Susan reflect on her journey of self-discovery, her commitment to her Inuit heritage, and her ongoing efforts to empower Indigenous youth through art.

The event will conclude with a post-show meet and greet, giving you the chance to connect with Susan and delve deeper into her inspiring narrative.

A Message from Susan

Reflecting on her journey, Susan has shared, “Art has played a significant role in my healing and in rewriting my narrative. Our children and youth are strong and resilient; they still believe in their culture and are fighting every day to find their place.” Through her music and advocacy, Susan is dedicated to helping Indigenous youth connect with their identity and heritage.

Join us for a night of storytelling, music, and inspiration as we celebrate the rich culture of Canada’s North and the extraordinary contributions of Susan Aglukark.

Don’t miss out—secure your tickets today! Get Your Tickets Here

October 4, 2024/by Jordan Waines

Newsletter

Experience the Magic of the Muskoka Christmas Market

Experience the Magic of the Muskoka Christmas Market

Get ready to embrace the holiday spirit at the Muskoka Christmas Market! This enchanting event takes place from November 22 to 24at the beautiful Muskoka Discovery Centre in Gravenhurst. With a delightful lineup of activities, vendors, and festive cheer, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

The event takes place Friday from 4-8 pm, and Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m to 4 p.m.

Something for Everyone

Stroll through a vibrant marketplace filled with unique vendors showcasing local crafts, handmade goods, and delicious treats. Whether you’re searching for the perfect gift or simply want to indulge in festive flavors, our food trucks offer a mouthwatering selection. Sip on warm cider, enjoy hot chocolate, and treat yourself to freshly baked cookies, or sample local beer and wine.

Family Fun Awaits

Bring the whole family for a memorable holiday experience! Children can visit Santa in the MDC Kidzone Christmas Workshop, where holiday magic comes to life. Take a scenic horse and buggy ride, immerse yourself in the sounds of Christmas music, and enjoy delightful performances from local carollers. It’s a wonderful way to create lasting memories together.

Calling All Vendors!

We are still seeking vendors to join our festive marketplace! If you’re interested in showcasing your crafts or products, please contact Janet at 705-687-2115 or email retail@realmuskoka.com. Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with the community and share your creations.

Admission and Donations

Admission to the Muskoka Christmas Market is by donation, allowing everyone to join in the festivities. You’ll also have the chance to win fantastic door prizes or purchase a 50/50 ticket to support our cause. We kindly ask for food donations for GAP (Gravenhurst Against Poverty) to help those in need during this special season.

Join us at the Muskoka Discovery Centre, located at: 275 Steamship Bay Road, Gravenhurst, ON.

Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to celebrate the season with friends and family. Mark your calendars, spread the word, and get ready for a festive experience at the Muskoka Christmas Market!

October 4, 2024/by Jordan Waines

Newsletter

The Diaries of Captain John Rogers

The Diaries of Captain John Rogers

A look at day-to-day life in Muskoka from 1906-1926

The name John Rogers seems synonymous with the history of Muskoka. Having produced the Guide Book and Atlas of Muskoka and Parry Sound, 1879, written the Blue Books of 1915 and 1918 listing all residents, seasonal and permanent in Muskoka, having his own steamship and many jobs too numerous to list, he has left a huge legacy.

Muskoka Discovery Centre was lucky to have the loan of nine of John Rogers’s diaries starting when he was 60 years in 1906 and ending with his death in 1926.

John Rogers was born in England in 1846, was educated as an engineer and in 1875, came to Canada, then to Muskoka. He married Edith May Cox the daughter of Enoch Cox, the owner of Prospect House in Port Sandfield. Captain Rogers built a home, called Birchwood in Port Sandfield and ran it as a small family hotel.

His diaries confirm that the weather was of utmost importance – it is mentioned at the beginning of every entry. The weather controlled what activities were undertaken each day.

In the 1907 diary, he refers to many “young peoples parties” including, teas, skating, dinners and a carnival in Port Carling. The young people thought nothing of walking from Port Sandfield to Port Carling to go skating, then walking home. Most of the entertaining occurred from November until May at least once or twice per week, with large parties being held at Christmas, New Years and Easter. This is quite logical as the months of June through October were the busy time of year, with most jobs to be done outside. In the early years, travelling was easier in summer. This changed in 1921, when his family got a car: from then on, activities were more year-round.

During the summer months there was mention of regattas, held in Port Carling, Port Sandfield and the Muskoka Lakes Association Regatta held at Royal Muskoka Hotel. Also, during the summer it appeared that the family attended church services at least twice per week, with church on Sunday often followed by lunch. Captain Rogers travelled very frequently in the summer, visiting many places in his position as a tax assessor and making changes to his Blue Books. He often took his own boat, sleeping aboard when he went on longer trips.

The weather also had an impact on the greenhouses he built, where he grew vegetables and flowers including dahlias and roses year-round. In 1907 he purchased a “Hot Air Machine” for his greenhouses. As an engineer, he was very good at working with machinery. He also had a furnace that warmed water that ran through the greenhouses, keeping them warm during the winter. He sold his vegetables, flowers and plants to the local hotels, but it was a lot of work: each day, particularly during the winter, he talked of cutting wood for his furnaces.

At the end of each of the diaries, there are accounting sheets showing how much money he made and what his costs of living were. By reading the diaries it is easy to believe he was a man of many talents. He worked for several years on writing the Roger’s Blue Books. He was an engineer, a tax assessor, ship builder (Pinafore and Edith May), a local councilman, cartographer, author (The Guide Book and Atlas of Muskoka and Parry Sound District), member of the board of health, an insurance salesman, sanitary inspector, a notary (charging 25 cents for each document) and a real estate agent. He also belonged to a Literary Society and joined the Muskoka Lakes Golf and Country Club, which opened in 1920.

The diaries also mention specific dates of events, such as peace being declared on November 4^th, 1918, and Armistice Day at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, 1918. He also states that daily trains to Toronto started April 23, 1918. He noted that the Kenozha ship burned on August 13 near Stanley House. He mentions it was very common for him to take one ship to town in the morning and return later that day by another ship.

In 1923, at the age of 77, he was still working in his greenhouses and travelling around the lakes. The weather this year prompted him to have his bedroom and office insulated. He also had his stable turned into a garage for his car. His Birchwood home got electricity in 1922.

On March 31, 1926, Captain Rogers died suddenly at the age of 80. His wife Edith lived until 1945. His sons Bill and Carl were living at home at the time and Bill continued to make notes in the diary. Bill Rogers was a builder who built the annex at Elgin House. Carl Rogers, the youngest son, became the general manager of Muskoka Lakes Golf and Country Club.

It has been pleasure reading these diaries and learning so much about life in Muskoka at that time.

Mary Patterson, Archives Volunteer

This article first appeared in the Winter 2019 edition of Reflections magazine

October 4, 2024/by Jordan Waines

Muskoka Steamships & Discovery Centre

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