This photo is another in my little historical series from Lake Massawippi. Again the time period is the late 1800's, a time when there were several steam boats on the lake. Some were privately owned. Others were owned by some of the large hotels on the lake and used to transport guests - mostly Americans coming from the southern States to escape the summer heat - from the village train station to the hotel. Several of these boats sunk in the lake and, in younger days, my brother and I learned how to scuba dive while exploring the depths looking for them. We found one and spent many hours playing 'Jacques Custeau' games with it.
By the turn of the century, many of these Americans began to buy property and build summer homes. In fact the northwestern side of the lake seen here in the background, became known as the 'American Side'. Many of these cottages still stand today and a few are still owned by the descendents of the original Americans.
Besides steam boating, canoes were very popular and the 'American Club' was formed to take advantage of the canoe with various outings and racing scheduled each summer. Over time, they discovered sailboats and held weekly races on Sunday afternoons. Much of this sport is now gone, replaced by water-skiing and jet-skis. I paddle one of the few kayaks to be seen on the lake, but rising gas prices might soon add to the numbers shortly...
2 comments:
You are inspiring, Michael. I hope I can half as interesting in retirement as you are! Out of curiosity, does your wife also paddle with you or is she into her own things while you are at it?
C'est moi - Inspiring? Mmmm... I'll have to think about that one!
My wife prefers to canoe now and then, but isn't a paddler. She's a dog, bird and horse lady and keeps far too busy for me!
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