Algonquin Park S Portage Store

Established by Molly Colson and her husband Ed, the then proprietors of the Algonquin Hotel just after Highway 60 opened in the mid-1930s, the P-Store, as the locals, call it has had many reincarnations. Learn about the history of this venerable institution, which hosts every week from the Victoria Day Weekend in late May to Thanksgiving in early October, hundreds of visitors venture to Canoe Lake who have come for an afternoon paddle, to pick up last minute suppliers or permits or just an ice cream cone or a Canoe Lake memory from the gift shop on a hot summer day. Whatever type of visitor, there is always something of interest at the Portage Store.

Among the many who treasure Algonquin Park in Ontario, Canada are a small group of leasehold residents who have occupied small corners of the Park since the earliest days of the 20th century. It is a book about their heritage, the depth and breadth of their roots in the community, their traditions and experiences living and settling in the forest 35 miles from the closest town , their passion for Algonquin and its tradition of multiple-use, their community and its activities and their contributions both large and small to the environment and to quality Park experiences for all who visit. Treasuring Algonquin is all about that leasehold community of 300+ leaseholds spread across 19 lakes paralleling for the most part the old railway right-of-way whose forebears were invited by the Ontario Government to establish cottages in the Park. Until 1954 cottagers were welcomed with open arms, support and encouragement. For some families itÕs the fifth generation who are now learning to appreciate Algonquin and its beauty. Most of the time, youÕd hardly know they were there Ð until you run into trouble while paddling on one of the lakes, lose your way, need medical attention or get caught in a storm or a heavy northwind. Then they miraculously appear to provide help and guidance and occasionally save your life. Mostly in residence on weekends from ice-out to ice-in, and for a few weeks in the summer, members of this small but vibrant community of 9000+ extended family members Ôhave become as much a part of Algonquin as the loons and the ladyslippersÕ. Through much Òdetective-workÓ, Clemson has blended current and historical narratives with extensive research, through files seldom searched, to provide a glimpse into the lives of the leaseholders who have treasured their experiences in Algonquin Park throughout the past century.

Since 1917, much has been written about the life and death of artist Tom Thomson on Canoe Lake in Ontario's Algonquin Park. Thomson was a major influence on the Group of Seven, but until now, little has been known about the women whose lives he touched: Annie Fraser, proprietress of Mowat Lodge who likely knew a lot more than she ever let on; Louisa Blecher, mother of Martin Blecher the man who was silently accused of playing a hand in Thomson's death; Molly Colson, owner of the Algonquin Hotel where Tom was last seen; and the elusive Winnifred Trainor, Thomson's alleged love interest. After years of painstaking research, Gaye I. Clemson's ALGONQUIN VOICES brings to life the lives of these and many other courageous women who have lived and loved on the shores of Algonquin Park's famous Canoe Lake since 1905. "In 1997 I got inspired to trace and record the settlement history of all of my Canoe Lake neighbours," Clemson, a 48-year resident of Canoe Lake, explains. "In the process I discovered a treasure trove of family stories about the lives of women pioneers, business owners, children's camp leaders and independent spirits from all walks of life, who were captivated by the lake's haunted history and beauty and chose to settle on Canoe Lake, some with husbands and children and others without." Beginning in the early 1900's, ALGONQUIN VOICES tells in words and pictures the stories of over 20 pioneers, business women, children's' camp leaders and independent spirits who chose to make Canoe Lake their summer, and in some cases year round, home. It shares their life and settlement history, artistic and professional endeavours, family traditions and summer amusements including first hand insight as to how they coped (and in some cases earned a living) with the challenges of day-to-day living without city conveniences, miles from civilization deep in the heart of one of North AmericaÕs most well-known parks. It makes an important contribution in helping 21st C young women understand better what life was like for their grandmothers and great grandmothers 100+ years ago and get in touch with their collective feminist roots that are so easily forgotten in the hustle and bustle of our modern lives.

Over the last 15 years, Gaye. I. Clemson, a resident of Canoe Lake has been collecting stories and recollections from fellow Algonquin Park residents in an effort to capture the voices and history of this vibrant community. Ghosts of Canoe Lake, is the fifth book in her series of insights into a group that has been and continues to be an integral part of the historical fabric of this majestic place in Northern Ontario. In summer she can be found on Canoe Lake or at algonquinparkheritage.com. In winter she resides in Capitola, CA with her twin sons. Other Publications: Gertrude Baskerville: The Lady of Algonquin Park Algonquin Voices: Selected Stories of Canoe Lake Women Rock Lake Station: Settlement Stories Since 1896 Treasuring Algonquin: Sharing Scenes from 100 Years of Leaseholding Tom Thomson Murder Mystery Game MORE ABOUT: Algonquin Park's Portage Store

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