ST JOSEPH ISLAND SITES
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Bookmans Clearing |
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Browns Mill |
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C Line School |
Campbell’s Hill |
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Campbell’s Mill |
Canoe Point |
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Cattle Point |
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Collins Creek |
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Coopers Corner |
Coulters Creek |
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Coyle Point |
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Elliot Point |
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Falls Hill |
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Farrells |
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Furkeys Hill |
Garsides Bay |
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Gordon Creek |
Gravel Point / Pointe Au Gravier |
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Green Point |
Haights Hill |
Hamilton House |
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Hamiltons Bay / McMenony Bay |
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Hinton Point |
Humbug Point |
I Line School |
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Jocelyn School |
K Line Corners |
Kaskewan School |
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Kents Corners |
Kents Mill |
Kentvale |
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Kitchens Hill |
La Pointe Point |
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Lyon Cove |
Maple Hill School |
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McFarlane Mill |
McGregor Bay |
McGuigans Mill |
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McMenomy Bay |
McQueens Mill |
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Moffat Bay |
Mosquito Bay /Jocko Bay/Jacques Bay |
Mountain Lake |
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Mountain School |
Nip & Tuck Railroad |
Old Fort St Joe Point |
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Old Quary Point |
Outlook |
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Poverty Hill |
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Reed Point |
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Richards Creek |
Richards Landing |
Richardson Point |
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Richardsons Creek |
Rocollet Point |
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Sandy Browns Hill |
Sawdust Road |
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Sea Gull |
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Stills Side Road |
Stribling Point |
Stubbs Hill |
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Sunset Point |
Tait Nursery |
Tenby Bay School |
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Town Plot of St Joseph & Hilton/survey notes of TH Molesworth |
The Mountain |
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Trainors Side Road School |
Two Tree River |
Valiers Hill |
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W Line School |
Whichers Mill |
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Woods Mill |
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Bishop’s Corneras compiled by Garry BishopBishop’s Corner is located on Concession 17, Lot 1, Township of Hilton. It was named after the Bishop family who originally settled on this lot.Harry (Henry) Bishop later built a house on Concession 16, Lot 1 which was the Bishop homestead.
Richmond Bay / Richmond Point
As compiled by Garry Bishop
Located off the “U” Line between the “W” and the Base Line. Named for the family of James Richmond who lived in that area.
The Bruleper Russell and Eleanor AdcockA piece of property located on the Base Line between the M and N and the P Line. There was a fire there and burned the property. It was known as the Brule which is French for ‘Burn”
Pecks pointas compiled by Garry Bishoplocated on the east side of Milford Haven bay.
Koshkawong point/riverthe point is located on the west side of the Milford Haven bay the river is on some maps as Milford Haven river.It runs from the twin lakes to Milford Haven. Source Glyn Smith papers from museum Koshkawong, later changed to Kaskewan means “place where something is peeled off’Was going to be renamed to Pembroke after a county in England but never officially changed
Collins pointlocated in the middle of Tenby Bay Lot 16 Concession VII
Whitman pointlocated between Tenby Bay and Worsley Bay
Sterling Baya bay inside of Worsley Bay named after a family that lived there source Glyn Smith papers in museumnamed for Archibald Sterling who lived on the west side of the bay prior to 1844.
Whiskey pointa point in Sterling Bay Whiskey baya bay at the end of the 5th side road
Milford HavenOntario Historical article 1961Major Rains named Milford Haven after a sea side resort near his boyhood home.Area was called Pecksville for some time when the Rains store was run by Sam Peck. Source St Joseph Island Pioneer Dec. 1987Named by Major Rains after a favorite seaside town back in Wales where he was born.
Rainsmere Hotelsee St Joseph Island Pioneer article from volume 1 issue 3 source St Joseph Island MuseumOne of the first hotels to be managed by a woman. Built between 1892 and 1986, it had 20 bedrooms, several dining rooms,sitting rooms and kitchens. Catered to river travellers.
Llewellyn Beachsee St Joseph Island Pioneer article from volume 1 issue 3
Hilton Beach/ Marksville/ HiltonSource St Joseph Island Pioneer volume 1 issue 2, Dec. 1987Around 1847, after copper was discovered in Bruce Mines it was reported that there could be copper and other minerals on St Joseph Island. Hoping to get in on this bonanza Major Rains with his eldest sons Tudor and Owen decided to try their luck. One foggy night while they were in the bush on one of their many quests for the elusive minerals they became lost. After spending a miserable night in the open they set out in the morning to find their way out . After a futile hunt for minerals the three weary prospectors emerged on the eastern slope of the Island overlooking the North Channel. It was so hilly that the Major told his sons that the folks who lived down in the village by the shore should call it Hill Town. Thus the settlement was so named. The name was later shortened to Hilton.
Tenby BaySource St Joseph Island Pioneer Dec. 1987/Bayliss bookNamed by Major Rains after a place in Wales of the same name
CartertonSource St Joseph Island Pioneer Dec.1987One of the older post offices was opened at the 10th Side road and the P Line by the Carter family, one of the first families to settle in that area. Source St. Joseph Island Historical SocietyLocation of a small settlement at the corner of the 10th Side Road and the P line. A Postal station was located there at one time. The Carter Homestead established in 1879 is situated on the northeast corner and is said to be the highest farm in the Province of Ontario.
Sailors Encampment/Campment MatelotSource St Joseph Island Pioneer Dec.1987 Ships on the St Marys River were deterred from travelling upbound to Sault Ste. Marie by adverse winds and the rocky shallow bottom of the passage between St. Joseph Island and Neebish Island above Mud (Munuscong) Lake. Cargoes of the earlier sailing ships had to be transferred to rafts or smaller boats and scows, which then carried the cargo on to the Soo. Many of these vessels travelling late in the season often became frozen in the ice and had to spend the winter in the river. It is hard to establish the date or which ship caused the area to get its name. As early as 1854 it was called Sailors Encampment of the Canadian side and Campment Matelot on the American side. The earliest known ship carrying cargo for Sault Ste. Marie was the British brig “Wellington” in 1817. She became frozen in the river for the whole winter. source Bayliss bookThe name of Campment Matelot is mentioned in a letter of 1839
St Joseph Island/Payentanassin/Caribousource Bayliss bookSt Joseph Island was called Payentanassin by the local Indians
Rains Lake/ Loch Rains/ Adcock’s Lakesource Bayliss BookMajor Rains named the lake Loch Rains located on lot 5, Concessions 5 and 6
Source St. Joseph Island Historical Society
In the mid 1800’s after leaving the settlement he helped develop at Milford Haven, Major Rains settled near this small inland lake, close to the shore of Lake Huron, and named it Lock Rains.
The ruins of what is left of his original log home are located nearby on privately owned property.
In the early 1850’s the Major and his family moved on to the Sailors Encampment area to take advantage of the opportunities there, and Harry and Letitia Adcock moved to the area and took up residence. The lake soon became known as Adcock’s Lake. The Adcock family first lived in a log house and then had another house, built for Mr. Sterling at Sterling Bay, moved to this area. That house is still in use by an Adcock descendant, while numerous other family members live nearby.
The 5th Side Road at this point leads further south to the shore at Whiskey Bay. Several new roads have been built in recent years to open up this area to the construction of cottages and homes along the shore of Lake Huron.
Scotts Millsource Bayliss Booklocated on Collins Creek in 1835 ran by Major Rains, Scott and Thompson thought to be the first mill on the Island
SawmillsBrowns mill - located on lot 16, concession wCampbells mill - located on lot 7 concession 15Dicksons MillKents mill - located on lot 30, concession AMcFarlane mill - located on lot 21, concession GMcGuggan mill - located in town plot of Hilton - later Stone Lumber CoMcQueens mill - located on lot 6, concession 9Whichers mill - located on lot 9, concession 10 and lot C, concession 16Woods mill - located on lot 1, concession 17 and lot 11 concession K
CemeteriesAnglican lot 35 on Huron Concession lot B concession 16 United lot 8 on concession O Non- denominational lot 5 concession 3 lot 10 concession E Catholic lot 12 on concession A
SchoolsC line school lot 11 concession AI line school lot 20 concession HJocelyn school lot 36 on Concession AKaskawan school lot 1 concession 10Maple hill school lot 10 concession HMountain school lot 11 concession NTenby bay school lot 6 concession 4Trainors side road school lot 21 concession 13W line school lot 14 on concession W
Bampford's Creeklocated on lots 10 and 11 on K linecrosses 10th side road on lot 10 on Kruns into Two Tree Riverearly settler in area was A. Bamford source Island Clippings April 1999(Eleanor Adcock)Bampfords Creek crosses the 10th Side Road just north of the K-Line. Frank Crowder informed me that a Mr. Bampford cleared land for a farm on the property that he owned on the 10th Side road. Before long, he was offered a job on a boat, which he accepted. Apparently, he didn't return to the Island. Hector Nelson told me that a Mr. Bampford was a lighthouse keeper at the first lighthouse near St. Joseph Island. It was on a small Island. He followed his father who had preceded him as keeper of the same lighthouse. Hector remembers this much because the first Mrs. Bampford was a sister of his Grandmother White, (La Blanc). (My thanks to Mr. Crowder and Mr. Nelson for the above information.)
Blind Linesource St Joseph Island Historical SocietyThe Blind Line is a road extending between the 10th and 5th Side Roads. It was established in place of an undevelopedportion of the I line which would have run through a large swamp
Dunns HillIsland Clippings, October 9 1998, Eleanor Adcock Dunn's Hill was named for the Dunn family who lived there for may years. It is on the Base Line in Hilton Township.The Dunns were early pioneers on St. Joseph Island who came from the Guelph area of Ontario. Along with the parents there were several sons who lived there. I don't know if there were any daughters. I do know how many lived their lives out on the farm at Dunn's Hill other than Will and another whose name may have been Alex. They had a fine home which included a bathroom, something almost unknown in pioneer homes. They had a large barn with a stone foundation. No buildings remain now.The last of the family to live there was Will, with his second wife, Lou (Cooper). They farmed and had a herd of cattle and other livestock. Mrs. Dunn was bedridden for the last five years of her life due to a stroke. Will lived to be over ninety. I think they both died in the 1930's
Burnt Point:Island Clippings, Oct. 16 1998 by Eleanor AdcockWe have determined the location of Burnt Point. It is shown on the 1940 map of St. Joseph Island and the area north of her, put out by the Department of Mines and Resources. It is on the west side of Whiskey Point, jutting out into Whiskey Bay. We don't know how it burned but my husband Russell and Merl Reed agree that it must have happened a long time ago. Russell says there were no large trees on it when he was a boy. He is 81 years old.
Caufields Lake / Little LakeIsland Clippings, Dec 11/98 by Eleanor Adcock Brian Figures phoned me with some more information about Caufields Lake. He says that his grandfather, Russell Ward, often told the story of how he helped stock the lake with bass. Mr. Ward and Mr. Whicher of Whichers Mill went out to what is known as "The Wreck" near Milford Haven and caught the bass which they delivered in wash tubs to the lake.
Trainors Side RoadIsland Clippings, Dec 11/98 by Eleanor Adcock Trainor's Side Road in Hilton Township connects the W Line (now part of the Highway 548) with the Base Line. It was named for the Trainor family that lived on the farm many years ago that it passes by. Patrick and Elizabeth Trainor with their four children came to St Joseph Island from a farm between London and Goderich in Huron County on a boat called the "Ontario" in 1883. The Trainors originally came from Belfast in Antrim County, Ireland. The family road in a wagon from the dock at Hilton over the old Kaskawan road to the farm that Mr. Trainor had purchased for $130.00 and on which he had built a log home. There they began farming. The property that Mr. Trainor had chosen to settle on is about half way between the Kaskawan Road and the Base Line and was considered a good location for farming. The oldest child, William, was ten years of age when they arrived on St Joseph Island.Three more were born on the Island. Besides William there were Gordon, Edith (who became Mrs. Dan See), Russell, Mildred and Sandy. About four years after they arrived the old log school was built just across the road from their home, near the north end of the Little Lake. This school was to serve the W Line, Milford Haven and the U Line areas. At first Mrs. Trainor attended to the wood fires to heat the school. When the boys were old enough they took over that job. Mrs. Trainor and woman friend left their mark in the area by each planting some pine trees. Mr. and Mrs. Trainor's intentions on coming to the Island were to secure land for their sons. William was a purser on the Premier when he married Mabel Duncan who was postmistress in Marksville (Hilton Beach) for 15 years. In 1923 William became Crown Land Agent, succeeding Mr. W.C. Whytbourne. He also held the office of Justice of the Peace and was rural mail carrier. My thanks to Norma Brownlee, one of the large family of Mr. and Mrs. William Trainor, for help with the above information.
Axworthy Lake /Otter LakeLocated on lots 40 and 41 on A Linesource Island Clippings April 1999Submitted as follows by Barbara Davies is additional information that she has received about Axworthy's Lake. Earlier this month, I received a call from Ken McAlister regarding Axworthy's Lake. He had just been reading your article about it and the fact that it was supposed to be bottomless. In a discussion with Bruce Daynard, Bruce told him that Axworthy's Lake was supposed to be "bottomless" also. Daynard was told by either his father or grandfather that one spring some years ago (possibly in the late 40's or early 50's) a "ton of fish", which appeared to be deep-water fish, were found floating in the lake, all dead. No one could figure out where they came from, but the lake was littered with them.
In discussing this with Babe (George) Brownlee, he told me that some time in the early 50's, the Ministry was asked why they didn't stock the lake as it was so clear. The Ministry was supposed to have said they didn't because there did not appear to be any outlet to Lake Huron.
Axworthy's Lake is at least 20 ft. higher than Lake Huron and from the lake to the channel it is all downhill. It would appear that it gets its source from underground. Hands Lake on the top of the "Mountain" is like this also.
All Tribes CampLocated on the Hilton RoadLot 5 on the “N”All denominational religious camp operated by Millie Troyer
Bamagesic BayLocated between St. Joseph Island and Campement d’ Ours Island Lots 1-3 Concession “V”Likely named for the early settler in that area. Clark Bamagesic phoned to confirm that Bamageseck Bay does reach from Camp D'Ours Island Bridge past the former Joe Aikens' farm.
He also informs us that his grandfather, Robert Bamagesic had owned all of the property along that bay as far as the Sportsman's Restaurant. Thank you Mr. Bamagesic for your help with this one.
Base LineRuns from the “K” line to the “U” lineNamed because it was used as a base for the original survey (French survey prior to Molesworths survey in 1855)
Big Point / Grande PointeLocated on the north east side of St. Joseph Island Concessions Y and Z and Grande PointBound by Moffat Bay on the north and McMenomy Bay on the south Called Grande Pointe prior to Molesworth’s survey in 1855
Botchfords Bay/Botsford BayA small bay located in McMenomy Bay Lot 2 on concession WNamed for American family of Botsford
Boulanger point / Belangers pointSource Glyn Smith papers in museum Located on the northwest tip of St. Joseph Island Lots 1-2 concession ANamed after Andrew Belonger who settled there in 1876
BrickyardLocated in Botchfords Bay inside of McMenomy Bay Lot 2 on concession WSite of a brick making factoryOperated by AG Duncan – source Alf Still
Browns BayLocated inside of Tenby Bay Lot 16 Concession VII
Campment D’Ours IslandSource Glyn Smith papers at museumMeans encampment of bears Located on north east side of St. Joseph Island in Bamagesic Bay and Desjardin/Gawas BayHad this name when Molesworth came in 1855
Caradoc PointLocated on east side of St. Joseph Island East of lot 6 concession XIIsource Island Clippings April 1999 (Eleanor Adcock) Caradoc Point is on the south side of Mosquito Bay where the land juts out into Lake Huron from the southeast end of St. Joseph Island.
According to the Grolier Encyclopedia, "Caractacus, or more correctly, Caratacus is a Latinized form of the Celtic Caradoc, which occurs in Welsh place names and was the name of one of the Knights of the Round Table." Since Major William Kingdom Rains named nearby Milford Haven and Tenby Bay after places in his homeland, Wales, it seems reasonable to assume that he also named Caradoc Point.
Cheese FactoryLocated in Hamiltons BayOperated by Mrs. Geo Reed (mother of Jim Reed)
Chicken pointLocated east of Richards Landing Lot 13 on concession Dsource Island Clippings April 19 1999 (Eleanor Adcock) Mrs. Ernie Eddy called to tell us that Chicken Point is off the end of the 15th Side Road where it would be if it were cut through to the shore of the North Channel. She does not know how it got its name.
Coles HillLocated on the I line Lot 14 concession HOriginal lot owned by David Cole
Court pointLocated on lot 27 on Neebish Concessionlikely named for Frederick Henry Court, the original settler of this lot.
Hay Marsh / Hay point/ Cranberry MarshLocated on lots 54-55 concession A, The Hay Marsh Source Island Clippings May 1999 - Eleanor Adcock The Hay Marsh is a vast, low-lying area along the southwest shore of St. Joseph Island, in Concession A, Jocelyn Township. There are higher points that project into the St. Mary's River; they are mostly tree - covered. The main area of the marsh is covered with a variety of grasses and brush, while some areas nearer the shore produce mostly reeds and rushes. The marsh is covered with up to 2 ½ feet of water, depending on the levels of Lake Huron and the St. Mary's River. Hay Marsh reaches from Diboll's Bay on the upper end to the Military Reserve at Fort St Joseph and consists of the shorelines 7 of about 18 lots and up to three-quarters of a mile of their depth. It is habitat to wildlife such as deer, moose and waterfowl. Although it is all privately owned, there are permanent residents on the marsh. Access is mainly by boat. Many acres of wild hay grow there, most of which is of no value for domestic livestock. There is one variety called blue-joint hay, that was quite a useful and nutritious hay for the pioneer farmers, as well as for the farmers all along the west side of the Island in the drought years. Hay Point Hay Point is the large point at the upper end of Hay Marsh. The Cranberry MarshAreas of the Hay Marsh produce wild cranberries naturally. There is an area bordering on a small lake or pond that is called a floating bog. It is springy to walk on and it is said that there are many feet of soft mud underneath. So, hunters and cranberry pickers, beware.
Deer LakeLocated on Big point Lots 14-15 concession Y and Z
Elliots BridgeA bridge over the Koshkawong River on the 2nd ConcessionBuilt by Claude Elliot
Everens pointLocated on lot 15 Neebish Concession
Brandon HouseSource Island Clippings Nov 3 1995 by Eleanor AdcockThe Brandon House which was built in Richards Landing for a hotel in 1868 was purchased by two men, Mr. Tookey and Mr. Burton of Sault Ste. Marie in 1920 to be turned into a creamery. In 1925 it was sold to Model Dairy of the Sault who operated it as a creamery before closing it down, after which the building was used as a residence. Hector Nelson and Frank Crowder remember that Joe Chambers an employee of Model Dairy operated the Island Creamery. Lyle Rains was the butter-maker.
In 1935 Mr. J.S. Tranter, whose operation of the “upper ferry” the Magic Carpet had been taken over by the Ontario Government that year purchased the building and reopened the creamery under the name of St. Joseph Island Creamery. His butter-maker at first was a Mr. Legault from Sudbury. Hector Nelson told me that he started a freight bus that year and transported the butter to Sault Ste. Marie for the creamery. Mr. Tranter operated the creamery for about 20 years. In the 1940’s Emerson Smith went away and took a butter-making course and he was the butter-maker until the creamery was sold to the Co-Operative Creamery at Bruce Station. According to Sharon Nelson who very kindly lent me her book which contains her interview with Mrs. Stan Tranter during her grade 8 year the creamery was sold in 1955.
Perry Coulter told me that when the Algoma CO-OP purchased the St. Joseph Island Creamery they bought all the wrappers for the well-known high grade St. Joseph Island butter and continued to use them for as long as they were in operation. They continued to buy St. Joseph Island cream as well. I remember when during the late 1930’s Mr. Clyde Cumming of Richards Landing who drove the truck to pick up the cream from all over the Island came as far as Milford Haven to pick some up from my grandmother Garside and Aunt Nellie. Aunt Nellie who will be 102 this month and lives in London Ontario had a small herd of cattle and a good cream separator that turned out nice thick cream.
When Russell and I lived on the farm near her in the late 1940’s/ early 50’s we also sold cream to the St. Joseph Island Creamery.
There were more people farming on the Island in those days.The Brandon House – turned – creamery building was torn down in the summer of 1968.
Fisher BayLocated north west of Gravel PointHilton Beach is located in Fisher Bay
Fishers CornerLocated on highway 548 at the boundary between the village of Hilton Beach and Hilton Township on the W Line.The Fisher family were the first settlers/landowners of the lots on Gravel Point.
Fosters HillLocated in the Village of Hilton Beach South Street
Gawas Bay / Desjardins BaySource Glyn Smith papers from museumMeans sandstone bayLocated between Campement d’Ours Island and St. Joseph Island Desjardins were a family that lived in that area Gawas is an Indian name
Sam Wright’s fieldsCompiled by Garry BishopLocated on lot 22 on the P line where the Kaskawan River crosses the P line
Pinks MarshLocated off the U line on lots 4-5 concession XI
Dicksons mill /Dixons mill /Fountain Park Compiled by Garry Bishop Located on lots 6-7 on concession H (off the Blind Line)The mill was operated by David Dickson. It was powered via a large water line coming from a swamp/lake on the property. They could turn a valve and the water would go up in the air about 20-30 feet.
Dan Greys farmLocated on lot 18 on P lineDan Grey purchased the lot in 1919Previous owned by Alex Grey 1886JE Murphy 1907Alex Grey 1910Traders Bank of Canada 1914
The Gravel Pit on Dunn Hill/ McEwans pit/Nobels/Dunn
Island Clippings, Oct. 16 1998 by Eleanor Adcock The Gravel Pit on the Dunn place has changed its name with each owner of the property. Mr. Noble was the first to open a pit on the hill near the barn. He sold gravel for the road work done on a long stretch of the Base Line. Bob and Grace Noble came from Guelph in the early 1930's, she to care for Mrs. Dunn who was bedridden and he to help Mr. Dunn on the farm. Mrs.Noble was niece of Will Dunn. They were in their fifties with a grown-up family when they came. None of them came to St Joseph Island other than to visit their parents. Mr. and Mrs. Noble remained on the farm for a few years after the Dunn's died. Shortly after the end of World War 2, they retired and returned to Guelph. The Dunn farm was sold to Edgar Cain and the Cain family lived there for a few years. The next owners were Mr. and Mrs. McEwan who also sold gravel from the pit for several years. Gilbertson Enterprises, the present owners still use the pit and have greatly enlarged it. Note: Alf Still has reminded me that the name of the last brother to live on the farm with Will was not Alex but Sandy
Town plot of St Joseph and HiltonSource Survey notes of T.N. Molesworth 1855SJIHS No. 500135aSource Report of Survey of the townplots of St Joseph and Hilton by T.N. Molesworth Goderich 30th August 1855 SirHaving on the 14th day May 1855 completed the survey of St. Joseph Island into farm lots, on the 15th May according to instructions dated 18th April 1854, I moved camp from Lot 6, Concession B, St. Joseph Island to the Town plot of St. Joseph and on the 16th commenced it subdivision into town and park lots. Completing this survey on the 23rd June on the 25th I moved camp to the town plot of Hilton St. Joseph Island From the 26th to 30th June I remained awaiting instruction the irregularity of the mail steamer having caused a delay in the arrival of letters.And on 2nd July according to instructions dated 11th June 1855 I commenced the survey of the Town plot of Hilton completing the survey on the 28th of the same month and discharging most of my men on that day. On the 30th July I commenced my return to Goderich arriving on the 4th August and paying off my chain bearer on that day. Description of Town plots St Joseph
It is situated on the westerly side of the Island on a channel between St Joseph and Neebish Islands- about one third of a mile wide – and of considerable depth- forming one of the great outlets for the boaters of Lake Superior in their passage into Lake Huron – and being in reality a narrowing of the latter Lake. The waters in their passage through this channel having a very perceptible current. This channel is the main route for the steamboats and sailing ships in passing from Lakes Erie, Huron and Michigan to Lake Superior. There being only one other channel – that on the Northerly side of the Island. There were six steamers and propellers passing this channel weekly during the present season. This channel – in front of the town plot forms a safe and commodious harbour – very accessible at all times – with good anchorage – and in front of Water St. – between lots 16 and 33 – the largest steamboats can come within 100 feet of the shore.The surface along Water St. rises abruptly from the shore between lots 10 and 43 and is very stony being covered with loose stones may of considerable size principally limestone. St. Mary Street being on the summit of the bank the greater part of the interior of the town plot is level or nearly so and having a stiff soil of red clay retains the water on the surface and is consequently covered with cedar, balsam, hemlock, tamarack, birch, - there being a little maple on a few rising spots – this surface would when cleared become dry and possess a good soil.The town of St. Joseph being situated on the great line of traffic with Lake Superior with I believe at a future period be the most important on this Island and will offer great facilities to the inhabitants for sending their produce to the upper or lower lakes. Hilton:Is situated on the North-Easterly side of St. Joseph Island in a bay formed by the projection of Pointe au Gravier and the opposite the shoe of the mainland of Canada which is about 4 miles distant its harbour is not so well sheltered as that of St. Joseph – but is still sufficiently safe for vessels of any size – as the lake is so contracted in front that it is never sufficiently rough there to injure a ship at anchor.The wharf constructed there has about 400 feet long – at the extremity of which the water is nine feet in depth – shoaling gradually to the shore – and deepening outside. The Bruce Mines and Wellington mines are situated on the north shore – opposite – about 6 miles distant and at present form the principal market of the few persons settled at Hilton. The surface of the town plot rises gradually from the water – is very stony – being covered in many places with boulders of large size – some of these are Trap but mostly limestone. South of Walnut St. There is an abrupt ascent of about 40 feet in perpendicular height nearly parallel to the line of water. Above this the surface ascends gradually the summit being a line between lot 124 and 376 and descending again towards West St. And Park Lot 1. The soil is a red sandy loam, rather stony, but of fair quality. The timber mostly maple and beech. The surface between 5th and Cedar Streets is flat and covered with Cedar and Spruce – as are also Park Lots 8,9,10,11, and 12, which are flat and swampy but not wet. The town plot is prettily situated and there is a good tract of land lying around it. It commands extensive and very fine views of the North Shore of the Lake and groups of surrounding islands. The Canadian Mail Steamers to the Sault Ste. Marie passed opposite Hilton weekly and sometimes calls there with passengers or freight. The settlement of the place having been commenced by Mr. Thompson. It will increase more rapidly at first than the town of St Joseph and if the mining companies opposite should be successful and their works carried on extensively they will always afford a good market for the produce of Hilton and neighbourhood as the country around the mines themselves is too barren to raise much produce for the population there. To the Honorable the Commissioner of Crown Lands TorontoI have the honor to be SirYour very obedient servantT.N. Molesworth
Rains Point: (Hentlan): The source for information about Rains Point came from "Historic St. Joseph Island" by Joseph and Estelle Bayliss. Rains Point is on the south end of St. Joseph island, near the mouth of the St. Marys River. It is part of the Military Reserve that includes Fort St. Joseph and is a short distance east of the Fort. Before and during the usage of the Fort, Indians brought their furs from farther north to the fur traders at this location in the spring. Several hundred of them would converge on the area and stay until it was time to go north again to trap. Although the site had been chosen by the North West and other companies before 1812 for a village to be named St. Joseph, their plans had fallen through. Years later in 1839, Major Rains, who had been living at Milford Haven, moved his family to this location.
He named it "Hentlan" for a friend in the "Old Country". However, it became known as "Rains Point" and that is the name it is known by today. Source Glyn Smith papers at museumHentlan was to be named for a priest that Rains knew in England
HarmonySource Glyn Smith papers in museumVillage of Harmony, located near junction of I line and A line was named by James Milton Anderson, premier and Minister of Education for Saskatchewan. The reason he was allowed to name this hamlet was because he taught at the Harmony School in the 1890’s
JocelynSource Glyn Smith papers in museumA need arose for the naming of another post office on the Island. Christopher Young was one of a collective of local residents who couldn’t decide what to name it. There was talk of using another local family’s last name but it was discovered that the name was in use elsewhere.
The federal post office sent him a list of English names and asked him to select one. He chose Jocelyn. The township was later named Jocelyn as well.
Worsley BaySource Island Clippings April 19, 1999 (Eleanor Adcock) Worsley Bay is the large bay in Lake Huron, off the south end of St. Joseph Island between Koshkawong Point on the east and Whiskey Point on the west with Burnt Island to the south. The bay is named for naval officer, Lieutenant Miller Worsley of the Royal Navy. Lieutenant Worsley was in charge of the troops on the famous armed schooner, "Nancy'. Captain McIntosh was the commander of the boat when they received news of an American raiding party in the area.
Lieutenant Worsley ordered provisions removed from the "Nancy" and placed in two bateaux, which were to be well hidden. As the Americans approached the "Nancy" in Nottawasaga Bay, Lieutenant Worsley ordered her set on fire rather than surrender her to the Americans. He and his party then made their way in secret to the British fortress at Mackinac. The commander there had already sent the Americans packing and only two squadrons of seven, were left in the area. They were the "Tigress" and the "Scorpion" left to obstruct the British line of communications and supplies to Mackinac. The other five returned to Detroit. It was Lieutenant Worsley who devised a plan to capture the "Tigress" and the "Scorpion". Lieutenant Worsley was supreme commander of the men who set out in four large rowboats and several Indian canoes. When a scout sighted the "Tigress" partly hidden at Burnt Island, they made their way in darkness were able to take the Americans by surprise. They sent the prisoners to Mackinac and with the American colours still flying and keeping his own red-coated men hidden, Worsley set out to capture the "Scorpion", which was only 15 miles away.
Coming close to the ship, they fired a volley and boarded the "Scorpion". This was a very important victory in saving Canada for the British and the Canadian fur trade. The captured ships were renamed "Comfiance" and "Surprise". Both "Historic St. Joseph Island" by Joseph and Estelle Bayliss and "The Sword of Old St. Joe", Historical Sketches by H. J. L. Woolley, B. D. tell the story of Lieutenant Worsley and his daring but clever feat in 1814 in more detail.
Watsons CreekSource Island Clippings April 19 1999 Eleanor AdcockI have found Watson Creek on the map. It flows across the U Line into Tenby Bay. A Watson family did live on the U Line in early days. They moved to Detour and started a fuel dock for boats.
Bethel ChurchSource Island Clippings April 19 1999 - Eleanor AdcockHector Nelson phoned to inform us that Bethel Church was situated where the 15th Side Road crosses the Hilton Road on the south side of it. The lumber from the church was removed and used to replace a burned out home.
Rousseau PointSource Island Clippings April 19 1999 - Eleanor AdcockHector also told me that the point near the south end of the A Line was called Rousseau Point. He said the late Wm. Fremlin of the pioneer Fremlin family told him this.
Maple PointSource Island Clippings May 1999 - Eleanor Adcock Maple Point is a sandy point about mid way along the shore of Hay Marsh. It is mostly covered with maple trees
St Joe Island Fruit and Land CompanySource Sault Star, see SJIHS # 600194 A.G. Duncan and several partners started this Company. They planted an orchard next to the Fisher Property. (off Base Line)
SJIHS Number 600229Date Jan 2000Source Shirley LukalaFolder Church – Catholic Mission of Our Lady of the Lake at Gawas Bay Jan 2000Reply to Historical Society QueryI read with interest the article in your January 7th Issue of the Clippings regarding information on a Catholic Mission of Our Lady of the Lake at Gawas Bay around 1900.I remember my father, Sam Brownlee and my Aunt Isabelle telling us about the old red house located at that time on property they purchased in July, 1934. The Red House was very large and housed the Mission, a Post Office and their living quarters. The priest who resided there in the early 1900’s when my Dad and Aunt Belle were young, was Bishop Jacobi. He had two servant boys, and held services at the Old Red House. Bishop Jacobi had a large garden and also chickens and cows. Aunt Belle spoke of visiting their home as a girl. In my original deed, it refers to the house as the Jacobi House and Lot, so the house was still standing in 1934 when my father purchased it. I have a post card picture of the house taken around 1934 or 1935.We believe the house was torn down and used to build part of our present house as it was heavy plank, which is in the main area of our home.The property was purchased from a Lewis Oliver Armstrong right after the depression. Armstrong was a retired railway official who lived in the Village of Desbarats. He also reserved the sandstone rights. I remember my father saying he talked to Mr. Armstrong on many occasions and he said the first man with $100 can have this land. So my Aunt Belle and dad borrowed the money from Household Finance (Aunt Belle borrowed it in Detroit) The next time Mr. Armstrong came over and said he still wanted to sell the property, my Dad said here’s the $100. I want to purchase it. So it was finalised on St. Joseph Island, July 10, 1934. I also remember the huge cross which was situated in the centre of an evergreen tree area just down the road from the Gibb’s residence and across the road where the Nelson lots are. I remember Aunt Belle talking of a little Native girl being buried there. I never saw any other markers or crosses. The Cross was very high. This was all part of Lot 25, Concession G at that time, but they later divided it. Ours is now 2.5 acres.We have more information on the first settlers (my grandparents) at the now Kucher property which I will record at a later date. Shirley Lukala
Riverside (Brick) Hotelsource - excerpts from Bruce Martins booklocated on Lot 15 on Neebish Concession. In operation circa 1850 to 1900.likely owned by the Rains family.
Article to Island Clippings by Eleanor Adcock: Did you know that there was a camp for older boys at Sterling Bay from 1930 to 1937? It was called the Mississaugi Boys Camp. They had previously camped on the Mississaugi River for several summers but the Sterling Bay site became the permanent one for the summers.Mr. Herb Twining of Ann Arbor Michigan already had a camp for younger boys at Birch Lake Michigan. In 1930 he purchased the Sterling Bay property from Mr. Nels Espeland, who then became the caretaker. This property had, years earlier been the saw-mill community of Mr. Pete Chesterfield and consisted of four two-storey homes and a store which became the camp storehouse. The site is bounded on one side by Sterling Bay and on the other by Whiskey Bay. The camp had a well equipped kitchen and a large dining hall with two large tables to seat approximately 30 people. It was staffed with a cook, Mr. Jack Whitely from the Bruce Mines area; Mr. Lloyd Melville, the guide, from Rydall Bank and Louis Anderson, local, was the truck driver and handyman. The first camp manager was a Mr. Pierre Pulling who lived at the camp with his wife and young son. The camp was equipped with 15 sixteen foot freighter canoes and a stake truck for their land transportation. While in camp, the boys, 16 years old and over, practiced baseball and played against the big boys of Hilton Beach. The big experience every summer was a long canoe trip. Every summer except one when they canoed to Michipicoten Island, they canoed to James Bay. Another exception was when they chartered a boat to Hudson Bay and islands north of Hudson Bay. Because the Mississaugi Boys, Camp came into being during the Great Depression which dragged on, many of the well-to-do Americans were not so "Well off" anymore and fewer were enrolling for camp and Mr. Twining was forced to close it in 1937. Mr. Espeland died in 1937 and Russell Adcock was caretaker for the property until 1946. During the 1950s the buildings and contents were severely vandalized. The property was eventually purchased by developers who made it into the Sterling Bay Estates Subdivision.