Congratulations on the
30th Anniversary of the South Channel Association. I understand you
are looking for recollections of those early days, so I would like to pass mine
on:
My cottage, Pina
Blanco, was one of the earliest cottages on the Bay, situated between five and
seven mile bays. My father, George Johnston, bought it in 1929, as a vacation
home, and my mother, three sisters, and myself. Spent many happy summers there.
After my marriage, my sons (Don and Barry) and I came back every summer. In
1956, the cottage was passed on to me, and now Barry and his family. With Don
and his family nearby, cousins, nieces and nephews, we have a “Kennedy-like
compound” (without the money!).
Things I recall about
the early days—Yvonne and Albert Zanussi coming to my dock one sunny day,
towards the end of June. We sat on the dock and talked about the concept of a
cottage association. It was about the time taxes had started to increase. More
and more cottages were being built in the area from the swing bridge to Amanda
Island and the associations such as San Souci were becoming stronger. It was
thought it would be an advantage to cottagers in our area to unit in an
Association.
I agreed to help and
was invited to meet at Morrison’s cottage (on the point going into 2 Mile
Narrows) where it was discussed further with a few cottagers—Wayne Jeffries
comes to mind, as well as the Zanussis, Morrisons and a few others. All agreed
it would be an important step forward under the circumstances. We met a few
times more at Morrison’s the following summer and pushed the idea around. A
constitution was discussed and an executive. I recall Al Zanussi was at that
time heading it up. I don’t recall the others.
Since I wasn’t ready
to be on the executive, I volunteered to be a member at large and contact as
many in our area as possible. I set out in my little fibre-glass fishing boat.
The response was not too encouraging at that time. Besides running around, I
stuffed envelopes and helped when and where I could.
I recall one of our
early meetings, if not the first, was held a the Girl’s Camp Tapawingo and I
don’t’ think there were more than 45 to 50 people present. I think the
membership fee was $25, later raised to $45. It was a beginning, and Rick
Zanussi took over as president shortly after.
About 1978 we had our
first family Regatta at Tapawingo, when all the children were invited. We had
swimming races and canoe races for the children and a canoe race for adults. We
also had a craft display with beautiful crafted snowshoes and a canoe built by
my brother Pat Johnston, and other crafts. We had the usual hot dogs and pop
for lunch (supper). Interest began to pick up by this time, though it had been
slow getting off the ground. I don’t recall the year we moved our meetings to
Van’s and the Seven Mile Narrows. I continued my membership and interest until
I was no longer physically able to attend. In 1999 I celebrated my 70th
consecutive summer at Pina Blanco, with my family and extended family (about
45). I am now in a wheelchair with severe arthritis, at Belvedere Heights – in
my 89th year.
These are quite vivid
memories I have, so I send them to use in whatever way you wish – some of the
dates may be vague. My very best wishes to you all in SCA in this anniversary
year and many more to come.