BACKGROUND
The first settlement around the beach area was adventurous families that cleared the land for farming. A great number of their descendants have remained in the area, many enjoying cottage properties. After Reverend Wilfred Aldridge found ‘a beach to his liking’, two years later he decided to purchase a large tract of beachfront from farmer Jonathan Tripp in 1921. The subdivided lots were soon filled and started to flourish as a summer haven for the new families.
Woodland Beach Property Owners’ Association (WBPOA)
The Woodland Beach Ratepayers Association (WBRPA) represented the beach community as early as 1926 when they were planning to build a non-denominational church. In 1929 the Woodland Beach Community Church opened its doors to the first service. It was thought that the WBRPA’s name was changed to the Woodland Beach Property Owners’ Association in the 1950s. In 1951 before Tiny Township assumed responsibility for fire protection, a WB Volunteer Fire Department was organized, the first fire hall built and its very own fire truck was purchased. As a non-profit, volunteer based association, WBPOA has relied on the support and active participation of its members. Annual membership support provides and maintains the “Welcome to Woodland Beach, The Family Beach” signage, Neighbourhood Watch and trail access signs. Events have included community clean-ups, Canada Day parties and a bay water sampling program organized every two years. Sub Committees include the WB History Committee and Phrag Busters working to remove invasive vegetation on the beach. The board of 8 directors continues to advocate for traffic calming measures for resident safety and provide information and newsletters to members regarding Township updates, beach stewardship and environmental best practices. WBPOA encourages all property owners to join in their efforts to safeguard the quality of life that we have enjoyed here in the past and protect it for future generations. Of note, the WBPOA posts the following message regarding respect for indigenous history:
The WBPOA acknowledges that Tiny Township is situated on the traditional land of the Anishinaabeg. We are dedicated to honouring Indigenous history, culture, and committed to moving forward in reconciliation, respect, and partnership, with all First Nations, Métis and Inuit.
To view information about the WBPOA’s current activities, especially the celebration of our centennial, visit their website posted above.
History Committee’s Centennial Website
To celebrate the 100th anniversary since the inception of Woodland Beach, and recognizing the constraints of the COVID-19 pandemic, the History Committee has developed this 2021 website which shares the history of the beach and looks to its future. The following provides a context for the content.
In 2013 it was recognized that there was merit in making an effort to capture the Beach history. With the support of the Woodland Beach Property Owners’ Association, a History Committee was formed. Tracey Price was aware that several years prior, Marg Robertson had done a paper based on the beach history and in particular the story of Harry Tripp, a well-known and appreciated handyman who delivered ice to the beach cottages. Tracey and Marg were joined by Sheila Ryan, Gail Schrives and (late) Rhonda Smith and the work began.
On August 2nd, 2014, the Committee held its first History Day at the Bayshore Seniors Hall, formerly the Ship-A-Hoy, inviting people to come and share their family stories and photos of the Beach. The response was overwhelming, with people connecting with long time beach friends, sharing stories and providing the Committee with a wealth of material on which to prepare its documented history. Of significant importance, the granddaughter of the founder of Woodland Beach, Carolyn Olds-Mikels arrived from Florida bringing 22 beautifully framed photographs of her grandfather’s time at the Beach. How lucky were were! In fact, those photos were left with the Committee and the Huronia Museum for future use.
Over the next two years, the Committee worked at gathering and compiling the history and family memories. Over 100 families were interviewed by Tracey and Marg, with Rhonda searching the internet for information, Gail documenting historical data and assisting with editing and Sheila inputting all the material and photos into the book format. Sadly, in February 2016, Rhonda passed away. Her assistance in our quest was invaluable and we miss her.
For the Committee, the whole process of gathering the history and family memories was magical. People were so supportive and willing to assist us, whether through sharing their information or talents. How fortunate were we that Donna Carrick, whose husband’s family are long time beach residents stepped forward to work with us in preparing and publishing the book. And to Carolyn Olds-Mikels for writing a detailed history of the establishment of the beach. Her mother had in fact named Woodland Beach! The book, “Footprints in the Sand, Woodland Beach Memories” resulted in over 350 pages of history, stories and photos. Orders were taken and in fact a second printing was made, with a total of over 600 books published. Copies were provided to the Elmvale Library, Midland Library and Simcoe Archives, to be available for the long term.
On July 16, 2016, a second History Day was organized with over 700 people attending the two day event which again included photos, raffles, entertainment, a walking tour of the main drag and, of course, the launching of the book. People gathered again to catch up with friends and collect their books. Many volunteers stepped forward and it was another successful gathering for Woodland Beach.
In November, 2016, the Committee was thrilled to be honoured by Tiny Township with the Corrie Hamelin Memorial Award, recognizing its efforts in creating and publishing the book. The award, generally given to individuals, recognizes volunteer contributions of time and energy in giving back to the Township. We were also honoured by the Woodland Beach Property Owners’ Association, whose support throughout the project has been very much appreciated.
We hope you enjoy the following slideshows of our History Days which drew hundreds in our community to both events.
History Day
August 2 2014
‘Footprints in the Sand’ Book Launch
July 16-17 2016
