“Change is the only constant in life” according to Greek philosopher, Heraclitus, some 2500 years ago. Looking back at Woodland’s last century that is oh so true! Where to begin?
In the year 1921 our young country witnessed the discovery of insulin by Doctors Banting and Best, Canada’s official colours were declared as red and white and Prime Minister William Lyon Mackenzie King began his first term in office. Women over 21 (with some exceptions) were granted the right to vote and stand as candidates. Maurice ‘the Rocket’ Richard and Hazel McCallion were born. And, no, the Toronto Maple Leafs (St. Pats) did not win Lord Stanley’s Cup. The Ottawa Senators did.
As you know, in 1921 ‘Woodland Beach’ officially came into being. Over the years many facets of life have undergone significant and accelerating change. It is interesting to note a few areas of Beach life that show just how far we have come since that time.
Transportation with horse and buggy was soon replaced by the motor car which took as little as three to four hours to travel from Toronto to the Beach. Wondering if today’s trip up the 400 on a busy Friday night can sometimes take close to that time. The hare and the tortoise?
The train was a main source of travel but has since been eclipsed by bus and car. The closest drop off is now at the Allandale Waterfront station in Barrie.
Communication has been an area of great change. The Woodland Beach Post Office was established in 1929. It was the primary source of communication for many years. The internet has taken hold in most Woodland families with instant communication, so very different than in times past.
The one telephone was located in the old post office and was much used and appreciated. Later, a few phone booths were installed along the ‘main drag’. Party lines gave way to individual land lines. Now over 89% of Ontarians own a smartphone and the number is growing.
Entertainment has certainly changed in nature. In the early decades the primary focus was the community. Events and celebrations involved young and older alike. A common area was set aside for a horse shoe pit in the early days. Parties and dances, Bingo and card playing were treasured. The local restaurants were filled in the summer days. The ‘main drag’ was a busy place.
Our social environment today is more defined by smaller gatherings and the use of modern technology. The Covid pandemic has made us so very isolated over these last months.
And then there are the gadgets. How great was the advent of radio on the Beach? Or black and white television? I vividly remember my family huddled in the cottage living room riveted to our TV watching with bated breath the Apollo 11 moon landing. One small step indeed! Needless to say, there are presently magnificent pictures being sent back to our many devices of the latest Mars mission, complete with the small robotic helicopter. In a century’s time this will be a simple footnote in space exploration.
Recreation at Woodland has taken many forms but our magnificent water has been the mainstay over the years. The enjoyment of swimming and hearing the peals of children’s laughter haven’t changed but the enjoyment of on the water craft has. The birch bark canoe and simple sailboat, the rowboat and dinghy replete with fishing tackle are craft of the past.
For decades motor boats reigned, speeding off or piloting water skiers out from the shore. There was a steady buzz of engines and a late afternoon line up at the boat ramp to secure their vessel for another fun day. I remember on Sundays to be careful of the oily film that coated the water on a windless day. The smell of spent oil was everywhere. For many summers there were numerous motor boats held aloft on lifts by the water’s edge. One night Mother Nature decided to unleash a great wind with huge waves. Only one boat and few lifts weathered the storm.
The waters have largely given way to quieter pursuits now. The advent of wind surfers, Hobie Cats, kite sailing and now a plethora of paddle boards are a common sight. Kayaks abound with the odd canoe too. Youngsters now enjoy the newer craft.
These are just a few of the century changes. There are so many more to consider. Please add comments if you wish and share your thoughts.
“If nothing ever changed, there would be no butterflies” (Unknown).