Over the last century there have been some very interesting and notable events that have taken place in bygone days and even more recently. Some are delightful, others odd, or frightening or just plain fun. Let’s hop-scotch our way through them…
Early 1920s rendition of cow refreshment. Farmer Jonathan Tripp’s bovines enjoying a cooling station before they were more conveniently moved to a nearby stream. (1)
According to Cecil Knuff’, residents one morning witnessed thick black smoke and a whistle repeatedly blowing. A growing crowd gathered and saw an ocean liner stuck in the sand a mile off Woodland’s shore. The year was 1917 and the Warwick (War Witch) was newly built at the Collingwood Ship yards out for a test run. (2)
The Woodland Terrace Restaurant was a mainstay on the Beach strip for many years from the 1950s into the 1970s. The last owner applied for a liquor licence in 1978 but was strongly opposed by the Beach community. Interestingly enough, in 1979 the Terrace burned down. The property is now owned by the Bayshore Seniors’ Club. (3)
How about this for a present? Not every day daring fellows fall from the sky to celebrate birthday cheer. David Walker did just that and with two friends he surprised his Uncle Robert Templeton by parachuting into the Bay in front of the cottage. (4)
Not very long ago the Beach and surrounding areas witnessed a tragic die-off of birds and fish. In 2010 the beach and water were littered with wildlife carcasses. Armed with shovels, gloves and bags, a grim group of volunteers did cleanup with the help of Tiny Township. The cause of the die-off was botulism, the first occurrence in Georgian Bay. (5)
And who were the lucky beach goers who saw a moose sauntering along the shore in August of 2014? Tracey Price was Johnny on the spot and not only viewed the magnificent beast but was able to click a Kodak moment. Apparently, the moose traversed the beach and disappeared into the nearby woods. (6)
The recent and continuing presence of the Coronovirus Pandemic has clearly altered many Woodlanders lifestyle in so many ways. From many career adjustments, living arrangements and social limitations to emergent changes in our enjoyment of our Beach environment. We are all waiting and hoping for that time when we can join our community in meetings, events and celebrations.
These are some of the most memorable events but others are mentioned on our Timeline Page – World War II, Hurricane Hazel, our very own Centennial or the truly unpredictable fluctuations in Woodland’s water levels. Should we mention the Gypsy Moth infestation as we speak?
Who knows what Woodland’s future happenings will be by 2121!
Credits:
1. Aldridge Olds-Lewis, Gwendolyn, The Beginnings of Woodland Beach, Georgian Bay/Lake Huron 1919-1928
2. Knuff, Cecil. The Life Story of an Old Pioneer/ Photo. Pearl Whitten
3. David Lantz, 2015
4. Marg Robertson/Jane Larke. Footprints in the Sand, 2015
5. John and Tracey Price, 2015. Footprints in the Sand, 2015
6. Picture. Tracey Price