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Pioneer Muskoka: Tales of Courage, Grit and Community
The history of Ontario's premier cottage destination, Muskoka, was not commonplace or uneventful. Beginning in the 1860's, emigrants from the British Isles and Europe were lured to this desolate region with the promise of free land grants for farming. What they found were mature forests, swamp, and never ending rock.
Their heroic attempts to make a living farming on the Precambrian Shield did not come without considerable discomfort. Pioneer Muskoka documents the struggles faced by these early homesteaders and their response to hardship, isolation, disease and poverty. This is the tale of a community banding together to overcome fear with courage and determination. Readers will be astounded by the lengths these settlers went in their quest to make a home for themselves and future generations in Muskoka.
The eventual shift from farming to more profitable industries such as lumber and tourism brought a shift in attitude towards this now highly sought after locale. The first families, through their enormous efforts, were able to create this positive and enduring change.
Their heroic attempts to make a living farming on the Precambrian Shield did not come without considerable discomfort. Pioneer Muskoka documents the struggles faced by these early homesteaders and their response to hardship, isolation, disease and poverty. This is the tale of a community banding together to overcome fear with courage and determination. Readers will be astounded by the lengths these settlers went in their quest to make a home for themselves and future generations in Muskoka.
The eventual shift from farming to more profitable industries such as lumber and tourism brought a shift in attitude towards this now highly sought after locale. The first families, through their enormous efforts, were able to create this positive and enduring change.
152 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 27, 2016
1 person is currently reading
89 people want to read
About the author
Ray Love
15 books5 followersRay Love's family settled in Muskoka in 1875. His great grandfather built a highly successful resort business. The story of the seminal resort formed the background for his first book Elgin House, Lake Joseph Past and Present.
Ray Love grew up in Muskoka and returned to pursue a career in education. He taught History, Geography and Economics in secondary schools in Toronto and Muskoka. He finished his career as a school administrator. Ray has always been interested in the history of the Muskoka region, and since retirement has embarked on sharing his passion with his readers.
Ray Love grew up in Muskoka and returned to pursue a career in education. He taught History, Geography and Economics in secondary schools in Toronto and Muskoka. He finished his career as a school administrator. Ray has always been interested in the history of the Muskoka region, and since retirement has embarked on sharing his passion with his readers.
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
November 13, 2023
Ray Love's "Pioneer Muskoka: Tales of Courage, Grit, and Community" is a spellbinding journey through time, unearthing the forgotten tales of Muskoka's pioneers and the indomitable spirit that shaped this breathtaking region. Love's meticulous research and engaging storytelling combine to create a vivid narrative that captivates readers from start to finish.
The book skillfully transports readers to the rugged Muskoka wilderness, where early settlers faced formidable challenges to carve out a life amidst nature's harsh elements. Love's portrayal of their grit and tenacity is both inspiring and moving, offering a poignant look at the sacrifices and triumphs that defined this northern frontier.
What sets "Pioneer Muskoka" apart is Love's commitment to bringing to life the unsung heroes who played pivotal roles in Muskoka's development. Through a tapestry of stories, readers encounter pioneers who faced adversity with unwavering resilience, women who were instrumental in community-building, and the intricate social fabric that wove Muskoka's unique identity.
Ray Love goes beyond the traditional historical account, transforming the book into a celebration of the human spirit and the enduring sense of community that defines Muskoka. By shedding light on the hitherto unexplored stories of Muskoka's past, Love offers readers a deeper understanding of the foundations upon which this region's distinct identity has been built.
In "Pioneer Muskoka," Love's writing not only informs but also inspires. The book is a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the unbreakable bonds that tie communities together. Whether you're a history enthusiast or someone seeking tales of resilience and community, "Pioneer Muskoka" is a must-read that transports you to a bygone era, leaving you with a profound appreciation for the pioneers who shaped Muskoka's enduring legacy.
The book skillfully transports readers to the rugged Muskoka wilderness, where early settlers faced formidable challenges to carve out a life amidst nature's harsh elements. Love's portrayal of their grit and tenacity is both inspiring and moving, offering a poignant look at the sacrifices and triumphs that defined this northern frontier.
What sets "Pioneer Muskoka" apart is Love's commitment to bringing to life the unsung heroes who played pivotal roles in Muskoka's development. Through a tapestry of stories, readers encounter pioneers who faced adversity with unwavering resilience, women who were instrumental in community-building, and the intricate social fabric that wove Muskoka's unique identity.
Ray Love goes beyond the traditional historical account, transforming the book into a celebration of the human spirit and the enduring sense of community that defines Muskoka. By shedding light on the hitherto unexplored stories of Muskoka's past, Love offers readers a deeper understanding of the foundations upon which this region's distinct identity has been built.
In "Pioneer Muskoka," Love's writing not only informs but also inspires. The book is a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the unbreakable bonds that tie communities together. Whether you're a history enthusiast or someone seeking tales of resilience and community, "Pioneer Muskoka" is a must-read that transports you to a bygone era, leaving you with a profound appreciation for the pioneers who shaped Muskoka's enduring legacy.
January 19, 2020
An ever-so-short but readable introduction to Ontario's Muskoka region with compelling source material. Two irreverent takeaways:
A"sandpiper" was a job title for the lumberjack whose risky business was pouring hot sand at the bottom of icy chutes that horse-drawn sleighs barreled down with dangerously heavy logs in tow.
An early folk cure for black diphtheria was to brew a pot of Sheep Dung Tea i.e. dried sheep shit, hot water and buckwheat honey. Add a mustard compress on your chest and you'll be right as rain in no time!
A"sandpiper" was a job title for the lumberjack whose risky business was pouring hot sand at the bottom of icy chutes that horse-drawn sleighs barreled down with dangerously heavy logs in tow.
An early folk cure for black diphtheria was to brew a pot of Sheep Dung Tea i.e. dried sheep shit, hot water and buckwheat honey. Add a mustard compress on your chest and you'll be right as rain in no time!
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews