Ghost Towns of Ontario's Cottage Country

by Andrew Hind

Ontario’s cottage country is littered with vanished villages, from railway whistle-stops to logging hamlets. Join Andrew Hind in exploring almost two dozen villages across Parry Sound District, northeast Ontario, Muskoka, Algonquin Park, Haliburton, and the Kawarthas.

Genres: Nonfiction, History, Canada

208 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 2, 2023

Reviews

[Guylou (Two Dogs and a Book) · Rating 4 out of 5]

GHOST TOWNS OF ONTARIO'S COTTAGE COUNTRY by Andrew Hind is a fascinating book that takes readers on a journey through the forgotten communities of Ontario's cottage country. The author expertly weaves together history, personal stories, and awesome photographs to create a compelling narrative that sheds light on these once-thriving villages that have since been abandoned. The book covers a wide range of locales, from farm communities to railway whistle-stops and logging hamlets, each with its own unique story to tell.

Hind's writing is both informative and engaging, and readers will appreciate his attention to detail and deep knowledge of the subject matter. The vintage and never-before-published photographs that accompany the text are a particular highlight, transporting readers back in time and providing a vivid glimpse into the lives of those who once inhabited these ghost towns.

Some of these ghost cities are very near our cottage and funny enough, the author lives in my town. Two good reasons for me to read this book. Beside that, this is a must-read for anyone interested in local history, abandoned places, or the rich tapestry of Ontario's past.

#bookstadog #poodles #poodlestagram #poodlesofinstagram #furbabies #dogsofinstagram #bookstagram #dogsandbooks #bookishlife #bookishlove #bookstagrammer #booklover #bookaholic #readersofinstagram #instaread #ilovebooks #bookishcanadians #canadianbookstagram #bookreviewer #bookcommunity #bibliophile #ghosttownsofontarioscottagecountry #dundurnpress #andrewhind #nonfiction #ontariohistory #bookreview

[Courtney · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this jaunt through time. Growing up near Ontario’s Cottage Country this book intrigued me as soon as I saw the title. I am so happy it did not disappoint. Each town in broken up into easy to read, interesting chapters. Recommend to anyone interested in old towns and history.

[Shelby · Rating 2 out of 5]

Nope not for me. I was expecting real ghost stories and to be spooked.

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this interesting look into local history. I will definitely be on the lookout for ghost towns next time I head to cottage country.

[Paul Sutter]

When one hears the words “ghost,” of course one conjures up all sorts of images. In terms of ghost towns, one acknowledges the fact that through the mists of history, some towns have faded into the sunset.
Andrew Hind has done an exceptional job of taking us on a journey into the past, where thirteen towns noted in the book, have pretty well vanished, with little traces of their lively past evident. Many of the places in the book are towns that Ontario residents may be unfamiliar with, present day. They did flourish at one time, with settlers who came to the region and looked to make a new start in these areas.
The book is divided into three sections: Southern Cottage Country, Central Cottage Country, and Northern Cottage Country. The very first town noted is Hindon Hill, which was part of the Township of Minden Hills in Haliburton County. Originally Hindon Township, which took its name from a township in England, had a population of almost 50 people in 1869. By 1880, that number had tripled. As more families came, a schoolhouse was required and built, a log one that was the key area for knowledge.
Author Hind follows industries that sprang up, including a cheese factory. But things sort of flattened out, and by the 1920’s thing were not good. The Ontario government offered those still in the area, the opportunity to leave for new lands in the Little Claybelt of the Temiskaming Region of Northern Ontario. Many took the offer for 80 acres of new land, and new beginnings there. This is just one of the regions noted.
There are fascinating stories of other towns such as Germania, which was near the town of Bracebridge, Muskoka District. There is the mention of a tragic tale about a 29 year old girl there, who became pregnant out of wedlock. The man who courted her shunned her, her father was ashamed of her, and the rest of the town treated her like she didn’t belong. She then walked into the nearby Weissmuller Lake, dragging her to the bottom where she drowned. She wasn’t even buried in a regular cemetery, buried outside cemetery property on unconsecrated ground.
It is anecdotes like this one, that makes the book impossible to stop reading. Other areas noted in the book include: Uffington, Whitehall, Byng Inlet, Kiosk, and many others. The book represents quite the history lesson on life over a century ago, where towns were settled by people seeking a new life in certain parts of Ontario. There may only be ghosts left behind, but it is the legacy of the residents that make the book truly come alive.

[Bob Hathway · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely fascinating. A whole history of many towns in the Muskoka / Lake Nipissing areas that fought hard to exist but all eventually lost to fire and changing economic times.

[Ontario Reader · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 stars rounded up. Good history of vanished towns in Ontario.

[Shannon (Winchella) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Would recommend for locals and/or just history junkies. Lots of fun tidbits.