A History of Bruce Beach/As time goes by...
As time goes by...
1894 - The Origins
As far as is known, Bruce Beach had its origin as a summer resort on May 24, 1894, when a picnic party was held in William Tout's Grove, attended by a group of Ripley residents, including the Mcinnes, the Munn, the McCrimmon and the Jackson families. It was so successful that someone suggested repeating such outings through the summer and Angus Munn proposed a spot near the lake where cottage No. 7 now is located. The site also appealed to G. Mcinnes and A. Jackson, who later that summer pitched a tent there, calling the place "Sylvan Beach Home".
The Kennedys and Jacksons built the first cottage near that spot during that same summer; it is now No. 12. In 1896, the Mclnneses and the Munns, both from Ripley, built No. 14 and No. 13 respectively, and although the beach area was closer to Kincardine, it was known as "Ripley Beach" for some time.
Robert McCosh Sr., whose farm fronted on the lake, used to visit these original beachers and jokingly called them "The White Indians". Over the years, they and many other families became friendly with the McCoshes and all used their pump in the lane.
In 1900, James Anderson purchased the Kennedy-Jackson cottage (No. 12) and Mrs. Anderson renamed the area "Bruce Beach". To hold religious services on Sunday evening, they set up a tent at first, although later services were conducted outdoors on McCosh flats. The Chapman family built No. 35 in 1902 and when Rev. Robert Martin of Hamilton built No. 5 in 1903, he was the first of many ministers to make Bruce Beach his summer home.
1900's - Start of Golf
His first task was to introduce his fellow cottagers to the game of golf by laying out a six-hole course in Frank Tout and McCosh Grove flats, but it was not until 1907 that the Bruce Beach Golf Club actually was formed. That year the course was enlarged to nine holes, following the recommendations of the newly elected executive of five. The annual membership fee was 25 cents; three hundred score cards were ordered; and when the first tournament took place, the entry fee was 10 cents per person.
The following cottages were built between 1903 and 1907:
- McNab's of Walton -No.6
- McNamara's of Drayton -No. 19
- Perrie's of Wingham -No. 20
- Burnett's of Ripley -No.9
- McLeod's of Ripley -No. 10
- Dobson's of Fordwich -No.4.
1908 - Bruce Beach Campers' Association is Organized
By 1907, some cottages had changed hands, and the Maxwells and Coopers arrived. In 1908 the Bruce Beach Campers' Association was organized and the following cottages were erected:
- Rev. W.J. West's of Stratford -No. 33
- Rev. D.T.L. McKerroll's of Toronto -No. 41
- John F. Archer's of Listowel-No. 11
- T.L. Hamilton's of Listowel -No. 44.
The Bruce Beach Campers' Association held its first Field and Regatta Day in 1910, and the following families built cottages that year:
- Barker of Lansing, Michigan -No. 37
- A. Treleaven of Ripley -No. 39
- John S. Robertson of Ripley
- Pollock of Ripley -No. 45.
In 1911 cottages were built by:
- Jack Chapman of Ripley -No. 27
- Hector McKay of Ripley -No. 17
Interest in the golf club remained strong and Tom Walsh who now owns No. 159A was instrumental in making the first sand green in 1913. For several years he cut the grass with a horse-drawn lawnmower, and although most of the maintenance was done by club members, Bob McCosh was paid $1.50 for the work he did and Frank Tout received a $1.00 rental for that part of the course located on his property; a $2.00 rental went to Bob McCosh for allowing golfers on his land. Annual club receipts were between $7.00 and $10.00.
In 1914, the golfers organzied a tennis club and laid out two courts -one behind No. 41 and the other behind No. 28; the second court was never used. The annual tennis club membership fee was 25 cents.
The following built cottages during that year:
- Mrs. J. Gourley of Detroit -No. 16
- Dr. J.F. McKenzie -No. 53
There was no electricity in any of the cottages during• those early years, however, Bob McCosh provided firewood for heating and cooking, charging $5.00 per cord of hardwood and $4.00 per cord of softwood, including delivery. Lamp coal oil was available at 25 cents per gallon and one of the children's daily chores was cleaning the lamp chimneys.
The year 1915 was a time of expansion for Bruce Beach when the following cottages were added:
- Prof. Richard Davidson's of Toronto-No. 49
- Rev. M. McArthur's of Kincardine -No. 19
- Rev. H.J. Hamwell's of Drayton -No. 56 .
- Rev. J.W. Baird's of Mitchell-No. 59.
The beach area was extended to the 8th Concession when cottages were built by the Branoch-Sherriffs (No. 86) 'and the Robertsons (No. 80).
Rev.• JV. Stewart of Whitechurch built his, and at the south end Rev. G. Atkinson's No. 30 was erected, while Roderick Martyn of Ripley built the first (No. 87) north of the 8th Concession.
Expansion continued through 1916 with new cottages by:
- Rev. W.A. Bradley of Teeswater -No. 28
- Rev. D.A. McLean of Ripley -No. 23
- S.W. Huff of Detroit -No. 51
- Dr. Dan Martyn of Detroit -No. 88
1916 - Bruce Beach Cottagers' Association
It was largely due to the community spirit of Rev. AB. Dobson that the Bruce Beach Cottagers' Association came into being in 1916 Rev. W.A. Bradley was elected Secretary-Treasurer and also became its official historian. Regrettably, Rev. Dobson passed away in 1918.
In 1917 the Bruce Beach boundaries were further extended with new cottages by Samuel Pollock of Ripley (No. 99) and Thomas Clark of Detroit (No. 96). At the south end, Dr. E.C. Atkinson of Alvinston (No. 52) and Rev. W.H. Burgess of Chatham built theirs, and during the Fall, the Association secured aluminum numbers for all the cottages.
In 1918, the place for Sabbath worship was moved from the McCosh to the Tout Flats behind the Henderson cottage No. 37. That summer a ladies' orchestra was formed under the direction of Mildred Bradley. Among its members were Mrs. Duncan Munn, Irene Hamwell, Eloise Baird, Beatrice Huff and Beth McLennan. The orchestra's first concert raised $62.00 for the Ripley Red Cross.
By 1919, the concert had become an annual event, enjoyed by young and old. During that year, seating for the Sunday services was secured for 125 people and a platform and a folding pulpit were added. A camera club with 17 charter members was formed, presided over by Mabel Dobson (No.4).
1920 - Men's Glee Club formed
1920 was a year of much activity and progress. The lots staked out by prospective builders resulted in cottages for the following people:
Ruth Warren of Walkerton -No. 68 W.E. McCorquodale of Detroit -No. 47 Rev. J.R. Hoskings of Toronto -No. 94 Rev. J.R Kirkpatrick of Ripley -No. 101
This also was the year when the Men's Glee Club was formed, and the annual concert, for the first time, involved members from all parts of the Beach. In addition, a Sabbath school was organized with Dr. J.F. McKenzie as its superintendent.
At the 1920 annual meeting of the Association, steps• were taken to add even better facilities. Each division appointed a committee to select grounds best suited for additional tennis courts; Division I chose the McCosh property on the upper level, just west of the present golf course third hole tee-off; Division II picked Tout's Flats behind No. 41 and Division III a site near the 8th Concession.
During the same year, arrangements were made with J.W. Crawford of Ripley to deliver groceries and provisions to Bruce Beach residents three times a week. Gerry Emmerton of Kincardine was asked to call on cottagers twice weekly to supply them with fruit and vegetables, and Henry, his son, who as a young lad helped his father, still sells vegetables in the area.
Many new cottages were built in 1921:
Agnes Hamilton of Goderich -. No.1 J.R McLeod of Montreal J.S. Robertson of Ripley -No. 43 Ruth Heather of Guelph -No. 78 Rev. J.E. Hunter of Belmont Dr. Donald Martyn of Detroit E.F. Lambert of Toronto -No. 72 11 A. Love of Detroit -No. 22 A. Jackson of Seaforth -No. 27 Rev. c.A. Malcolm of Lawrence -No. 31 Dr. F. McLennan of Windsor -No. 17.
At the Association's annual meeting, two committees were appointed to discuss with Huron Township Council and the provincial government the possibility of securing titles to the land on which the cottages were built.
The tennis courts in all three divisions had been completed and were ready for the first tournaments. Two were clay-based; and Division III had a grass court in Pollock's field at the foot of the 8th Concesion. The major problem was to keep the weeds at bay. .
1920's - Bruce Beach - The Ideal Summer Resort
In the early 1920's the following advertisement was produced and delivered to all cottagers:
BRUCE BEACH
THE IDEAL SUMMER RESORT
Bruce Beach is unquestionably one of the most delightful places in Canada to spend the summer months.
From the standpoint of health, it is unbeatable. The fresh, purified air blowing off Lake Huron is always refreshing and stimulating, and restores to good health the individual looking for a respite from a period of physical or mental strain.
Quiet reigns at Bruce Beach. Free from commercialism, there are no unnecessary noises or excitement to harass the tired, nervous man or woman who is bent on building up in preparation for the return to the normal activity of making a living at the vacation's end.
Religious services were established years ago in an attractive grove and have since been continued uninterruptedly each Sunday afternoon during the season.
All conveniences for securing supplies are amply proVided for by the merchants' deliveries of wood, ice, milk, groceries, meats and vegetables directly to your door, or some prefer to visit the stores personally at Kincardine or Ripley, located only a few miles away.
After a person has been at the Beach for a short time, he becomes so peppy he begins looking for diversion, and there is plenty of it available: bathing, boating, fishing, hiking, tennis, and the grand old game of golf over a unique nine-hole sporty course.
The golf course is very popular. Men and women, young and old, from the full length of the Beach are to be seen on the course during the entire season.
The golf club is regularly organized with a list of members who pay annual dues to support the club in its various phases, even if they should not find it convenient to spend every season at the Beach. The enrolled members are elegible to compete for the cups and other prizes presented each year by the club, as well as being privileged to participate in the many entertainments and parties held at the club house during the season.
The expense of joining in the activities at the Beach is very nominal. A membership in the tennis club entitles one to play all season on any of the courts for a small fee, and the charges for golf for an entire season are little more than some of the city courses charge for a single day's play. The club is operated purely as a community enterprise. The officers serve without compensation and all the money taken in is used for maintenance and for improving the course and the club house property.
Players on the Bruce Beach course are given much for their money. In addition to those for regular members, tournaments are scheduled at frequent intervals during the summer for the season, weekly and daily players.
Very attractive and useful prizes are furnished for all tournaments. Some of the prizes are given by the club with no entry fee charged for playing and others are provided with a small charge for entering the tournaments, and refreshments are generally provided.
Any person of either sex over 12 years of age is eligible for membership and all children of members or season players under 12 are privileged to play at specified times two days each week without the payment of fees.
The golf club is probably the biggest drawing card for the Beach and every owner of a cottage should become a regular member.
The golf club, well managed as it is, is an inducement for families and individuals to come to the Beach, and many cottages are rented as a result. One season of a newcomer spent at the Beach almost always means their regular return each season.
Beginning the latter part of June and through July and August, a representative is stationed at the Club House with whom playing arrangements may be made.
Author unknown
By 1922, the boundaries of Bruce Beach were extended to the 10th Concession with new cottages built by:
Chid Jackson of Ripley -No. 25 C.W. Yates of New York -No. 21 Dr. W.H. Sedgewick of Hamilton -No.34 Thomas King of Wingham -No. 46 Rev. H.B. Parnby of Belmont -No. 67 Rev. RG. McKay of Dresden -No. 55 Rev. W.H. Burgess of Walkerton -No. 75 James Clark of Detroit -No. 50 Rev. J.W. Gordon of.Mitchell -No. 118 Rev. Charles Farquharson of Newbury -No. 137 Rev. c.A. Carr of West Lome and Rev. A. Laing of Fordwich -No 162 Thomas Johnston -No. 107.
John S. Robertson (No. 43), who had. been an active member of the Association, passed away in 1922, and his cottage was purchased by Rev. Norman MacEachern of Toronto.
1922 - Surveyor Appointed
In August 1922, a provincial inspector visited the Beach, and the government appointed a surveyor for the area.
The year also saw the formation of the Bruce Peninsula Fishing Club. Their first trip to Miller Lake in two Model T Ford cars started at 8 a.m., reaching Wiarton by noon. After a stop for lunch and a walt for a member to arrive by train, the party set out for Lion's Head and on to Miller Lake along a cow path. When they finally arrived there at 6 p.m. their accomodation had already been taken and they had to sleep in a hay mow. Rising at 5.30 a.m., they were able to catch 41 black bass, returning home the following day, having completed a round trip of 188 miles! In 1923, the annual golf fee was increased to $1.00, and a ladies' golf club was formed. They passed on half their proceeds to the men's club that now had $133.00 in the kitty.
After some initial difficulties setting boundary lot lines, the provincial surveyor attempted to divide the Beach area into 66 foot lots, reaching from the sand dunes at the 6th Concession at the south end to the 10th Concession in the north. As a result, many lots were reduced in size while others were increased, at the same time setting the annual rent at $12.00 per lot.
Cottages were erected by:
W.H. Collins of Kitchener -No. 36 Rev. T.M. Wesley of Sterling -No. 54 Nettie Moffat of T eeswater -No. 71 J. Johnston of Ripley T. Bradnock of Gorrie -No. 86 (two cottages).
In 1924, to encourage greater attendance at Church services, seating was once again increased and a new organ was purchased.
Several new cottages were erected north of the 8th Concession, as well as No. 1A by D.E. Kennedy of Guelph and No. 2A by Dr. Gerald Wilson of Detroit.
For the first time, a number of break-ins during the winter were reported and the Association put up signs offering a $25.00 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the culprits.
At the 1924 annual meeting, D.T.L. McKerroll (No. 41) i reported progress in the procurement of land titles.
The Division III grass tennis court was abandoned and a new clay court was prepared in Cameron's field that also became a community centre where picnics could. be held each year.
When Frank Tout decided to plow the field at the south end of his flats, the golf course had to be shortened. Also, as no vacant lots were obtainable in the south, further development of the cottage area shifted to the north end in 1925.
1925 - McCosh Purchase Arranged
In August, D.E. Kennedy and Dr. Gerald Wilson arranged to purchase the McCosh property extending from the upper road to the. back of the cottage lots.
A permanent storage shed was built to house the church organ and the seating for Sunday services. This also was the year when the water level of the lake was so low that many cottagers' wells went dry.
In 1926, Huron Township Council refused to accept the proposal to acquire land rights from the government for $10,000. The cottagers behind the McCosh property formed a company and the following year managed to secure a charter, known as McCosh Grove Limited.
The ladies' golf club was given equal representation. on the general executive and through their efforts, children under . 16 were allowed to play, free of charge, between 1-3 p.m., providing they were accompanied by an adult.
In the same year, the Stephen Tout flats flooded and that part of the golf course had to be abandoned. The two, new cinder tennis courts at the top of McCosh Grove hill had to be repaired and the old court was reserved as a future badminton court. Thanks to the generosity of McCosh Grove Ltd. the property was placed at the disposal of the Golf Club to become a permanent playground. With the help of Mr. Ritchie, a nine-hole course could once again be laid out. A new horse-drawn mower was purchased for $250.00, boxes were set up at each tee to provide sand and water, benches were procured, and a caretaker was hired to make the course ready in time for the cottagers' arrival. C.\N. Yates, Dr. Wilson, Dr. Young and D.E. Kennedy donated tournament prizes.
In 1927, cottages were built by Rev. Gordon Rintoul (No. 32) and Rev. GD. Paton (No. 66). The following year, J.G. Archibald of Woodstock built No. 38.
By now the lake had returned to a more normal level and most wells could again be used. Negotiations with the government to reduce the annual rental fee of $12.00 had not been successful. The Golf Club fees were increased to $2.00 per season, guests paying 25 cents and outside visitors 50 cents per game. C.W. Yates was made an honorary member in appreciation of his contribution to the golf club, and the annual trophy was named after him.
Floods occurred in many areas in the Spring of 1929 but no serious damage was reported at Bruce Beach .
D.E. Kennedy donated a piano to be used at the annual concert and the merchants of Kincardine provided prizes for Sports Day.
Golf fees were increased to $3.00 to enable the executive to purchase mats for three of the greens which were being changed to sand greens. It also was decided to install steps to the first and third greens and from the eighth hole tee-off. At the Association's 1930 annual meeting, a committee was appointed to investigate the possibility to bring hydro power to the Beach. The following year a Hydro Electric Commission representative attended the annual meeting to discuss with the cottagers the conditions for providing elec tricity.
The annual Sports Day and Concert were well attended and the Association recognized Dr. J.F. McKenzie's 15 years dedicated service as sports committee convenor by donating an annual award.
1932 - Record low lake levels
The main topic at the 1932 annual meeting was the record low level of the lake which was causing problems for many cottages. The question of bringing in electricity was further discussed and quotations were obtained ranging between $30.00 and $60.00 per cottage for installing eleven electric light outlets and one for an electric stove.
The present golf club house was built in 1933. The annual concert showed a record turnout and the popular tennis tournament was attended by over 100 spectators; refreshments were served. Motor traffic on the beach became so heavy that the Association had to ask cottagers to use it only when absolutely necessary.
The merchants from Kincardine and Ripley called on cottagers almost daily and the Kincardine Dominion store sponsored an afternoon tea at the golf course. Parisian Laundry from Toronto, provided a weekly service.
The following year the lake again was at record low levels.
The tennis courts at the top of McCosh hill were abandoned and two new courts were planned at the present location.
At the 1934 annual meeting a committee was formed to obtain printing estimates for a souvenir history of the Beach.
Although the local post office was asked that year to consider the possibility of mail delivery to cottagers, it was not until 1935 that this much appreciated service could be provided. That year the new tarvia tennis courts located near the golf club house were ready for play and well used throughout the summer.
Bruce Beach golfers won the annual golf contest against the Kincardine golfers, At the annual meeting the committee to look after the proposed souvenir history was reappointed. A drowning occurred in 1937, the second on the Beach in over 43 years. A visiting doctor from Atwood had developed cramps while in the water and drowned before help could reach him.
The efforts to publish the souvenir history continued and the sum of $25.00 was set aside to cover the cost of engravings, with the proviso that the same amount be reserved for the following year. Jean Ernst conducted the Sunday School which was attended by about 60 children.
1938 - Electricity at Bruce Beach
In 1938, some cottages were wired for electricity. The Township provided a horse and wagon for garbage collection along the beach. A delegation from Bruce Beach attended a Good Roads meeting in the Kincardine council chambers to press the need for improving the road from the 10th Concession to Kincardine.
The annual Sports Day and concert had a large turnout and an official Bruce Beach crest was authorized by the Association. Dr. Bradley resigned 'after serving 23 years as historian and Rev.J.W. Gordon took his place.
The "Souvenir History of Bruce Beach" was published in 1938, financed with a $300.00 loan extended by Bob McCosh at 6% annual interest. The first copies, priced at $1.00 each, were sold on Sports Day under the supervision
Two major problems developed at the north end of the Beach; excess noise from some of the cottages,and cattle passing through lots to reach the lake rather than using the right-of-way.
Besides, three cottages were burglarized, the culprits apprehended and "sent down" for five years.
In 1939, the Association's annual membership fee was raised to $1.00 per cottage. Proceeds from the annual concert totalled $45.54, including $13.83 from booth sales. These funds, together with additional donations of $25.80, more than covered Sports Day expenses. The annual treasurer's report showed an expense of 10 cents for a long distance telephone call!
The following year, the executive was authorized to build a Church shell so that services could be held indoors during inclement weather. Arrangements were made by area residents to acquire Stephen Tout's land, and during 1941 a new stone pulpit was built in memory of Stephen Tout, who, for 34 years, had reserved that part of his property for Church Services. A piano was purchased by the Church Services Committee from the Heintzman Company of T aronto at a cost of $75.00 plus $10.00 transportation charges: $35.00 in labour and parts had been donated by the piano manufacturer. However, plans to put up the Church shell had to be abandoned because the estimate of $300.00 exceeded the funds available for the project.
The plan to build a road at the north end of the Beach, at the foot of the hill, was opposed by some cottagers who felt it would increase traffic and dust, as well as . making the cottages too accessible out of season.
1942 - Many young Beachers enlist
By 1942, many young people of the Beach had joined Canada's armed forces and at the annual Sports Day, War Savings Stamps in values of $6.00 each were given out as prizes.
Mail still was delivered six days a week. In 1943, authorization was given to engage a person at a cost of $50.00 to patrol the beach from September 15 to June 15.
Bruce Beach celebrated its fiftieth anniversary in 1944, and to mark the event, The Kincardine News provided a special cover for the Year Book. This also was the year when a road was built north of the 8th Concession to reach No. 117.
Many of the sons and daughters who had served both at home and overseas returned to Bruce Beach in 1945, the end of World War II. While there may be others who lost . their lives fighting for peace, here are the names of three who had served with the R.C.A.F., and did not return:
George Lloyd of Wingham (No.2) George King of Wingham (No. 46) Donald Carson of Toronto (No. 147)
In 1946, the Bruce Beach Association joined the newly formed Ontario Cottagers' Association. That winter the snow storms were so severe that the farmers were able to walk on top of the cottage roofs.
1947 - Cameron land purchase completed
The following year the purchase of the Cameron land was completed. It included the area behind the cottages from No. 121 to No. 136, and a 30 foot strip at the base of the hill that was given to the Township to link the existing roads running north from the 8th Concession and south . from the 10th. Furthermore, the Association appointed a committee to discuss with the Township Council the completion of a road leading from the 10th Concession to Sid Huff's property (No. 51).
Entrance to Bruce Beach from the Lakeshore Drive, "Foot of the 10th", where cars always got stuck rounding the curve into loose sand.
The treasurer's annual report noted expenditure of $2.41 for a baseball, including the cost"of peanuts, for Sports Day That same year, golf fees were set at $4.00 per season.
When the provincial Department of Lands and Forests transferred its responsibility for the Bruce Beach Subdivisior to the Township, cottage owners living in the Toronto are, held a meeting, in May 1948 to discuss the new relationship, between the Association and the Township.
At the annual meeting the executive was authorized tc urge the Township Council to complete the road along the base of the hill as soon as possible and to consider the matter of residents purchasing any lands adjacent to their cottage lots so that proper access could be provided.
Due to an increase in the cost of living, cottage fees were raised to $2.00 in 1949, and the annual grant to Tout's Grove Association for maintenance of Church grounds had to be increased from $5.00 to $25.00. Dave Moore appointed to look after the Church property, was paid $20.01 annually. It also was decided to pay 50 cents a week to each of the boys who arranged the seating for Sunday services and distributed the hymn books.
The Association president and secretary once again approached the Huron Township Council with the proposal to allow cottagers to purchase their lots; they were, however, turned down.
1950 - Bruce Beach Rd. completed
The road from the 10th to the 8th Concession was finally completed in 1950. It was well used, especially after a sign banning motor traffic along the beach had been erected at the 10th Concession.
A highlight during the 1951 season was a service conducted by Rev. Fred Anderson who had led the congregation on the Beach for more than fifty years. He administered the sacrament of baptism on the last Sunday in July.
At the Association's 1952 annual meeting it was reported that $1,700.00 in taxes and $2,600.00 in rentals had been collected from Bruce Beach cottagers by the Township. In addition, $400.00 had been paid for garbage removal, although the actual cost was only $325.00.
In 1953, the Association retained legal counsel, "at a cost not to exceed $100.00", to assist in discussion with the Township regarding extension of the road south from the 8th Concession. In 1954, the Association raised advertising rates for its annual booklet to $1.50 for a small insert and to $4.50 for a full-page ad.
A community night of pictures and entertainment, held in July 1954, raised $14.00 for the golf club.
Speed control and• appropriate playground signs were erected following north end cottagers' complaints regarding speeding cars and dirt along the lower road between the 8th and 10th Concessions.
In 1955, the last and southernmost section of Bruce Beach was put up for sale by the Misses Pearl and Elizabeth Henderson. They had purchased the lake frontage from Gordon.Emmerton whose farm stretched from Blair's Grove road to the 6th Concession -an extension of the Cheese Factory road. At that time the concession boundary down to the lake front was just a path for Emmerton's livestock to reach the water's edge. The only vehicle access to the property was via a breathtakingly steep hill behind the Emmerton farmhouse. All cars had to be parked at the bottom of the hill and supplies carried up from that point.
A road had to be provided when Jay Marshall became the first to build on the site (No. 19A) in 1956. Only three more cottages followed and the rest of the lots were sold. By this time, much to everyone's relief, a road had been opened down the 6th Concession hill. That ended the "house calls" by cows and horses which, in the past, had been a special feature of Area I. Archie Blandford was, and still is, the main mover and shaker of that small group of cottagers that, for several years, variously was known as Henderson or South Bruce Beach. The residents purchased the meadow land behind the cottages to the upper road and when they eventually joined the Bruce Beach Association in 1960 they were able to function as one unit in any Township development discussions.
During the summer of 1955, two community nights were arranged, yielding net proceeds of $11.11. The Association paid the golf club $25.00 for permitting them to use the club house for the annual meeting.
By 1956, water skiing had become a popular sport, follOwing the introduction of more powerful outboard motors and better quality boats.
North end cottagers requested the Association to arrange for a telephone to be installed at the Bruch Beach store and . there was an offer of a small building, no longer in use, to be equipped as a telephone booth.
At the Association's 1957 annual meeting, the sports committee was asked to discontinue baseball games on Sunday morning.
By 1960, problems, arising from cars being driven along the beach, were almost eliminated, due to the lake's high water condition.
Close to 300 cottagers and friends of the late Rev. C.E. Dyer attended a special Church selVice during the summer of 1961. They came to dedicate an organ as a memorial to a man who had selVed them for more than 25 years as secretary-treasurer of the Association.
One of the first artesian wells in the area was 'drilled for cottages No. 50 and No. 52. . The possible publication of a second volume of "The Souvenir History of Bruce Beach" was discussed at the 1964 annual meeting. It was thought that it should coincide with Canada's Centennial celebrations scheduled for 1967. Little interest in the Centennial project was revealed by Association secretary Ian MacEachern during the 1965 annual meeting. Don Finlayson and Ian MacEachern organized the first annual Bruce Beach versus Kincardine Bonspiel during the winter of 1964 and a crest was issued to all participants. At the closing party everyone was entertained with a musical program.
During the sixties Jim Clark and George Aucterlonie contributed much to increased waterfront activities with the introduction of Sunfish sailboats. They were easy to beach and relatively simple to maneuver, according to Don Maclellan. After the Sunday ballgame, regattas were held, the dozen or so participating boats providing a kaleidoscope of colour along the shore.
To mark the 1967 Centennial, the Bruce Beach community donated $400.00 to the Kincardine General Hospital, the money to be used to furnish an outpatient facility.
A professional study of Bruce Beach property rights was commissioned by the Association. In 1968, Association fees went up to $3.00 per cottage.
1969 - Five Beach Divisions Redefined
In 1969, the five Bruce Beach divisions were officially redefined as follows:
Division I -South Bruce Beach Association -Cottages 34Ato14A Division II -McCosh Grove -Cottages 13A to 27 Division III -Tout's Grove -Cottages 28 to 52 Division IV -Cottages 54 to 103 Division V -Cottages 104 to 177.
July 26, 1969, was the day for the official opening of the "new" tennis courts in Division IV. It provided an excuse for celebration, and after a beauty contest and ribbon cutting "I"" ceremony, a rummage sale and pot luck party were held on the ballfield. Inflation hit Bruce Beach in 1971 with Association fees increasing to $10.00 per cottage. In 1974, the Association again investigated the idea of buying cottage lots from the Township. The following, year a committee was appointed to study the feasibility of incorporating the Bruce Beach Association.
In the past, some cottagers had spent winter weekends at the beach although under somewhat primitive conditions. Now more and more people became interested in winterizing their cottages to be able to spend time there in greater comfort during the cold weather.
At the 1976 annual meeting, historian Mrs. Carolyn Flinn, requested that a committee be formed to look into the writing of a new "History of Bruce Beach", including the period covered by the first book published in 1935. The follOwing were appointed to serve on the committee: Barbara Metherell (No. 1A), Dick Huff (No. 51A) and Mrs. W.M. McBurney (No. 68).
To mark the United States Bicentennial in 1976, a baseball game took place on the Huff-Clark diamond, followed by a garden party at No. 5OA, that was hosted by the Huffs, the AlIens, the Clarks and the Auchterlonies.
In 1977, the executive was authorized to engage a lawyer to proceed with the incorporation of the Association. At the annual meeting, Craig Davidson (No. 49) related a history of "land lease" of the Bruce Beach property, and a committee was once again appointed to negotiate with the Township the acquisition of cottage lots by individual owners. A public meeting was held in Ripley in May, 1978, to hear the Township's plans for selling the lots.
1978 - Bruce Beach Cottagers' Association Incorprated
The Association's incorporation was announced by President Don Maclennan during the 1978 annual meeting. In September of that year, members of Tout's Grove were busy clearing overgrowth at the north end of the property. Area cottages expressed concern about damage to trees caused by snowmobiles, as well as ability to reach cottages out of season, ever since cross countIy skiing had become a popular winter weekend sport. Some people were alarmed about increased vandalism in the area.
In the Spring of 1979, Tout Grovers planted 2,000 trees -spruce, pine, black locust, silver maple and oak purchased from the Ontario government at a cost of 3 cents each. Another major clearing project was accomplished in the south end during September, with the help of bufldozers, front-end loaders, a bush-hog and lots of muscle power. The proposed development at Blair's Grove together with a change in land description from "Green Belt" to "Residential" were the Association's major concerns during 1980.
A committee of five was appointed to look into these matters as well as into the proposal to build a road that would join Blair's Grove with South Bruce Beach. Despite opposition from cottagers, the Blair's Grove Development by-law was approved by the Ontario Municipal Board. The legal expenses incurred had to be defrayed by a special $20 assessment per cottage, as well as by raising annual Association fees to $15. It, therefore, was resolved not to appeal the O.M.B. decision, to avoid additional high legal costs. In 1982, the Association and individual cottage owners had to deal with two new Township by-laws; one effectively elimated the possibility of building additions on most lots while the other prevented those with smaller lots from rebuilding cottages destroyed by fire. About seventy members objected to both by-laws and at the annual Association meeting all members present signed an official petition requesting that by-laws 11-82 and 30-82 be rescinded. During these proceedings, the board of directors was greatly assisted by a special committee consisting of Paul Haney, Russ Scorgie, Ken Taylor and John Kennedy. Their joint efforts resulted in the final passage of Huron Township by-law 46-82 which was heartily endorsed by the board as well as by the committee.
At a special general membership meeting held on September 4, 1982, the Association's petition was withdrawn and members who had submitted their own written objections to the earlier by-laws were asked to withdraw them as well.
It is the hope of all Bruce Beachers that the heritage handed down to us will be continued by future generations.