It was many years ago when the Upper Stony (yes, Stony) Lake Association started. Always called the bulletin, their first newsletter was Volume 1, 1955 and “published once in a while in the interests of Cottagers and Lodge Owners on Upper Stony Lake.” The first newsletter was three pages.

With four officers and five directors, it was noted that “It comprises: The Landing, The North Shore, Northey’s Bay, The Islands, Mouth of the Cree, South Bay, Burnham Lodge, Irwin Inn, Birchmuir Lodge, Whetung’s Pavilion, Knox’s, Boschink Narrows, The Duck Pond and Jack’s Creek.”

Their bulletin was considered a new venture by the Association to keep members posted on things of interest about the lake. Although printed 62 years ago, the issues they considered serious then included “algae in the water”, “ fire protection”, “burglary”, and “road maintenance”. Many of those same issues remain strong in the minds of members today.

Membership to the association, at that time $1 for each family member over 18 years, was earmarked to be spent on the Regatta and upkeep of the pavilion and the maintenance of the Landing. Over the years the association has flourished and grown – grown not only in membership and issues, but also grown in the name, with an “e” being added to Stony. The first sign of the “e” was in the Regatta Notice of 1960. It appeared once again in 1965, but it was in 1972 that it became a constant.

Throughout the years there have been changes in the association, ranging from activities put on, to different events in the Regatta – there are no longer boat races with a maximum 6HP motor powering your boat!

In the early 1900s a trip to the cottage from as close as 14 miles away was a day-long event. Today even flying from Europe, you will get to the cottage just as quickly. Membership invoices are now emailed and payments sent by Internet transfers. Websites and Facebook bring news to people within mere minutes. There have been many bulletins produced over the years, although now on a somewhat more consistent basis. The membership has fluctuated and prices have increased. People now live at their “cottages” 12 months of the year; some even fly in for the weekend.

There is, however, one constant that has been evident throughout these many years. That is the dedication of members and volunteers to the lake. The environment has always been a concern, as has the water quality. Today’s cottagers, residents, members and volunteers are dedicated to helping preserve forever what brought people to our lake in the first place. The beautiful views; the comradery of friends and neighbours; the life-long bonds created; the sight of rolling waves and the sounds of nature are just part of what makes Stoney Lake so special.

Shelagh Landsmann / June 2017