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Rete) dite) FOR A SIGN? Celebrating 12 years = signs ~ vehicle graphics igital imaging Scugag’s Vehicle Wrapping Specialists Reach & Northport Rd., Port Perry 905-985-0802 pon oTional PRODYe RIDGE . oe "Wu pinerigeimpre®® Embroidery Corporate Promotions 905-985-2839 135 North Port Road, Port Perry, ON LOL 1B2 32 FOCUS - JUNE 2008 JUNE.FOCUS/44 pages.indd 32 BARGE ROM PING, Int) LAKE Continued from page 25 ing hulk to record as much information as possible about the old derelict scow. We discovered the barge had a large Platform, measuring 40’ x 14’ in size. The main beams extended the fall length of the structure and meas- ure 14” x 2.5” in thickness. Remarkably, the 12” x 2.5” planks which make up the deck were still solid in 2001, and the moss green stain which was applied more than eight decades ago, looked almost like new. Unlike sailing vessels found at the bottom of lakes and oceans, the barge has no monetary value, but it did play an important part in the develop- ment of our local history. er than a few metal pieces, rusty brackets, bolts and nails which were removed from the wreck, the barge was left intact. Looking back at the decaying hulk as we pulled away, it was sad to think that a part of Scugog’s his- tory would once again be swallowed by the murky waters of the lake. Today, what remains of the barge lies just inches under the surface in its watery grave, waiting for time to reduce it to mulch. A sad, but not unexpected ending for this large floating platform, which was used to literally carve out a segment of Scugog’s fascinating history. While researching the history of this intriguing property, we spoke with a number of people who have had access over the years. man who remembers the property is long- time resident Howard Hall, who recalls delivering groceries and supplies from McKee’s grocery store in town, to the clubhouse when he was a teenager. On one occasion he was invited inside by the caretakers, Mr. and Mrs. John Murray, and recalls being told that Mr. Osler was an avid hunter who travelled around the world in quest of game. ¢r Overgoor and Ann Julia Bajema have been the Peter caretokers and managers of the Scugog Game Preserve But, in a March 2000 interview with Henry Osler’s granddaughter, Mrs. Eve Hampson, she explained that her grandfather had only spent a couple of years hunting in the Sudan. She added, that his hunting consisted mainly of collecting animals and birds for the Royal John Murray and his dogs retrieving ducks in the marsh. Ontario Museum, which were used for display and research purposes. Then, after a couple of years of hunting, he turned in his gun for a movie camera and much of the footage he captured on film of wild animals in Africa, is now stored at the Ontario Archives in Toronto. Another story which comes from a former care- taker involves the introduction of carp to the lake. During the early part of the century, the marsh- land would be invaded by thousands of carp each spring, which rooted in the mud and ate the roots of the wild rice growing in the water. The carp destroyed so many rice plants, there was concern for the future of the duck population, which relied on the rice for feed. John Murray constructed a carp barrier, by driving wooden poles side-by-side across some the channels to keep the carp out. About 1950, Ministry officials placed a heavy steel grill in the culverts under the Port Perry causeway, which effectively kept the carp out for many years, although these no longer exist. The Scugog Game Preserve is still owned and managed by the Osler family and to this day they carry on many of the century old traditions. Members of the family drop by the property sev- eral times a year, and like their forefathers, return each fall for duck hunting season. IMPORTANT NOTICE: Today, just as it has been for more than 100 years, the Scugog Game Preserve is strictly private property and off limits to all but a few local people who either know or have worked for the Osler family. The property is closely monitored for intruders who will find themselves in front of a judge if apprehended. Old Henry Osler would be proud! By J. Peter Hvidsten Focus on Scugog focus@observerpub.ca 5/26/08 9:03:55 AM |