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The two pictures above were taken in 1943 before the Elys purchased the property. The large water fountain, which was located in front of the main residence, was often used as a wading pool by the children. The beautiful arbor, as it looked about 1948, led from the roadway to the water fountain, near the front of the main residence. Continued from page 37 ture also failed. Over the next few years the property sat virtually empty and began to deteriorate rapidly from lack of care. Unfortunately during this time, vandals struck at the estate, destroying many of the ornate stat- ues, fountains and intricate fencework. In June 1995, the property was transferred into the name of the International Taoist Church of Canada. During their ownership a couple of the estate’s aging houses were rented to individuals, but little maintenance was done to the property. During the summer of 1998 the “Taoist Church’ group listed Seven Mile Island, once again, for sale. In June 2002, a group of enthusiastic investors, many from the artistic community, purchased the property with the idea of establishing a school for the study of the arts. The group, Artis Orbus Inc., began work immediate- ly on stabilizing the buildings and damaged structures, as well as cleaning and clearing the property of over- growth created by decades of neglect. This enthusiastic group of people had an enormous job ahead of them, but like others before them found the job far to expensive to continue and in 2005 listed the property for sale. Scugog’s local First Nation group, the Mississaugas of Scugog Island, were quick to purchase the property in June that year with no specific plans in place. Due to severe deterioration, the new owners had to back fill the pool and remove the main house and one of the cottages. To date no plans have been released as to what the future holds for this once magnificent property. By J. Peter Hvidsten Focus on Scugog ¢ Windows ¢ Doors ¢ Siding ¢ Sunrooms WINDOW STORE 905-985-6665 Sales & 7 ar Installation For. Alt Vour indore Needs 182 North Port Plaza, Unit #7 - Reach St. at North Port Rd. [Aullrecal Serving Port Perry, Uxbridge & Surrounding Area 40 FOCUS - AUGUST 2010