Oak Point- Where Else?

All along the shores of the St Lawrence River in the Thousand Islands are small communities. Most consist of year-round homes, camps and summer homes. These clusters come alive in the late spring and summer with devotees, often generations of the same families, returning like migratory birds to favored spots. Such is our slice of heaven-on-earth at Oak Point, in the Town of Hammond, N. Y.

Like many other communities along the majestic St. Lawrence River, there is a small number of 'rounder’s’ (year round residents). Hardy souls who brave the snow, cold and ice of our sometimes long winters; they get to really enjoy the River's scenic beauty, in a winter wonderland. Another small group are 'almost rounder’s' ...folks who manage to get away from the grip of winter for a few weeks traveling, visiting family or just temporarily settling in a warmer clime. These two groups of Oak Pointers make up the core of our community and form a close-knit group who meet almost weekly for Potluck dinners and for special gatherings during the holidays. During the warmer months the weekly Potluck dinners continue, but the gathering swells in attendance and number, of those hosting the events.

With the arrival of spring at the Point, families begin trickling back. It is amazing to me to trace the history of connections these families have with Oak Point. Some are descendants of early settlers who lived here their whole lives. But there are a great many whose parents or grandparents came for vacation, renting a camp from a resident generations ago and were forever drawn to the River and the Point. With that, relationships now decades-old formed to unite the community.

In the 1950s a Community House called, "The Acorn" was built to accommodate activities and meetings that take place in the spring, summer and fall. Dinners, Candy Nights, dances, bingo,  Ice Cream Socials and myriad other activities have been hosted at The Acorn. A large deck and swings for young children were added many years ago.

By Memorial Day many fishermen have arrived at camps around the Point, anxious to get out on the River from early morning to nightfall. Many seasonal residents also choose this particular weekend to open up their homes, plant gardens and get settled in.

Of course the vacationers, here for a few days to a few weeks, arrive when the weather warms, allowing more activities in the water. There are always newbies, but these also for a large part, choose Oak Point year after year. Our community is truly a family magnet.

We get to feast our eyes on the River and the islands, the huge ships passing through, beautiful homes and camps, castles and lighthouses. A smorgasbord of activities are available in and on the water. Water sports galore, swimming, canoes, kayaks, wake boards and all manner of fishing and pleasure boats, make for a great menu of activities for the young and old.

Fourth of July

Our greatest population boost is triggered by our Fourth of July celebrations. The festivities are kicked-off by a parade with a yearly theme. Costumed participants, ranging from infants to seniors, marching around Dake Circle twice, stopping before a panel of 'judges' who actually come up with categories for awards for every entrant. Early in the afternoon water games are the attraction at the Town Dock, followed by land games in a nearby field. Races and games are geared to various age groups. Sprints, sack races, potato races, balloon tosses, egg tosses and the like, are cheered on by a large contingent at the edge of the field. After dinner families gather on the lawn at the Community House for the Ice Cream Social. Then the judges award ribbons for the parade participants. At dusk a foghorn sounds to start the 'Wall of Flames.' Flares set up before dark, to line the shores at Oak Point, are lit at this signal and everyone gathers to watch. Some watch from boats, but most watch from shore while a festive red glow lights up the area.  I am told some Canadians across the river, look forward to watching this event every year.

A Paddle Poker Run either the day before or after the Fourth is another family affair with paddle boats, row boats, kayaks and canoes. There are two legs of the run, one on each side of the point for safety's sake, going from dock to dock gathering cards for each hand. Winners names are posted on a paddle in the Community House.

These festivities have been repeated for decades and contribute to making ours a close knit community, which not only values the jaw-dropping beauty of our area, but celebrates family and fun.

By Kathleen Thomas

Kathleen (Katy) Thomas is a retired building and landscape designer, now living at Oak Point in the town of Hammond, on property that has been in her husband Everett's family since before the Civil War. Katy was 'bitten' by the Oak Point bug while on vacation in 1961 when she accompanied an aunt and uncle at a camp, owned by her husband’s grandparents. The following summer she was smitten by the young man who was to make her his bride. Katy and Ev retired to Oak Point in 2008, in the home Katy designed. Katy has been working on a project to digitize the 'History of Oak Point' by the late Alice Gorham, so it can be available online.