“Slow as molasses in January” – I have heard that expression since I was a child, but somehow this year it seems that January itself is slow. Record snow storms around the world and there will be many more days of low temperatures for a long winter. Perhaps that is why I was so pleased to receive George Wambash’s photograph of the setting sun from Surveyor Island. (Canadian Sector). We have these same sunsets (some say even better) in January, but seeing the open water makes me pine for Summer 2010.
Special thanks:
Special thanks to Ian Coristine who contributed five new “header photographs” for TI life. We now have more than 50 photographs that appear each time you move from one page to another.
Also over the past few months several authors contributed their material faithfully – and for no compensation other than helping to build pride in the Thousand Islands. Once again we benefit from their ideas and their writings:
Kim Lunman presents A Walk on the Thousand Islands Wild Side [NEW: Audio version by Jan Eliot], while Kris Pinkney produces May Dewey’s Diary, Part XI, July 1889.
Rex Ennis presents Capitalists, a Socialist, and the Thousand Islands and Dr. Richard Withington returns with another winter description in A Winter Islander Returns.
Mike Folsom presents the 2009 Seaway Season Recap. This follows December’s From Summer Docks To The Captain’s Spot where he introduced Captain Murray Latham, a Seaway captain. Following the story Mike asked the Captain if he would provide a regular update on the Shipwatcher blog next summer. This exclusive feature will host blog entries by Captain Latham, and promises to be interesting.
Brian Johnson, known as Captain Johnson when at the helm of the Wolfe Islander III, wrote more than a dozen articles "Anniversary of the St. Lawrence Seaway.” Several stories are excerpts from a book "Ferry Tales from Wolfe Island" which we look forward to seeing in print. Brian writes, “I have been happy to share them again with your readers and I have been honoured to have been included in thousandislandslife.com. Thanks to you, Brian, and to the Whig, for sharing!
Consistent with our mission of raising the bar, Thousand Island Life seeks to recognize special tributes that bring recognition to the region. The Frontenac Arch Biosphere has been honored by receiving a National Geographic Geotourism Charter [National Geographic Presents Award]. Yes, this is a “big deal” and as the late Paul Malo would say, “This deserves our Best Foot Forward Award”.
And this month we have two stories about Frank H. Taylor, our Thousand Islands “special artist”. Robert L. Matthews shares some of his Taylor prints and I introduce Nancy L. Gustke, Historian, who wrote about Frank Taylor’s life, in an article: Nancy L. Gustke’s “The Special Artist”.
New Contributor
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Robert L. Matthews: The Man from Shady Ledge
Robert L. Matthews (Bob) was introduced to the Thousand Islands when he married his wife Prudence (Hooked on Prudence) It wasn't long before they realized that they were both collectors and after many false starts settled on Thousand Islands memorabilia.
Upon retirement Prudence concentrated on her rug hooking while Bob turned to researching the early history of the Thousand Islands. Two popular books followed: Glimpses of St. Lawrence Summer Life: Souvenirs from the Robert and Prudence Matthews Collection, and A History of the Thousand Islands Yacht Club. The Matthews, generously, have lent their collection - for the past eight seasons - to the Antique Boat Museum.
The Matthews have one daughter, two sons and five grandchildren all of whom love visiting the Thousand Islands. When not at their beautiful River cottage at Fisher’s Landing, they live in St. Petersburg, Florida.
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New Quests
Do you have old photographs of the early islanders? If so, we would like to link them with those historians now working on local histories.
Also, last month were we able to link two distant cousins together through TI life. Do contact us and we will provide links. And check in often as we update our “TABS” of History, Events Properties and Publications. All suggestions are appreciated.
Readers Exchange
Many more comments this month – all appreciated. Interesting, several are posted on Paul Malo’s 2006 story of Carleton Island Villa: A Souvenir The Thousand Islands of the St. Lawrence River by John A Haddock, 1895 … It was Paul’s dream to have this property preserved and even though it does not look like it is going to happen soon, there is constant interest from around the world.
We also received more comments on John Carter’s Prisoners in Van Diemen’s Land. and the patriot prisoners who were sent to Tasmania. Dr. John Carter’s research is certainly appreciated.
In conclusion, Jo-Anne Phillipson Freeland (Almond, NY ) wrote a comment in response to Kim Lunman’s December article Summer In December: Islands for All Seasons We replied, and received this lovely response.
“. . . I do have deep feelings about the River and the region. I envy those that are able to experience it more often than my once or twice a year, yet if I were there all the time it might lose its magic on me. My parents own a cottage on Pillar Point, Lake Ontario, we get up a few times during the summer and take the religious trek, (my husband and I do the ritual) starting at Tibbett's point, working our way slowly up the river to the Bay, we stop and look at the usual spots. We ship-watch, look in the water to see if there are any fish lurking about, and watch for the many and varied gulls and birds. We walk along the shore and look for stones that may interest us, or just look for crabs for bait.
Every other year or so we take the tour of the Islands, walking leisurely on Heart Island and just sitting watching the world go by. When I am not there I go to the Alex Bay web cam daily just to get a glimpse of my dream world often bringing tears to my eyes, wishing I were there. This obsession for the river has been passed on for generations in my family, my grandmother (from Watertown, who died last year at age 102) to my parents who grew up in Watertown and tell about going to the river as teenagers and doing the usual shenanigans, to my children who also make the pilgrimage yearly, and now we are initiating our grandchildren.
So I need to thank you for enlightening me about the rich history and stories of the river, I relish every word and save each issue, you and your staff do a wonderful job in bringing the river into our homes. Thanks for writing back, and feel free to keep me updated about the state of our River ( is it freezing up yet ??), send pictures if you want !”
Thanks Joanne for thanking all of the TI Life team… it is appreciated.
Editor: Susan W. Smith, susansmith@thousandislandslife.com