CHRISTMAS IN GRAVENHURST-

I KNEW WHAT A PAWN SHOP WAS - I JUST NEVER IMAGINED OUR BUSINESS HAD BECOME ONE - SORT OF

Honestly, I'd reached my thirties without ever once having entered a pawn shop. I knew about them, had passed by them on hikes in downtown Toronto, but as far as visiting one…….I thought it would be like something from the movie "Lost Weekend," and that I'd have to be in an alcohol-induced frenzy, to chase up a few more bucks for booze. Actor Ray Milland, a fictional writer-kind, tries to hock his typewriter for some liquor money in that same movie. I know this was a ridiculous Hollywood generalization, and today's Pawn Shops are run pretty much as normal retail with a twist. You see I didn't quite understand the nature of the business, until my own business wound up being asked to serve the same purpose.

In the early 1990's, we had an antique shop in uptown Bracebridge, below a popular framing shop. That was a saving grace for us, because we had the benefit of their customers, who also poked through the antique collection we had in our basement shop. I had been the victim of down-sizing and budget restraint on several fronts, and the business was going to get my undivided attention. It was that or close it. So while Suzanne worked, I looked after our boys in the tiny main street shop. I was Mr. Mom the Antique Dealer. It was awkward, difficult, but at the same time, a chance to be with my lads through the day. I had always been a Mr. Mom, from only a few months into Andrew's life. As I could write and manage a small staff, somewhat from home, just down the street from The Herald-Gazette office, and it was convenient to the school, less than a block away, I learned early how to juggle it all.

After Robert was born, we decided to open a small antique business on Manitoba Street, with friends from The Herald-Gazette. What a mistake. And when the writing and small broadcasting gigs dried up, I was glad and nervous at the same time, about being in the antique field, because I knew it was one of those businesses that did well when the economy was stable. Considered more than just a little frivolous in less prosperous times. Unless of course you were into major investment pieces. We were just a tad above junk shop when it comes right down to it. We had nice country pieces and very many old books, but overall we couldn't compete with most of our antique contemporaries in Ontario. The problem was that when my writing job ceased so did my partnership with our newspaper friends. We had to go it alone. Talk about scared to death. I couldn't afford to die.

In good times, we had fun, just as we do now with that same business enterprise. But then, geez, it was like being on the middle of a golf course with a thunderstorm overhead, and a lot of electricity-conducting materials close at hand. What had been fun, and a successful little second hand shop, became a pressure-cooker let me tell you. Add to the gloomy economy, the fact I'd lost my long-time writing positions, and we'd just purchased a car and a new house. What bone heads we were, and I admit it over and over to our boys, who experienced the whole nine yards of it, as youngsters. We went from having a strong income, being able to afford some frills in life, to having lotteries each month to determine which creditor got paid. But we got ourselves into this mess by over confidence in the economy of the day. Despite warnings about a looming recession, we went on a spending binge. It would have been okay if we could have sold our house, but that didn't pan out. It lost about $20,000 in value shortly after we purchased the house, and it would be a decade before we could actually breathe a sigh of relief, the value had increased. By the grace of God, and I mean this, the bank didn't ask us for more downpayment, to adjust to the lower property valuation. If we'd been asked for another dime, this house would have been a "walk away."

As we had our own burdens, that we shouldered without most knowing about, even in our family, we were so naive about such things, that we had no real understanding how everyone else was faring in the same recession. It came like a tidal wave. Sure, it started slowly. We went from two to five people wanting to sell us antiques and collectables each week, steadily to two to five people each day. We needed the inventory, and we had set aside money to purchase for the shop but we had no plan to lay-out a thousand bucks a week. After a couple of months, we just ran out any available cash, and even when we turned folks away, they'd come back every week to see if we had changed our minds. We had many of these people beg us to give them whatever we could afford……because they didn't have money for food that day, or enough cash to buy gas for their car to get home. One woman, who was out of gas, and money, asked me for $20 for a gold ring, and when I said "I'm sorry, I only have a few dollars in my till," she started to cry, took off a second ring, put it on the desk, and said anything, even five dollars would buy some lunch. I gave her about $18.00, which was all I had in my change box, and before I could hand her back the rings……and offer the money as a gift, she was gone. You know, I kept those rings in that tin box for the rest of the time we were in that location, and Suzanne still has them set aside. We felt horrible. She disappeared so fast, I couldn't get the rings back in her hand. I want you to know, because it's important, that I would never have asked for this kind of payment. As folks helped us when we were broke, we committed ourselves to helping where we could.

It just kept getting worse. We were asked to pawn thousands of pieces…..from the spectacular to the modest…..and although we did lend money to friends in dire straits, we never pawned anything. This was a time when there were no pawn shops locally, and the word got out that Birch Hollow Antiques would buy your old stuff. It was crazy. I turned away more people trying to sell me things, than the number of actual customers each day. But it was when you'd get asked to come and look at antique items, someone had stuffed into the trunk of their car, that you had that eye-opening experience, about modern day economics. I can remember, on one occasion, going out to a car (which was often the case with large items and quantities), that in my estimation, was also the primary residence. It was seeing the young kids in that car, and the valueless items in the trunk, that ripped my heart out of my chest. It's true that I often bought things I didn't want, just to help out a bit. It could only be a "bit" because I was also worried about feeding my own kids. It was like the Grapes of Wrath, and I began to hate the second hand business, because it presented misfortune like I'd never been exposed previously. That was my problem, and like Ebeneezer Scrooge, I needed to see this, experience it, and resolve to deal with whatever was presented. Sometimes it was just giving these folks, down on their luck, a willing ear, to explain their circumstances. Once you could get past their tears, and your own, when you heard about homes being foreclosed, and bare cupboards at home, you could offer some moral support at least……letting them know the person they were talking to, wasn't too far off their own situation. Strangely, that meant something…..because they didn't feel I was looking at them from some lofty economic height. It was in earnest, my period of greatest learning about recessions, and the havoc they cause to the trusting, hard working souls who believed the economic cycles were nothing to get fearful about.

Of all the circumstances I dreaded, for me more than my visitors, was when an old work colleague, or long-time friend, would arrive with items in tow, asking for a temporary loan. I have always valued friendships and I worried constantly about the tests of this relationship. The same folks who had bought rounds at the tavern, and lunches in the good times, and had bestowed so many kindnesses in the past, were standing in front of me, with that look of desperate expectation…….that our relationship might warrant some financial relief. Turning friends away was brutal, and made me sick to my stomach. It would always happen on days when I'd make fifty dollars, and be asked to shell out a hundred, to buy their family heirlooms, and realizing there was no milk in our own fridge, and gas was low to get back home to Gravenhurst. Right out of the pages of Dickens, it was the Christmas season that this was all so profoundly felt, on both sides of that sales desk. I felt it was my obligation to help my fellow man, and I did the best I could; and they hoped against hope, that I would be generous at Christmas…..as it was the tradition of goodwill and charity that prevailed upon the hearts of mankind. When there's noting in the till, and I operated on most days with no float for change, and the bank doesn't want to see you at the wicket, the only goodwill I had, was to take the time to chat, and console, and cry with them if necessary. The people staring at me, with an old clock, some chipped crystal, or their grandmother's lace table-cloth, had possibly just lost their homes to the bank……many had lost their jobs on the cusp of the Christmas season. Some were looking to trade some odd pieces for old toys and books for their own kids. Even up to Christmas Eve, they kept coming, hoping to get a few bucks to tide them over. I didn't have it. Well, I did once, and it cost me money for our own Christmas treats for Andrew and Robert. A fellow came in, two days before Christmas, and had a few items that he said had belonged to his mother. He had no place to live, no family that wanted him, no money for food. Just these few trinkets that while neat, were not of any significant value. I paid him more than the items were worth because he seemed like a good chap who needed even a small break to get along. Then, just as I was closing, on Christmas Eve, he arrived at the door, and simply asked if I could loan him twenty dollars or so, as he hadn't enough money for food. I gave him a hot coffee, we chatted for awhile, I gave him what I could, and we shook hands at the door. Yup, it was snowing and blowing, and it was as if Dickens had just then written the backdrop into the Christmas story. What I'd done, to Suzanne's chagrin, was cut our budget down to the bare turkey and some fixings. We had a few more presents to pick-up but that kind of fell through. But we had food and shelter, I said to myself. Then I felt bad for the rest of the holiday, that I hadn't invited this same man for a home cooked meal. I used to do that a lot, and Suzanne was quite comfortable setting another place for dinner. It's what our families did, during the Depression…..my grandmother having made their house a regular stop for hobos and travelers during the 1930's. There was always a pot of stew on the stove, to help ease someone else's distress.

For about three more years, we saw this unfortunate recessionary condition increase, and it was only when we decided to close the shop, and sell instead through antique sales and shows, that in those final months of mainstreaming, the stream of sellers began to slow down. The only way we coped generally, was that we offered to sell their items on consignment, which I'm happy to say, worked good for both sides. If they could give me a few weeks, and with reasonable customer flow, I could actually make them more money, than if I had purchased the pieces over the counter. We took twenty percent and it all worked well for the period of time. I will never forget the experiences, and the boys are pretty clear about those days (as they stood beside me at the counter), and have a good insight about the precarious economy of the times. They come by their wisdom honestly, and they don't over-extend themselves or rely on banks to finance their retail enterprise.

It's going to happen again, and they'd tell you there is clear evidence, on street level, that many folks are selling off heirloom and otherwise important pieces, to stay afloat. We wish we could help everyone, but it's obvious now, our most abundant resource is sage advice, understanding and compassion……and we certainly appreciate, from experience, what it's like to be in a financial pooper. There's no shame it in whatsoever, and as survivors of downturns….we can honestly look back and feel a sense of pride, we regained our stride by hard work and re-investment in our community…..and knowledge that good neighbors are any hometown's greatest resource.

Our own experiences, and appreciation of financial disadvantages, did lead us to launch our support for the Salvation Army Food Bank, here in Gravenhurst. This is our fifth fundraiser at the Opera House, I believe, (although we did perform several times at the Senior Citizens Centre), for the Food Bank, and we really hope you will come out on Saturday, December 10th, and offer a wee donation, to help others at this festive time of the year. We all benefit from this act of kindness. And although we wish we could say the Food Bank was no longer needed, we're realists, and we know the Salvation Army is going to face an increasing demand for assistance, and we want to help deal with that situation…..the best we can…….and that will be with music…..with a lot of help from our friends, and music students. If you can't afford a donation….we want you to attend anyway, as our treat for Christmas…..and there's no nicer, warmer, more neighborly place in our town….than the good old main street Opera House.

Thanks so much for your help in the past.

I will offer future profiles of performers planned for that concert evening, which by the way, will again be under the seasoned, well respected direction of Master of Ceremonies, Fred Schulz……a traditional relationship we are proud to carry on each year.

You can get more information on the event, drop off a corporate sponsorship or make a donation before the show, at Andrew Currie's Music, on Muskoka Road, across from the Opera House.

CHRISTMAS IN GRAVENHURST -

A WONDERFUL ARCHIVAL FIND - AN EARLY 1900'S POET WHO WROTE ABOUT MUSKOKA

Although in the early stages of development, I have been offered an exceptional collection of early 1900's poetry, in a handwritten binder, (including many published pieces) depicting the Muskoka region from 1910 into the 1930's. One depicts in verse, Muskoka's 122nd Battalion, of the First World War. When I finally acquire the material, I will be publishing a biographical profile of poet and his work in my Nature of Muskoka Blog (Bracebridge), where I do most of my historical journals. I absolutely thrive on original material for research, and the timely observational pieces are right up my alley. This will be a Muskoka first, and I love getting scoops. So I will let readers know when it is about to be published.

DIG A FALL-OUT SHELTER, BUILD UP SURVIVAL SUPPLIES, OR WELL, WRITE A JOURNAL ABOUT HOW TOUGH IT'S GOING TO BE IN ANOTHER BLEAK ECONOMIC DOWNTURN

When I lived in Burlington in the late 1950's and early 60's, I remember hearing about neighbors building fall-out shelters. I think the digging got a little more aggressive around the time of the Bay of Pigs showdown between the U.S. and Russia. I'm told we even had air raid type drills at school but I don't remember it personally. I was pretty young to know much about war and the kind of bombs that would necessitate digging holes and jumping into them…..with a door shut between them…..and us on the upper side…..presumably in harm's way. My parents didn't build a fall-out shelter, and I guess that had to do with living in an apartment. The laundry room was the lowest we could get in that building. But I was made aware this was not a normal period of time, and that there was increased danger of something imminent……that never happened. That was good. There have been a few other testy periods for us baby boomers, but this period seemed most perilous in retrospect. When John F. Kennedy was assassinated, well that seemed pretty tense as well. In retrospect, it was a damn precarious time for everyone, pondering if the Russians had a hand in the shooting. Short of Martian invaders, most people in our neighborhood felt the Russians were our biggest threat. I didn't know where Russia was, at that point in my schooling, but I watched for them every day on the way to school. Or something like a bomb, which I did know about, falling from the sky onto unsuspecting second graders. I offer my apology to the Russian people, in retrospect, for thinking they were going to invade my neighborhood. Those darn story-spinning adults!!!

I've been a student of the Great Depression, and all the recessions since, and the way folks coped at home during the periods of World War. I've had kind of a fascination about economic downturns, even from the pioneer period in our country, simply from an historical perspective. While it's also true, that the big real estate meltdown of the late 1980's, was the dance with economic reality that almost cost us our new home. I lost four jobs inside one year. Our antique shop, strangely enough, survived. When you're a tad panic-stricken, masterminding cunning plans about how you're going to survive, and feed your young family, the old mind gets a real work-out, as does the stomach churning toward an ulcer. What I decided to do instead, to occupy my downtime, was to study the way it was etching over all of us…….sort of like a glacier on Canadian Shield. I wanted to know all of its consequences to all folks, rich and poor, doctor, lawyer, bus driver and store clerk. I wanted to know how they were able to get by, and hold onto their jobs, their income, and even how they were able to profit from economic calamity. I grew up in a family that reminded their young son about the days of the Great Depression, and how my grandparents provided for them.

My mother asked me, one day, if she'd ever told me why my grandfather swore off religion. Of course I didn't know, but I was pretty sure she wanted to tell me this wee bit of family history. "Well, he was hired to build a church for a congregation in Toronto," she said. "It was a beautiful little church that was perfect for the congregation. It was built on time, and with everything they had asked for. When it was officially opened for Sunday services, all agreed Stanley Jackson had done a terrific job. Then they refused to pay him for the work he had done. He turned his back, walked away, and never spoke of God or religion again." The money was needed to feed his own family. It was a big one. The loss was profoundly felt. There were many other stories about my Cabbagetown grandmother, who made her sons race up the road after the delivery wagons had passed, to collect any horse droppings for the garden……which she needed to keep the family in vegetables at least. The coal chunks, right out of the book "Angela's Ashes" were similarly scooped up and joyfully brought home for the heater. I thrived on these stories. Not on the suffering I new occurred, as my father and brothers were frequently turned over to Childrens Welfare Services, when things got really bad…….but the reality they pulled together however was necessary, and survived many crisis periods. I can tell you, as you may have experienced yourself, I didn't throw things out in our house, even plastic bags, that could be re-used…..not recycled, but used for a variety of other household economizing. If I left food on my plate, by golly, I was reminded of the lean years, and what starving kids would have done to get those few leftover pieces of meat. Both my parents were similarly etched by the troubles they had traversed over a lifetime. I wanted to learn more. My greatest learning experience was the immersion of the late 1980's, early 90's, and it was a tough decade. I became Mr. Mom. Suzanne went to work. We survived but it wasn't pretty. But what we learned of home economy, by immersion, was worth the experience of facing-off against an unwieldy recession, being in the most vulnerable position possible. Don't want to do it as recreation but we've been preparing for the next downturn since the last one in 2008. I don't think we're going to have to wait too much longer, to watch the next economic tsunami wash our way.

The economic news tonight is grim. In Europe, in United States, with the financial rating agencies threatening countries like France, and speculation that Hungary, Italy and Portugal, are going to tank real soon. While I'm not a "sky is falling" kind of guy, I'm an historian. I deal with the past daily. The precedents are there. Just not this enormous, and so soon after the last downturn. Most troubling, is what I see of the most vulnerable…..and in that number are those who have been financially stressed for years, and then those who have taken on great personal debt on the assumption……"no way is it going to happen."

I want to write a little more about this, from a personal perspective, later in this blog collective. I'm worried about the cavalier attitude of local government in particular, and how they are going to manage the downturn…..and the resulting reduction of the tax base. Will we be seeing bankrupt towns and cities in this province? It's happening in the United States. Is there time to straighten some of the mess out prior to any new recessionary wave? There's not much time, and I'm not being reactionary whatsoever. I'm genuinely scared of this one, because the food bank and social services are already seeing substantial increases in urgent need……and our government is tapped out. How much flexibility exists?

I want to know that our municipalities are up to speed on this……..and what they have as emergency preparedness, if and when we get hit with an economic crisis. Some would say……it's already too late. We're screwed. I'm a tad more optimistic. I would have been the last to jump from the Titanic, thinking it could be righted, despite being more that halfway below the waterline.

CHRISTMAS IN GRAVENHURST -

AND IN CASE YOU'RE WONDERING, I DON'T SUPPORT ONE GOVERNMENT FOR MUSKOKA

I can not, in good conscience, help pound the last nail into the coffin, for the independence of our Muskoka communities, by supporting the revived mission of some, to make the District level of government the administrative end-all. What the movement is creating, is that familiar wave of endorsement-hustling, to pound the square peg into the round hole, such that we might believe with this particular wash of political / economic smarts, everything will be so much better without all these awkward governmental divisions.

I read and heard the same type of "administrative betterment" propaganda with the creation of the Trillium Lakelands School Board. So, how did that all work out? As an example, just before you shoot the messenger, consider the reality that school buses were running during Friday's storm aftermath. Consider the fact the power was out in Gravenhurst for quite a period of time,….. it was hugely dangerous because the snowplows and sanders were held back because of hydro problems, power was out in several schools when students arrived, and tree and branch-laden roads could have caused serious delays and accidents on their own. The dirt roads haven't got enough frost down in them so in warm weather with snow, you tell me that doesn't make for interesting driving. When the buses should have been cancelled for our locale, they weren't because of a disconnected administration, from one end of the massive region to the other. Even having kids at roadside, waiting for buses, put them at great risk, due to falling limbs. If it had been colder, under the same snow conditions, with buses having to make lengthy stops for accidents and road clearing, the risk would have been substantially higher. So in terms of efficiency and, well sensibility, the system didn't work as it should have, to protect passengers. The reality is, a better reporting, and decision-making protocol should be in place, to differentiate between the weather realities and dangers in Gravenhurst……that don't necessarily affect Bracebridge or Huntsville. The broad sweeping protocols of canceling buses…..well, it means there's a precarious disconnect with sensible proportion, and it should be fixed before there is another similar incident.

If I was mayor, I would have made my own call to the Board, to let them know some important, local, safety issue concerns about sending those buses forward…..and the potential legal ramifications of doing so. As mayor one would have to know how dangerous it would be, to have those buses and snowplows in a stand-off on a narrow dirt road. So who does have ultimate authority here? Is One Government going to make it all better?

I covered District and Town Councils from 1979 to 1990, and I saw a lot of stuff I didn't like. There's still a lot that makes me cringe about both levels of government. But I have grave concern, about those proponents, who have this idea, that the economic situation will be so much better by reducing the number of politicians, and the apparent duplication of services. If you've been reading the recent Toronto carryings-on, one might just wish to pause for awhile, to consider just what bandwagon we're jumping on. Above all else, the reality is, the expanded school board has not been the model of success it was expected to be, and while provincially driven to amalgamate, has not, in my opinion, created all the efficiencies it was supposed to, when it was hastily put into place. Once again, citizens be damned. When was the last time you heard or read about Board of Education Trustees debating issues at their regular meetings. I remember some great old fashioned point-counterpoints, that every citizen could read about in the local press……and yes when it was the Muskoka Board of Education. Is everything just fine down there at headquarters. I don't think so, but most people would believe this. There's not a lot of education issue ink being shown in the community press these days. Why not? Are there no contentious issues? Trustees have been greatly reduced in their capabilities to fight for what we want! Just pay your taxes and suck it up. So the first thing that is mandatory, is to examine the successes and failure of that amalgamation, with all the economic benefits and improvements detailed, so that the folks here, can see for themselves what they're headed for, in one tier proponents get the changes they desire.

Remember this fact of crafting a movement. You start with the mission you believe is the best one for all of us. I think the interest is genuine. It is worth reviewing and appreciating it, and as my hero, Dr. William Dawson LeSueur (named both Gravenhurst and Bracebridge, and was a critical-approach advocate), would say……of course it is relevant to have both sides presented for scrutiny. Not however, a "we think it's a great plan - and so should you." If I was mounting a campaign, such as trying to get folks out to our Christmas Variety Show (Dec. 10th at the Opera House), I wouldn't offer you reasons not to attend. We have a desire to fill all the seats because that will be good for the charity we plan to support with the proceeds.

The fact a committee has been created to look at this "one government" issue, is admirable, and a clear sign democracy is getting a little work out. I like that. Yet you're not going to find, (at least very much any way), an over-abundance of this balanced critical approach to solution finding; or inviting participation of a parallel group, offering up substantive reasons why the present system should be maintained and refurbished instead. Why is that? Why wouldn't this be in their best interest, to present pro and con. I mean, if they were genuinely interested in the good graces of democracy, and getting a dynamic new government system, why wouldn't it be taxpayer-serving, to hunt and gather both sides of the contentious issue, as a genuine exercise of public education. What you will find however, like we'd expect for a mandated project mounted by a few, that it will generally be a negative perspective…..because they're selling a concept. As good intentioned as they are, this is a mission to accomplish an end result. Whether there is any other motivation for this, at this time, who knows? Is there a deep seeded political agenda here? We need to ask these questions, even if the answer is "NO." So that we can again ask one more time, "ARE YOU SURE?"

There needs to be a parallel study, and possibly a group of citizens to look at the benefits of what we have at present, and if it can be improved upon versus being scrapped altogether. One level of government plays into the hands of political messers-about, and those who know the system, and what has happened in Toronto, and many other large municipal governments, and allows a political drift of party politics, into the regional scheme of governance…..and while it plays out at present, and has for decades, it is mildly but significantly buffered by the two tier system, which places "town welfare" as the over-riding concern…..not whether there are more card carrying party supporters at the table. Is their a Klinck Team in Muskoka, like the Ford Team in Toronto? Believe it or not, our councillors here, in Gravenhurst, while undoubtedly carrying some loyalty to their former mayor, as present District chair, are representing their town in the proceedings of council business…….fighting for what they can, and lobbying for the welfare of their taxpayers with the divisions of capital spending. I don't think the prevalence of political party influence has the same oomph as it would in a one tier system, where governance for the whole region, can be vastly swayed away from hometown values……to follow political will of governing parties in upper levels in this country.

As someone with a little experience in this field, and having worked with a former District Chairman for most of a decade, I feel the best way of improving District Government, is to take the same taxpayer enthusiasm, that is now proposing single tier governance, to instigate an administrative reform, to let councillors and staff know they are being monitored by the ratepayers……up close and personal. It has had an influence in Gravenhurst, because the ratepayers are not pacifists. They have kept citizen members up to speed, and have co-operated generally with elected members. The outcomes of this intrusive reality. Councillors know they're being watched, reviewed, and held to account. It's not perfect, and not such that all efficiencies are met, but it's still a fledgling outfit. Now my suggestion, is that the one tier thing, become a "district watchdog," and make some demands on council, for reform, that are currently not being made. It's foolish to think efficiencies can't be found with the present system, that would allow the towns to maintain their own municipal councils. But they need to be held to greater account, for their actions, and reactions, and for the giant debt they currently possess…..on our behalf.

One last point. The tag program for garbage is one of those debates, that bothers me, and I wish I had a greater, louder, more influential voice, to ask them to stop this initiative in its tracks. At least at the local level, at present, we can approach the subject based on the economy and sensibility for Gravenhurst to adopt this strategy. I can tell you now, a broad sweeping initiate, with faulty logic, could mean a countryside full of garbage. If you look at some areas of Toronto, even in visible areas, refuse by the truck-load is being dumped on public and private property because of bag limits and extra expenses. As our number one industry in this region, is tourism, and our greatest resource is our landscape, making it any more difficult to dispose of garbage, or expensive, and we will see our roadsides and open spaces become impromptu and convenient landfill sites. As someone who helps pick up this refuse…..and there are quite a few of us doing this around here, even one neighborhood's dumping is often unbelievable…..let alone a whole district. Ask the local Salvation Army Thrift Shops how much refuse they get in the guise of donations? Town and District Councillors need to know this, and that means enlightening themselves by actually asking those who know best…..not surmising, and then voting for something that doesn't fit our region. The number of low income situations in our region, tell me very clearly, they will not be able to afford what is being proposed. The two bag limit per week situation, is a problem. The three bag per week allowance at the landfill site is good, and I use it frequently, but then I have a vehicle. Many of our citizens don't. While I'm not suggesting that it is this situation alone that will cause illegal dumping, because cost-savings is a big incentive for many of us, it will contribute none the less. The local level understands this, and will be approached accordingly.

If we were dealing with one tier on this issue, with the potential of political agendas being more prevalent, we could definitely experience a more difficult block of opinion, than we do now……when we at least have the town council's wishes being passed on to the district table. We don't have to drive to Pine Street in Bracebridge to access of reps. Is it a subtle difference? Yes it is. Fear mongering? Of course I am. As political influences pop up, in municipal politics all over the country, I don't want to deal with a pro-provincial, or federal party strategy unfurling in our region. It's there now, and few would deny it……but it is less strategic than it could be if we had, after some future election, more card-carrying party loyalists. Party politics in municipal politics isn't new, but the proposal in Muskoka for one tier……while not new…..is going to have to be weighed accordingly. Not just because I'm a critical mouth-piece…..but because logic tells us, that with the misadventures of the past, we should exercise great caution when afforded the chance. We need a clear and concise overview of both the present system, with all its apparent flaws, as compared to the new model. No holds barred. It's time the citizens of this community were allowed all the facts…..not just the ones used to achieve a successful end result for some.

And Merry Christmas to you.

CHRISTMAS IN GRAVENHURST -

THE BARGE, THE REPAIRS, AND GOOD NEWS FOR CONCERT ON THE BARGE PATRONS - SORT OF AN EARLY CHRISTMAS PRESENT TO THE TOWN

Last summer I wrote oodles and oodles of copy on the problems facing Music on the Barge Manager Fred Schulz, facing some unfortunate news about the physical condition of the actual Barge platform, and what it will take to keep the summer concert series going. It was initially estimated that it could take about $130,000 to restore. There are a lot of rotten boards on the platform, but the real issue is with the iron support posts, which after a long, long life, have become disassociated, in places, with their appointed task……..of holding the whole works above water. We wouldn't want performers, or the winners of Communities in Bloom, to be catapulted into Gull Lake, if the rest of the supports followed the others, and simply let go of the woodwork.

After it was discovered that the ramp leading out to the Barge was also in peril, Fred spent an agonizing spring season, trying to figure out alternatives to bridging the gap of water. The first two concerts of the summer season had to be relocated to the Rotary Pavilion, which while a small space, handled the task; and as they say……the shows went on despite. The town rallied and the bridge over troubled water was re-secured to the bottom of Gull Lake, and the rest of the season went off pretty well…..except for the occasion of rain, which is always a problem for Fred and assistants. Rain outs had been held at the Opera House, while there was ongoing construction at the new recreation centre.

It looks like the work for this year, securing the platform supports, will be done in stages, to allow for the concert series of 2012 to climb back aboard. The commitment by the town to fix this entertainment venue is a huge endorsement of Mr. Schulz's contributions, over the decades, bringing thousands upon thousands of concert-goers to Gull Lake Park, many of them visitors from other regions of Muskoka, comprising permanent and seasonal residents. A lot of our neighbor communities would like to have an established, unique and storied venue like ours. So we're most certainly glad, that they are willing to drive to our town, for a nice Sunday evening in the park. Maybe a treat at the Gull Lake Snack Bar. An ice cream cone after the show. A few grocery items. Some gas while here. The spin-off is there……and if there is any one who doubts the numbers or the spin-off, they would be most welcome to come out and see how this alchemist of The Barge, gives our town a nice economic boost, without ever taking so much as a bow for his efforts. He loves The Barge. He adores his audience. And whatever we pay him, it's not enough. The price of goodwill? You tell me! Those happy concert-goers are talking about Gravenhurst…..and some of them are following blogs like mine, to find out if the 2012 season is a "go" or not. Some have worried the summer concerts will disappear, if the Barge has to be torn down. They're not really interested in a new-design for the Barge, or demanding an amphitheater be constructed along the shoreline……nice but certainly not a necessary expense, in my view. Put that money into The Barge upgrades. Add some more park benches. But what the heck, Barge loyalists are just tickled the town is going to keep this project on the front burner. We all know about budget restraints. Most of us know about the rigors of taxation. We've shrieked a little, when we've seen the newspaper headlines. So it is of some generosity, that the town has been willing to make the upgrades, in light of all the other stresses upon the municipal budget. We do appreciate the precarious balance. But The Barge is a marquis event for our town. It's a big advertising opportunity, most had never really thought about. It brings spending power to our town every Sunday afternoon and evening. It can impact the BIA zone as much as The Wharf, the South End business community, and the town generally. Fred, without knowing it, has become a semi economic development agent, for the town. I don't think he's had an extra lump in his pay packet for all his contributions……known and unknown benefits he has inadvertently brought to Gravenhurst. Replacing this guy would be a behemoth, expensive task. The town must not be cavalier about this point. The volunteer brigade, including the techies, (of which two carry the Currie name), are loyal to Fred, and are there out of friendship, and genuine interest in maintaining this entertainment venue long into their own futures……invested in this hometown.

It's one of those traditions I've been writing about, and one that has spanned out, over the decades, to have a fan-base that is broader than ever. It's not just about the performers. Heck no. It's about the social / cultural side of it…….the clear evidence that the old town is still kicking, and Muskoka summertimes are special…..and affordable. I've never known Fred Schulz to ever ask a single person to leave the park, because they didn't or couldn't contribute a few coins to the nightly collection. He wants people out to enjoy the summer nights, to celebrate a tradition started so many years ago, and to mix and mingle with friends and neighbors. Ask Fred why he can't walk through the park before show time. Well, it's because, if he did, he'd never make it back in time to announce the evening's performers. He gets mobbed by friends. By people who have been coming for years and years…..young adults who came to the park as kids with their parents and grandparents, and want to let Fred know how important this "tradition" is, here in South Muskoka.

Last summer, when I wrote a series of about 6 blogs (you can read them by going back a tad), in support of Fred, who was admittedly having some logistical problems with the town, and pondering if there was any point continuing his managerial tenure, some councillors were taken aback. They weren't aware of all the nuances of The Barge, the concert series, the numbers who attend weekly events, and whether or not the whole thing was worth the money required for upgrades. I wondered if those who had these questions, or showed indifference, had spent time at Gull Lake, to witness for themselves, just what was going on down there on these wild Sunday nights. For those who didn't know what was going on, and didn't exactly jump on the bandwagon, and come to the very next concert, I don't have much patience in this regard. Especially if the matter came to a vote, and I discovered councillors with this lethargy representing our interests and our town assets. That would be unacceptable. Right? Regardless if you think it's a lot of extra work, every council member should know what is going on in their bailiwick, despite what department, or beneath what manager, especially something as huge as Music on the Barge. I understand some viewpoints have changed, and there seems to be a great appreciation now, of just what it all entails.

I offer sincere thanks, in advance of Barge repairs, to those councillors who have familiarized themselves with the precarious situation facing the Barge Manager……and the future of the Concert Series tradition that seemed uncertain back in July. There was one very unfortunate, high profile resignation I couldn't reverse, (still have hope it can be salvaged) and there were more coming if things hadn't changed quickly. I particularly appreciated the kindness of Councillor Heidi Lorenz who took the time to listen to our woes, and chat with Fred about physical upgrades needed. She created a new conduit for discussion, and did not dismiss the concerns as insignificant. And while I can't say now, that other councillors didn't help take weekly collections, we know Heidi was there on two occasions when volunteers were badly needed, and it was a nice gesture to Fred……to offer a handshake of support for a somewhat under-appreciated venue. This is not to suggest Councillor Lorenz was the only town politician to offer support for the project, because we know there were several others who stepped up to assist. But just when it was looking pretty bleak, well, Heidi helped broker a temporary resolution, and a general peace for the rest of the season, assuring Fred and volunteers that repairs would get a fair representation at the council table in the pre-budget deliberations. Her personal, and timely visitation with Fred, certainly helped with morale, and facilitated an improvement in relations with the parks and recreation department…..that had been a hinderance more than a help to the manager.

This is one of the most successful, well known outdoor venues in Canada. And it should be known, that performers like the Good Brothers, carry this provenance with them, throughout North America and Europe, while on tour……letting spectators there, know about this great lakeside Barge, situated on a sparkling little lake, in the beautiful Canadian Town of Gravenhurst, Ontario. No kidding. They've told the Gull Lake audience this several times recently. This legendary Canadian band, tells folks in countries like Germany, that one of their favorite places to play……is Gull Lake Park. And their friend, Fred Schulz, keeps bringing them back, year after year. And we're good with that! By the numbers on, in and around that natural amphitheater, overlooking The Barge, we concur with the Good Brothers. And the best part….it's ours.

I want to respectfully thank Councillor Lorenz for defusing an unfortunate situation this past summer, and to all the councillors since, who have shown their willingness to learn more about the concert series, and demonstrate some flexibility and resourcefulness, to make the improvements necessary, to keep the Barge afloat.

As for who the folks would like to see continue as manager of The Barge? That would be the pillar above the water. Mr. Schulz.

At a time when we feel a tad downtrodden here, about the main street economy, and the recession blues generally, there is an important resource that has been under-appreciated for years, and a manager, who has weathered many recessions in the past, to carry on as the flag bearer for this town. Not once has that flag touched the ground. So please, offer Fred your support and co-operation for the coming season.

CHRISTMAS IN GRAVENHURST - SNOW, PARADE AND CHURCH FUNDRAISING SALES

GOOD TO SEE FAMILY EVENTS - IT'S WHERE THE FUTURE IS!!

In my olden days, the only way my clanking, boat-anchor-weighted typewriter, let me down, is if it ran out of ribbon. No really. I'd use a country mile of ribbon so many times, forward and in re-wind, that I'd actually start pounding the keys through the paper. The ribbon would be shredded. I hated putting on new ribbons, and the only delay in getting back to writing assignments, was conning someone in the news office to help me out. And no, I didn't have a way with the girls. They knew when they heard the loud clacking of steel against rubber, that I'd be needing assistance soon. They'd do anything but touch that manual typewriter. Possibly it had something to do with the portions of sandwiches lodged in there, and the occasional cigarette butt that one of my reporters would, as a practical joke, dump into its inner sanctum. Everybody said it smelled bad but that was probably the dozen or so coffees that were toppled onto the leftover sandwiches and cigarettes, and not actually from sweat or anything personal like that. I'd yap at them, something like, "Yea, well I'd bet if I was Hemingway you'd help me out." "Hemingway didn't have a landfill site as a typewriter," would come the hurtful jab. I digress. The point of all this? No matter what I did or didn't do to that typewriter, I never lost my copy. It might have been stained by mustard and pickles, a few burn holes, and be soaked with coffee, but it never once ate my columns. That Underwood was unbreakable…..except for the ribbon.

When we first shifted to computers at The Herald-Gazette, in Bracebridge, back in the early 1980's, I didn't make it past the first half hour, at my new MDT terminal, before a wee flood of coffee was smoking from the keyboard. I had management's attention, I'll tell you that, and I got to work at my trusty Underwood a while longer. Then came the no eating and drinking rule, while at the computer. That sucked. More than half my motivation came from pop, coffee, chips, and assorted all-dressed ballpark franks, and well…..a shot or two of whiskey in the coffee when we had to work late. I lost a lot of copy but I finally got the office gals to pay attention to me. They'd help me save copy, so that I wouldn't start screaming and crying when the screen would go blank. I like to think it was office affection but I found out later they found me very disruptive…..and I guess that's not good if you're a staff accountant. They also found work environs at least fifty percent better, because there was no hollow for food bits to get trapped on the ever-humming, winking, blinking MDT's, and the coffee was easily sopped up with the paper towel roll I was issued.

So when there's bad weather, and my old typewriter is now but a fond memory, I have to unleash every ounce of patience, when dealing with this computer set-up in our home office. I'm not computer literate, as this is what Suzanne tells me over and over, when I beg assistance after hitting the wrong key, or finding myself on some exotic website by mistake. Honestly. I don't even know how to turn the beast on. Suzanne used to help me change typewriter ribbons. She didn't like the fact that when I did, there were black fingerprints over every upholstered piece of furniture in the house. And now when she gets annoyed because I refuse to follow instructions, on this infernal contraption of modern day communication, I suggest to her, my ignorance means I'll never carry on an on-line affair, or visit pornographic sites…..at least on purpose. With that look of annoyance and yet resignation….."mother told me not to marry a writer!" She commands me to move over, and she plops down and within seconds I'm back in business. It took a lot longer to put on a ribbon, right? She should be grateful I'm not needier than I am. Did I ever mention that I was a goalie as well as being a reporter (I founded the famous Rink Rat Hockey Club in Bracebridge). No sooner had we signed the marriage documents, and exchanged our first kiss as a married couple, than she made me get rid of my goalie pads. After she found a stray cat sleeping in the equipment bag. Tommy, the alley cat, had pulled out all the packing from the goal pads to make a nice bed. We adopted Tom, and I unloaded the pads at a yard sale. A point worth noting. My equipment was outside because it smelled. I didn't think so but for the sake of our young marriage, I capitulated. It was relegated to the porch. Darn it was cold putting on that frozen jockstrap. My Underwood was also on that porch. I slept there one night too…..side by side Tom, when my philosophical hubris didn't quite cut-it!

I was put out of action by the snow event this week. No matter how much I stared at this screen, and keyboard, or commanding it to "open says-a-me," it left me pining for that "landfill-site-of-

an-Underwood," now probably recycled into a bicycle or a high rise girder. I don't know its precise fate, but without the old grinder, I had to resort to handwriting and paper. At least I don't lose it when the power fails. If I lost a wad of gum, mid-chew, I always knew where to find it!

Lost tree limbs, and found the one my neighbor generously afforded me from his sixty foot pine tree. Almost lost my little garage shelters under the snow-load, and didn't enjoy shoveling snow at midnight with the boys. I can think of better father-son partnering, than shoveling cement-heavy snow, to free the family truckster for its morning work-out. Which didn't happen, because the road wasn't plowed, and there was no way I was going to take a chance with the one-narrow-lane thing, in our "valley" topography here at Birch Hollow. Suzanne trundled off, grumbling up the road to work, undoubtedly thinking back again to that sage advice…."writers!!!!" "It's okay dear…..I'll just keep the home fires burning…..till your return." I'm such a romantic.

It's Christmas. Glad to see some snow. Great for the Gravenhurst Santa Clause Parade on a brand new "historic" main street…..which I understand will be officially re-opened next Friday Night, during the ceremonial tree-lighting, outside the Opera House, to celebrate the festive season in our home town. The boys will keep their music shop open until nine p.m. that night, with cookies and beverages to share with their guests.

Suzanne and I love making the rounds of Church fundraising sales, and we got some interesting buys……geez, a whole box of cassette tapes, of music our boys like, some still in the plastic wrap. I found Andrew a great square dance collection of 78's, because he loves to dance….that boy! Only kidding. And best of all, it contained "Goodnight Irene," a song by golly, I used to sing both boys at bedtime……..which apparently gave them nightmares. My singing, not the song.

By the looks of parcel-laden shoppers, at these Christmastime sales, folks were having a good time at modest expense. Tradition when I write about it, probably seems overbearing and stuffy, like living inside a history book. But when it's appreciated, practiced, and respected for all its building graces, like it was today, with Santa and all, and the trimmings of hometown hustle and bustle, well then it's a whole lot of stress-free fun. We need some fun around here. To make us remember what makes it all better. Good and caring neighbors. I saw plenty of that today on our main street, and it's pretty much true….that if you build it, they will come……and come back year after year. It was a good re-building day, and with activities at the Opera House for the kids, a movie with popcorn, well, it was a family day. It wasn't just about main street business profits. It was a demonstration of kindness to young families……the future of our town, and a treat for those of lesser income, who don't get many treats these days, anywhere. I have always believed we, as a community, have been neglecting our starting and young families….failing to show them how much we want them to stay here……and how we wish to help them raise those wee citizens…..the coming generation of residents who will be the stewards of it all……. If we want to ensure we hand it off to good hands, they need to know what a good home town is all about. I think we should make the Opera House more dynamic to children's entertainment….and an affordable, central place for young and old, and everyone in between, to gather as a community. Regular fetes would be nice.

WE SHOULD THINK ABOUT THE FUTURE MORE OFTEN - DO WE HAVE ENOUGH KIDS TO FILL THOSE CLASSROOMS?

It seems like a long time ago, but Suzanne and I were part of the Save Our School Committee. We moved to Gravenhurst in 1989, and we wanted our boys to go to school here. There was a short hiatus however, due to our employment circumstances. Andrew and Robert spent the first public school years at Bracebridge Public School. As Bracebridge was where our business was, and where Suzanne taught (high school), it was convenient for the boys to go to BPS, and that required special approval by the board. Eventually with changes in employment, we opted to move them on to GPS where they flourished. When the proposal came along, for Gravenhurst students to join the population of a new super (high) school in Bracebridge, we had a conundrum we hadn't anticipated. Wanting them to go to GHS, we knew it necessitated us getting involved to help stave off what seemed inevitable. This town came to a boil.

Here's a really good reason to pay attention. What happened before, with the potential closure of Gravenhurst High School, can become an issue again. Although it was seen as a decisive victory, a few years back, when activists here….very much led by the determined, unwavering efforts of the publisher and editor of Muskoka Today, plus a legion of other concerned citizens, let the Trillium Lakelands Board of Education know, loud and clear, we would not surrender our school, by supporting the construction of a super school in Bracebridge. Gravenhurst won then but that was "THEN!" I trust you didn't think the issue was over. When the provincial budget arrives on our doorsteps, next week, we will undoubtedly find our school board facing budget reduction directives……and they will be forced to look at many different ways of cutting costs and improving efficiencies. The same reasons they gave earlier, for closing our school, and amalgamating students ten miles or so north.

Gravenhurst councillors, not keen to get advice from a critic like me, should none the less, keep this issue in mind……and begin looking at plan "B" because whether it happens in the next year, or five, the issue of school closure looms over us…..and as it would be catastrophic to a town that has had it fairly rough, recently, it doesn't take a consult with Kreskin, to figure out we'd be spiraled into a full fledge crisis. I'm real big on preventative maintenance. Councillors and civic leaders should be aware what might constitute consideration for closure. While I don't believe it's imminent, or that there is a folder to that end, on any administrator's desk, but when these things tumble out of the sky…..it always seems a panic over weeks, not months, to mount opposition. The best plan, is to avoid surprises, and seek some consultation with the school board now, to find out if there are any reasons for concern……and in the future, for a closure order to be proposed.

We need our young families. We need to be producing students for the schools we have. In great error, folks, we have had a long period of retirement-age accommodation-building, that while needed and well received, has not been the kind of encouragement to keep our community balanced with young, thriving families. Without them, schools will close. It's that simple. If you research just how many schools have been closed, in this province, during the past ten years, you'd take this advisory more seriously. The retirement age citizenry does not generally require school resources. As many regions are suffering, at present, from lessening enrollment, more school classrooms, and whole school facilities, are being moth-balled each year.

Gravenhurst Town Council should be pro-active, and if in fact, Trillium Lakeland does have concern about the future of GHS, they might be able to close the proverbial barn door…….before the horses are trotting off somewhere else. With the spate of bad news in this town, but the reality we seem to be good at bouncing back, we should know the reality of the situation, and work with the Board to find solutions if such a closure scenario is possible this coming decade. It will take a behemoth effort to save the school, if this becomes the mandate of the board. Knowing the options well in advance, seems so much more desirable, than panic-mode reaction.

CHRISTMAS IN GRAVENHURST - EARLY SNOW, DOESN'T IT LOOK GREAT

No one would ever accuse me of having a treeless property. It's pretty evident after this morning's snowfall, that the Curries are not only tree-huggers, but they like the seclusion they provide. Even in the summer season, if I move on the deck, while people are passing, they startle and gawk. "Look dear….there's a house back there." You can still see the clutter on the deck but it is wreathed so nicely by native trees…..Muskoka trees. Canadian trees. And the enhancements of a Canadian winter. I am in my element. Except for that pesky cricket, chirping away at the strangest times, somewhere near my collection of old hockey sticks in my office. I know it's trying to tell me something. Maybe this keyboard tapping is disturbing its slumber. I might ask it about trees. A cricket should have an opinion about such things? Don't you think? Here I ago falling into that Disney trapping of my youth…..when crickets were people after all. As for trees, it's like this……

In our neighborhood, as grand and scenic as it is, with the accent of The Bog across the boulevard, we've had a lot of tree haters over the years, who have cut beautiful pines, maples and birches down because they apparently weren't in vogue, at the time, to what property enhancements were most elegantly fashionable…..and I suppose suggestive of great wealth and social standing. I've never had one or the other but I've watched neighbors who weighed gain by the number of trees they reduced. They'd cut a beautiful maple to make way for an exotic shrubbery. Sorry, but I love my maples. They're family around here. To them, we were always the "tree crazies." That's because I told them bluntly, that for every tree you cut down on your property, I'll plant two at Birch Hollow. Of course I sometimes only planted one, but they thought I'd planted more. That was the gossip anyway, and I fanned it like a Norwester on candle flame. While the reckless cutting of trees has slowed down recently, we've also been planting more shrubs (the Monty Python variety) and flowers than trees. Today it looks like a Christmas card…..and I like that about the place. And before you ask, we cut down all dangerous limbs, and make sure power lines are unobstructed, and wouldn't be impacted here even if there was an ice storm.

Yea, I'm hoping folks will be a little more conservation minded-here, because I'm running out of room, and the two for one deal is becoming a little harder to implement. We do love our trees.

I'm a contented, pleasantly coerced victim, you see, of the legendary poems of Robert Frost, and I have stopped many times, in the woods, on snowy evenings. And our favorite trees were the ones Frost like to make comment….and now you know why we call the old bungalow "Birch Hollow."

THE ISSUE OF POVERTY - MUSKOKA - AND DO WE DESERVE IT?

Speaking of vogue, I can't remember a time when issues of poverty in Muskoka, got so much ink. I really should be thankful for the coverage, if it wasn't for the accompanying ignorance about where our economic disparity came from, and where it's going from here. I really can't abide associate writers who don't research their topics thoroughly, and most recently, in a variety of media, the shortfalls of investigation have given cursory, incomplete and unfair coverage of the prevailing economic crisis. And every time I read such less-than-impressive research efforts, I can't understand, as a regional historian, and former editor, how you can pass off these high profile tomes as "well, this is the way we see it…..so it must be true" There are a lot of narrow vision writers out there, who need to smarten up. What happened to the pride of being the best of the best. Being damn proud of a byline, and everything printed below it? Here's a little tip from a veteran of the industry: make sure that when that editorial or article goes to press, that you can say, with honesty, you did as much as you could to validate your story, having examined as many points of view as possible. In the case of economics, and the poor in Muskoka, there is no excuse for not seeking out the opinion of historians. Take you pick. There's quite a few still kicking around.

Here's the problem in a nutshell. As we like to live everything in the present and future tense, many writers, not just in this locale, attempt to generalize the past couple of centuries, and target those readers who fell asleep in high school history class. There is a clear and unsettling avoidance of history, and I really don't know if it's a cumbersome situation, or it's just not in the time-frame of article development, to research through local histories to answer some age-old questions. You see, I don't find much today that doesn't have a link to the past, and therefore, trying to move forward, very much requires an understanding of how we have moved forward in the past. It's pretty much hinged. Take poverty for example.

While today's writer, out of laziness….or disinterest, likes to keep things contemporary…..it gets in the way of the total picture. In the case of poverty in our region, and even in the case of business downturns I frequently read about these days, there is a prevalent opinion that "geez, look what just happened in our neighborhood…..there are poor people." Like there have never been poor before. Shazam, as Gomer Pyle might say. The poor? Well, this can't be good for our region. Now to qualify the importance of research….not to simply validate the relevance of having historians wandering about under-foot, poverty and "the poor" in our region dates back to the first settlers to set foot on the bush trails of South Muskoka. Why? Well, in order to settle the wild regions of Canada, to support the efforts to claim this vast country, so the American states wouldn't move north, and later to justify the construction of the great sea to sea railway, huge numbers of potential settlers were recruited from Europe. With the generous offers of free homestead land grants, and outright lies about the quality of land (for agriculture) in Muskoka, for example, the poorest of the poor sought an escape from their prevailing destitution. The poor of Ireland, Scotland, England, Europe generally, and the Nordic countries. Icelanders, looking for better lives, were offered free grant land in downtown Hekkla, near Rosseau……a place of so many, many trees…. They were promised jobs, provisions, and a close knit community of fellow emigrants. The problem was that their provisions were half what they should have been, winter was setting in when many arrived in the 1870's, there were no jobs, few established citizens who could speak their language, and did I mention the trees. In Iceland, the trees are vastly different than the ones filling out Canadian forests. They weren't all that familiar with logging, as was necessary in Canada, as a condition of the Homesteads Act…….requiring the clearing of so much land, over a set number of years. And the didn't come with a lot of cash. But the Icelanders hung together (some did move on to places like Kinmount, Ontario, and to Gimli, Manitoba), felled the trees (even for the provinces bid to build roads), and made a strong cultural community in Hekkla……humoursly named after one of Iceland's best known volcanoes. Were they poor? Of course they were! Their success was as a community. It was their strength as a home settlement, that fostered a sharing of hardship, and of prosperity.

Canadian land agents, with a mandate to help attract new settlers, and steamship representatives, on the hustle, didn't always tell the truth about the inherent dangers of moving to this new land. Free or not, homesteading in the harsh climate of a typical Canadian winter, could be a killer-reality. Settler's guide books, sold for profit, not simply as acts of kindness, were often as misleading, and while some contained fair advice, and warnings about having adequate provisions, many couldn't read the text……they'd never been privileged enough to learn. When they arrived here, they found it anything but welcoming. The relationship with Muskoka began with hardship and economic disadvantage. The agricultural wealth of the land wasn't quite what had been advertised. Agents were so busy meeting their quotas, they neglected to speak honestly about the vast forests and rock……and boglands stretching across the paradise they were selling to the desperate. Did they give a rat's arse that some of these poor bastards were going to die on those same homesteads, the direct result of the lies and mistruths about the good graces of Canadian opportunities. Of course there were survivors. There were industrious, entrepreneurial homesteaders who pulled it off. They remained poor but they didn't wind up as premature casualties of the great bid to populate the Canadian hinterland. As we engage urban sprawl today, into the hinterland, we should also expect to find a lot of unmarked graves from these same homesteaders…..who never made it to the prosperity they were promised.

At almost the same time as the poor were arriving in Muskoka, looking for a better life for their families, the well-off sportsman class, were making forays into the wilderness for recreation. Some settlers got the idea of tapping into these early exploratory visitations, which seemed to be expanding, and offered rooms for rent in their modest abodes. It wasn't too long into the 1870's before investors, who had made similar forays from the city, began thinking about larger accommodations, with more luxurious appointments than the pioneer homestead could offer. As the settlers hacked away the forests, for a wee bit of arable land, the hoteliers found that sportsman would also bring their families along, if the right accommodation could be found. While some believe branding is new to the new century, word of Muskoka's healing, healthy, invigorating environs, was being shot around the world by those who stood to profit from "TOURISM." At a time of serious destitution on our wild frontier, luxurious hotels and resorts were springing up all over the place, and later private sanatoriums for the well-off……which was good for some homesteaders who could get work clearing sites, providing wood for construction, carpentry to build some of the accommodations, and provide some garden produce for the hotel kitchens. It was a mild help to the pioneer economy.

As the steamship industry was thriving in the late 1800's, there was still that characteristic of passenger…….the "eyes-wide-open" homestead class, full of fear yet hopefulness, on the same chugging new Muskoka Lakes' vessel, as the budding tourist class, with their eyes on adventures for a price…….luxury for those with the means to afford it. From the early years of settlement and development of Muskoka, there were rich and poor. Those who could afford to boat and golf, play tennis and eat the finest foods on the menu, and those who were of much less resource and potential to change their fortunes.

When I read these foundation-weak editorials today, the provocative questions about "what we should do about this poverty thing," makes me cringe…..because the only way to deal with the issue effectively, is to understand that it's the way we began…..and have continued in the ongoing reality of a seasonal economy. Although the poverty today doesn't represent the continuation of homestead toils from the 1870's, it is part and parcel of what we have always lived-with in Muskoka. A busy summer season, and a not so busy winter. But let me tell you, as an historian, it's a lot better today than it has been over the centuries. Tourism is stretching more and more into the shoulder season, and as the cities to the south continue to expand outward, Muskoka is going to see more active "retreat" seeking in the future. It won't solve poverty. It won't stop folks from getting into trouble, because they've made risky moves, and bad decisions. We can't always help those who racked up big credit card bills or mortgages, who all of a sudden lose their jobs. That's economics 101. As for anyone who has moved to Muskoka, because of all the opportunities……where did they hearsthat? It's not like Muskoka's history lied to any one. And those who thought the magic beans of big industry would save us here, and diversify the economy, have been disappointed time and again. Heck, I remember all the fuss about Corning Glass coming to Bracebridge in the 1960's. A very short lived relationship, but the building they vacated has gotten some use. Yet the number one industry, in Muskoka, from the late 1800's to the present, is routinely seen as the culprit of our disadvantages……more, it seems, than the realization that it's the kind of industry that responds well to investment……we just haven't made the effort the way we should have thirty years ago.

CHRISTMAS IN MUSKOKA -

ON BEING HISTORICALLY MINDED, AND NEVER BEING ASKED A QUESTION - AND SUFFERING THE CONSEQUENCE OF RESPECTFUL SILENCE

The inherent, long-term problem of being an historian, is the near-guilt we all suffer, on occasion, when we don't get an opportunity to share what we have learned through our research. Most of the time, we have to foist it on pundits and assorted other critics, who make claims without a smidgeon of historical background……, and we feel compelled to correct the inaccuracies….or offer a contrary opinion at the very least. It's an unwritten but none the less necessary obligation, to know as much about the issue(s), as possible, by asking those who know, for a learned opinion. Attempting to research and understand what many of us have spent near-lifetimes trying to uphold, and represent to the present audience, and audiences long after this, is a foundation matter of logic and respect between those who know…..and those who want to know more.

Time and again, we just grumble in silence, pull the last few hairs from our heads, and occasionally write letters to the editor of the local press, offering clarification on, what we believe, are important historical inaccuracies. The clarifications and corrections are never as poignant or remembered as the original articles or columns, and it has become almost redundant to even try to offer these insights to those who don't seem to care. Here comes the Blog!

Regardless what you may read, or hear, or come to think about Muskoka's economy, and our own situation here in the southern climes of the region, one of the single most oft- repeated assumptions, is that we are mired down in a seasonal economic way of thinking…..and doing business in the jet stream of another era. That somehow, we are in error, and imminent danger of damning ourselves into economic oblivion, because of our general maintenance and pre-occupation with tourism as an industrial, ever-flowing fountain. The problem with this approach, and it has history itself, is that we can actually start believing that we can develop an industry in Muskoka that is better than the behemoth tourism sector we have enjoyed, in some form or another, since the founding of our home town, and the region itself. The "we need to diversify" argument has been around for decades, and while there is certainly nothing wrong with developing new sources of revenue, and attempting to adapt to the world's changing economy, as an outrigger for balance, at times, in the past 30 years, it has taken on an arrogance and determination that has actually served to undermine what our tourist, second home-owner, recreational, accommodation and service industries have worked so hard to maintain and improve upon. We like the idea of strong diversification but neglecting the number one industry in the region, to do so, is just reckless endangerment of an historic, resilient economic reality.

For decades we have, in many ways, neglected important improvements in our region, that would facilitate our number one industry. Instead of encouraging hotel and resort development, marinas, and theme park developments, we have opted for strip malls and box store developments. The Wharf, whether we like it or not, is an example of positive and sensible reaction to the tourism business. And while the photographer, monitoring the site in the off-season, would show ample evidence of empty parking spots and few patrons of their business corridor, it must be balanced with the same study of the peak season, when it is jam packed, many neighbor businesses, chugging right along, including our precious steam ships. The fact that the downtown / uptown is suffering a downturn of attendance, in the summer season as well, speaks more of a cyclical business transition, faced by most historic downtowns in North America, particularly when the decentralizing commercial malls began springing up in the regional hinterlands. It took Gravenhurst a little longer to engage the transition, that Bracebridge and Huntsville had initiated many years earlier, so it's to be expected an evolution of businesses and diversification of fare is taking place at present. Competing with the box stores is a challenge, and particularly hard on businesses selling similar if not parallel items. It will only get worse, if in fact, the European and American recessionary woes seep into Canada. You can't blame a preoccupation on peak season economics, for what ails the main street. When each of these businesses located on the main street, they knew what the number one industry was in Muskoka. As for retail, most of them would agree, summer season income is weighty, and pretty much the barometer of staying in business or abandoning it for another career move. But the seed of dissent, makes them feel somehow shortchanged and beaten out of a fair return for their investment, because the tourism business doesn't boom twelve months a year. Here's an idea. Embrace tourism, and make every attempt to serve it well….better than well!

As we got cocky about diversification, in the misguided attempt to put tourism in a humbling place behind manufacturing etc., because we dream of being self sustaining here, our local governments……benefitting greatly from lakeshore taxation gouging, turned onto this idea of making Muskoka a manufacturing leader of leaders. While I have always believed in diversification, and know the value of industry as an economic stimulus, with jobs, jobs, jobs, it created a long period of neglect here, that has cost us greatly today. We needed tourism accommodation like we had at the turn of the 1900's (even earlier), and we most certainly required community leaders to encourage tourism investment in all quarters. Instead, we got mired down in fights against resort / commercial development, such as the failed Roseneath project, in Muskoka Lakes, and there was a clear turn of favor away from seeking-out industry improvements. Instead, we seemed to relish the idea of strip malls and over-retailing, as if the movers and shakers of our towns believed, it was good for the economy. Well, seeing as our summer visitors and second home owners (cottagers) have many retail opportunities where they come from, it was eventually reasoned by investors, that just possibly…..the visitors to our region were not overly impressed…..or even mildly excited by having more of the same old, same old, sprawling out from the historic main streets that they'd far rather see, reminding them……with affection…..of the internationally positive overviews of a naturally alluring MUSKOKA. In my young days, growing up in Bracebridge, circa the mid 1960's, we welcomed back the tourists as if they were old and dear friends. The merchants reacted with gusto to make the most of the admittedly short season. But as the main street then, was not over-retailed, the shoulder seasons were a little easier to survive over the winter months. Now there are a lot more mouths to feed. So we add more retail instead of improving the dynamic of what we can profitably operate.

The tourism industry is long past the traditional two month peak season. In our small main street shop, we have tourists and cottagers visiting us throughout the year, and we are pleased to see them. With a lot of recreational pursuits offered in Muskoka, and many, many more insulated and accessible cottages, and of year-round accommodation, the situation is better than it has been for decades. There is a new awareness about "build it and they will come," but not just retail outlets…..no matter how big." Call me an arse, and I'm used to it, but the best effort is to self-improve with entrepreneurial savvy. And while not ignoring the needs of the community at large, and the services they need in order to live here comfortably, they all need to recognize the historical reality……tourism is our number one industry. In twenty-five years from now, God willing, tourism will be our number one industry……unless we screw it up……and we've come close on a number of occasions. This is a fact of history folks. I didn't make this up. So in any argument, that suggests we can diversify away from it, and contently survive even in part, is plain and simply faulty logic. At this time of economic uncertainty, the best advice, is to nurture an industry with global potential.

Now explain to me, why our community, time and again, finds so little ambition, to provide more generous hospitality to our Asian friends, when they trek in great numbers to our region during most of the autumn season? In my mind, this is a wonderful manifestation, and respect for our region, that goes beyond what most of us think as 'tourist season." Would it be too much to ask, that we set up a hospitality area at the Opera House, as an act of Gravenhurst kindness, when they arrive to see the statue of Dr. Norman Bethune…..how about an indoor hall so that they can have a cold drink, or enjoy their own picnic in another historic place we'd like to share? What would it cost to play a good host? Somehow it's just easier to complain than to look at the reality at hand…….just because it's not the reality we wanted most. Here's an idea. Show tourism the respect it deserves, in the community that was built primarily on tourism capital…..that generated a steamship industry (still getting recognized internationally, I see) that is still booming, all thanks to the industry we love to dismiss casually.

We are excited about the Christmas season in our community. Our boys are looking forward to their annual Christmas Show at the Opera House, on Saturday, December 10th, and have already decorated their main street music shop…..to start the celebration in earnest. And of course, there's the Santa Claus Parade this Saturday morning at 11 a.m. We're pleased as punch about this as well. Amongst our patrons this Christmas season, we will have that pleasant and encouraging coming-together, of visitors, cottage and condo owners, local shoppers and just casual daytrippers enjoying the ambience of an historic Muskoka town. Hopefully, they'll find that we offer something different, and the kind of atmosphere you want to visit…..if not to buy something, then maybe to enjoy a chat, a sit on the couch, or to share some information, friend to friend. But don't ever tell us about the importance of respect for all our patrons…..regardless where they have come from…..down the street, from the wider region, the Big Smoke or across the pond. Merry Christmas to one and all.

I'm going for a walk in our beautiful Muskoka woods. It's why we moved to Gravenhurst. It's still the inspiration we get every day, before we go to work, and the gentle embrace, we get, when alas, we come home at night……and look out at this same moonlit forest…..and think…..what a nice place this Gravenhurst.