Name/Title
Handwritten Note About Van Vlack Circa 1920'sEntry/Object ID
2020.30.1Scope and Content
Handwritten Notes about Van Vlack circa 1920'sContext
The handwritten note reads: "John VanVlack settled on the river about 1864. He built a cabin on the lakeshore at the point and took up fishing. He also managed a small store and supplied the few settlers from the country goods. Later on he built a float to convey customers to Stayner, their nearest post office. He then built a larger store on the south shore which at that time the government constructed a wooden bridge to span the river. They then established a post office and was named "VanVlack" therefore the village was named "VanVlack" later taking the name of "Wasaga Beach" and remained so to date. The principal industry at that time was timbering and lumbering which was conducted by ______________ , later by Oliver & McSherry & D. Andolph, then by W.E. Dodge & Co. The mill passed thru several hands and when owned by Wm. Milne of Stayner was destroyed by fire. About that time the river was chosen as a tourist location. The first camp on the river was financed by R. W. Councer (?) in 1881 and was built by Hy Freeman who is still on the scene."Acquisition
Accession
2020.30Source or Donor
UnknownAcquisition Method
Gift