A Brief History of “Stagger Inn”

Island 198, a private 5½ acre island on Lake Temagami, was purchased in its raw, undeveloped state from the Crown back in 1952, by the father of its present owner, for a sum of money that might now buy a nice dinner for four in a high-end restaurant. But one had to be serious about buying land then: it was a requirement that building(s) having a certain minimum value were to be erected within a very short time. Construction materials were ordered from a supplier in southern Ontario and shipped by truck and boat to the island, whereupon the cabin now known as our “Bunkie” was constructed on a high point overlooking the main channel (north-east arm) of Lake Temagami. We traveled to the island in an open 15 ft. cedar strip boat powered by a Johnson 10 hp outboard, on a trip of 10 miles or so down the lake, often getting drenched by either sudden summertime squalls or by the wakes of large commercial passenger vessels like the historic Aubrey Cosens, VC, a steamer not unlike Muskoka’s Segwun.

Our cabin was less than 100 square feet in size, and contained only bunk beds for a family of four. All cooking and washing was done outside, and a very primitive outhouse was built nearby. This little building was completely rebuilt both inside and out in 2002, but to honour the history of the island, three of the outer four walls were left with their original siding.

In the mid 1950's, a larger more extensive main cabin was built, now referred to as the “Homestead”, featuring a living room, kitchen and two bedrooms. Water was pumped by hand - no more need to haul it in a bucket! Cooking was done by coal oil, later to be followed by naptha fuel, then propane, and finally by 1980, electricity. During the 1960's a screened porch was added to one end, and an enclosed porch with bathroom on the other. Now this was getting pretty civilized for a “fishin’ camp” as it was often referred to; imagine - indoor plumbing!

Over time, ownership of the island was transferred from the owner to his two adult children, who for a time, time-shared the property. In the early 1970's the present owner, who is the younger of the two brothers, began a six-year-long project of building his own log cabin (originally named “Stagger Inn”, but presently referred to as the “Main Cabin”, as “Stagger Inn” is the moniker we now give to the entire island). This was done in order that both brothers and their families would have space to live and enjoy the beauty of Lake Temagami, with its swimming, fishing, majestic old-growth pines, and awesome sunsets. After the death of their father, they later subdivided it into two lots, each with its own Hydro service.

Space requirements continued to expand, as the two owners’ families grew, so each of the boys built their own sleeping cabins on their respective properties, the “Pine Point” cabin and the “Cedar Grove” cabin. As an aside, the names assigned came about in recognition of the trees nearby. “Pine Point” sits on a point of land on the most secluded side of the island, right beside the largest white pine on the entire island. “Cedar Grove” was located right in the midst of a large group of small spruce trees and was originally to be called “Spruce Grove”. But when sufficient trees were cleared out to make room for the cabin, just a ring of cedars was left around the building! So the name was quickly changed.

When their mother died in 2000 the older brother sold out to his younger sibling, who then began a massive program of renovation of the three cabins on his newly acquired lot. Walls were straightened, floors were leveled, flooring upgraded, some appliances replaced, an insulated ceiling installed in Pine Point, new furniture bought, a new picture window installed, wood shed built, new stone hearth, toilet replaced, outhouse modernized, wrap-around deck built on storage shed, swim ladders on both docks, pathways improved, satellite TV installed, PBX phone system installed linking all buildings on the island, and the list goes on. (See complete details in the building descriptions.)

This property is the one that we are allowing close friends and relatives to visit, who don't mind sharing expenses so that we can continue to keep it in the family without undue financial hardship. Our friends have the peace of mind in knowing that they have their privacy on the island (all buildings basically out of sight of one another) while never being quite alone if something needs attention or replenishment.

We in the “Main Cabin” along the path are there to:
• provide limited backup generator power if summer storms cause a power outage
• provide transportation to and from the mainland
• clean water filters as needed
• assist you in disposing of your garbage

So that you don't have to bring too much stuff with you, we will keep you supplied with complimentary:
• firewood (in the woodshed)
• propane for the barbeque
• staples such as paper napkins, toilet paper, coffee filters, salt, pepper, sugar, detergent, etc.
• provide fellowship and conversation at your discretion.

We invite you to join us for an informal dinner at our cabin on the evening of your arrival.

In addition to your private docks at Homestead and Pine Point, our newly constructed 800 sq ft sundeck over the water at our main docks is available for your use also. This is where we keep all the boats, and we are only too pleased to share with you pool noodles, a canoe, a row boat, and to qualified* operators, a 15 ft. aluminum skiff with 25 hp outboard.

* PCOC Card, CPS “Boat Pro”, USPS “Boat Smart”, CYA “Spark Start”, or equivalent qualification.