#40 -The McLaughlin Cabin
From the book written in 1998....
The McLaughlin cottage was once a store. The store was originally built in 1912-1918 (according to Bill Cornwall). It was owned by the Simson Family and operated by a man named Bailey. Mr. Bailey ran and operated the store until 1925. It received its supplies from the Union Steamships that ran up and down the coast. The ships delivered meat, vegetables, ice cream, newspapers, the mail and other necessities. The store also functioned as a post office.
In 1925 Mr. Bailey left Thormanby Island to work at a store in Robert's Creek. Mr. Summers replaced Mr. Bailey (Mable Rathbom's stepfather). He ran and operated the store until 1950-51 when our family, (Will, Rose, Michael, Maureen and Mary McLaughlin) bought the store from Joe Simson for $300.00.
The store was a 12 by 24 foot room but the talents of my mother and father and a lot of love for Buccaneer Bay transformed it into our summer cottage. Over the years an incredible assortment of bottles have been discovered under the house. These are likely a tribute to Mr. Summers' reputed love for imbibing. He was also rumored to be a flirt with the ladies. We continue to find hidden bottles to this day!
Our family's love for Buccaneer Bay has been passed from children to grandchildren. That little joy has provided us with joy and a desire to continue the pioneering spirit!
