In the cryptic efficiency of the present our cabin is known as Site #46. To me though, our  cottage will always be known as Mrs. Bender's Cottage. I don't mind the name because the name has persisted since my childhood when it was known as the Bender­ Hailey compound. The compound was so far from our end of the beach that I had to ask my mother for permission to wander that far. When one did venture to the compound, one needed to stand up straight and be particularly polite because the compound was as neat and tidy as the ships that Captain Hailey commanded. I always regarded Mrs. Bender's white cottage with the blue trim as the most charming on the beach.

 

Mrs, Bender wasn't the first person to enjoy our cottage. It seems that ours is one of the original homes on the beach dating as far back as 1904. I have cleared out (and saved) newspapers that date from the 1920's which leads me to believe that the date is likely accurate. The Keenlysides were the first family to occupy the cottage.

 

One family member went on to be a force in the hydro business so you could say they were damn fine builders, which they were. The cottage faces due west and in the evening when you make your final return from the outhouse, the North star can be observed by squinting along either the front or rear walls.

 

Maureen and I are enjoying restoring the place, being in it's 90th year and are looking forward to having more time to just sit on the front porch.

 

We consider ourselves stewards and very fortunate ones indeed.