THOUSAND ISLANDS HISTORY
The St. Lawrence river flowing in from Lake Ontario becomes, in the course of a few miles, so wide and so full of islands that it was called the Lake of the 1000 Islands. To the Indians it was known as "Manatoana" or Garden of the Great Spirit. As a vacation paradise it is world renowed. The river, 15 miles at its source, gradually narrows to five miles in width and the islands, over 1800 of them, vary in size from mere points of rock to those of severl square miles in area. They extend from Cape Vincent to Ogdensburg, a distance of 50 miles. The resort building boom, at it's zenith during the 1870's, caught on in the 1000 Islands. Good and easy transportation by rail and boat brought throngs of visitors to the Islands. Small islands were going at bargain prices for summer home sites. Known as the "Venice of America," the 1000 Islands became a desirable summer resort for the newly wealthy.
A significant resort culture sprang up, straddling the border that meanders through the islands between eastern Ontario and upstate New York. Access was facilitated by an ever expanding network of railroads and passenger steamers. New structures catered to the needs of summer visitors- from grand hotels and sumptuous private residences of shingle or granite, to resort churches, temperance-society tent communities, and spectacular boathouses.
Relective of the times, the architecture ranged from tiny gingerbread laden cottages to vast homes of high Victorian styles. The beauty of the Islands' scenery, the romantic history of the region, purity of air, attractions for the sportsman, be he an angler or fish, hunter for game, or a boat racer for excitement, have been the inspiration of historians, tourists, novelists and poets during the past hundred years and remain so today.
GRINDSTONE ISLAND
One of the larger of the Thousand Islans, Grindestone has a history and heritage in two countries, Canadian and American. Its unique political history and the isolation of the island life created the development of a special place. Disengaged from the larger mainland, Clayton, New York is directly opposite Grindstone. The island has gone on year-round, remote from many changes of the 20th century. To hike these dirt roads, withouot electrical power lines or automobiles, is to be back two centuries ago, when this large island was settled.
The summer colony at the head of the island was established in the 1800's and some families have been there for many generations. Families who have enjoyed the remote location of the island for generations have been diligent about protecting its qualities. Large areas of Grindstone Island have been protected by the Thousand Islands Land Trust, so that its incredibly scenic landscape may remain undeveloped.
ST. LAWRENCE PARK
Located on the mainland between the Thousand Islands bridge and Alexandria Bay, St. Lawrence Park was one of the many cottage colonies on the river which once linked the railroad by steamboat service and featured a large resort hotel, the Lotus.
ROUND ISLAND: JUST OFF CLAYTON, NEW YORK
Called "Frontenac" when the great hotel of that name made this the center of the Thousand Islands life, the post office still bears that name although service like the grand hotel has disappeared. Fine summer cottages from the late 19th century dot the shores of the island and vestiges of foundations and traces of landscaping from th Golden Era remain in the center of the island.
GRENELL ISLAND: OFF THE EASTERN END OF WELLESLEY ISLAND
One of the small cottage colonies, there are approximately 60 structures. Grenell has one of the lovliest chapels in the Thousand Islans region. Although the island was developed with interior strets, like nearby Thousand Island Park, most of the cottages line the varied shoreline. A perimeter path winds along the shore, passing between boathouses and cottage porches, centers of island life.
WESTMINSTER PARK
Originally intended to be as large a religious campground development as Thousand Island Park, at the other end of Wellesley Island, Westminster never became as large or as densely populated. The Park, late 19th century Victorian in style, overlooks the Canadian channel and Lake of the Isles. A unique feature of the Park is a tiny chapel designed and constructed for the community of Westminster Park by local residents Mary Hannah and Randy Arnot. The Park is accessible by automobile and year around for many residents. It adjoins fine golf courses, fine dining establishments and a 20th century complex of residential and recreational facilities.
THOUSAND ISLAND PARK
Thousand Island Park on the eastern end of Wellesley Island developed as a religious camp meeting association before the advent of the automobile. Lots were small and suitable for tents. This was and still is, largely a pedestrian community where all is within walking distance of common facilities- main dock pavillion, beach, playground, tabernacle, fine dining at the Wellesley Hotel and corner soda fountain. A remarkable survival of a 19th century village, largely unchanged for more than a century, Thousand Island Park retains a rich collection of charmingly restored cottages. The Park is not merely a serene place for oldsters but a vibrant place for youngsters- truly a family resort for all generations.
