Presqu'ile Provincial Park
A major change happened in 1956 when Presqu’ile came under the Provincial Parks Act. A new era began quickly. The first thing to go was the Presqu’ile Park Commission. The bulk of the point would be the Presqu’ile Provincial Park, with the exception of the line
of cottages along the bay shore which became part of Brighton. Land owners in the park area were bought out and the land reverted exclusively to park use. The natural environment became the highest priority for the park from this point forward.
A major change happened in 1956 when Presqu’ile came under the Provincial Parks Act. A new era began quickly. The first thing to go was the Presqu’ile Park Commission. The bulk of the point would be the Presqu’ile Provincial Park, with the exception of the line
of cottages along the bay shore which became part of Brighton. Land owners in the park area were bought out and the land reverted exclusively to park use. The natural environment became the highest priority for the park from this point forward.
Last Farmers on Presqu'ile Point
The last farm on the point was owned by Jack Atkins. Here is Jack and his family in 1947. Jack Atkins was born in London, England, in 1895, just before his father, John Atkins, who was an was an accountant, was transferred by his company to New York City. On the advice from a friend, the family began coming to Presqu’ile for summer holidays. In fact, Jack and his brother Clarence with sister Gladys are the three small children standing on the verandah of Hotel Presqu’ile in the picture of opening day in 1905.
The family liked Presqu’ile so much that John Atkins purchased farm land along the bay shore west of the cottages, in the area we now call the Calf Pasture. Jack came to Presqu’ile permanently in the early 1920s to mange the farms. Sadly, John Atkins died suddenly at his desk in New York City in 1933 and the property eventually came to Jack.
The Atkins family farmed the land and sold product to cottagers, campers and the folks in Brighton. They were also engaged in all sorts of services, such as delivery of mail and driving school bus. For many years they cut ice from the bay in the winter, stored it in an ice house, and sold it to summer visitors. Jack was also on the Park Commission.
Jack and his family held out until 1958, but were eventually forced to sell the land to the province and move into Brighton.
Some of you may remember Harold Atkins, Jack’s son, who passed away recently. Harold had lots of stories of the farm on Presqu’ile, and lamented, like many, the end of an era.
The last farm on the point was owned by Jack Atkins. Here is Jack and his family in 1947. Jack Atkins was born in London, England, in 1895, just before his father, John Atkins, who was an was an accountant, was transferred by his company to New York City. On the advice from a friend, the family began coming to Presqu’ile for summer holidays. In fact, Jack and his brother Clarence with sister Gladys are the three small children standing on the verandah of Hotel Presqu’ile in the picture of opening day in 1905.
The family liked Presqu’ile so much that John Atkins purchased farm land along the bay shore west of the cottages, in the area we now call the Calf Pasture. Jack came to Presqu’ile permanently in the early 1920s to mange the farms. Sadly, John Atkins died suddenly at his desk in New York City in 1933 and the property eventually came to Jack.
The Atkins family farmed the land and sold product to cottagers, campers and the folks in Brighton. They were also engaged in all sorts of services, such as delivery of mail and driving school bus. For many years they cut ice from the bay in the winter, stored it in an ice house, and sold it to summer visitors. Jack was also on the Park Commission.
Jack and his family held out until 1958, but were eventually forced to sell the land to the province and move into Brighton.
Some of you may remember Harold Atkins, Jack’s son, who passed away recently. Harold had lots of stories of the farm on Presqu’ile, and lamented, like many, the end of an era.
Rock and Roll at the Pavilion
One my favorite memories of Presqu’ile was Presqu’ile Pavilion on summer Saturday nights in the late 1960s. On many occasions, the band playing at Presqu’ile Pavilion was The Westbury Union, led by a fellow ENSS classmate, Dan Thompson.
You could hear the music long before a parking space was found in the field beside the pavilion. Just inside the door, Mr. Quick sat at a small table taking your money. The folks standing behind the table seemed an intimidating bunch, although we all knew that there was no messing around at the pavilion. Rowdiness was taken care of very quickly. Besides the great music, most of us were more interested in the snack bar which served excellent hamburgers, fries and pop. Oh, yes, there was also the matter of a lot of pretty girls around the dance floor.
One my favorite memories of Presqu’ile was Presqu’ile Pavilion on summer Saturday nights in the late 1960s. On many occasions, the band playing at Presqu’ile Pavilion was The Westbury Union, led by a fellow ENSS classmate, Dan Thompson.
You could hear the music long before a parking space was found in the field beside the pavilion. Just inside the door, Mr. Quick sat at a small table taking your money. The folks standing behind the table seemed an intimidating bunch, although we all knew that there was no messing around at the pavilion. Rowdiness was taken care of very quickly. Besides the great music, most of us were more interested in the snack bar which served excellent hamburgers, fries and pop. Oh, yes, there was also the matter of a lot of pretty girls around the dance floor.
End of an Era
Attendance at the hotel and pavilion dropped off in the 1950s as changing social conditions began to pass by the old summer resorts. In the 1960s, the 401 and television added to the decline.
Unfortunately, it could not last for ever. Mr. Quick died in 1971 and his wife in 1973. The land was quickly sold and several lovely modern homes build on the property. The only thing that remains of the old summer resort, is the government dock.
Having said that, the park is beautiful and just the right place for campers and cottagers. I am grateful to live so close to a place where an afternoon bike ride or an evening drive through the park is just the pick‐me‐up thing.
Attendance at the hotel and pavilion dropped off in the 1950s as changing social conditions began to pass by the old summer resorts. In the 1960s, the 401 and television added to the decline.
Unfortunately, it could not last for ever. Mr. Quick died in 1971 and his wife in 1973. The land was quickly sold and several lovely modern homes build on the property. The only thing that remains of the old summer resort, is the government dock.
Having said that, the park is beautiful and just the right place for campers and cottagers. I am grateful to live so close to a place where an afternoon bike ride or an evening drive through the park is just the pick‐me‐up thing.
Friends of Presqu'ile Park
We can’t speak of Presqu’ile Provincial Park without mentioning the amazing work of the Friends of Presqu’ile Park. This is a non‐profit co‐operative organization that was established in 1988. They operate the book store and gift shop at the Interpretive Centre near the lighthouse. They raise money for many projects, such as installing the boardwalks, caring for wildlife and providing educational programs. To learn more about the work of the Friends of Presqu’ile Park, check out their web site.
Also be aware that this is an organization that is always looking for volunteers to help in the park.
We can’t speak of Presqu’ile Provincial Park without mentioning the amazing work of the Friends of Presqu’ile Park. This is a non‐profit co‐operative organization that was established in 1988. They operate the book store and gift shop at the Interpretive Centre near the lighthouse. They raise money for many projects, such as installing the boardwalks, caring for wildlife and providing educational programs. To learn more about the work of the Friends of Presqu’ile Park, check out their web site.
Also be aware that this is an organization that is always looking for volunteers to help in the park.
Our Lighthouse Shines in the Sun
If you go down to the park, please take a minute to drive out to the east end and see how our beautiful lighthouse shines in the sun. Major renovations were undertaken by the Presqu’ile Point Lighthouse Preservations Society which was established in 2013. This group persisted through difficult situations, did a lot of community fund raising, collaborated with many organizations, including the park, to make the dream a reality.
The lighthouse on Presqu’ile Point is a symbol of the enterprise and commitment of this community. Take pictures and pass them on to friends and family. Let everyone know how proud we are of our lighthouse.
If you go down to the park, please take a minute to drive out to the east end and see how our beautiful lighthouse shines in the sun. Major renovations were undertaken by the Presqu’ile Point Lighthouse Preservations Society which was established in 2013. This group persisted through difficult situations, did a lot of community fund raising, collaborated with many organizations, including the park, to make the dream a reality.
The lighthouse on Presqu’ile Point is a symbol of the enterprise and commitment of this community. Take pictures and pass them on to friends and family. Let everyone know how proud we are of our lighthouse.
Interpretive Centre
Near the lighthouse is the Interpretive Centre where visitors can find lots of information about the park. The Friends of Presqu'ile Park operate the book store and there is a small theatre showing a dramatic presentation about the story of HMS Speedy. Following that theme, there is a storyboard on the west wall of the building and a historical plaque outside along the shore.
Near the lighthouse is the Interpretive Centre where visitors can find lots of information about the park. The Friends of Presqu'ile Park operate the book store and there is a small theatre showing a dramatic presentation about the story of HMS Speedy. Following that theme, there is a storyboard on the west wall of the building and a historical plaque outside along the shore.
