Wayback Wednesday, sponsored by Jamie Lockwood, broker/owner of Sutton Group Muskoka Realty!
Calderwoods at the archway Huntsville. Postmarked 1936. Posted by Mike Morden on Vintage Muskoka
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The cabins, also known as Ruby’s Cabins, were operated by my great aunt, Ruby McNair, who was Ruby Calderwood in her first marriage and Ruby Robinson from Etwell as a child. I visited her there when my parents stopped on their way to our cottage on Fox Lake in the 1950s and early 1960s. Ruby lived in Huntsville all her adult life and was well known at her church and generally in town. Her gladiolas usually took first prize at the Huntsville fair.
In answer to Verda-Jane,s question, rest cabins were early motels. As more people started travelling by car, rest cabins started opening up to provide travellers with a place to stop overnight, an alternative to a hotel or camping. Presumably cheaper than a hotel, but somewhat more comfortable than camping. Eventually they were replaced by motor hotels, also known as motels.
Cute wee cabins and I noticed that each one has a chimney. I guess only wood heating in those days. So many changes.
I have a question about the rest cabins? Were they used for car drivers to take a fast nap or for overnight stays. I have never heard the term rest cabins. Thank you.
I and many of my friends learned to ski on the cabin lawn. The very steep BA hill ran alongside the lawn, it is a wonder no one was seriously hurt toboganning and sleigh riding there as we almost ended on the highway (Now Main Street West by
the old Archway