<\/broadstreet-zone><\/strong><\/div>\nDavid Scott, a retired high school teacher, has recently published a book about Clyffe House resort in Port Sydney. It\u2019s a deeply personal story and one that helps to explain what it was like back in the late 1800s and the early 1900s .<\/p>\n
You see, Dave is the fourth generation of his family to own and operate Clyffe House. His great grandparents, James and Fanny Jenner, built the resort after clearing the land. They raised seven children and lay the foundation for one of the unique stories of early-day tourism in the area.<\/p>\n
The Jenners arrived in Muskoka in 1869 coming on the maiden voyage of the steamship S.S. Prussion to Quebec City. They travelled by train to Toronto and then Barrie. From there they boarded a steamer which took them to Washago on Lake Couchiching, then by stagecoach to Gravenhurst. From there it was another steamship ride to Bracebridge, then another stagecoach to Utterson and then Port Sydney.<\/p>\n
Scott relates a lot of the challenges and the detail of how the now rustic resort got its grand beginnings.<\/p>\n
\u201cThey were given 200 acres of free farmland,\u201d explained Scott, \u201cwhich you and I know as the farm grants. Muskoka is not farm land, however, but they cleared the property and put in crops. They had to grow so many turnips because turnips were a big thing back in those days.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhen the railway came to Huntsville in 1886 it opened an opportunity to take in hunters who stayed in the farmhouse. They added to the farmhouse and by 1930 it also included staff quarters. They could accommodate 80 people by then and they could also sell their own produce to the guests.\u201d<\/p>\n
Scott says he has childhood memories of having to pick enough beans and lettuce in the gardens on the property to supply the needs of the guests.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe truck would also come Thursdays with lamb and sides of beef,\u201d Scott added, \u201cand my job was to cut it into chops and hang the beef.\u201d<\/p>\n
They ran the dining room for 75 years but it became unprofitable and Scott said he closed it in 1975.<\/p>\n
Clyffe House is the oldest resort in Muskkoka still operated by the same family. It is said in the introduction of the book that its continued existence today is a testament to the fortitude of those who envisioned the opportunity, created a holiday atmosphere that helped to put Muskoka on the map, and over many decades evolved with the changing nature of hospitality and tourism in the region.<\/p>\n
\u201cOur focus has always been, including today, on families and children,\u201d said Scott, when asked why they were able to attract people year after year to Clyffe House. \u201cWe have families who have come back year after year. Our longest returning guest family is now 98 years. We\u2019ve been full July and August for 30 years. We\u2019re full most weekends from May long weekend to Thanksgiving.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\t\t