KAWARTHA LAKES-For river drivers of the nineteenth century, Three Brothers Falls was a landmark as they descended the Burnt River. Located just below the forks on the Burnt River, it was the first cataracts on the river that were common to all three branches—which together drain much of east Haliburton. From Three Brothers Falls to Kinmount was flat water, so once the drive had passed this waterfall, it would not be long before it would reach local mills like Craig & Austin or Green & Ellis. Some other companies would still have many miles left to float.
River Drivers were “a light-hearted set of dare devils and the greatest rascals and thieves that ever a peaceful country was tormented with,”—in the words of John Langton. It was certainly a dangerous job. The drive began as soon as the ice broke up in the spring to take advantage of the spring freshet. Many of the drivers could not swim, as they burled (ie balanced) on slippery, bobbing logs, on frigid waters. Sometimes, despite their efforts, the logs would jam, especially at a rapid or water fall. Then a volunteer would walk out on the shuddering mass of logs to pull free the key log that was holding the whole mass back—and scamper back to shore, jumping from log to log like a squirrel. Occasionally, these daredevil stunts ended badly and each rapid had its own riverside cemetery. The three wooden crosses at Three Brothers Falls have long since rotted away. Other rapids were more dangerous—for instance the Hawk Lake Chutes had thirteen graves.
As the Burnt River tumbled over the three cascades, Three Brothers Falls presents a memorable vista for anyone who visits. In the 1870s, there was a speculative mining boom in the Kinmount region, as prospectors searched for mineral wealth that might just make someone a fortune. Furnace Falls and Irondale would briefly develop as mining communities, prompting the construction of Myles Branch Tramway, which ran along the south shore of the river past Three Brothers Falls. Well-known iron entrepreneur Charles J. Pusey bought William Myles’ venture, and rebuilt the line as the Irondale, Bancroft & Ottawa Railway, reaching Irondale by 1883. (It was never completed to Ottawa, only as far as the Central Ontario Railway near Bancroft—lines were often given over-ambitious names to attract investment.) While paddlers could travel north from Kinmount to visit Three Brothers Falls, with a connection on the IB&O Railway, and a nearby station at Howland Junction, it became more feasible for travellers from a distance to visit the site, and at the turn of the century it was advertised on postcards—which were then an exciting new advertising medium.
In the nineteenth century, many lumber companies vociferously opposed having hunting, fishing and camping parties in the regions where they cut. As they were clearing out the saleable timber, lumber companies left behind tremendous quantities of slash. Once it had a few years to dry, it made excellent kindling, then any source of ignition might create huge forest fires. The lumber companies often blamed campers for starting the fires. The cutover forests between the branches of the Burnt River had limited access to fight fires (often done with shovels in that era!) and burned several times. The vicinity of Three Brothers Falls became a ghastly, burnt landscape.
Though Three Brothers Falls had excellent potential for milling and the 1858 Snowdon Township survey reserved Lots 1, 2 and 3 in Concession II as a mill reserve, there is no evidence that it was ever developed. The site was owned by railway promoter George Laidlaw and Kinmount businessman James Mansfield. In the twentieth century, surrounding lands were developed as homes and cottages. After the IB&O tracks were lifted, the right of way was sold off, and road access to the site is now private. For public visitors, Three Brothers Falls is once again a beautiful, forested place to stop when canoeing or kayaking on the Burnt River.
This story is part of our partnership with Maryboro Lodge, The Fenelon Falls Museum and was written by Glenn Walker.
If you want to make a donation to the museum, you can e-transfer to:Â [email protected] or mail a cheque to :
Maryboro Lodge Museum
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