KAWARTHA LAKES-Up to the mid twentieth century, most families were part of close-knit communities. They spent their days with their families and neighbours—who were often like extended family. People often did not think twice about walking across their neighbour’s field—they had probably helped each other out countless times—or to just drop by to visit. To the extent that anyone had the time to travel, the destinations were often not very far from home. For many farm families in North Verulam, to make it all the way to Lindsay was a memorable occasion before the advent of automobiles. In an era when people would often walk or take the horses for an outing, Red Rock was a favourite destination for travellers.
Red Rock is a large and prominent Precambrian outcropping located north of Sturgeon Lake between Fenelon Falls and Bobcaygeon. In the vicinity, limestone overlays the Precambrian rock of the Canadian Shield, but not at Red Rock, where one of the many ancient, weathered mountains of the Canadian Shield still rises above the sedimentary plateau that was deposited millions of years ago. Red Rock is a unique place to visit—only scattered trees grow on top and it affords a beautiful view of Sturgeon Lake and the surrounding countryside of family farms.
Though it was privately owned, for many years, visitors would make the trek to Red Rock, to enjoy a pleasant Sunday outing. It was close enough that it could be reached from either Fenelon Falls or Bobcaygeon. Families enjoyed picnicking there, and as photography became common, some visitors snapped a picture of their companions or the sight from the top of Red Rock. This original picture looks southeast towards Sturgeon Lake.
By the end of the nineteenth century, Red Rock was a farming community, with a cheese factory and school. Bethel Methodist Church opened in 1878 to the west (on the Knox Farm) and in 1890 Providence Methodist (now United) Church was built to the east. In the vicinity of Red Rock, many of the old family farms have become country homes, as Bayview Estates has developed on the shore of Sturgeon Lake. The view from Red Rock is still recognizable, but times have changed and it is no longer socially acceptable to treat private property like it is a public space. Many younger or newer residents of the area have never been to Red Rock—which was once one of the area’s favourite destinations.
This story is part of our partnership with Maryboro Lodge, The Fenelon Falls Museum and was written by Glenn Walker.
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