We found tranquility, along the shores of this clear blue beauty. A sanctuary of peace and contentment, a place where pink sunsets slid into still waters, and the melodious call of the loon marked the end of another perfect day, at Christie Lake.
It was also a buzzing social hub – a gathering place for familiar faces, and new friends as well. Who could forget the laughter of the youthful parties at nearby cottages, or on Big Island? On warm summer evenings the shores were dotted with bright campfires, sputtering, crackling, shooting flames into the starry night skies. The rock and roll of our time echoed across the lake, with its steady beat, and powerful lyrics. Our music celebrated sweet young love, with a dash of social commentary, unique to those unforgettable times – the 1960s and 70s.
Where is Christie Lake? Ottawa, the closest large city, is about an hour east, and the pretty town of Perth, is a quick, 15 minute drive. The Stafford house, where we spent the idyllic days of our youth, was just a mile away, a quick bike ride up the Third Line; although it felt a lot farther on those hazy humid dog-days of summer. By the time my friends and I rounded the corner near Jordan’s, the lake was in sight, and moments later our bikes had been abandoned, and we’d jumped joyfully, off the bridge, into the cool, clear, water.
Bridge at Jordan’s – photo: Kathy Irvine
Christie Lake is one of the three largest lakes on the Tay watershed, along with Bob’s Lake, and Otty Lake. It’s been said that the original name for the lake was Myers Lake, and that was way before my time; but I do remember the old timers referring to it as ‘Christy’s Lake’, or ‘Christie’s Lake’, and that it was named for John Christy, native of Scotland, the first settler on the lake.
After John Christy’s arrival, the second family living on the lake were the Allan’s. The original spelling of the lake was “Christy’s Lake”, but it was changed by the Geographic Board of Canada, to “Christie” on April 10th, 1908.
John Christy, his wife Isabella (Wright), and daughter, sailed on the ship ‘Eliza’, from Scotland, on August 3, 1815 and arrived first, in Quebec City. Like many families arriving late in the year, they spent the first winter near their port of arrival. By 1816, the Christy’s settled at concession 2, lot 2 in Bathurst Township.
1871 Census of Bathurst Township
John Christy – 1824-1909 son of pioneer John M. Christy
Alexandrine Victoria (Christy) Whillans 1839-1924
youngest daughter of pioneer John Christy, first settlers at Christy’s Lake
Feb. 19, 1924 p. 7, ‘Ottawa Citizen’
“Victoria Whillans, was the youngest daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. John Christy, first settlers at Christy’s Lake, Ont., after whom the place is called.”
Walter Christy 1870-1942
Grandson of pioneer, John Christy
Jan. 22, 1942, p.12 ‘The Ottawa Citizen
George Christy – 1868-1949
Grandson of pioneer John Christy
George Christy gravestone, Johnston’s Corners cemetery, south Ottawa, Ontario
The Canadian Barks Works
A small group of men from Perth: Thomas Aspden, Alexander Morris, William Morris, Captain John Manion, and John Hart established the Canadian Barks Works at Lot 2, Concession 3 of Bathurst Township. It was located along the north shore of Christie Lake, on Gravely Bay, as it was thought there would be a good supply of hemlock trees to sustain the business. The purpose of the mill was to extract tannin from hemlock bark, to be used in leather tanning. The tannin was used locally at a tannery in Perth, and in the beginning of operations there was also enough to export to the U.S. The company closed in 1874, due to a shortage of hemlock in the area.
The Canadian Barks Works at Christie Lake (1868-1874) photo: ‘Perth Remembered’
Jordan Family
and the Descendants of pioneer George Jordan & Isabella Stewart
The Jordan family were among the early settlers to the area, having lived in the region continuously since the 1800s, when pioneer settler, George Jordan, arrived from Scotland, and settled at the foot of Christie Lake.
Pioneer Settler, George Jordan,
born Yetholm, Roxburghshire, Scotland
George Jordan 1830-1908
1908 death certificate of Scottish pioneer, George Jordan – early settler to Christie Lake
George Jordan (1830-1908) and his wife, Isabella Stewart, were parents to John Jordan (1865-1950), and it was John, who first established the business of vacation cottage rentals.
John’s son, John Robert Jordan and his wife Martina Miller (1868-1940), continued the legacy, expanding the business and keeping with tradition.
1911 Census of Bathurst, Lanark County
2nd last column is year of birth, last column is age when the census was taken
Year: 1911; Census Place: 1 – Bathurst, Lanark South, Ontario; Page: 3; Family No: 19
John Robert Jordan and Martena (Miller) Jordan
John Robert and Martena Jordan had a large family of four sons and three daughters:
(babies Donald and Martena, died in infancy)
George Edwin Jordan (1896-1977)
Arthur Miller Jordan (1897-1968)
Calvin Jordan (1899-1981)
Helen ‘Pink’ Muriel Jordan (1901-1987)
John Robert Jordan (1905-1965)
Sarah ‘Sadie’ Isabella Jordan (1910-1999)
John Robert Jordan and Martena Jordan, sadly, lost two babies, Baby Martena, born when her mother was age 41, and the second was Baby Donald, born when his mother was age 48:
Death certificates for baby Martena Jordan, and baby Donald Easton Jordan
George Edwin Jordan 1896-1977
George Edwin Jordan & Charlotte (Keays) Jordan
Children of George Edwin Jordan and Charlotte ‘Lottie’ Jordan
Donald ‘Don’ Jordan
Keith Jordan
William ‘Bill’ Jordan
Jean (Jordan) Bell
Evelyn (Jordan) Irvine
Evelyn (Jordan) Irvine, with her daughters, and Jean (Jordan) Bell’s children – 1972 – photo: Kathy Irvine
Charlotte ‘Lottie’ (Keays) Jordan seated, at Christie Lake – her daughters Evelyn (Jordan) Irvine, and Jean (Jordan) Bell standing, 1973 photo: Kathy Irvine
Dec. 8, 1977 p. 14, ‘The Perth Courier’
George Edwin Jordan – WWI military recruitment record:
George Edwin Jordan – Canadian Expeditionary Forces record: Library and Archives Canada: RG 150, Accession 1992-93/166, Box 4968 – 47 Item Number: 493833
“He received his education locally and served in the First World War”
Arthur Miller Jordan 1897-1968
“Pallbearers were four nephews, Donald, Keith, Bob and Alan Jordan; two neighbours, Wilbur Noonan and Gordon Stiller.”
Arthur Miller Jordan married Edna Ritchie in 1920
Children of Arthur Jordan and Edna (Ritchie) Jordan:
Phyllis (Jordan) Stewart
Shirley (Jordan) Weldon
Helen (Jordan) Rintoule
Joan (Jordan) McNaughton
Calvin Jordan 1899-1981
married Marion Palmer in 1934
Calvin and Marion had three daughters:
Isobel (Jordan) Paul
Frances (Jordan) Dixon
Mavis (Jordan) Woolham
He was President of the Lanark County Federation of Agriculture, and for many years, a member of the Board of Calvin United Church
March 25, 1981 p.2 ‘The Perth Courier’
Helen ‘Pink’ Jordan, Marilyn (Dixon) Jordan, Bob Jordan, and Sadie Jordan at the Jordan Homestead, Christie Lake, photo: Carolyn Jordan
Sadie Jordan, Librarian, Toronto Public Library
‘The Perth Courier’, Sept. 19, 1930, pg.1
‘The Perth Courier’, Mar. 6, 1931, p.2
When Sadie graduated from the Perth High School in 1929 she was awarded the prestigious Carter Scholarship, for her academic excellence. Sadie enjoyed a successful career as a Librarian with the Toronto Public Library, and while she lived in Toronto, she attended Bloor Street United Church, 300 Bloor Street W., Toronto, ON.
Helen Jordan – 1901-1987
Helen Jordan had a distinguished career in the field of Nursing. She trained at the North Bay Hospital, graduating in 1927. She was promoted to Supervisor of Nursing in 1931.
In the spring of 1932, Helen Jordan was appointed to the position of Superintendent of the Queen Victoria Memorial Hospital, in North Bay.
Helen Jordan, Superintendent
Queen Victoria Memorial Hospital, North Bay, Ontario
‘The Perth Courier’, April 22, 1932, p.1
Helen Jordan – “Known to her friends, as ‘Pink’
‘The Perth Courier’, April 21, 1982, p.9
“….she joined the Canadian Army Medical Corps as a Nursing Sister.”
War Veterans, who were members of Calvin United Church, Bathurst Township, Lanark County
‘The Ottawa Citizen’, Jan. 21, 1987 p.46
Bridge at Jordan’s Cottages – 1973 – photo: Stafford family
John Robert Jordan
John Robert Jordan (1905-1965) married Mary Elizabeth Scharf (1909-1995) in 1933
John Robert Jordan and Mary Jordan, at Christie Lake – photo: Carolyn Jordan
John Robert Jordan and Mary Jordan had five children:
Robert ‘Bob’ Jordan
Alan Jordan
Lloyd Jordan
Harold Jordan
Betty (Jordan) Miller
Bob Jordan, his wife Marilyn (Dixon) Jordan and their three children, Carolyn, Darrell, and baby John in 1966, at the Jordan ancestral homestead – photo: Carolyn Jordan
Christie Lake, aerial view – photo: Carolyn Jordan
John Robert Jordan passed down the business to his son, Alan Jordan, and he and his wife Audrey (Conroy) Jordan have continued the tradition for many decades. Their son, Paul Jordan, is now co-owner.
Jordan’s Cottages
John Jordan established Jordan’s Cottages.
Ad for Jordan’s Cottages – ‘The Perth Courier’ – July 8, 1943 p.4
Ad for Jordan’s Cottages – “The Ottawa Journal” – July 28, 1948 p. 24
John Jordan, his wife Mary Jordan, Robert ‘Bob’, Betty, Alan, front: Harold and Lloyd. photo: Carolyn Jordan
‘The Ottawa Citizen, Dec. 3, 1995 p.36
Betty (Jordan) Miller and her brother Alan Jordan, at Christie Lake – photo: Carolyn Jordan
(Audrey (Conroy) Jordan, Alan’s wife, and George Jordan (Keith’s son) photo: Carolyn Jordan
Dock at Bev (Miller) Ferlatte’s home, Christie Lake photo: Carolyn Jordan
Fire at Christie Lake bridge – 1940
July 19, 1940 ‘The Perth Courier’
“The Jordan home was ever a hospitable one, where the head of the household always found time to engage in friendly conversation and to perform some kindly act or unselfish deed.”
John Jordan – 1865 – 1950
September 28, 1950 – ‘The Perth Courier’
John Jordan & Martina Miller’s son – John Robert Jordan operated Jordan’s Cottages after his father passed away.
John Robert Jordan’s marriage to Mary Scharf in 1933:
postcard – 1956
Sunset, at Christie Lake photo: Kathy Irvine
Jean (White) Jordan and Donald ‘Don’ Jordan boating on Christie Lake
(Donald – a grandson of John Robert Jordan) photo: Janice (Jordan) Gordon
John Jordan, President of the Christie Lake Fish and Game Club
seeks to restore Pickerel to the area
Ottawa Citizen, Nov. 24, 1962, p. 12
Bill, Keith and Don Jordan, brothers, along the shores of Christie Lake, photo: Janice (Jordan) Gordon
front: Evelyn (Jordan), her mother Charlotte ‘Lottie’, (Keays) Jordan her brother Don Jordan, front of boat – Don’s daughter Janice, sitting beside Evelyn’s daughter Sandy. 1960s. photo: Janice (Jordan) Gordon
April and Meagan Bell, Sandy Errett, Karen Ronald, Janice (Jordan) Gordon,Patti Jordan, Kathy Irvine, seated in the chair a friend – 2006, photo: Kathy Irvine
Janice Jordan and Patti Jordan, at Christie Lake, 1963 – (daughters of Don Jordan & Jean (White) Jordan)
Seated on a boat at Christie Lake, Don Jordan with his daughter, Janice Jordan – photo: Janice (Jordan) Gordon
William ‘Bill’ Jordan, Jean (Jordan) Bell & her husband Robert ‘Bob’ Bell – photo Janice (Jordan) Gordon
Sarah ‘Sadie’ Jordan (1910-1999) at Christie Lake – photo: Janice (Jordan) Gordon
(Sadie – youngest daughter of John Robert Jordan)
Another perfect sunset on Christie Lake photo: Kathy Irvine
Christie Lake – Famous for Fishing!
Oct. 23, 1941 p.2 – ‘The Perth Courier’
“Pickerel – 9 1/2 pounds, caught in Christie Lake by James Brady.”
“Northern Pike, 14 1/2 pounds, caught in Christie Lake by H.M. Gore”
Harold and Irma (Miller) Knight at Christie Lake, photo: Janet Knight
CPR Train, Christie Lake, 1959
Patti Jordan and Arlene Stafford-Wilson boating at Christie Lake – 1976, photo: Janice (Jordan) Gordon
(Patti – Great-great-granddaughter of Scottish pioneer settler George Jordan (1830-1908)
Christie Lake – Island photo: Janice (Jordan) Gordon
Christie Lake Summer Fun on a paddleboat photo: Janice (Jordan) Gordon
Christy – Allen Reunion – 1954
First Christy-Allan Reunion
was held in 1954
“Out of neighbourly fairness, the two original families drew lots to decide after whom the lake would be named. It was Mr. Christy, of course, who drew the longest straw.”
‘Ottawa Citizen’, July 4, 1955, p.21
Jordan Family Reunion
photo: Janice (Jordan) Gordon
Jordan Family Reunion – 2009
photo: Janice (Jordan) Gordon
Cavanagh’s General Store
Visitors to Christie Lake often picked up their food and supplies at Cavanagh’s store, in DeWitt’s Corners. A full line of groceries, barbecue supplies, ice, was available. It was a gathering spot, for meeting up with neighbours and friends, and catching up on the local news. Cavanagh’s was also the local polling station, where neighbours could vote for their favourite political candidate. This store was the heart of the ‘Corners’, and the place to go, before heading up to Christie Lake.
left – Peter Mullins, center Earl Conboy, (Bill Cavanagh with his back to the camera) photo: JoAnne (Cavanagh) Butler
Cavanagh’s Store – 1947-1985
The store opened on June 3, 1947 – carrying groceries, confectioneries, and tobacco products. Along with groceries and everyday sundries, Cavanagh’s store also sold gas supplied by Esso, a branch of Imperial Oil.
“In 1947 they moved to DeWitt’s Corners,
and re-opened her family’s general store,
under the name of ‘Cavanagh’s Fine Foods'”
Locals and cottagers, along with campers at nearby Christie Lake, were all pleased to hear that there would be a general store in the area, and they would no longer have to drive to Perth, to pick up daily necessities.
Cavanagh’s store, DeWitt’s Corners photo: JoAnne Cavanagh Butler
Helen (DeWitt) Cavanagh, James ‘Jim Cavanagh, and their dog, Shep – photo: JoAnne Cavanagh Butler
Cavanagh’s General Store, DeWitt’s Corners photo: JoAnne (Cavanagh) Butler
Familiar sights at Cavanagh’s store: their dog Shep, and the Millstone – photo: JoAnne (Cavanagh) Butler
Three DeWitt Sisters, at Ederney Cottage, Christie Lake
l to rt. Josephine (DeWitt) Lenahan, Helen (DeWitt) Cavanagh, Vera (DeWitt) Brady standing in front of the original family cottage on Station Bay, Christie Lake. Photo: JoAnne (Cavanagh) Butler
James ‘Jim’ Cavanagh named the cottage “Ederney”, the place in Ireland where his family was from.
Jim and Helen (DeWitt) Cavanagh operated the popular neighbourhood store for nearly four decades, until they retired in 1985.
‘The Perth Courier’, April 3, 1985, p.18
The DeWitt family, Helen’s ancestors, lived in the area for generations, going back to pioneer Zephaniah DeWitt. The first DeWitt land record was Bathurst Con 2 Lot 11, on 1st January 1823.
JoAnne (Cavanagh) Butler, water skiing on Christie Lake, with Mary Dineen (McIntyre) photo: JoAnne Cavanagh Butler
lt to rt: Bill Cavanagh, Michael Switzer, Peter Mullins photo: JoAnne (Cavanagh) Butler
(Peter Mullins family’s cottage was located exactly at the site of the former Christie Lake Bark Company. According to Peter, “Growing up, there were many logs in the water. A few are still there.”)
‘The Perth Courier’, August 4, 1982, p.22
“Helen was dearly loved by all who knew her,
and was an asset to her community”
Jan. 16, 1920, p. 6 ‘The Perth Courier’
“Monster-size Fish Caught At Christie Lake”
July 29, 1927 p.1 – ‘The Perth Courier’
“12 pound Pickerel caught at Christie Lake”
Oct. 22, 1937, p.1 ‘The Perth Courier’
Christie Lake: The Floods of 2017
Heavy spring rains in the region, as well as a lack of good water management practices, are said by locals to have caused the flooding in 2017. It was widely discussed at the time, that Parks Canada, governing body of local lakes, was partly to blame in allowing its reservoir at Bobs Lake to become too high. It was said that logs were removed from a control dam at Bobs Lake, upstream, causing water levels to rise in Christie Lake. The flood was the worst that could be recalled in the past century.
Alan Jordan wades through the waters that flooded Christie Lake in 2017
Alan Jordan (left) and his son Paul Jordan, May 11, 2017 – owners of Jordan’s Cottages
High waters cause flooding in 2017 – Jordan’s Cottages
Sundown at Christie Lake photo: Kathy Irvine
Arliedale Inn
The Marks family of Christie Lake were known for their vaudeville shows, and traveling theatrical entertainment. Thomas Marks, one of the brothers, turned the family home into a hotel, and named it after his daughter ‘Arlie’.
There were seven Marks brothers: Robert, Tom, Alex, Jack, Joe, McIntyre and Ernie. Two of their sisters-in-law performed with them: Kitty, wife of Ernie, and May Bell, wife of Robert. There were also two sisters Nell and Libby who did not perform on stage.
Seated: L. to rt, May A. Bell Marks, George Marks, R.W. Marks, Gracie Marks.
Standing; Joe Marks, Alex Marks
The Marks family presented melodramas for the most part, but also performed some comedy as well.
When their time for performing had come to an end, most of the family returned to the Christie Lake farm of their childhood. Robert continued to perform on stage until his late 70’s and then retired to the lake. He converted the barn where they had rehearsed into a summer hotel and was owner and operator until his death in 1936 at the age of 86.
Joe also retired to the farm where he died in 1944 at the age of 82.
Tom returned to Christie Lake when he retired, and converted the old house into a hotel and called it Arliedale, after his daughter Arlie. He passed away in 1935, at the age of 81 years old.
Ella Marks, her husband Tom, and daughter, Arlie Marks and dog, Buster.
‘The Perth Courier’, Jan 18, 1935, p.4
Death of Mrs. Marguerite (Farrell) Marks – mother of the Marks Brothers
April 15, 1921, “The Perth Courier” p. 8
Arliedale Inn, Christie Lake
Dance at Arliedale Inn – July 1931
“…a lingering twilight, as though the sun had stood still just below the horizon. It was just the sort of night that beckons youth and beauty.”
‘The Perth Courier’ – July 10, 1931, p.1
‘The Perth Courier’ – August 7, 1931, p.1
Ottawa Citizen, July 20th, 1949 p. 31
Rochester Democrat & Chronicle, May 26, 1968, p.137
“The Perth Courier”, Jan. 31, 1979, p.1
Norvic Lodge
Victor Lemieux and his wife Noreen (McGlade) Lemieux were owners and operators of Norivc Lodge. Like the other properties set along the shores of Christie Lake, they had a beautiful shoreline, framing their homey, rustic lodge.
Victor, son of Jeremie Lemieux, and Margaret Hannah James, was born and raised in the tiny village of Fournier, in the township of Prescott-Russell. The village is situated near the communities of Vankleek Hill, St. Isidore, and Plantagenet, a largely French-Canadian settlement. Victor’s father was a Lumberman, and his mother cared for the large family.
Victor’s wife, Noreen, a girl who grew up in the town of Perth, Ontario, was the daughter of Arthur McGlade, a labourer. The McGlade family were early settlers from Perth, originally from County Armagh, Ireland. Catherine McCarthy, Noreen’s mother was also from an Irish pioneer family, from County Cork. Noreen’s parents were married in Toledo, Ontario, October 16, 1899.
Noreen ‘Nina’ (McGlade) Lemieux
Memories of working at Norvic Lodge in 1960, as told by Judy (Stafford) Ryan:
“The Lodge was ‘Norvic” named after the owners – Noreen and Vic. She was called Nina, and they had a daughter Judy, – about my age at the time. The Lodge was on Christie Lake.
I was the only one who had the job there, but because I also had a two week job at the Optometrist in Perth, while his secretary was on vacation, at the beginning of the Summer (Dad got it for me), my sister Jackie (Stafford) Wharton, went up to the Lodge, and held my job for me for that two week period. I think Dad was also the one who got me the job at the Lodge. Mother did not want me to go as she figured I would get ‘into trouble’.
We were paid $10.00 a week which was given to us at the end of the Summer. We made great tips from the Americans, who stayed in the cabins – I could make up to $100.00 a week, depending on whether or not the cabins were full that week.
Our cabin was at the top of a hill away from the vacationers. Our day started at 7:00 a.m. We had to be down the hill to the Lodge in uniform, to set up the dining room for breakfast, take breakfast orders, serve it, clear tables and help wash dishes, etc. We then went back up the hill, changed into shorts and t-shirts and cleaned all the cabins – made beds, dusted, vacuumed, cleaned bathrooms, changed towels, etc. Then, back up the hill, back into uniform, to do the lunch thing.
We were suppose to have a couple of hours off each afternoon, to do what we wanted. However, part way through the summer, the lady who did the laundry left, and that was added to our jobs, without extra pay. So after lunch, we would have to do the laundry – sheets, towels, etc. and hang them out on a line to dry. Once a week, we would have to strip the beds, but changed the towels often.
On days when we didn’t have to do the laundry, I would take the canoe, and a good book, and head for a small uninhabited island, and read for a couple of hours. I knew that no-one could get to me there.
Between 4:00 and 5:00 p.m. we were back down the hill, in our uniforms, to set up for dinner, etc., etc.
After everything was done, and cleaned up for the evening, we had time to ourselves, if we had any energy left. I worked with a girl by the name of Claudette, and she was a real party girl, and as there was a party at some cottage every night, we went out most nights, along with the guy who worked at the Lodge store and gas bar, and he was allowed to use one of the motor boats, and that is how we got to the other cottages.
Just before I arrived to work at the Lodge that Summer there had been a bad boating accident, and I think one or two people had died. The only way I found out about it was I saw a mangled boat with blood on it, stored in behind the lodge, when I was out walking one day, and asked the guy at the gas bar what happened.
That Summer was the first time I saw death! There was a delightful family from Pennsylvania. there – three generations – Grandfather, parents, and two younger children. I was serving breakfast this one morning, and the Grandfather, who was always so friendly and animated, told me about the different birds he had heard singing that morning, and during the conversation, he keeled over at the table. I ran into the kitchen and got Vic (Lemieux) – told him the old man ‘fainted’. Vic got the son to help him carry the Grandfather into the Lounge, behind the dining room, and they put him on the couch. I remember going ahead and serving the other guests, and noticed people coming and going to the Lounge. Nina told me later that the old guy had died, probably instantly, and I was really shocked and upset. That is one of those memories that is permanently etched in your memory, especially when you are only 15.”
– an excerpt from the book, “Recipes & Recollections: Treats and Tales from our Mother’s Kitchen”, ISBN 978-0-9877026-0-9
May 10, 1962 – ‘The Perth Courier’
Norvic Lodge – Christie Lake Surfers – summer of 1963
obituary of Victor Lemieux, ‘The Ottawa Citizen’, Mar. 17, p.24
Grave of Victor and Nina Lemieux – St. John’s cemetery, Perth, Ontario
Red Cedar Inn
Red Cedar Inn was the official summer residence of the Marks family of entertainers.
“Mr. and Mrs. R.W. Marks are enjoying their beautiful cottage, Red Cedar Villa and will give an “at home” in the near future.”
‘The Perth Courier”, June 23, 1899
“The pickerel are biting fine
and large catches daily is the rule.”
Red Cedar Villa (also known as Red Cedar Inn)
“James is a great admirer of the lake and its beautiful scenery, and always calls on his friend Joe to have a chat and a drink of Mrs. Marks’ noted buttermilk.”
Christie Lake news – July 14, 1899
“The season at Christie’s Lake House opened much earlier this year than usual.”
Christie Lake news – June 1, 1900, page 1
‘The Ottawa Citizen’, July 3, 1924 p.6
‘The Ottawa Citizen’, June 26, 1941, p.24
Robert W. Marks 1855-1937
‘The Ottawa Citizen’ Sept. 23, 1970 p. 33
Christie Lake Camp
Christie Lake Camp was established in 1922 by Judge John F. McKinley, of Ottawa. The Judge believed that instead of punishing delinquent boys, he could offer them a chance to leave the temptations of the city, discover the great outdoors, and learn some new coping skills.
“………giving the boy responsibility, handling him with friendship, teaching him the general principles of good citizenship and doing so with the help of the open air.”
Judge John F. McKinley
Boys Enjoy Camp at Christy’s Lake
July 20, 1923 – ‘The Perth Courier’
Splendid Results Attained
From Boys’ Camp at Christy’s
November 16, 1923 – ‘The Perth Courier’
The boys arriving from Ottawa, on Colonial Coach bus lines
The boys at their dock, below the main building
In 1958 Dr. Dan Offord became Camp Director. Christie Lake Kids programs were
under the guidance and direction of the late Dr. Offord, who was a well-known child psychiatrist. Dr. ‘Dan’, as he was known, was a volunteer summer Camp Director for 47 years.
Dr. Dan Offord, volunteered at Christie Lake for 47 years
Tremendous efforts went into fund-raising, over the past several decades, in order to maintain and repair the buildings and grounds at Christie Lake Camp.
In 2001, Dr. Dan’s work in research, at Christie Lake Camp, earned him the Order of Canada.
Dr. Dan Offord died at the age of 70, in 2004.
Heading up to the main building for lunch at the Christie Lake Boys’ Camp
Learning to paddle a canoe at Christie Lake Camp
Singing around the campfire, at Christie Lake Camp – 2013
By the year 2000, approximately 400 boys and girls aged from 9 to 14 arrive every summer to learn outdoor skills and, build their self-esteem
Camp Opemikon – Scout Camp
The land was purchased in 1937, and the camp opened in 1938. Camp Opemikon has served the camping needs of the Scouting family for many years.
Cabins at Camp Opemikon – photo: Jason Chute
Canoes at Camp Opemikon – photo: Jason Chute
Special thanks to: Janice (Jordan) Gordon, Kathy Irvine, Carolyn Jordan, JoAnne (Cavanagh) Butler, and Judy (Stafford) Ryan, for sharing their photos and memories, of this very special place.
Discover more about Christie Lake, and learn about the parties and pastimes of the 1960s and 1970s, at this popular vacation spot, in the story, “Stranded on Christie Lake”, one of the stories in ‘Lanark County Chronicle: Double Back to the Third Line”
“Lanark County Chronicle” – ISBN-978-0-9877026-23
The story of Arliedale Lodge, Christie Lake, playground of the rich and famous, and home to the famous vaudeville players – The Marks Brothers:
“Lanark County Comfort: Homespun Tales to Warm Your Heart”
ISBN 978-0-9877026-85
.
Arlene Stafford-Wilson
Member, Association of Professional Genealogists
Honorary Life Member, Lanark County Genealogical Society
Author of : “Lanark County Christmas”, “Lanark County Comfort”, “Lanark County Collection”, “Lanark County Calling”, “Lanark County Classics”, “Lanark County Connections”, “Lanark County Calendar”, “Lanark County Chronicle”, “Lanark County Kid”, & “Recipes & Recollections”
arlene stafford wilson 
What a wonderful article. Brings back a lot of memories. Thank you for sharing, Arlene
Thanks Shirley. It’s a very special place to many of us!
this was fantastic. thabk you for shRing
Glad you enjoyed it!
Loved this article. Would also love to read about the Noonan’s and the cottages that were rented on Christie Lake just around the corner from the bridge heading to Jordan’s. Spent my childhood every summer there rented from Wilbur (Wib) Noonan. Was a magical place from June to September.
Really enjoyed this…is there a hard copyversion
Hi Brad – Glad you enjoyed it. There’s no hard-copy version yet, but a lot of requests for one, so maybe in the future.
This is the first time I have visited this site. I am so appreciative of the work it must have took.My name is michele and my grandfather was Andrew Calvin Jordan. I have so many wonderful memories… So nice also to see pics of Aunt Sadie Jordan.Thanks so much!
Hi Michele – I’m glad you enjoyed the article. Calvin and Marion (your grandparents) lived very close to our house. We were on the Third Line and they were on the Fourth Line, just past the railroad tracks. When my siblings were younger, Frances used to babysit. By the time I was in school Frances was both one of my Sunday school teachers, and was often one of our substitute teachers at Glen Tay School. I remember all of the girls. When Mavis was a young lady she wore such lovely skirt-suits to church – very much like the style of the time – like Chanel-type suits. All of the girls were nice and they used to sing at the church picnics. They called themselves the ‘Jordanaires’. Isabel, Mavis, and Frances – all lovely girls. There’s a bit of history on Calvin Church on another blog post on the same site and you’ll see photos of lots of familiar faces. Take care!
This site has brought wonderful memories back. My entire family visited here for many years. My father enjoyed getting up early to go fishing. Water skiing, swimming in christal clear water and Camp fires were a must. We were in the cabins in the bay after the home of Stiles. I only remember the son’s name which was Jim and of course the British flag on the end of their dock.
What a great time we had here.
Great thank you for the wonderful information. Good to know Alan’s famly still has the cottages.
What a great tribute to a family and a place that are very special, thank you, Wendy Fish
Thanks Wendy, glad you enjoyed it!
This site has been such an incredible find for me. Back in the mid to late 70’s my family & I would travel up to Christie Lake from New Jersey to stay at the old campsites at Jordan’s. I was in my mid to late teens then. My Dad, Louis Balent, was up with the dawn & immediately out motoring his boat along the lake to fish. My Mom, Claire, my older sister, Nancy, and I would drift back to sleep as he went off to relax on the water, fish, and soak up the early morning silence. My Dad would always come back with a bounty of fish, especially perch. He would fry them up & we’d eat them faster than he could cook them. We’d fish off the bridge & it was always gun to meet all the other campers & lodgers. I can remember having to fill Dad’s two 10 gallon jerry cans at the water pump near the farmhouse. Alan would give me a ride back to our campsite. I still remember riding in that old pickup truck. Alan & my Dad would sit together & talk about life, things to do in the area, & fishing. (Thank you to Mr. & Mrs. Cavanaugh, from Cavanaugh’s Store, for directing my folks to Balderson’s Cheese) While we were there we’d watch the local pickup ball games. Those were fun evenings. I remember all the kids at the campsite gathering to play in our own ball game during the day… other campers & the Jordan kids. The most frightening moment I can remember was seeing Jackie hit in the head by a line drive. I remember my Mom, immediately rushed over, comforted Jackie & put ice on the big bump forming & carried her back to the house. I remember Jackie as sweet, Paul as an incorrigible charmer, and the youngest (Janice ?) as very quiet. What great walks my sister & I used to take around part of the lake. We’d walk as far as the camp & then walk back. Someone had a basset hound that used to follow us every time. My most memorable moment was going up to the picnic tables, ( we called it “the point”) around sunset, with my guitar. I would sit & play & I’d swear the music echoed back to me. I love that memory. I truly do cherish it. As a young aspiring writer, I sat there & wrote poems, song lyrics, & short stories in the afternoon & evening. There was a house you’d see across the water, with a green light on their dock, & I’d fancied it as the light in F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby. It was a soothingly peaceful & quiet place for a teenager, but I wouldn’t have traded the experiences for anything in this world. The beauty & the people around Jordan’s Cottages & Campsites beside Christie Lake had a way of seeping into the best part of your soul. I had loved it so much, I wanted to go to the University of Ottawa, & try to settle up north. Unfortunately my Dad passed away suddenly & it was the end of camping trips, Christie Lake, & the University of Ottawa. My Mom kept in touch with some of the families we had met while camping – the Simsers, the Lamers, & the Norbergs, & a few others I can’t recall. She sent & received Christmas cards with them all until her death in 2013. Through the Simsers, Mom would hear all the news of Christie Lake. It did her good to remember all the fun we had long ago, especially with my Dad. On a sidenote, my Uncle George Renulfi, from Delaware, came to visit us one summer vacation & fell in love with the area. He ended up buying cottages upstream at Bob’s Lake. He left his Delaware business in my cousin’s hands for the summer, & enjoyed life up on Bob’s Lake. I apologize for writing so many of my memories, but I was extremely excited to find this site! Thank you for giving us all such an in depth history lesson. Your research & writings are extremely enlightening & informative. Last note (promise) – I was talking to my son about Christie Lake & his Grandpa, an amazing man whom my Andy never got to meet. We stumbled on the site, and the moment I saw the photo you displayed of Alan & Paul Jordan, I immediately began to cry. It felt good to see their faces, especially Alan’s. I’m sure we have only been one of many families passing through Jordan’s. However, for me & the rest of my family, it brings such joy remembering our times there, & the welcoming kindness we received from the Jordan family. My Dad had great respect for Alan. It is a respect Dad passed on to all of us in the Balent family. Thank you so very much.
Thank-you so much for sharing your memories Jan!
You have given such an indepth history behind the families & sites around Christie Lake. I loved reading every bit of it. You did a magnificent job throughout your research & you wrote about Christie Lake with such passion. It has brought back fond & happy memories. I’m hoping to bring my husband & children someday for a vacation at Christie Lake. Just looking at the photographs, my son is ready to move up there & go fishing. Thank you again, Arlene.
Loved this article. I was lucky to have spent a week for many summers on the island belonging to the James Bros. At that time Alan still had a cottage on the shore. Many years in the late 79’s and early 80’s my husband and I spent ten summers renting from Alan Jordan. Great family, they were so good to us became friends, I didn’t mention that I grew up in Perth and it was old home week for me each summer. I missed the reference to the Noonans also, Webb was quite the character and many of us from home spent an evening or two in his company. His grandfather had purchased the land on Christie from my great grandfather Korry who became a lumber baron of note living in Bolingbroke with I believe four mills.we knew most of the families of Jordan’s, my sisters went to school with several and I also remember Bob in high school as well as Betty from that family. Arthur and Calvin’s children as well. Thanks for the memories. The hard cover book not just of Christie but so many of the area articles would be wonderful. Sincerely Merle (Chris) Roberts Stewart Lahr.
Thanks Merle, and thank-you for sharing your interesting connections with Christie Lake.
Thanks for this article and all the others
Amazing history! We are relatively new to Christie Lake. One day My husband and I accompanied my son to look at a property he was interested in. One look at the view from the cottage and our mind was made on the spot. This is the place we would like to have. That was in 2014, and to this day we and the family continue to enjoy it. We love the activities and enjoy being surrounded by friendly neighbours. The Christie Lake Association keep us informed of the conditions on the lake. A place with a beautiful history and a welcoming atmosphere.
Thanks for sharing.