AYLEN LAKE continued from page 33
than they were for supporting any type of sustainable agriculture. Construction was also likely halted because J.R. Booth started building the Ottawa, Arnprior and Parry Sound Railway (1897–1959) to support his many entrepreneurial activities at the same time. The section of road between
Dacre and Barry’s Bay was probably the most daunting for the Polish- Kashub, Irish, English, German- Wendish and others who travelled it in search of a better life. Having travelled this main section many times myself, I can only imagine the looks on the pioneer’s faces when they were about to trek into the Madawaska Highlands. These highlands are not just hills,
but are well-weathered mountains, and would have been a formidable obstacle to early travel. The hills, along with the infestation of deerflies, blackflies and mosquitoes they encountered on their way, would have made the journey an unbearable adventure. In spite of these hardships, many
families took up residence and some descendants continue to live in the area today. The area is primarily noted for its
mining and lumbering prospects, and a variety of recreational activities that include canoeing, kayaking, fishing, hunting, trapping and cottaging. For many, Aylen Lake is a gateway into the south end of Algonquin Park. Originally appearing on maps
as “Little Opeongo Lake”, Alan Rayburn (Place Names of Ontario) indicates the lake was renamed Aylen Lake after Ottawa Valley lumberman Peter Aylen in 1854. The Aylen River, which runs through the lake and connects to the Opeongo River to the south, is also named after him. Other interesting facts about the lake include the naming, in
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January, 1965, of “Burnt Depot Bay”. Dennison’s Bay in the northwest was named after Mr. Dennison, who lived on the lake in the 1860s and is best remembered for losing a long fight with a bear. The placement of a post office
on the lake was approved in August 1954. It was situated at the lake’s south end near the current day boat launch until its closing, many years ago.
To the guys, though, and members
of our families, Aylen Lake has provided many memories. We have fished many of its waters, sometimes
with success, but often times without. We have even taken the liberty of unofficially naming a few spots on the lake ourselves. “Brian’s Reach”, a small stretch of water situated between two points in a bay on the north-west corner of the lake, is the first that comes to mind. Rumour has it this area is now fished out. So here’s to all of those pioneer
families that bravely opened up this region, often leaving behind a trail of abandoned farms and broken dreams so the area can now be enjoyed by today’s sportsman, adventurer and vacationer.
Come in for the Classics
Every Sunday Evening is our “Forever Two Wheels”
Fall Show and Shine Sept 7th BOUNDER MAGAZINE 41
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