BRIEF HISTORY OF BIRCH ISLAND

Birch Island is the largest island in Sand Lake which is a part of the historic Rideau Canal System. The current size of the lake is due to the large horseshoe dam erected at Jones Falls over 170 years ago under the supervision of Colonel By. At the time of its construction it was considered to be one of the major engineering accomplishments in North America.

Four locks were constructed to permit boat traffic to proceed around the dam. They also are very impressive considering the primitive construction methods available at the time. Whitefish Lake is entered from the bottom lock for travel towards Kingston. Exit from Sand Lake in the other direction towards Ottawa is via the single Davis Lock.

The type of stone needed for the dam and locks is not very common in the area. Fortunately, a source of sandstone was found east of Elgin and a quarry was established. The huge stones were cut by hand, hauled by oxen over a trail through the forest to the lake, loaded on to scows and floated down to the construction site.

The early settlers of Leeds and Grenville counties were mainly United Empire Loyalists from the U.S.A. Many of them settled near the St. Lawrence River which offered good transportation. Other land was given to former British army personnel in recognition of their service. Additional immigrants, mainly from England, Scotland and Ireland, came in search of a new and hopefully better life.

The influx of these new immigrants to Canada required that additional land be surveyed. This was done for South Crosby about 1800 and thus additional land was made available to settlers. The Rideau area became attractive after the canal was opened in 1832 because of the transportation opportunities which it provided.

Birch Island, also known at various times in the past as Morton Island and Muldoon Island, is comprised of part of 3 lots in 2 concessions in the Township of South Crosby (part of lot 9, concession 6 and part of lots 9 and 10, conces. 7). The eastern part of what is now Birch Island was obtained by an early settler from the Crown in 1807 in the name of Betsey Tozer. At that time Sand Lake was known as Davis Lake. The western part was obtained by James Muldoon from the Crown in 1876 which was after the construction of the dam at Jones Falls which flooded considerable land.

Of course, Birch Island was not always an island. Before the construction of the Jones Falls dam it was a peninsula and a part of the mainland on the south shore of Davis Lake. Before the arrival of the early settlers native people lived here, at least temporarily. Indian artifacts have been found on the island which archaeologists have estimated to be more than one thousand years old.

It is interesting to imagine the appearance of Sand (Davis) Lake before the dam was built. It was certainly a fairly large lake draining into the Cataraqui River over the rapids in the area known as "The Quarters". It has been estimated that the dam raised the level of the lake by about 10 feet to flood these rapids and to provide sufficient depth of water at the outlet of Davis Lock. Most of Eel Bay was created by this flooding.

Birch Island was part of several farms most of the time since the first settlers arrived. An unusual activity in the early part of this century was the production of lime from limestone on the island by the Jackson Brothers. Part of a lime kiln still exists on the south side of the island. It is believed that originally there were 2 additional kilns.

The basis for seasonal living on the island after the area was settled occurred in 1890. Mr. and Mrs. James Brown, who then owned the eastern part of the island, sold a lot to George Cairns as a trustee for a group of 6 people from Smiths Falls. It is believed to have been used by them as a fishing and hunting site. The cottage known as Saints Rest is located on this lot and is the oldest building on the island.

The previous year Mr. and Mrs. Brown sold the nearby island known as Cordwood to Mr. David Freed of Philadelphia who developed it into an elegant summer estate. It remained in the Freed family until 1983 when it was purchased by the Marshalls who expended considerable effort to restore it. The name Cordwood refers to its early function as a place to refuel steamships. Nearby is Chicken Island which derives its name from its previous use as a source of chickens to feed the Freed family.

The properties which included Birch Island were owned by several people before Lotan Burtch purchased the west part of the island in 1898 and the remainder in 1902 as an extension of his nearby farm on the mainland. It provided a source of hay for winter feed and a place for sheep and cattle to graze during the summer. The sheep were brought over by boat in the spring and returned the same way in the fall. The cattle were less fortunate; they had to swim.

Howard Burtch became the owner of the property in 1950 after the death of his father, Lotan. Howard lived on about 10 acres on the north side most of the year. The basic cabin where he lived was built about 1932.

Most of the remainder of the island was purchased from Howard by Birch Island Estates in 1968. The island was surveyed dividing it into lots as sites for cottages. A system of roads was planned since the island at that time was connected to the mainland by a causeway and bridge. Electrical power and telephone service were brought over by underwater cables from the mainland to the east end of the island.

Lots were sold to eager buyers and soon a number of cottages were being constructed. A number of the original purchasers continue to enjoy life on the island. Currently, there are approximately 60 cottages on Birch Island.

BIRCH ISLAND RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY OWNERS ASSOCIATION

Not long after the first cottagers established their island retreats, there was interest in establishing some type of group activity because of common concerns. B.I.R.P.O.A. was formed in 1970 and incorporated (#719904) on March 11, 1988. It continues to address issues of interest to residents of Birch Island.

These issues include fire safety, water safety, control of Gypsy months, garbage removal and path clearance to permit walking and ready land access to neighbors.

Two items of equipment have been purchased and are available to members of the association. The first item is a portable water pump for use in the event of a fire or as a standby when burning refuse. [Ed.Note: the pump is no longer considered reliable enough for anything but a standby: call 911 in case of fire!.] It is stored at the Marina. A more recent acquisition is a brushcutter and it is available to members to enable the various paths to be kept clear. [Ed.Note: the brushcutter was sold several years ago to limit liability; the intent is to hire someone to clear paths]. It is in the custody of the Director in charge of paths who will provide instruction and the rules for its use.

The Association holds an Annual General Meeting each summer and sponsors several social events during the year. It is a member of the Federation of Ontario Cottagers Association which is a good source of information and promotes the cause of cottagers generally.

As a resident of Birch Island, you are cordially invited to contact the Treasurer and join the Association. You will enjoy the benefits and association with your neighbors who want to keep Birch Island a great place to spend as much of your time as you can.

SAND LAKE MARINE

Without this facility, generally known as the Marina, and the wonderful people there it is hard to imagine how our little community of cottagers on Birch Island could exist.

The availability of dock space for your boat when you leave the island and a place to park your car are essential for Birch Islanders. There is winter storage for your boat and motor, gas and service for your boat and a store where many of the things which you need can be purchased. The Glovers are a great source of information and are always glad to help in many ways.

It is requested that you park your vehicle in the proper area. It is important to ensure payment if an additional vehicle is parked when you have guests.

WATER SAFETY

When you live on an island the question of water safety can not be over emphasized. It takes many forms but a basic aspect is to give it a high priority and to follow the accepted practices for safe boating.

Each boater has a legal requirement to ensure that the wake from the boat does not harm others. There is a speed restricted area at the east end of the island. It is marked and extends from Cordwood (Freed) Island past the Marina.

There is also a new regulation (Federal Boating Restrictions as amended 1991) which limits speed to 10 km/hr (6 mph.) within 30 metres (approx. 100 feet) of the shoreline. An exception is for water skiing when leaving shore or to drop a returning skier but the direction of travel must be nearly at right angles to the shore.

FIRE PROTECTION Emergency telephone 9-1-1

It is important that each resident take the necessary precautions to ensure that fires are carefully controlled to avoid a disaster. Important information is contained in Appendix A to this document.

The basic protection starts with such items as smoke alarms, fire extinguishers and a connected water hose in each cottage. Call 911 in case of fire.

The volunteer fire department in Elgin is is one of the best equipped and trained fire services in this area. It is staffed by 24 volunteers. Several are trained as paramedics and a number of others have taken first aid courses. We are fortunate that Dave Glover at the Marina and Steve Gordanier nearby are members of the Elgin Fire Department. For non-emergencies, call the Fire Department at 613-359-5373.

Generally, open burning is not allowed in Ontario and fire permits are no longer issued. If a Birch Island resident believes that it is absolutely necessary to conduct open burning, it is important to take the precautions listed in Appendix A. If not, and the fire department responds to someone who reports your smoke, there is a significant charge to the person starting the fire. of

PROPERTY SECURITY

While there have been few incidents of unlawful entry and vandalism on the island, continuing vigilance is needed. Solid exterior doors and frames, good locks and unbreakable window glazing in critical areas can help.

If you encounter a problem, it is a good idea to tell the folks at the marina who act as a focal point for such information. Serious incidents should be reported to the Ontario Provincial Police. An arrangement with a nearby neighbor for checks of each other's property is also a good idea.

MEDICAL EMERGENCIES Dial 9-1-1

We are fortunate that there is an ambulance station on Highway 15 just south of Elgin [Ed.Note: not sure this is still the case] which should probably be the first choice for a major emergency. A call to the marina at the same time is a good idea as well. See also the Township website.

The nearest hospitals for major medical problems are in Kingston.

For less urgent problems there is a medical center in Portland, although a doctor may not always be in attendance.

GARBAGE DISPOSAL

Times of operation and the necessary stickers are available from the Rideau Lakes township office. See the Township website. Some types of garbage can be composted on your own property although a secure cover should be provided to avoid animal nuisance.

DOG CONTROL

Dogs must not be allowed to run at large on Birch Island. Not only is this for their well being and in the interest of good relations with neighbors, it is against the law. Since the island is a part of Rideau Lakes township, Birch Islanders and their guests are subject to township By-Law Number 2004-170.

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EMERGENCY TELEPHONE NUMBERS: see also the Township Website

Use your civic address when you call 911 - e.g. "we are at #xx Birch Island"

Ambulance: 9-1-1
Fire: 9-1-1
Sand Lake Marine: 613-359-5612
Police (OPP): 9-1-1

SOME SOURCES FOR THE HISTORY

(a) Land Registry Office in Brockville, Ont.
(b) Reminiscences of Howard Burtch
(c) Reminiscences of Hugh Glover
(d) Rideau Waterway by Robert Legget
(e) The Jones Falls Dam on the Rideau Canal by Robert Legget
(f) Discussions with Dr. Robert Legget
(g) Three Years in Canada by John MacTaggart (1829)
(h) Rideau Museum in Smiths Falls, Ont.
(i) Queen's University Archives in Kingston, Ont.
(j) Building the Rideau Canal by Robert Passfield
(k) Rest and Sport Among the Rideau Lakes
(l) Dr. Lake's Chart of the Rideau Lakes (1920)
(m) The Rideau - A pictorial history of the waterway (edited by A. Cate)
(n) Historical Atlas of Leeds and Grenville 1861-2
(o) Tourist Guide for Leeds and Grenville (ca. 1920)
(p) Rideau Reflections by G. C. Churchill
(q) Diary of John Burrows (1827) as contained in Sights and Surveys by Edwin Welch (1979).

REVISIONS

If you note any errors in this document or have suggestions, please e-mail birchisland@gmail.com.