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THE PAST IS NEVER FAR AWAY

ByLee Ann

On a stretch of the Old Muskoka Road just north of Utterson, a few pieces of corduroy have heaved their way to the surface. “Corduroy” refers to the logs set cross-ways on a pioneer road, usually in the more boggy sections. Certainly the area between Utterson and Allensville is particularly low, so it makes sense there would have been a need for corduroy here.

I’m always thrilled to step on an actual piece of the road trod by many of the people I wrote about: Harriet King, Florence Kinton and others travelled this section of the road.

Last weekend, I listened with a smile as the people who live on the road today warned visitors that the road is twisty, full of potholes and dangerous cracks and needs to be travelled carefully. In fact, some helpful neighbours have drawn squiggly yellow lines on top of the worst humps and written CAUTION with arrows in several spots to warn drivers. I’m sure if the stagecoach drivers of the 1800s could have scrawled something in the dirt path to warn others of the perils of the road, they would have. As I’ve said many times when summing up the story of this road: “the road was awful; it was always awful; the end.” And so history continues in a modern form!

In Torrence, the Muskoka Conservancy owns a protected tract of land where an old growth pine tree stands. Botanists estimate it’s about 150 years old. So when the Muskoka Road was just being hacked out at its starting point a few kilometers to the southeast in Washago, this tree was the mere sprout of an acorn. It somehow survived the 19th century logging as well as a widespread fire in the 1930s to grow to a girth of 1.2 metres (almost four feet) at its base and a height of easily 15 metres (50 feet.) I gazed up into the canopy and tried to imagine a tree twice that girth and 25 metres – 82 feet – tall. That’s what Muskoka’s original old growth forests held when the first pioneers arrived… with their hand axes for tree chopping.

I love when the past shows glimpses of itself! These log pieces and this massive pine remind me that we are never far from our pasts… as individuals or as districts.

Connecting With Readers

ByLee Ann

There is nothing more gratifying to a writer than to talk directly to readers! Getting the chance to learn what different people think of the book, which sections they found most interesting, or what struck them when reading the story. In the past couple of weeks, a number of readers have contacted me by email and phone to let me know they’ve read the book and to tell me what they like about it.

Of course, this doesn’t always happen. Often as a writer, you do the work and then put it “out there”; the only indication that the book is being read is sales numbers – which are fine, but sterile compared to a lively discussion with a reader who didn’t know that Ontario was largely settled via colonization roads… or a descendant of one of the Muskoka Road surveyors who related some memories of his father, also a surveyor… or an archivist who wrote with great praise for the depth and accuracy of the research.

I’ve also enjoyed looking at the daily stats on the number of “hits” on the website, and what parts of it are being read. (Lots of clicks on ‘where to buy the book’ and also the dynamic map, very exciting!)

As time goes by, I’ll have opportunities through planned events to meet with more readers. Meanwhile, as a reader myself, I’ve resolved to contact more authors and let them know their books have not gone out into a void!

WHAT SUCCESS LOOKS LIKE

ByLee Ann

I did not have time to reflect during Thursday’s book launch for Muskoka’s Main Street – I was too busy catching up with family, with old and new friends, and signing books. As I think about it now, I realize how very successful the book launch was. Measured in sales, of course. But much more importantly, as measured in people who support me.

The signing table

The crowd was never overwhelming and I had a chance to talk to everyone without feeling rushed. Christianne was there, a friend I have not seen for over two decades. Leslie and Arnold were there, friends I just met two months ago. Inbetween were friends from work, writer friends, “cousins”, neighbours. And still others who had already bought books but showed up anyway, to congratulate me again. 

I had phone calls and emails before and after the event, some sending regrets and warm wishes, asking where to buy the book, others giving glowing reviews for the book as well as the book design.

These are early days in terms of guaging the commercial success of Main Street, which is certainly an important measurement. In terms of people who support me and “show up”, though, the book is already a smash success. Thank you!

Post-launch dinner

MUSKOKA’S MAIN STREET REACHES PERTH ONTARIO!

ByLee Ann

I’m delighted to report that Muskoka’s Main Street is now available at The Book Nook and Other Treasures, 60 Gore Street East, Perth. In contrast to so many of Canada’s independents, which are closing their doors, The Book Nook is now in its sixth year of business and has recently expanded. This vibrant bookstore frequently hosts readings and book signings, promotes authors of all stripes and particularly local authors, and is staffed by knowledgable book lovers ever eager to introduce customers to new titles and genres.

The next time you travel to or through Perth, do stop in and browse both new and used titles – as well as the “other treasures” – in the fresh new location!

MAIN STREET IN THE BOOKSTORES

ByLee Ann

Muskoka’s Main Street is now available in stores throughout Muskoka and Parry Sound. You can find copies at these fine booksellers:

Bracebridge:

Scott’s of Muskoka, 30 Manitoba Street, 

Jason Dickson Books, 2nd floor, Old Clock Tower, 49 Manitoba Street

Gravenhurst:

The Gravenhurst Bookstore, 120 Muskoka Road South

The gift shop at “Grace & Speed” Muskoka Boat & Heritage Centre Museum, 275 Steamship Bay Road, Muskoka Wharf.

Huntsville:

Veranda, 72 Main Street East

So Many Books, So Little Time, 18 John Street

Artisans of Muskoka, 2-14 Main Street

Port Carling:

Muskoka Lakes Museum, 100 Joseph Street

Burk’s Falls:

The Wooden Roo, 311 Ontario Street

NEW BOOK, NEW LOOK!

ByLee Ann

Welcome to my new website! Take a look around and please let me know what you think of the new site – all the latest on my books, events and workshops.

My blog is here too, continuing the conversation started when Muskoka’s Main Street was “A Work in Progress.” The book is now available and you’ll find all the latest news about that here as well. Be sure to have a look at the two dynamic maps of the road on the site – they’re unique, fun,and informative.

Welcome to new readers, and hello again to my faithful “Work in Progress” subscribers.

The adventure continues!