By Laurie Snider
Notes from the Nest
If I were to write a list of my top 10 movies, On Golden Pond undoubtedly would be near the top. I adore the story and the chemistry between the principal actors; the aging curmudgeon, played by Henry Fonda, opposite the always affable Katharine Hepburn. For me, though, the reason I have such a fondness for the movie is its idyllic setting. It’s a quaint, charming cabin nestled in the woods, on a lake with loons literally floating by, calling out a welcome. For three decades now, since marrying into the Snider clan, I’ve been blessed to have a similar such place to go.
Ours is on Sheldrake Lake, an hour north of here near Cloyne. It’s not a large lake: its perimeter is less than eight miles and it only has 22 cottages on it. This is one of the reasons for its appeal. When lounging on the dock, staring out towards the opposite side, the panoramic view is of stately pines, a rugged, rocky shoreline and a glimpse of the current mood of the lake. Often times it’s smooth as glass, the clouds and sky perfectly reflected back, like some giant, celestial mirror. I often imagine, this is what Heaven itself must look like.
In 1968, my father-in-law Raymond, along with two other local gentlemen, were at the lake doing a survey. There was a 600-foot parcel of crown land left between where they were surveying so they applied to have it divided into three lots. For a mere deposit of $25, the sale was approved.
My in-laws, Raymond and Norma, as well as the other two families were among the original builders of cottages there. In previous generations the lake, with its rough, craggy banks and broad canopies of surrounding foliage, would have been used by Indigenous peoples for transportation and for its bounty of fish and wildlife. In the early 19th century the area was logged extensively. The trees now surrounding the lake are mature second growth forest.
The lumber used to build the original cottage was cut down on the family farm. Raymond built its base at the farm, disassembled it and transported it to the lot, later reassembling it. The windows and doors were salvaged from houses being torn down to make way for the Lennox Generating Station. The wood for the initial dock he obtained as scrap from another job site. This project had an abundance of thrift and history built into it.
Within two years, it was erected with the help of family and friends. Initially there was no bathroom or even an outhouse. The original facilities were fashioned out of a board nailed between two trees, leading to a rather regrettable episode involving someone falling off but making for a humorous family story.
Raymond and Norma speak fondly of those days. They share stories of simpler but precious times, raising five youngsters and spending weekends at the lake. Norma and the children learned to swim there, while cleaning up rocks along the lake bottom. They also had a small boat but big enough to waterski behind. Norma laments that as soon as the gang would arrive, Raymond and the kids would grab the motor and gas tank and head for the lake, leaving her solo to do the unpacking.
Cottages are memory makers. Norma describes it as “a gathering place of family and friends.” Raymond says he “enjoys the peace.” I’m fairly certain he enjoys the get togethers too. I’ve seen the photographic evidence!
Most weeks now in the summer the cottage is enjoyed by different family members, very amiably taking turns. Grandchildren have also learned to swim, ski, fish, kayak and canoe on the welcoming shores of this lovely lake.
Randy and I and our own children and friends have spent many a day creating our own storehouse of anecdotes and remembrances. Hazy, lazy summer days spent splashing in the lake or peacefully paddling on it, exploring the island, legendary horseshoe tournaments, or carefree evenings spent playing board games, epic games of Chickenfoot, or having campfires.
The old cottage was torn down in 2006. A newer, larger one was built in its place. It’s not as humble as the original but it’s definitely more suitable for housing the expanding guest list of family and friends. It is a gathering place for the near and dear but it’s also a place to recharge your battery and refill your soul. Our very own Golden Pond.