Writer: Andrew Hind
Bracebridge is planning a party and everyone is invited.
This year marks the community’s 150-year anniversary. True, Bracebridge is older than that – the first settlers, John and Anna Beal, arrived in 1859 – but it was in 1875 that Bracebridge was incorporated as a Village with the right to elect local officials and manage municipal affairs.
Bracebridge will celebrate that event with a Community Celebration and Showcase on June 7 and 8 at J.D.Lang Park. The weekend-long event includes food trucks and vendors, artisans showcasing their handiwork, heritage games and activities, a Meet the Authors event hosted by Muskoka Author’s Association, live music, and the Historical Vehicle and Equipment Show. To keep up to date on the event as plans are finalized – and other sesquicentennial events throughout the year – head to the Town of Bracebridge’s website.
Over the course of 150 years Bracebridge has been home to a host of remarkable people, businesses, and events. Here’s one tale from the community’s storied past.
Beaumont Tragedy
A heartbreaking tragedy struck the Beaumont family on July 27, 1912, leading to community wide mourning.
The Alporto was one of two supply boats owned and operated by the Beaumont family (of Beaumont Drive fame), carrying produce to cottages and resorts across the lakes. Commanding that day was 36-year-old Frank Beaumont. Also aboard were his brother and sister-in-law, George and Winnie Beaumont, visiting from Toronto and their son, eight-year-old Jack.
5pm saw the Alporto approaching Beaumaris when it suddenly lurched to one side, throwing young Jack overboard. Frank has seen the boy go over and unhesitatingly threw himself into the water to save his nephew. He reached Jack, had the boy cling to his back, and began swimming for the safety of a nearby rock.
Those aboard the Alporto threw the vessel about and raced to the rescue. It took several long minutes, however. Such vessels don’t turn on a dime. Family and crew lining the railings watched in horror as Frank suddenly went down. He was there one minute, gone the next. Jack thrashed about in panic for a few moments. Screaming. Then he, too, sunk beneath the waves. By the time the Alporto arrived both were gone. There was no sign of them.
The Alporto, joined by dozens of other boats of all sizes, scoured the lake for their bodies. They wouldn’t be found until the next day. Then the Alporto, her flag at half-mast and leading a solemn procession of boats, brought Frank and Jack back to Bracebridge where a sober crowd waited at the wharf. Frank, an autopsy later showed, had suffered a heart attack. Uncle and nephew were buried in Saint Thomas Cemetery.
