This month I can guarantee you will learn more than you expected in TI Life. 1889 Hop! Seaway Review! Tour Boat History! Reinman's Newsstand! Westminster Park! Crab Dib! Santa Comes, Hoar Frost, Asian Carp, Frozen River, Stubborn Sudoku... and more! Check them out first right here in this article.
by: Susan W. Smith
2018 is drawing to a close - 129 Articles later! When I started to count the work of so many volunteer authors &nd...
by: Susan W. Smith
Happy Thanksgiving to our US Islanders! This is a time of year when family and friends enjoy a harvest dinner and of course, Football. November in the Thousand Islands is no different than in other communities – only quieter. Most cottages are now closed and the weather alerts include “freezing rain, and/or Snow flurries!”
This article introduces Jessica Phinney and Nicole Hartshorn. We have two videos showing the weather and we pay tribute to Dave Smith, Grindstone Island. and announces that Santa Claus is coming to town. .
by: Susan W. Smith
One day last week it was in the high 60s, (21C) and that night it went down to 37F (4C)… Time to close-up and head home! For those of you who live here year-round, you can look forward to no 5:00 p.m. traffic jams, and lots of evenings by the fireplace.
We asked for photographs showing what closing-up means to you… Carl Leuck took his last swim... Trish Tague says, "Don't forget the Yaks." Steve Wilcox says it is time to go "when ya start seeing the cribs." and lots more...
by: Susan W. Smith
They say we own the River starting in September and I think that is true! Not many sailboats anchored in the bays and little boat traffic. This coincides with back to school, back to the office and meetings!
Check out our Happenings... a dock concert, 1000 Islands Poker Run, working barges and NOAA Water Level charts!
by: Susan W. Smith
The River is hardly slowing down, and with the wonderful weather, there seem to be more boats...
News: Coal Shoal Lighthouse burning; Piper the Dock Dog update; Visit the Edible Garden update... Many interesting articles this month designed for dock or cockpit reading... Please leave comments and questions!
by: Susan W. Smith
"There is an App for That… U.S. Customs and Border Protection in the United States launched a new App for those checking in to the U.S. (Both U.S. Citizens and Visitors); The Fireworks Continue - Township of Leeds and the Thousand Islands has let off steam trying to approve the new Official Plan. Learn all about it…; Diving? Then Brockville’s Centeen Park is the place to visit this summer. There are now 41 sunken sculptures placed in the St. Lawrence River, and finally --- Church in a Boat? Yes, visit Half Moon Bay…
by: Susan W. Smith
Summer 2018: Photographs; Louise Ann Ford (1954-2018); SLC Arts News; TILTI Official Plan Approval Postponed; Ship runs aground; River Muse; Stone & South Condos... Yes, lots of news this month. And the weather is not even on my mind...
Rather than weather - family and friends, boats and water sports, fish and even bird watching are top of mind. Let’s all enjoy the start of Summer 2018!
by: Susan W. Smith
Talk about wind… Friday, May 4th will be one we will not forget… The winds were predicted, but nobody expected the forecast to prove true. The River rose almost to last year's high mark over a couple of hours and receded just as fast and half of Clayton’s Guardino Elementary School’s roof blew to the ground.
But Summer is coming and so are the boats...check out this article for photographs and news items.
by: Susan W. Smith
We were fortunate to spend Easter weekend on our island. The dock was free of ice, as was our front bay. The back bay still looked frozen solid. Saturday was cold, or crisp, and that night we received the “Wind Alerts” for both Kingston and Clayton. By morning, the clear dock was iced in. Large blocks as well as smaller cubes. (One of us asked where the Scotch was kept.)
Click here to see spring videos, tributes and upcoming events you will not want to miss.
by: Susan W. Smith
Yes, Summer 2018 is about to start! Read why Ti Life is right behind as the articles this month are all appropriate ... We pay tribute to Rex Ennis, author, historian and Grindstone Islander...
Steve Sturtz shares his Polar Bear Dip and Redwood's Fishing Derby photographs...And we present a terrific video!
by: Susan W. Smith
This month I am a snowbird in Florida and I now I understand why other snowbirds thank me for TI Life in mid-winter! Sta...
by: Susan W. Smith
Happy New Year... Want to see winter in the Thousand Islands?
Meet our new contributors, view over a dozen winter photographs, watch Elaine Tack's "Juno's" Video, pay tribute to Jeane Fuller ... be sure to read these Happening in January 2018
by: Susan W. Smith
The warnings have started with several Clayton Storm Alerts already appearing.
This is a festive month as family and friends make their way down our main streets looking for the perfect gift. Our only suggestion is to stay warm, take time to rest and of course, enjoy our 2017 December issue.
December is a wonderful month to publish TI Life as it is filled with articles that I am sure you will enjoy.
by: Susan W. Smith
A dozen articles this month - once again our authors and photographers are able to "Put a Thousand Islands in our Life." Ian Coristine announces the 6th Annual Photo Contest, Kara Dunn gives us cold water safety tips...please follow them.
This article also reviews high water discussions keeps the ferry service memories alive as well as memories of a summer ride in a 33' Gar Wood....
by: Susan W. Smith
Meet this month's new contributors: Maggie Wheeler, John Scott Cowan, Nick Wolochatiuk, and Wayne Strauss.
We pay tribute to three prominent Islanders on both sides of the River: Robert Matthews, Mark Russell, and Mark Hummel. And we present an assortment of October photographs. Yes, lots of Interesting TI Life Happenings this month.
by: Susan W. Smith
Hurricanes have brought terrible hardship to our friends, and snowbirds may be affected with destruction or the constant worry about friends and family. Words mean little at a time like this, so we wish that you and yours are safe and that you can carry on with your winter plans.
See here: Tributes to Annie Gefell, Andrée Robitaille Wood; info on Mike Holmes; fire in Abay; and Gananoque's Bruce Davis plus photographs.
by: Susan W. Smith
Yes, August is an interesting month! Although much better, we are still struggling with high water. Make-shift docks are now in place making life on Jet Skis, Water Skis and Paddle Boards back to normal.
In this article, we ask for help identifying a boat now living in Alberta, Canada. We also believe we found a ghost at Boldt Castle...
by: Susan W. Smith
I received an email after the June issue requesting some articles to cheer us up, the lady was tired of all the bad news on water levels. We think we have hit the mark!
However, there is an editor’s rant - I try not to get opinionated about River life, but this year I keep hearing talk related to issues. Perhaps you have some solutions...
by: Susan W. Smith
This July 2nd, 2017, Mini Edition of TI Life pays tribute to the 50th Anniversary of the Thousand Islands Arts Center ~ ...
by: Susan W. Smith
Everyday question: “Is the water still high?” Same Answer today as yesterday: “ Yes, has not moved an inch.” I am sorry that so many are being affected not only by inconvenience but through accidents with broken legs, cracked ribs, and scary dips into the cold St. Lawrence River...
Good news: Gord Brown gets two important pieces of legislation introduced- The Canadian Boating bill has passed and he would like to have rules regarding flares changed.
by: Susan W. Smith
It is easy to find headlines every day describing the problems of high water on the St. Lawrence River. But in addition to the loss of property and damage to docks and boathouses, is the loss of income for our Island economy.
Boldt Castle has a late opening; tour boats are reducing excursions, and most gas docks are closed until further notice. There is also a grave concern for the next two weeks, as there will be more erosion with wind and waves. Please stay safe – turn off the dock and boathouse power and watch for floating debris.
by: Susan W. Smith
Our islands should be covered in May flowers, as everyone has remarked about April’s showers! Hardly a day went by with...
by: Susan W. Smith
Spring was in the air in February, but March not so much! TI Life Happenings include introductions to Martha Stroud and Joel Charles.
We pay tribute to Gananoque's Mike MacDonald; give updates on the TI Playhouse docks and the Guzzle at TI Park. Doug Tulloch shares his two full moon shots and we have a short video breaking ice.
by: Susan W. Smith
What an unusual February. Usually, we have a frozen River. This year we have open water, wind, freezing rain and sunshine. and this week SNOW. All part of Winter 2017 in the Thousand Islands.
This month's articles are just as unusual. Check here for videos and photographs and hopefully good news about the border for fishermen.
by: Susan W. Smith
Yes, a whole new year… and I am still at it! If you had asked me a week ago, I would have told you all was well and I had not a care in the world. But this week my computer crashed! Seems everyone has gone through this and the first question is always… “Did you back it up?” Thankfully I had...
Check out new Happenings in January including a tribute to Doug Tulloch and his Santa Festival, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and the watching the skies.
by: Susan W. Smith
The November issue announces our 5th Annual Photo Contest, pays tribute to some outstanding islanders and introduces four new authors: Paul Hetzler, Walter Fraser, Andrée Robitaille Wood and James Montanus. Learn about Ticks, Clouds, Ghosts, Music, Rock Climbing, Maritime Museum, Photography and of course Sudoku.
by: Susan W. Smith
Meet Anne Mellon, Clayton's Citizen of the Year; meet Shaggy, a detector dog at the Thousand Islands Port of Entry on Hill Island who discovered 98.8 Kilograms of suspected cocaine and meet the winners of Clayton's Sunflower Contest...plus over a dozen new photographs celebrating Fall 2016.
by: Susan W. Smith
TI Life in September: check out new River videos and photographs, meet our new contributors and learn the back stories behind the articles - yes, Summer 2016 is over - and what a summer it was. Now we are gearing up for the Fall and there will be lots to see and do on both sides of the River!
by: Susan W. Smith
Enough already…. We need rain. We want rain. Where is the rain? More than five weeks of sunshine and hot weather has made 2016 holidays better than ever...
And what about TI Life... 13 articles this month. Check this one out for Videos from Mystic Sea Port and Nashville's Mick Fury, who visits Singer Castle and then there are the accidents and incidents...
by: Susie Smith
Where do you find all those articles? A good question, but easy to answer. I think it is amazing… each article comes with a back story.
Lynn and Gary McElfresh wanted to know Where Do Big Old Boats Go to Die? and research gave them some interesting alternatives! Captain Brian Johnson wants some help to find the 1975’s Peanut Gang. Do you recognize any of the old gang?
by: Susan W. Smith
The Summer 2016 begins officially next week and all of the museums, attractions and marinas are ready to welcome everyone back to the River. What better way to start the summer than with TI Life.
If you lived anywhere near Gananoque on Saturday, June 4th, you would have heard the engines… loud and clear. But suffice to say the excitement was as high as the committee, chaired by Chris McCarney, hoped – and the event was a resounding success!
Chris M. Piering often shares his beautiful photographs on
by: Susan W. Smith
May was a busy month for the TI Life team; on May 7th, we published a Special Edition to celebrate the opening of Brockv...
by: Susan W. Smith
My personal story of the Aquatarium... Ian Coristine wrote a tribute note to Simon Fuller on March 1st, the day he visited the Aquatarium. He thanked Simon for his concept and vision...
by: Susan W. Smith
April showers this year are snow pellets. However, many of us have already opened the cottage and started summer ‘16 with the heat on.
What is happening: Meet our new contributors: Dan Mack, Pete M. Anderson, Lee Willbanks and 10-year-old Janevra Pier - We pay tribute to Sandy Beach Resort’s Gilbert Plaw - We ask if there is a thief on the River? - We present the Empire State Tourism Office video by Horizon Aerials. and more. . .
by: Susan W. Smith
News from TI Life - Tributes to Bob Clark, Linda Yenawine and Frank Kinsella; three who will be long remembered on the River. Did you see the Nazi submarine story? Meet our new contributors and experience winter in the Islands through photographs (bazillion shells on Potters Beach!)
by: Susan W. Smith
One of our proofreaders wrote, “HOW do you do it? Each issue is better than the last!!” I wish I could take credit, but I have to say our authors certainly deserve our thanks. Here we are with our mid-winter edition – enjoy this one beside a fireplace, on either side of the River, at a coffee shop near where you work, or if you are lucky, like I am, on a beach!
Open then article and meet our new contributors, see a remarkable historical film and enjoy our February photoraphs.
by: Susan W. Smith
A new year of TI Life adventures. Blizzards...freezing temperatures…Lake-effect whiteouts and the occasional thaw – represent the first month of the year. No time like the present to enjoy 10 new articles – Enjoy!
Start with two great videos by the McLellan Group and Feather in Flight as well as memorial tributes to Frank Cavallario and Grindstone's Aminta Marks.
by: Susan W. Smith
Season’s Greetings from our TI Life Team… Lots of news this month: Meet the authors… Citizens of the Year…GAM on Yachting… WPBS Production, 52 Minutes of Islands… and photographs by James Miller, Dennis McCarthy, Joe Meirose, Patrick Simpson, Bob Gates, Ian Coristine and Autumn Kirker.
by: Susan W. Smith
As we go to press we are learning more about the incredible violence that was struck in Paris on Friday, November 13th. Like so many around the world I find it difficult to express our sense of outrage and sorrow – suffice to say our thoughts are with our Parisian friends.
TI Life Happenings in November include a tribute to the late Mary Dial. We also present two beautiful videos produced by Jeffry Weldon and we share many beautiful photographs.
by: Susan W. Smith
Each summer I try not to blink in mid-July, for when I do it’s suddenly October. And, October means Canadian...
by: Susan W. Smith
End of the Summer – Heat, rain, cold… but somehow these River days can be the best. Lots to report this month... TIERS Campaign; Danger Floating; Tad Clark's Excursion; Story telling on Murray Isle and, yes, fishing. We top it all off with a special September Video.
by: Susan W. Smith
Updates on the future TI Park building...To call or not to call? That is the question when it comes to border issues... Meet new authors: Paul Coté (Gananoque), Joe & Libby Burkle, (Washington State), Dan LeKander, (Wellesley Island) and Matthew Berry, (14 yrs old and from Kingston). Also meet my Australian friend, Alan Smith and his kangaroo. Top it off with photos of summer happenings in the 1000 Islands...
by: Susan W. Smith
Lots to report in this article... Bios for six new contributors - Trish Buote, Mary Politis, Paul Holland, Blu Mackintosh, Camille Crandall and Robert Neulieb. Parks Canada receives $7.7 Million! and what to do on Saturday's in July!
by: Susan W. Smith
1) Reporting requirements for private boaters. 2) Bobbie Trimble will be missed. 3) Thomas K. Hunt's new book of poetry. 4) Facebook's new Thousand Islands River Views. 5) Never too late for comments! and 6) topped off with a slide show by Chirs Piering. Yes, Summer 2015 is here! Do share TI Life with family and friends.
by: Susan W. Smith
What a difference a month makes – Mid May - Not swimming yet, but windows open... Top Five Happenings: TI Park Rebuild; 1000 Islands Tower 50th; Water Levels; Remember the Canadian Postman? Bad News for TI Life. And meet our new contributors Joan Delaney, Brian Fay & Chris Murray, Robert Daly and Barry Keefe.
by: Susan W. Smith
Ice breakers have gone through, the rain and wind have done their part - so yes - we will be back on the River very soon. This article provides news of Gan's Contractor's Dock; Cape Vincent's Snow Sculptures and we share a video and photographs... Enjoy!
by: Susan W. Smith
Spring is in the air… Truly… This editor spent the winter in the sunny south – so I join our readers in thanking those who stayed home to share news and photographs! You can see them here... Also we present a video of Singer Castle in the winter... and ideas for a night out in the spring in the Thousand Islands.
by: Susan W. Smith
Midwinter – reports of too much snow, record breaking low temperatures and Interstate pile-ups. Howeve...
by: Susan W. Smith
Meet our January contributors... Watch a video of Roaring Ice... Pay tribute to special Islanders...and visit 1000 Islands communities in winter photographs.. All here in Happenings, January 2015.
by: Susan W. Smith
Each year's December issue is my favorite. Thanks to Ian Coristine our TI Life’s 3rd Annual Photo Contest winners were chosen from over 160 entries.Richard (Dick) Withington tells us about Nylons Hanging in the Shower...Lynn gives us a TEST and there is lots more!
by: Susan W. Smith
November 11th allows us to pause for Remembrance Day in Canada and Veterans Day in the US. Then many of us pause again ...
by: Susan W. Smith
Canadian Thanksgiving and Columbus Day Weekend truly signals the end of Summer, 2014. Mother Nature was kind with ...
by: Susan W. Smith
What a summer… high water, some picture perfect days… family and friends! Now we head into the fall ...
by: Susan W. Smith
When we published this August issue, we just learned of the fire on August 14th, on Wellesley Island at the corner of St. Lawrence Avenue and Rainbow Street east, home of the Guzzle. Our thoughts are with all those whose summer-lives are touched by this tragic event. Luckily there were no injuries, however the Park lost its Fire Station and equipment. I find the footage difficult to watch, but it is important...
by: Susan W. Smith
Check out our July Happenings… Independence fireworks, beautiful photographs and our US Donate Button is now working! Also take advice from a pro - "Click on articles that may not seem as interesting - you will be surprised."
by: Susan W. Smith
Check out Island Happenings here. Want to see the islands from above? Check out Flyboarding, Helicopters or Tower views… A rant about parking… Meet our new contributors and more… Yes, June has arrived - the weather is beautiful, water levels are perfect and everyone is returning to the River all equal Summer 2014.
by: Susan W. Smith
Click here to see an array of Spring photographs… meet five new contributors... The new book "Tall Ships of the Thousand Islands" and notice for the 15th Biennial Quilt Show; plus news about Cross Island Farm, a new twitter to follow @SeawayNNY and a new Point Vivian website…
by: Susan W. Smith
Click here to see how the icebreaker makes its way through the Islands, learn about a new kickstarter program, and see photographs of spring. This winter we had to wait several weeks to find open water, in fact the opening of the St. Lawrence Seaway was delayed and there are still inches of ice in bays and small channels in the river.
by: Susan W. Smith
Open this article to see Winter 2014… Also we link to a Romantic video where a young man asks a young women to take the plunge… jump in the freezing water and get married.. She accepted both.
by: Susan W. Smith
Open this article to go for a walk on black ice with Kenny Brabant or see “1000 Reasons to do Business in Gananoque”. Get ready to take your snowmobile on a popular winter trail and think what it is like to be a farmer on Wellesley Island. Plus a dozen photographs…
by: Susan W. Smith
While not as devastating as the Ice Storm 1998, Ice Storm December 2013, caused massive power outages across the North Country and most of Southern and Eastern Ontario. Coming on December 22 and 23rd, so close to Christmas added extra hardship as roads were closed and people were asked to remain in their homes.
by: Susan W. Smith
Thanks for putting a Thousand Islands in your life in 2013 and we wish you and your family a happy and joyous 2014.
The...
by: Susan W. Smith
Last year at this time we were wishing those hit by the hurricane Sandy a speedy and safe recovery, this month we know t...
by: Susan W. Smith
For many, Canadian Thanksgiving and the US Columbus Day weekend signal an end to summer. For those still on the River, please beware of low water, frequent storms, and the promise of frost. This TI Life in October article brings you beautiful Fall photographs, a RiverQuest update, exciting videos and introduces our new contributors.
by: Susan W. Smith
4,913 subscribers, 170+ authors, 700+ articles. 5000+ photographs and a very happy editor. This is my 60th issue.
Created in 2006 by the late Paul Malo, “TI Life” is certainly something for which our team can be proud.
by: Susan W. Smith
Tad Clark’s "Boat Shoes" made me laugh; He is right, we all need them, have them and keep them. Deane Parkhurst made me realize you can travel a long way from the River but memories will bring you back -.But “TI Life in August” will be remembered for the Awesome Video created for 1000 Islands RiverQuest by Doug McLellan (Lake Fleet’s Wood Isle) - full screen, sound up and enjoy!
by: Susan W. Smith
I call this issue TI Lite in July… Thinking of sitting at a computer, when we really want to be out on the River. ...
by: Susan W. Smith
June is here – more water in the River - they say it will be a hot summer (Ya, sure…) and the June issue is filled to the brim with history and happenings.
Click here to see three videos: Love your Park Day; Clayton Diving Club and “Old River Stories" with Alan Newell and Everett Smith...
by: Susan W. Smith
Freshwater Jellyfish in the Thousand Islands?... “Border fee for Canadians banned by U.S. Senators…” Yes, lots of news in this “TI Life in May 2013.” Plus dozens of photographs representing Spring 2013 - the moon, sunsets, even a dinner party for 30! New contributors and your favorites including Lynn McElfresh and Brian Johnson.
by: Susan W. Smith
Lots of news … First, take a stand-up Jet-Ski ride over ice and water… Our Kim Lunman writes for "BoatUSA" and I introduce our April contributors. The Canadian Park Islands have a new name and we have an update on water levels. We thank those who leave comments for they often lead to new stories about the 1000 Islands…
by: Susan W. Smith
Do you want wind turbines near your island home? Do you worry about water levels? This article provides some thoughts. We also introduce new contributors and share photographs of those places you like the most! It is our largest issue to date.
by: Susan W. Smith
This month’s issue is special. When Hunter Grimes sent his "An essay which is not all about hunting and guns…" I realized right away this was a MUST READ. I got just as enthused when Bill Munro agreed to provide "Nature/Outdoor Photography… We pay tribute to the late Myrna Clark and William (Bill) Browning – and photographers give us pictures
by: Susan W. Smith
This is one of our most ambitious issues… 13 articles… over 130 photographs, special videos including one created on YouTube for TI Life, Seaway 2012, history, an excursion, a book review… and the launch of RiverQuest...Then, ever wonder what was here before? We introduce new Facebook pages featuring vintage photographs … and we show snowbirds how winter 2013 has started..
by: Susan W. Smith
Thanks for putting a thousand islands in your life in 2012 and we wish you and your family a happy and joyous 2013. The...
by: Susan W. Smith
As we launch there are still thousands in NJ, CT, NY, and NYC, suffering from the loss of family, power, homes, and livelihoods - we extend our heartfelt thoughts..... Everyone deserves a “last hit of Summer” so thanks to Great Lake Swimmers give us a new music video… Watch it now!
by: Susan W. Smith
We pay tribute to Chef Gerry and Diane Brinkman, who will not be returning to operate the Wellesley Hotel in 2013.Islanders, mainland residents and visiting mariners are saddened to hear this news…We celebrate the MarCom Award given to “One in a Thousand” and we have pictures of the low water…
by: Susan W. Smith
Yes, that is a truck you see...It was caught on camera by Martin Zonnenberg as the Grindstone Island Barge made its way across the River... We introduce a new book by Chris Brock and poetry by Fred Schmidt... Lots more in this month's issue, enjoy.
by: Susan W. Smith
From the Editor: Do you remember the weather in summer 2011? Well, 2012 has to date, been hotter, sunnier and dryer. So, we are cheering for some(more) rain, particularly for our farming communities. We will soon find out how serious the drought has been for the area, but it has made family reunions, weddings and fundraising events a great success...
by: Susan W. Smith
Nothing screams summer like hot weather, lazy days, motor boats, swimming, fishing, and ice cream! Summer is here! This article will introduce our new contributors, introduce the Plein Air Painters and even provides a job opportunity... and as the summer progresses, we suggest you will take along your camera, smart phone or tablet and take photographs to share with TI Life.
by: Susan W. Smith
This article is both a celebration of the start of summer 2012 and a rant about copyright law. One of our authors discovered that a new, Thousand Islands history book has photographs and text that she had originally written for our e-zine.
by: Susan W. Smith
Did you see the super moon… you can imagine what it looked like rising and setting over the Thousand Islands. Magnificent. This month we present a miracle in photographs, professional golfing news, warn about ticks, question water levels and more…
by: Susan W. Smith
When I learned that Ian Coristine was writing a new book I got excited. As perhaps one of his most devoted fans (his contributions to Thousand Islands Life are immeasurable), I decided...
by: Susan W. Smith
A lot to report this month. I discovered that one of the leading Crime Writers Festivals takes place on Wolfe Island. We present more than a dozen winter photographs and a sneak preview to Ian Coristine's "One in a Thousand". One of the biggest news stories is the announcement of the largest real estate transaction in the Thousand Islands with the sale of Eagle Point properties.
by: Susan W. Smith
It’s mid-winter but it does not feel like it as there is little snow, even in the North Country. In this article we have some lovely images from photographers: Lillian and Paul Cooledge, Dennis McCarthy, Fred Guild, and Debbie Hirshey. We also introduce a new page, "Excursions", with a "Ride up the Rideau" by Tad Clark and invite readers to join our twitter @TILife.
by: Susan W. Smith
Happy New Year! This article introduces a muskie hunter, provides a link to tracking a bald eagle named Hal, looks back on Buoy Bobbing and provides many ways to enjoy winter in the North Country. We thank Ian Coristine for his new “headers” and Lillian and Paul Cooledge for sharing their photographs. And finally, the River is quiet which gives us time to read about it
by: Susan W. Smith
As a gift in December we present History, Poetry, Diving Escapades and 22 Photographs by Thousand Islands photographers. We also pay tribute to Don Ross, new "Keeper of the Islands" and to the late John King and Captain Richard (F.E.) Fawcett. Enjoy this issue and please forward it to a friend.
by: Susan W. Smith
We have just completed our Canadian Thanksgiving. We remember cooking our turkey on a cold icy morning, or a windy and blustery day, but this past weekend was just like summer 2011 – warm, sunny and far too nice to be putting on shutters or closing down the water system!
I want to take this opportunity, on behalf of our fellow islanders, our cruising sailors, and the nearby mainlanders, to thank all the marina operators, local business ...
by: Susan W. Smith
September signals the end of Summer … We introduce music by Peg Dolan in a Dennis McCarthy YouTube video; new contributors and two new books. We also report sad news of the deaths of Michael Mead from Grindstone Island and Peter Hendley from Grenell Island. . .
by: Susan W. Smith
Q&A: (1) How many of you sat on your deck (cottage/boat/cockpit) and watched the world go by? Answer: Everyone...
by: Susan W. Smith
Almost everyone has heard about the border problems. Concerned citizens on both sides of the River have sent lette...
by: Susan W. Smith
TI Life in June gives this editor the opportunity to introduce this month’s articles and provide River news - which includes photographs of the Cornwall Brothers Store Museum which lost its roof in the June 8th storm. There is much more... a poem, "Otter's Claim" by Joan A Kimball and a very special letter to the editor… and MikeCox,our volunteer web magician, added a slide show feature to the site this month.
by: Susan W. Smith
Thousand Islands Life Magazine presents 12 articles this month… something for everyone! Not only are the art...
by: Susan W. Smith
There is something special about March. The luck of the Irish on St. Patrick’s Day, Daylight Savings Time, and yes, the days are getting longer! If you, like many others, have been trying to convey to friends and family elsewhere just how exceptional the Thousand Islands really are, now have two new ways to do it.
by: Susan W. Smith
In December, we received Dan Denney’s "Through the Ice - a Tale of Survival". Not only does he explain how dangerous it can be to drive on river and/or lake ice, he gives us techniques for survival which he had to learn the hard way! January's issue also presents history, photographs and more...
by: Susan W. Smith
Yes summer is almost over, but what a great one we have had! Throughout the summer we collected photographs from our readers both on "TI Life" and from our Facebook site, and we share some here. We also congratulate Ian Coristine for winning a 2010 Benny Award for his book, "The very best of Ian Coristine's 1000 Islands"...
by: Susan W. Smith
July is vacation time and hopefully you are not sitting at your computer but instead enjoying these truly hot, hazy, crazy days of summer. For that reason in July we publish TI Life ‘Lite'. And to help you enjoy the summer, do check this article as we share a new slide show of the Thousand Islands, created by Ian Coristine with the music of Great Lake Swimmers...
by: Susan W. Smith
What a month! Wonderful weather, still going from hot to cold, but some rain and the water level is slightly higher. In addition to introducing our stories, we present links to two great videos. Our Readers Exchange allows us to answer a number of inquiries... This month we also present several follow-up articles. The first is a result of interesting comments about last month’s article by Kim Lunman
by: Susan W. Smith
On June 6th subscriber number 3,000 joined TI Life! This month we introduce Capt. Brian Johnson, Robert S. Miner and William Worden and welcome back Phil Chadwick, Kim Lunman, Michael Whittaker, James Rapport and Ian Coristine.
by: Susan W. Smith
Trilliums and Beavers are a sure sign of spring. Sagastaweka Island, has thousands of trilliums to welcome us back to the River and at least one industrious beaver. The first I adore, the latter not so much! Actually there are now other worries for islanders to consider and the list is long...
by: Susan W. Smith
TI Life has a new "Readers' Exchange" where we welcome your short stories of seven-hundred words, or less. Our first sto...
by: Susan W. Smith
A proposed anchor tourism attraction for the Thousand Islands is a huge step closer to opening its doors on Brockville’s...
by: Kim Lunman
Our house is built on a rock in a river.
So begins "Of Time and an Island", a love letter to the Thousand Islands penne...
by: Kim Lunman
What’s happening? The December issue of our magazine comes to you with a new look!
by: Susan W. Smith
Imagine asking the US residents on Washington Island, in Clayton, NY, to change the island’s name back to its original: ...
by: Susan W. Smith
HILL ISLAND - Bud Andress grabs his binoculars and hops on the Jet-Ski at the dock of his St. Lawrence River home to go ...
by: Kim Lunman
Tourism became a booming business for the Thousand Islands region, in the 1870s, after the beauty of the area was public...
by: Tom King
The 2018 Seaway season was rather smooth sailing.
Reports of groundings or lock damage were minimal, while the amount...
by: Michael Folsom & Joanne Crack
The Westminster Park Board of Trustees carefully planned every aspect of their new island community: the placement of th...
by: Linda Twichell
When the thermometer starts dipping into negative values at night, and only rises into the single digits in the day, the...
by: Paul Hetzler
The newsstand was a compact little store with a loyal year-round clientele. They came by every day for their newspapers, pipe and chewing tobacco,
by: Cary R. Brick
Two species of Asian carp, bighead and steel carp, are daunting invasive fish, weighing 80 to 100 pounds. They jump when frightened, which can injure...
by: John Peach
While this may appear at first glimpse to be a very simple and straightforward photo, there were three deliberate decisi...
by: Chris Murray
As we begin a new year, let’s pause and ask ourselves how we would evaluate our Sudoku skills. You could be a begi...
by: Dan LeKander
Although boats have been washed-up, wrapped-up and winterized, true boaters are still living and breathing the...
by: Nicole Hartshorn
It’s always the same, a painful pleasure. Pleasure seeing new views of the River through so many others’ eye...
by: Ian Coristine
The Sheriff of Grenell sounds like something out of Robin Hood, doesn’t it? But once upon a time, Grenell Island h...
by: Lynn E. McElfresh
In the decade after World War II the kids at Butternut Bay didn’t have much to do … all we did was play, sw...
by: Bob Anderson
It starts with a picture on Facebook’s Thousand Islands River Rats Now and Then page, back a couple of months ago....
by: Susan W. Smith
Two years ago, December 2016, I wrote a Book Review: for First Responder, by Dr. Richard Withington. I related that when...
by: Richard L. Withington
Last month’s installment of the stories of the early families of Westminster Park detailed the history of the cott...
by: Linda Twichell
Many have a Bucket List, but artist Brenda Clarke found someone else’s Bucket List that has taken her on a wonderf...
by: Susan W. Smith
Ok, so it is cold outside, and/or it is “another sunny day” in Florida… What to do? You should be concentrating on work,...
by: Susan W. Smith & William Salisbury
They had come home, well some of them had.
Jean was 16 now, almost dix sept. He could remember all the parades and the flags...
by: Charles MacLean Cochand
T. I. LIFE PUZZLE FOR DECEMBER 2018
This holiday Sudoku Puzzle will warm your heart and take your mind off ...
by: Dan LeKander
Introduction:
Linda Twichell likes to share recommendations of those books she thinks should be on a Thousand I...
by: Linda Twichell
Winter has come early this year. As I write this article, the temperature outside is hovering around 0 degrees...
by: Chris Murray
There is nothing better than sharing Holiday enchantment with your children, family and friends. Enjoying great food, dr...
by: Nicole Hartshorn
The River teaches us lessons and I learned mine one night while ki-YAKKING—thankfully without catastrophic
by: Lynn E. McElfresh
It’s that time of year again when you can help build a greater understanding and appreciation of the River through TI Li...
by: Ian Coristine
Patriot Chronicles: Two Loyalist Recollections of the Battle of the Windmill
2018 marks the 180th anniversary of the ...
by: John C. Carter
We all know the adage: “Don’t believe everything you read in newspapers.” Nevertheless, the nineteenth...
by: Linda Twichell
During the early 1900s, the Thousand Islands were a beehive of activity. Yacht Clubs and Hunt Clubs sprung up from Cape ...
by: John Kunz
All artifacts and furniture are wrapped, stored and/or covered for the spring...
by: Jessica Phinney
Being November, with Thanksgiving around the corner, it is a good time to be thankful for Sudoku. It...
by: Dan LeKander
My name is Nicole Hartshorn, THE RIVER GAL. I am a wife, mother of two small children and author of” RIVER ENTERTAININ...
by: Nicole Hartshorn
It has been said that art is a product of human skill and imagination.
by: Chris Murray
A native of Watertown NY, Dr. Robert W. Daly has been a summer resident of Shady Shores, Town of Clayton since 1949.
by: Robert W. Daly
Sometime in August — just as the summer season is coming to a close — five River women set aside a day just ...
by: Lynn E. McElfresh
The Thousand Islands Cup was established once again this summer to celebrate the rich racing heritage of the Chippewa Ya...
by: John Kunz
From its inception, the Westminster Park Community was spurred along by the astute cultivation of a relationship with th...
by: Linda Twichell
By Richard F. Palmer
Whatever happened to Theodore Gegoux’s painting of the palatial steamboat St. Lawrence dur...
by: Richard Palmer
My name is Julie Woods and I have been a summer student employed by The Arthur Child Heritage Museum (ACHM) in Gananoque...
by: Julie Woods
If you google “Hockey and culture” in Canada you will find, ”Ice Hockey: A symbol of Canada, a nationa...
by: Susan W. Smith
The beginning of the season…
What do you do on your way to the Thousand Islands? For Ryan Leiberher, the ride...
by: Ryan Leiberher
In late July, I met Susan G. Mathis at a Writer’s Day held at the Cornwall Bros. Museum in Alexandria Bay. In June...
by: Susan W. Smith
Experience the power of the 6 with puzzle #45!
PUZZLE #45
D...
by: Dan LeKander
“Who lives in that cottage over there?” guests often ask as they point across the water at the cottage acros...
by: Lynn E. McElfresh
Explosive storm on the River last night! I thought I was going to be capturing it way off in the distance, but suddenly
by: John Street
Save the River’s program brings many successes and new challenges
Common tern with dinn...
by: Lindsay Proulx
The world’s greatest avian travelers are in trouble. The Earth’s populations of sandpipers, plovers and thei...
by: Gerry Smith
I arrived at Canoe Point by kayak from Thousand Island Park and offered to pay the $6-day use fee. The friendly staff provided a Thousand Islands Land Trust (TILT) brochure, information on the winery, and some local knowledge ...
by: Stewart Dutfield
Fire claimed another notable house in the Thousand Islands, this time on the north shore of Grindstone Island. A call wa...
by: Dane Zabriskie
The stories of the network of Westminster Park’s families continue to unfold: The Northrup’s, the Peckham&rs...
by: Linda Twichell
A dear friend gave me a book about angels recently. I thought to myself, I have never read of anyone telling about their...
by: Mary Politis
Your September Sudoku puzzle brings you another challenge, now that the River has calmed …
...
by: Dan LeKander
Families on both sides of the border express their sincere sadness upon hearing about a freak accident that took the lif...
by: Susan W. Smith
In the 1960s, the Beach Boys were crooning about California Girls. But in the late 19th century, a young man’s tho...
by: Lynn E. McElfresh
“This article is dedicated to Ken Deedy, the visionary conservationist to whom the songbirds owe a debt of gratitu...
by: Gerry Smith
Last month we told of the influence of Rev. Dr. Philemon H. Fowler, minister of the Utica Presbyterian Church, in recrui...
by: Linda Twichell
The good folks of Trinity Anglican Church, in Marysville, Wolfe Island, first introduced me to Dog-strangling Vine (DSV)...
by: Margaret Dochoda
This is my story. I grew up in Toronto, went to Queen’s University in Kingston, graduating in 1962 in Engineering....
by: Bob Duthie
Anyone who knows the Mondores also knows that my husband and I love to hike! And we especially love to hike the Thousand...
by: Patty Mondore
When the impossible becomes possible …
PUZZLE #43
DA...
by: Dan LeKander
While walking through the woods one day… in the merry month of July…
We had a nice surprise a few weeks...
by: Keith LaPointe
So, family members and/or friends are coming to share our special brand of paradise. While the River is the perfect &ldq...
by: Tad Clark
“The App for Recreational Boaters…Navigate Confidently…Find your Friends… Explore n...
by: Susan W. Smith
Independence Day, or the Glorious Fourth, was a hugely celebrated affair back in the Gilded Age. Congress didn’t d...
by: Lynn E. McElfresh
“No problems – Only solutions,” is the motto that Gananoque Lions Club president, Susan Tunnicli...
by: Susan W. Smith
The founders of Westminster Park were savvy entrepreneurs. They carefully laid a framework for the community, establishi...
by: Linda Twichell
Editor’s note: Many in the region already know Colin Slack, but we suggested that he explain how he started ...
by: Colin Slack
Have you ever walked across the Thousand Islands Bridge?
I’ve been crossing that bridge for the past 60 years (...
by: Wayne C. Strauss
The late Paul Malo, who was an emeritus professor of architecture a Syracuse University, created Thousandislandslife.com...
by: Susan W. Smith
New York Sea Grant reminds those of us who have dogs, who love the water, to be alert to the danger that harmful algal b...
by: Kara Lynn Dunn
This month we return to a Sudoku puzzle format that will be most recognizable to you. As always, the puzzle will require...
by: Dan LeKander
When was the last time you saw a rainy day postcard? Sure, we all like the postcard view of the world. The one where the...
by: Lynn E. McElfresh
The summer of ’78 was in full swing. The weather was superb, mid 80’s during the day, with low humidity, upp...
by: Dan Mack
Perspective, in history, is everything. Aerial photography captures a River being transformed by the Seaway...
by: Craig Irwin Stevenson
Last fall I was at a friend’s studio and he asked if I would like to go have a beer at Foxy’s, I was in a hurry...
by: Scott Ouderkirk
If you don’t know Ken Deedy, you have heard of him. And if you haven’t heard of him, you have still been tou...
by: Susie Smith and Susie Wood
Interested in getting out on the water this summer, but not ready to buy a boat of your own?
New York Sea Grant and the...
by: Kara Lynn Dunn
In November of 1875, articles appeared in newspapers across Northern New York State, announcing the intent of the Presby...
by: Linda Twichell
This is a puzzle to remember! Expect an unexpected twist and turn.
Puzzle #41
...
by: Dan LeKander
We bought our 14 ft. AMF Puffer sailboat in 1983; I was in my twenties. As a teen growing up in landlocked Central Illin...
by: Lynn E. McElfresh
It’s official. Summer has arrived in the 1000 Islands and soon so will Island Life. The new issue of Island Life M...
by: Kim Lunman
I was born in Watertown, New York, so my birth certificate says, but my heart says I was born on the St. Lawrence River....
by: Paula A. Allan
On October 2, 2002, North Country Public Radio’s broadcast included one very sad story titled “A-Bay Hospital to Close”....
by: Wayne C. Strauss
(A story of how the author’s grandmother came to live a Thousand Islands life in the 1940’s, told in her voi...
by: Hilary Grimes-Casey
As with other people who are from the community of Gananoque, I was shocked to hear of the sudden and untimely passing o...
by: Jeffrey Leggo
After the Irish Potato Famine in 1852, my family immigrated to Wolfe Island. I thought crossing the ocean was tough, but...
by: Susan G. Mathis
(Excerpted from The Secrets Behind the Structures, by John Reisinger)
The Castle on Dark Island: The world’s on...
by: John Reisinger
Friends & Family challenge … perhaps teach your family or friends how to achieve success with difficult Sudok...
by: Dan LeKander
The St. Lawrence Islands National Park, established in 1904, is the oldest Canadian national park east of the Rockies. L...
by: Heather Chitty
We were lying on our west rock last summer, soaking up sunshine and listening to the squeals of delight from children sw...
by: Lynn E. McElfresh
As a young girl growing up in Brownville, New York, becoming a 1000 Islands tour boat captain certainly wasn’t one of Br...
by: Tom King
It is interesting to note that the rise and fall of the water level of Lake Ontario is not some strange phenomenon that ...
by: Richard Palmer
...In August 1891, plans for the new chapel at Westminster were accepted by the Trustees. Dr. Jamieson,
by: Linda Twichell
To insiders, the North Country of upstate New York refers to the 1000 Islands region in Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrenc...
by: Beth Campagno
I want to warn our readers that the December issue of TI Life may be late this year. Why? Our IT magician, Mike Cox will...
by: Mike Cox
Give Me the Lines that Nature doth Hold; Give me the fringe That fingers a beach.
by: Marilyn K. Neulieb
In 2014, my mom and I took a fact-finding trip to Wolfe Island. I was writing my debut novel, “The Fabric of Hope:...
by: Susan G. Mathis
T. I. LIFE PUZZLE FOR APRIL 2018
Last month we looked at a time saving aspect of Puzzle Preparation. I have been aske...
by: Dan LeKander
I never know what I might find when I go fishing, but I never expected to find a sea serpent, with three-inch teeth. Tha...
by: Lynn E. McElfresh
On any given summer weekend, a passer-by to East End Park, in Cape Vincent, may see 10 to 20 scuba divers entering or ex...
by: Dennis McCarthy
Old Joe – rolled his own.
Maybe Joe worked thirty years for my grandparents – no matter exactly how many years. What is...
by: John F. Patterson
For most of my life, I experienced the Thousand Islands only during the summer months. Many of my earliest and fondest m...
by: Chris Murray
In 1875 a consortium of Presbyterian ministers and businessmen announced their intention to build a summer community on ...
by: Linda Twichell
I
Through the St. Lawrence Seaway story, runs a current of movement that goes beyond water.
It is a story of risin...
by: Craig Irwin Stevenson
My story is not unusual as there are many like-minded Facebook enthusiasts who create social media accounts. I hap...
by: Brenda Benoit
Yoga is for everybody, and the benefits are immeasurable. Many years ago, while living in California, I discovered yoga ...
by: Janet Smith Staples
This month we are going on a journey, to add the finishing touches to Puzzle Preparation. You might say that this is the...
by: Dan LeKander
One of the most notorious bootleggers, on eastern Lake Ontario and the upper St. Lawrence River during in the ‘Roa...
by: Richard Palmer
Fishing may have put the Thousand Islands on the map, but in the late 19th century, it was religion that organized the r...
by: Lynn E. McElfresh
My sweet dad, George G. Wilson went to his Heavenly Home on 1/23/18. He was 92 years old. One of the last questions he a...
by: Patty Mondore
On the morning of July 21, 1928, residents of Oswego, New York awoke to find the former convict ship Success, moored in ...
by: John C. Carter
In 1819 the Hamlet of Oak Point in the Town of Hammond, New York was settled by George Elliot. Mr. Elliott purchased fif...
by: Kathleen Thomas
In the summer of 1947, 78-year-old Charlie Lyon patiently waited for the launch of his custom Hutchinson runabout, Pardo...
by: David Kunz
LIDAR, which stands for Light Detection and Ranging, is a remote sensing method used to survey and map the surface of th...
by: Dennis McCarthy
Maple Month in the Township of Leeds and the Thousand Islands… Yes, as the saying goes - we’re tapping-out ...
by: Geraldine Last
We received the list of summer events planned for The Bay, from the Alexandria Bay Chamber of Commerce.
So mark the c...
by: Susan W. Smith
Perhaps, make this month a couples Valentine Sudoku puzzle and enjoy it together. Good idea?
...
by: Dan LeKander
“Now for God’s sake hold on a while. You make me so nervous and I can’t stand the pressure. If you must steal, steal from someone else..."
by: Lynn E. McElfresh
You could say it all started on December 28, just days before the Seaway was set to close for the season, as Pacific Huron, a 623-foot ocean-going vessel, ran aground
by: Michael Folsom
Steve Stone and Jill Matson swing into action again in this contemporary thriller and historical mystery...
by: Susan W. Smith
The water, after six decades, remains silenced.
This year marks the sixtieth anniversary of the completion of the St....
by: Craig Irwin Stevenson
The Macsherry’s interest in the library began almost 100 years before with the establishment of the Holland Library by the family’s ancestor, J. G. Holland.
by: Janet Gregware
I have to admit that I hesitated writing this piece, not wanting to ruffle feathers, but the experience was just too ric...
by: Michael Laprade
Happy New Year everyone! Time to sharpen our pencils and break out the Sudoku puzzles. Speaking of puzzles, the puzzle t...
by: Dan LeKander
The Hospital’s many success stories reveal its “heart”; its love of humanity.
by: Wayne C. Strauss
The soft, gentle hand of fog settles rarely on the St. Lawrence, but when it does, the character of the River changes.
by: Tom Robbins
I look forward to each year’s photo contest, with a mixture of delight and dread. Delight because it gives me a th...
by: Ian Coristine
So I made my choices for the 2017 Thousand Islands Life Photo Contest. Now you can make yours. Each of these images earn...
by: Ian Coristine
My favorite historic picture of our island was taken in the early 1890s in a cluster of rocks outside the backdoor of ou...
by: Lynn E. McElfresh
It was a bright and breezy, late-Spring-at-the-River day, the first time we saw The Boat - frozen in space, if not time
by: Wayne C. Strauss
There must be something in the St. Lawrence air or water that gives special skills to a particular breed of River Rats w...
by: Bob Anderson
Ian woke with a start!
There were strange noises and it was cold, very, very cold and crisp. He peeked out from under...
by: Charles MacLean Cochand
Can you believe this is the last issue of T. I. Life for 2017? Let’s hope for a long and enjoyable River sea...
by: Dan LeKander
The objective of this article is not a comprehensive history of catamarans. It is in fact an attempt to provide the hist...
by: Rex Ennis
Canadian ship struggled getting in and out of small harbors
Editor”s Note: The TI Life R...
by: Richard Palmer
While my wife and I, along with our three kids, certainly look forward to our annual summer vacations in the 1000 Island...
by: Tom King
“Hey Susie, have you seen this?” asked Bill, “No! Then look, and tell me Where and Why?”
The ...
by: Susan W. Smith
The first year we were married, husband Gary decided to build a boat in our living room. The idea seems absurd now, but ...
by: Lynn E. McElfresh
I think it’s safe to say that all of us enjoy seeing scenes of our River, especially when the season has chased us...
by: Ian Coristine
Come friends and relations and neighbours I prayYou will give your attention to the words I shall sayO poor Moses Dulmag...
by: Brian Johnson
From the Editor: Just after we went live with our October 2017 issue of TI Life, I received this email.
Hi, S...
by: W. Hugh Quarrier
Enjoying the River until freeze up!
River enthusiasts who stay year-round are hardy souls well-prepared for cooler te...
by: Kara Lynn Dunn
“We would not have those magnificent wooden boats, without having those unique architectural heritage island homes...
by: Susan W. Smith
I was intrigued when I received Kristen Taylor’s press release:
Introducing Wellspring Meditation
Meditation...
by: Susan W. Smith
The 12th Armored Division was activated on 15 September 1942.[5] Organization and initial training was at Camp Campbell,...
by: Rex Ennis
Can you help identify where these photographs may have been taken? And better still who are the people pictured?
by: Rod Anstee
How do we start to thank Robert L. Matthews (Bob) for the 25 articles he wrote for TI Life? Robert died on October 1, 20...
by: Susan W. Smith
Fall is in the air - it’s time to button down the cottage for another year. But, suppose on that last trip to the ...
by: Wayne C. Strauss
Meet Maggie Wheeler
Imagine being known as the Seaway Valley's Queen of Crime!
Maggie Wheeler, popular l...
by: Maggie Wheeler
Canadian students learn about Confederation, and most of them believe that Canada ceased to be a colony and became a country...
by: Dr. John Scott Cowan
As boat traffic ebbs, we can enjoy the peace, quiet & beauty of the River. September was a month to relish. Almost every...
by: Dan LeKander
I'm here again, my friend. What a nice day! The River's so bright... almost too pretty to put you to sleep...
by: Wayne C. Strauss
“Thomas K. Hunt, a poet, grew up in Clayton, NY, and says this is where his roots will be, forever! ...
by: Thomas K. Hunt
In 1957, I started a new phase in life. I became a ninth grader. I entered the high school experience at Clayton Central...
by: Joel F. Charles
When I titled my June TIL article, “The Year of the Boots,” I didn’t imagine then that I would need to...
by: Lynn E. McElfresh
This article is written with three purposes in mind:
Pay tribute to Rexford Manton Ennis, from Grindstone Island, ...
by: Susan W. Smith
Many people think that a summer home on an island is a posh luxury of the privileged few. In fact, island life, fo...
by: Raymond S. Pfeiffer
Have you ever noticed that, in particular cases, something has a name which is just so spot on? Like a big, friendly Gol...
by: Tom King
Day by day the vessel grew,
With timbers fashioned strong and true.
Mr. Kinghorn’s new composite steam...
by: Brian Johnson
Edith Lunt Small captured our River - like no other - on canvas, paper and wood. Edith, known as Edie to her friends, wa...
by: Susan W. Smith
The natural world is ever fluctuating within limits. This was once true of water levels on the Eastern Great Lakes and S...
by: Gerry Smith
What is it about the Thousand Islands region of the Saint Lawrence River that inspires a quiet sense of wonder” Ce...
by: Thomas Cardamone
Brambles catch my clothing and prick my arms. My feet slide in my sandals, wet from the dew. As the bright sun strengthe...
by: Clarissa Rogers
As we approach fall, it is difficult to believe the St. Lawrence River summer season is coming to an end. Ma...
by: Dan LeKander
I often wish I had a time machine, to transport me back, to see what life was like on Grenell in past times. Several yea...
by: Lynn E. McElfresh
After our first good night’s sleep in two days, when we begin our journey home, there is time now to tell you of o...
by: Scott I. R. Johnston
[Editor’s Note: I added “thank goodness”, and commend John Reisinger for following the story. Ma]...
by: John Reisinger
Fernfield was my grand parents last home on the mainland after they left Grenell Island. I fell in love with water...
by: Jean Pfeiffer Tate
I love learning about the history of the Thousand Islands and its many communities. And I am not alone. At the end...
by: Susan W. Smith
I have a tough time finding books about the Thousand Islands that I do not like, so rating them from 1-10 is difficult. ...
by: Susan W. Smith
Do you think that an organization you join today, in 2017, will be around in 2051? About 1983, Henry Vyfvinkel envisione...
by: Martha Stroud
Editor’s Note:
Author John Hawthorne saw an article on TI Life that related to a Float Plan. He had ju...
by: John Hawthrone
Editor’s Note: Finding an email from Robert Matthews is always a delight. This one started with his suggesti...
by: Robert L. Matthews
T. I. LIFE SUDOKU PUZZLE FOR AUGUST 2017
Last month, the bonus puzzle was in quite a different format. The given answ...
by: Dan LeKander
“For I’d rather be thy child and pupil in the forest wild”
Henry Thoreau
Solitude. I hear the ri...
by: Marilyn K. Neulieb
Even before we heard about the high water, we were alerted that we had beaver damage on our property.
Our trees have ...
by: Lynn E. McElfresh
I love our place on the River at every moment of the day, but there is something extra special about sitting on the deck after the sun
by: Patty Mondore
(Next time you want a day off.. you don’t have to get dressed up..)Convenience and flavor have made the takeout dinner a...
by: Stewart Dutfield
An electronic survey to report the impact of high water is now online for property owners on the New York side...
by: Kara Lynn Dunn
“Tom & I have been vacationing on the River since 1998, with our four children & their friends.” sta...
by: Susan W. Smith
Butternut Bay …. Religion .... good old fashioned God fearing, bible thumping religion .... played a huge role in...
by: Bob Anderson
“Of course.” he said, “but the technique may not be what you expect. You see, I use...
by: Richard Lyle & Patricia Barlow
Have you visited the Tallest Cathedral Ceiling? We bill the tiny Half Moon Bay, carved out of the granite during t...
by: Susan W. Smith
Think bare feet, summer mudpuddle giddy splash.
Think horizonward wading,
Punctuated by perfect-pebble, smooth-she...
by: Clarissa Rogers
Have fun with the new Bonus Section following this month’s puzzle!Puzzle #27First, we will revisit the approach as discu...
by: Dan LeKander
What do boat builders, fishing guides, rum runners, marina businesses and many others have in common?
Come to Rockpor...
by: Geraldine Last
Welcome to the Thousand Islands Arts Center's 2017 season and a year that will celebrate our 50th anniversary!
...
by: Leslie W. Rowland
The Thousand Islands Arts Center ~ Home of the Handweaving Museum is celebrating its 50th birthday throughout the year w...
by: Jessica Phinney
It all began at the Thousand Islands Museum, then located in what is today the Clayton Opera House. Yes, three of ...
by: Susan W. Smith
Weaver, Teacher and Fan of the River: Emily Kent Post, 1900-1978
Emily Post, a Master Weaver from Princeton, New Jers...
by: Caroline Carrie Holt Larson
Yes, indeed, there is an Arts Center in Clayton; the result of 50 years of commitment, imagination, and generosity.
Y...
by: Judy Foster
Editor’s note: How do you say thanks? Who to ask and where to start? Those were my questions when I started ...
by: Chris Murray
I love the classes TIAC offers. I have participated in several – classes I would not have ever experienced, ...
by: Elaine Vedette Tack
Thank goodness we bought our boots in Florida and brought them north with us. From what we’ve heard it’s hard to find bo...
by: Lynn E. McElfresh
Throughout the month of June, updates on water levels are top of mind. As we publish the June issue of TI Life, we recei...
by: Susan W. Smith
It started snowing around noon.
By midafternoon, the small white farmhouse was all but invisible in a blinding bli...
by: Brian Johnson
What do you get when you put a determined individual, who wants to make a difference together with some owners of the bi...
by: Susan W. Smith
There’s a new eatery in town. The Spoon and Brassie offers an innovative restaurant experience to match our casual...
by: Gretchen Bambrick
The Thousand Island Park Landmark Society will be hosting the 17th Historic Cottage and Garden Tour on July 20th, from 9...
by: Amy Kane Phelps
River Projects Receive Great Lakes Research Consortium Funding
Projects focused on St. Lawrence River habitat and wat...
by: Kara Lynn Dunn
Wing’ed Beauty
Dragonfly, you wing’ed beauty,
Light upon my finger, please.
S...
by: Marilyn K. Neulieb
Witness the twisted turns of this month’s Sudoku journey!
Puzzle #26
F...
by: Dan LeKander
The article may be redundant to those who have read my biography of Charles G. Emery, but a review can be constructive. ...
by: Rex Ennis
Editor’s Note: Robert Matthew, from Fishers Landing, NY, suggested we create a Did You Know? section, for it...
by: Robert L. Matthews
The transition from our home in Florida to Grenell in mid-May is sometimes a jarring experience. Last May, our first mor...
by: Lynn E. McElfresh
Buy it, read it, and keep it on the bookshelf! My review in a nutshell – great book. However, there is a story behind ...
by: Susan W. Smith
The islands along the St Lawrence almost seemed to shiver in the night as an icy wind whipped through the trees and shre...
by: John Reisinger
Eight years since TI Life first reported on Wolfe Island’s wind turbines, additional industrial wind development i...
by: Jack Woodward
If you want to find happy, come to Topsy Farms on Amherst Island for the sheep shearing. Photographs by Steve Sturtz
by: Elizabeth Farrar
The first time Doreen Garrett drove by the Fairview Manor, the restaurant had just closed its doors permanently. &...
by: Elaine Vedette Tack
1960. It doesn't seem that long ago to those of us who spent time at AUBREY'S THOUSAND ISLAND BOWLING CENTER (Bo...
by: Nancy Bond
Editor’s Note: When we started this series, I never thought Dan LeKander would give us 25 Puzzles, and if we don&r...
by: Dan LeKander
The Questions are thought- provoking for those Jefferson County young people between the ages of 5 – 25 who apply for th...
by: Susan W. Smith
Oh Old Barn
how much time is left
to sit on pail bottoms
and chat?
How many more directions
will begin with the w...
by: Misty Yarnall
“In case I meet someone who wants me to write for them,” I said out loud, to no one in the room. My neighbors were at th...
by: Lynn E. McElfresh
If you are convinced the Double-crested Cormorant is a demon bird, sent from the dark side to gobble up all OUR fish, th...
by: Gerry Smith
Pam McKinnon has every right to paint what she likes on or beside the St. Lawrence River. You see she is a genuine River...
by: Susan W. Smith
One hundred years ago, in April 1917, during the World War I Battle of Vimy Ridge in France, Thain Wendell MacDowell, a...
by: Charles Dumbrille
Chauncey Burtch is a name that comes up often in the tales told in Chippewa Bay. Cap, as he was known, was the man behin...
by: David Kunz
In the early nineteenth century, the world’s fancy was captured by the sport of competitive rowing. By the 1870’s, it wa...
by: Linda Twichell
Six guys from a local firehouse ditch their significant others, schedule time off work, buy more food than they need for...
by: John Spaulding
Yes, we are applying environmental science: from crude oil transport boating to teaching the next generation.
The St....
by: Kara Lynn Dunn
Our theme this month is “UNLEASH THE POWER OF STEP 6”! We will take a very close look at using Step 6 to you...
by: Dan LeKander
Editor’s Note: Robert Matthew, from Fishers Landing, NY, suggested we create a Did You Know? section, for items too sho...
by: Susan W. Smith
“Is that a black squirrel?”
I’m amazed at how surprised people are to see a black squirrel running ...
by: Lynn E. McElfresh
So far my articles have concentrated on the winners with increasing populations over the last four decades. Now I will m...
by: Gerry Smith
December 1837 and December 1838, more than 1,000 men were arrested and charged with piratical invasion and treason.
by: John C. Carter
How do we measure time?
Is it with a watch? A smile? Or perhaps the increasing number of grey hairs that look back at...
by: Mark R. Russell
Charlie Cliffe died at his home in Lansdowne, ON, on Friday, February 10th, 2017 at the age of 86. Certainly, his family...
by: Susan W. Smith
Growing up at Thousand Island Park was a summertime adventure. My first recollections were around the age of four and to...
by: Deane C. Parkhurst
In early spring 2015, Betty Matthews and Ingrid Schmidt were in the St. Lawrence Room at the Gananoque Inn and thought i...
by: Martha Stroud
Memories I grew up on the St. Lawrence, in Clayton, New York, and have been visiting for more than half a century; leavi...
by: Joel F. Charles
Please enjoy the journey as we tackle an extreme Sudoku puzzle!
Puzzle #23 will require advanced techniques. In the s...
by: Dan LeKander
“What can you tell me about the Grenell Island Yacht Club?” I get asked that question a lot. My answer—not much. All I k...
by: Lynn E. McElfresh
It was the last of summer when I came upon an old torn piece of lined yellow paper: November 15, 1986 I burie...
by: Jane Rippeteau Heffron
The dynamic nature of our regions avifauna continues to be shaped by human actions, positive and negative. Some species ...
by: Gerry Smith
Editor’s Note: Our thanks to Martha Grimes wife of the late Hunter Grimes III (1946-2015) Martha found this article, pu...
by: Hunter Grimes
David Inglehart… What don’t you do? A Google search finds that, in addition to a teacher and journalist, you’ve been a ...
by: Susan Smith and David Inglehart
That’s the size of the monitor on my camera. When I shoot, my entire world is reduced to just three inches. If you use a...
by: Tom Robbins
May was born Ada (some sources say Georgina) May Campbell, in Whitby, Ontario, Canada on June 27, 1862. Her father died ...
by: Sharon Bourquin
When Dennis McCarthy retired in 2009, he turned to his wife, Kathi, and said. "A year on the River in photos" that is wh...
by: Susan W. Smith
“Where are you from?” This is usually one of the first questions asked when we meet people while we are trav...
by: Lynn E. McElfresh
We continue our 2016 Photo Contest in this issue. . .
Ian Coristine summed up his difficulty in choosing our winners ...
by: Ian Coristine
The following is a chapter from “Going Home: Grindstone Island” written by Audrey Lashomb and published in 1...
by: Audrey Lashomb
All Photographs by Patti Mondore. Click to Enlarge
I was out for an early morning kayak ride. I was passing by one of...
by: Patty Mondore
Those of us who collect Thousand Islands material – books, pamphlets, post cards and history – will know the...
by: Susan W. Smith
When this young biologist first began working on the River in 1976, many things were very different in the bird world. T...
by: Gerry Smith
You’d be amazed by how difficult judging a contest like this is. I’m immediately forced to reject images, bu...
by: Ian Coristine
The Thousand Islands International Bridge is an iconic symbol of the 1000 Islands, connecting southeastern Ontario and n...
by: Kim Lunman
Each year we are all called upon to support our area emergency services. Some of these services are paid for through tax...
by: Richard L. Withington
Ian Aldous MacLean was born in England, on Dec 2nd 1918, just outside London. His father was Lt. Col. Charles. . .
by: Charles MacLean Cochand
It was a great day for Lyle Notting when he realized he was within reach of his deep-seated goal and obsession of lugging home a free-standing walk-in cooler.
by: Chris Brock
Not so long ago, but not that many people now living, can recall the time, winter was about as busy as summer, at almost every Lake Ontario
by: Richard Palmer
They were trying times in Upper Canada. Between December 1837 and December 1838, one internal revolt, one uprising, and at least fourteen armed incursions...
by: John C. Carter
It was a lovely spring day, perhaps the best of the early season with a brilliant sun shining off the rich blue waters of the St. Lawrence River
by: R.M. Doyon
The Lord works in mysterious ways; mothers do not. Whatever my mother did between the hours of ten that night and seven ...
by: Susan W. Smith
I begin a review of “First Responder”, by Richard Withington, MD, with a memory of a phone call I received in 2009, from...
by: Susan W. Smith
Another complete guide to solving a difficult puzzle, December 2016. Puzzle #20 has much to offer in terms of learning ...
by: Dan LeKander
I’ve enjoyed watching clouds all my life. They are like expressions on the face of the sky. The sky’s expressions are so...
by: Lynn E. McElfresh
It’s that time of year again. Time to celebrate the beauty of our islands through your eyes while providing the Christma...
by: Ian Coristine
[All photos courtesy of A. M. de Quesada, Coast Guard Historian] As my wife and I settled into the Captain’s cabin for t...
by: John Reisinger
I call this article two for one… or actually three for one. You see, Jim Montanus posted one of his photographs o...
by: Susan W. Smith
I was thirteen years old when I first came to the Thousand Islands. It was the summer of 1942, and the United States had...
by: Andrée Robitaille Wood
Even though I was born and raised in New York State, I never cease to be awestruck by the beauty of our changing seasons...
by: Paul Hetzler
Editor’s Note: A simple email arrived. “Susan, I write poetry about t...
by: Walter Fraser
My father was an avid Mountaineer. When we were children, he took us climbing in the Sierra Nevada’s and the Bavarian Al...
by: John Kunz
A Complete Guide to Solving a Difficult Puzzle – November 2016
What are your Sudoku aspirations? Do you want t...
by: Dan LeKander
We don’t have one workshop on the island, but two. Sometimes it feels like we need to have two because with six bo...
by: Lynn E. McElfresh
Yes, New York State’s craft beverage industry is alive and well in the Thousand Islands. Taste Thousand Islands Cra...
by: Susan W. Smith
Next month, Howe Island novelist, R.M.Doyon, will release “The Beginning Game” -- the third and final novel ...
by: Susan W. Smith
Thousand Island Park celebrated the ground-breaking of the new Guzzle building on September 3, 2016, with hundreds of Th...
by: Kristen Taylor
Quickly becoming one of Canada’s freshwater hot spots,
Brockville offers wrecks, underwater sculptures, and an...
by: Stephen Weir
Justus Tripp, on a late-fall night sail, literally bumps into a submarine in the middle of Lake Ontario. They try to kil...
by: Steve Wight
Early on Sunday morning, the phone would ring at the Tremont Island cottage. My husband groaned, “It’s your mother, no o...
by: Jane Taylor
It’s Wednesday afternoon, at two o’clock and Mrs. Kinney, my fifth grade teacher, announces, “Those of you going to reli...
by: Regi Carpenter
A River Essay
This summer we went to our camp. Our camp is on the St. Lawrence River....
by: Josh Bono
As I sit on my porch, enjoying the early fall’s warm air and beautiful River views in every direction, my mind is, for s...
by: Susan Schongalla
Fall is upon us. Give yourself a lift & solve both Sudoku puzzles this month!
First, we will revisit the approach...
by: Dan LeKander
The west wind came up at 2:49 a.m. A huge gust shook the cottage and the windows creaked like they might shatter into pi...
by: Lynn E. McElfresh
Dear Editor,
I loved last month’s issue as always.
The mention in TIL about that plane crash was inter...
by: Michael Laprade
Is it possible that I’ve been genetically engineered for tennis? My folks met on a tennis court, and I discovered the jo...
by: Tad Clark
Yes. Take the white pine! It is standing in my brother’s back yard. It is ugly. It is pathetic. It has passed its prime,...
by: Susan Schongalla
Editor’s back story: Two years ago I met Mary and Nick Politis through TI Life. Mary suggested and arr...
by: Mary Politis
Under a cloudy sky, two boats dropped anchor off of a windswept and rugged island. Eager with anticipation, a landing pa...
by: John Reisinger
Ogdensburgh Marine Railway
The reconstructed marine railway was 700 feet long reaching from the engine house, about 3...
by: Richard Palmer
Dennis and I were privileged to be on the first tour of the newly formed St. Lawrence River Heritage Trail. On five even...
by: Kathi McCarthy
Hello.
I’ve known you by reputation for years,
Stunning sapphire channels and glittering granite islan...
by: Cinda Findlan
Both puzzles in this month’s article will definitely expand your Sudoku horizons! First, we will revisit the approach, ...
by: Dan LeKander
Russ Disotell has an interesting title: “Facilitator, Brockville Culture Days”, but he is not alone. Y...
by: Susan W. Smith
There have been hints all day:
a rustling behind a fern frond
a trail of glitter across a rock
a tiny acor...
by: Lynn E. McElfresh
Cruising America's Great Loop
Sixty-two hundred miles, an eleven month second honeymoon, countless new friendship...
by: Anne Timmons
In July of 2016, the Thousand Islands Land Trust (TILT) conserved two parcels on one of the largest remaining forested
by: Jake Tibbles
It’s 1968. It’s July. I’m 13. The sun is beating upon us. Mercil...
by: Mark R. Russell
John Poland, a retired Queens professor and author of the ‘Pictorial Pocket Guide to the Butterflies of the Kingst...
by: Susan W. Smith
We don’t often think of the Thousand Islands as a militarized area, yet in the past, the Islands have been the sce...
by: Rex Ennis
The Early Years
At the confluence of the Oswegatchie and St. Lawrence Rivers, Ogdensburg was a major shipbuilding and...
by: Richard Palmer
Editor’s Note: Jennie Ebert presented “The St. Lawrence River, Gift to my Heart” at a summer gathering...
by: Jeannie Jackling-Ebert
“There must be something in the name,” I thought,
It was Kari Zelson Robertson, the foun. der of Fibo...
by: Susan W. Smith
Here are a couple of great rainy day Sudoku puzzles!
First, we will revisit the approach as discussed in Dan’s ...
by: Dan LeKander
In 2014 we upgraded from “Say What”, our 36 ft. Chris Craft Cavalier, to “Miss MacDac”, a 41 ft....
by: Lynn E. McElfresh
I looked up at the huge silhouette of the “Thousand Islander” from my midship seat in the small boat. Swallowing hard I ...
by: Brian Johnson
On Saturday, June 4th, 2016, Ohana100 awarded Orleans Outreach Center, in Jefferson County, with 200 new books as gifts ...
by: Elizabeth Mattson
A picture is worth a thousand words, they say, and things have stories to tell. But even if they didn’t have stori...
by: Hallie Bond
[We suggest you listen in to this music as you read this article...enjoy] It comes as no surprise that the 1000 Islands ...
by: Neil Fuller
A movie star I am not… but for a moment or two I certainly felt like one. It was back in April that I received an...
by: Susan W. Smith
It is too hot to cook! I don’t want to get dressed up and go to town! Forget about buying an expensive...
by: Susan W. Smith
I met Kerry Coyle on a June day, while I was being filmed by a crew from a German Television Show, to be broadcast on AR...
by: Susan W. Smith
In this month’s Sudoku article you may find a couple of surprises!
First, we will revisit the approach as discu...
by: Dan LeKander
This year, to celebrate the 4th of July, we went with several friends to the 1000 Islands Tower, on Hill Island.
...
by: Kathi and Dennis McCarthy
Our second day on the island, I woke up with a sore throat, body aches and chills. I hoped it was just a cold that would...
by: Lynn E. McElfresh
Brockville’s newest tourism attraction - The Aquatarium at Tall Ships Landing has officially opened its doors on the sho...
by: Kim Lunman
They were troubled times; between December, 1837 and December, 1838, at least 14 armed incursions. . .
by: John C. Carter
Canadian and American family history is intertwined with Thousand Islands history, for Bob and Paula Street. They are th...
by: Sandra Tassel
The Cornwall Brothers Store has seen it all. From its vantage point on the banks of the St. Lawrence River, the old ston...
by: Martha Grimes
I start this book review for “The Scimitar and the Snail” with the following Q&As: Q. Did you like the book?A. Absolu...
by: Susan W. Smith
Step up the stairs and prepare to be dazzled! Built in 1839 by the settler families of the area, the edifice...
by: Elaine J. Scott
The first few years on the “Canadian Empress” provided me, as an Officer, memories of events that will last a lifetime. ...
by: Robert Preston
Most “Thousand Islands Life” readers will know me for my work on Rock Island Lighthouse, but genealogy and l...
by: Mark A. Wentling
It seems that no matter how many years we've been here at the river enjoying its natural beauty and wildlife, we see...
by: Patty Mondore
Editor’s note: Jeffry J. Weldon and his wife Carolyn, live on Wellesley Island, from May through Octob...
by: Jeffry Weldon
It isn’t a very big sign on the lawn of 15 Princess Street, Gananoque, but the reason for the sign is an excellent one. ...
by: Carole Moult
The Sudoku puzzles in this June issue of Thousand Island Life may be the most challenging yet!
First, we will revisit...
by: Dan LeKander
One April morning, while still at home in Dunedin, Florida, I awoke to thunder from an approaching storm. A massive stor...
by: Lynn E. McElfresh
It’s time for island time again, in the 1000 Islands, as this year’s print issue of “Island Life Magaz...
by: Kim Lunman
Important to Note:
Recently in the news, the Marine Museum of the Great Lakes at Kingston, the very site where th...
by: Brian Johnson
The Lake and River Parish of the United Methodist Church received a new pastor, in July 2014. Reverend Nancy Stanley mov...
by: Linda Rowe
The story of Zavikon Island during the period ca. 1947 – 1970, is closely connected with that of the Rich family o...
by: David Rich Staats
The early 1960s were a very interesting time in America; the country was excited about having elected a charismatic, you...
by: Tom King
In April 1825, nearly ninety contributors donated towards the construction of an "Epis...
by: Richard Dumbrille
Are you ready for another Sudoku challenge this month?
First, we will revisit the approach as discussed in Dan’...
by: Dan LeKander
I enjoyed Lynn E. McElfresh’s April 2016 article, A World of Islands, where she wrote how she was inspired as a young g...
by: Bob Duthie
It was W.C. Fields who said, “I cook with wine, sometimes I even add it to the food!” There are more than a dozen winem...
by: Susan W. Smith
Mission? To Inspire curiosity… Like so many in the crowd, I appreciated being on hand for the opening of the new Aquat...
by: Susan W. Smith
How do you say thanks to those community members who do extraordinary things?
We all know that financial gifts ...
by: Susan W. Smith
I recently visited The Aquatarium with my 6-year old daughter and 9-year-old son. While each of the exhibits garnered comments like “this is so cool!”
by: Jennifer Pinarski
The St Lawrence River has run through my life since I was born. As a child, my family enjoyed each summer docked at the ...
by: Tom Weldon
As an exciting discovery destination and the gateway to other attractions, in the 1000 Islands, the Aquatarium is happy ...
by: Trish Buote
I’m Thomas Harder, and I am part of the Aquatarium’s Animal Husbandry team. I’ve worked professionally in this field for nearly 20 years and have a background in biology, chemistry, life support and exhibit design, and maintenance.
by: Thomas Harder
This special issue is in celebration of the opening of the Aquatarium a 27,000+ square foot interactive, learning and di...
by: Susan W. Smith
From the moment the anchor emerged dripping from the waters of the St. Lawrence River, the twelfth grade students of Thousand Islands Secondary School (TISS) knew this project would be
by: Hayley Jones and Laura Kelly
At the same time as the Aquatarium opened, two adjoining enterprises opened their doors to rave reviews. Ian Coristine ...
by: Susan W. Smith
The first island I ever visited was Mackinac Island in Lake Huron. Sadly, I was only three and have no memory of the vis...
by: Lynn E. McElfresh
Early Years
Now that the river has once again awoken from its winter slumber the familiar sight of Uncle Sam tour boa...
by: Tom King
Henderson Harbor, on Lake Ontario, is more than 100 miles by boat from Waddington, N.Y., where the Bassmaster Elite Seri...
by: Pete M. Anderson
Editor’s Note: “How I miss the Thousand Islands,” is a sentence I see in emails every month. One of those came from Dan...
by: Dan Mack
TO EVERYTHING THERE IS A SEASON Celebrating the ever changing color palette of our landscape in Upstate New York; Acryli...
by: Susie Smith
Yes, they are back… Some of Canada’s best-known authors are coming to Gananoque for a literary festival, fr...
by: Susan W. Smith
It was the first day of spring, March 20th, 2016. My family and I decided to go on a spring hike to one of our favourite...
by: Janevra Pier
April Sudoku Challenge brings you two puzzles that will test your Sudoku skills!
First, we will revisit the approach ...
by: Dan LeKander
With March and April, the snows melted away; brooks roared to life; lakes and rivers rose. Insects emerged searching, hu...
by: Robert Neulieb
U.S. and Canadian governments poised to remove St Lawrence River from list of endangered rivers with a simple the stroke...
by: Lee Willbanks
Sitting on the waters stone edge throwing twigs in the River aiming rocks at a distant ledge the cooler evening air make...
by: Carol Wilkins
When I tell people we live on an island, they invariably ask if there is a bridge. I always say no, because what they ar...
by: Lynn E. McElfresh
The 1000 Islands is slowly starting to wake up after its seasonal slumber during the winter months when Canadian Geese j...
by: Kim Lunman
Last summer, I found a page on eBay from the April 1887 issue of the popular science magazine “Scientific American.” The...
by: Clara MacCarald and Kathi McCarthy
Islanders Tuesday crossed and re-crossed the fairly narrow strip of water where the accident occurred. ...one or two st...
by: Brian Johnson
Steve Sturtz introduced me to Dustin Truesdell and his unique hobby. Steve’s photographs that caught my attention, cove...
by: Steve Sturtz & Susan Smith
It’s been 42 years since Charlie pulled us from the ice that frigid night in January 1974. In the years since then...
by: Thomas J. Murphy
Congratulations to Elaine Vedette Tack!
Elaine is well known in the Thousand Islands for her many volunteer activitie...
by: Susan W. Smith
Friends gathered in the historic Clayton Opera House, to pay tribute to a well-known regional musician, while outside, a...
by: Michael Folsom
Today one would not guess that the small town of Prescott, Ontario, at one time had a thriving shipbuilding industry.
by: Fraser Laschinger
Edith Lehr Amsterdam, a doyenne of “the River”, and chatelaine of Casa Blanca, died on Feb. 26 in Key West, ...
by: Kathleen Quigley
Are you ready for another Sudoku challenge this month?
First, we will revisit the approach as discussed in Dan’...
by: Dan LeKander
Sure – dipping into the St Lawrence River on Victoria Day or Memorial Day Weekends may be necessary if you want to be a ...
by: Susan W. Smith
The River inspires people in all kinds of ways, whether it’s through art, painting or drawing, gardening, architec...
by: Tom French
Skijoring is a Nordic term that means “Ski Driving.” I like to refer to it as green snowmobiling. Over the p...
by: John Kunz
It has been some time since I stood in the grand salon of the “Canadian Empress” Cruise Ship, in Kingston Harbour. It wa...
by: Robert Preston
Young kid: “Mister Zimmer do you know where all the shoals are in the River?”
Karl Zimmer: “Nop...
by: Deane C. Parkhurst
Have you met Steve Sturtz? That’s a question many have been asking this past summer, as Steve attended sever...
by: Susan W. Smith
I am sharing this brochure and photographs of Ina Island, located in the Summerland Group of Islands, near Alexandria Ba...
by: Joseph Smorol
With the unexpected discovery of the Fitzgerald & Lee business records that took place in Alexandria Bay two summers...
by: Anthony Mollica Jr.
It’s a small world… after all. No, I am not talking Disney World’s favorite exhibit, but rather...
by: Paula Allen & Susan Smith
In the January issue of “TI Life” Rex Ennis presented The Tiffany Story – about West Crawford Island.&...
by: Richard L. Withington
Editor’s note: Do you tackle a Sudoku on your cottage veranda, sailboat cockpit, or at a campsite? TI ...
by: Dan LeKander
I heard a splash and looked out. A woman* had jumped off her boat in our little cove. With the bowline of her 23-ft boat...
by: Lynn E. McElfresh
In like a lion and out like a lamb, or is it the other way around? Either way, March usually involves those references a...
by: Michael Folsom
Editor’s Note: January 2016 - we need something to help pass the winter – nothing better than sh...
by: Chris Brock
Mud Bay, are you kidding me? Who ever heard of Mud Bay? Well, for your information, Mud Bay is an approximately 20...
by: William Tidd
Take the power of giving, add a touch of social media and top it off with a “never say die” individual, name...
by: Susan W. Smith
Craig’s List read “Boat For Sale: 1949 Chris Craft 34 EXP. $29,000.”
My son-in-la...
by: Susan Smith with Ernie and Lori Passaro
This article is the direct result of a document given to me by my wife’s cousin and my dear friend; MaryLou Rusho....
by: Rex Ennis
Since the publication of ‘Secrets of Hog Island,’ in September 2015, some new information concerning the burial has come...
by: Paul Coté
Editor’s note: Do you tackle a Sudoku on your cottage veranda, sailboat cockpit, or at a campsite? TI ...
by: Dan LeKander
Once upon a time there was a little girl who loved books. The summer she was 12 was the first of many summers the little...
by: Lynn E. McElfresh
Honestly, this is a brutal job. It’s the same process as when selecting images for a book, but made more agonizing becau...
by: Ian Coristine
Note: This is an account written by the late Robert H. Rogers, telling of his experiences operating the searchlight on t...
by: Richard Palmer
I stand on top of the Sea Ray, preparing to take the first frigid plunge of the season. I can feel my heart racing in my...
by: Christine Price
It seems that each year, as the boating season winds down, I take a look backward and review the events of the River fro...
by: Richard L. Withington
Every night is a different flight to a different galaxy… Do a sold out show, then I hit the road in my starship limousi...
by: Brian Johnson
Keep the faith. The name sounds much more complex than the technique! These steps are actually a barrel of fun
by: Dan LeKander
Cornelius Cook is buried in the Cross Cemetery, only a few kilometers north of the River and the site of his lightkeepin...
by: Mary Alice Snetsinger
It was a far cry from the elegant Edwardian rooms of Fulford Place, Brockville’s finest mansion, but it fits in with the question: “Where do Wet-Bobs go in winter?”
by: Charles MacLean Cochand
It was 5 minutes to twelve, and the office closed at twelve. I went into the office and requested a copy of the listing. The listing agent was in the office
by: Michelle Caron
In June 2014, we made the decision – 8 years after Paul’s first issue of TI Life – to ask for support.
by: Susan W. Smith
It wasn’t until I was packed up and ready to leave that I realized 2015 was a special year for me. I first came to Grene...
by: Lynn E. McElfresh
It’s that time of year again, to celebrate the beauty of our islands - through your eyes.
Our 4th annual Thousa...
by: Ian Coristine
Lori Deiter developed a love for photography in 2007 after joining the ranks of Empty Nesters. What began as a hobby, quickly turned into a passion.
by: Lori Deiter
The Battle of the Windmill was fought 177 years ago, on November 12 to 16, 1838. In my article, previously published (Re...
by: John C. Carter
More than 200 years have elapsed since the virgin forest around Sackets Harbor was laid low by an army of axes and saws ...
by: Richard Palmer
It has been several decades since I found my first book of Thousand Islands history. Since then, literally 100+ books ma...
by: Susan W. Smith
Norm was a wonderful asset to the Thousand Islands Museum, not only hosting our Hashing Over History program, but passing along his many stories and knowledge of the River and its people
by: Sharon Bourquin
Charles G. Emery, of Calumet Island, deliberately opened a can of worms in around 1895; he was determined to own all of ...
by: Rex Ennis
Editor’s Note: The headline reads “Otter Creek Preserve is Open!” with “Thanks to you. our supporters…” Yes, the Thous...
by: Sarah Ellen Smith
Editor’s note: Do you tackle a Sudoku on your cottage veranda, sailboat cockpit, or at a campsite? TI ...
by: Dan LeKander
Experts who look at this science every day are now concerned that El Niño 2015 could be the strongest ever on record – and those particular records date back to 1950
by: Phil Chadwick
It happened on a calm evening right after sunset, while light still lingered on the horizon. Islanders on the south side...
by: Lynn E. McElfresh
Tee Time on Grenadier Island The most popular mode of transportation on this island is golf cart. Residents use them to...
by: Kim Lunman
Editor’s Note:
Part I Fire! Fire aboard the “Watertown!” was published in our September issue o...
by: Brian Johnson
“In this world nothing can be said to be certain, except death and taxes." Benjamin Franklin used this phrase...
by: Phil Chadwick
Art is more of a journey than a profession. The type of art one might produce evolves along the way. If artists do not c...
by: Phil Chadwick
North Country Troopers (and Proud Citizens) Honor our Troops We had the opportunity to have a front row view of the thir...
by: Patty Mondore
The challenge of describing the "The River" has been finally successful. We have visual and musical collaboration that fills our hearts and allows us to share our awe and wonder of The Thousand Islands
by: T. Chris Tormey
How many of you remember Cantwell's Creamery and Grocery Store? Now the Koffee Kove Restaurant in Clayton, NY? Yes, ...
by: Nancy Bond
Editor’s Note:
Melody and Ken Brabant live in the village of Clayton, NY. This article is a spe...
by: Melody Brabant
Editor’s note: Do you tackle a Sudoku on your cottage veranda, sailboat cockpit, or at a campsite? TI ...
by: Dan LeKander
Pearl Harbor --- JFK’s Assassination --- 9/11 --...
by: Lynn E. McElfresh
“We should write a book.” It was just an off-hand comment made in the kitchen, as two neighbors made dinner. Or was it? ...
by: Lynn E. McElfresh
Captain Coleman Hinckley Sr. had just rolled over in his bed, disturbing his wife Isabella when he heard what sounded like a commotion about a block away.
by: Brian Johnson
The other day my daughter walked in and said, "You look tired Mom, are you feeling okay? I hadn't thought I was...
by: Nancy Bond
My husband and I went over to Singer Castle this past July to do a book signing. This also always gives us a good excuse...
by: Patty Mondore
“I know a new museum is in Chippewa Bay, but I am not sure where?” I said.
“Go back down the ro...
by: Susan W. Smith
I hear the muffled shots in the distance, the close volley that signals the hunt has ended. Visions of a succulent roasted wild goose...
by: Linda Rowe
One cannot spend much time on Thousand Island Park without hearing about the Chautauqua Institution, or more simply, “Ch...
by: Raymond Kowalski
For those of us on the River who knew Hunter F. Grimes III, the news of his death in early September was sad indeed. O...
by: Susan W. Smith
The flames in the engine compartment kept wanting to reignite, but the firemen finally won the battle...
by: Ken W. White
There have been several islands that have gone by the name of Hog including the current McDonald Island in the Admiralty...
by: Paul Coté
Richard F. Palmer is a retired newspaper editor and reporter and well known for his weekly historical columns for the “Oswego Palladium-Times” called "On the Waterfront."
by: Richard Palmer
Editor’s note: Do you tackle a Sudoku on your cottage veranda, sailboat cockpit, or at a campsite? TI ...
by: Dan LeKander
Imagine being on an island and not owning a boat, at least not a motorboat. That’s how it was back in the 1880s. L...
by: Lynn E. McElfresh
I recently followed a beautiful trail that led me to discover the Macsherry family. The adventure, ever-so-appropriately...
by: Patty Mondore
Robert Leeder is my favourite ancestor, not because he did anything earth shaking but he managed to leave a wo...
by: Paul Coté
It started from an email request for a hard copy of “TI Life.” I explained that we are only online &nd...
by: Joe and Libby Burkle
On August 3rd, 2013, Gretchen, my wife, and I were being paddled by ten costumed and outfitted ‘Voyageurs’, to Half Moon...
by: Terry Bambrick
We received an invitation to join Joan and Skip Tolette, at their home on Grindstone Island, for wine and cheese, and a ...
by: Susan W. Smith
Solving Sudoku puzzles can be a lifetime activity for everyone!...
by: Dan LeKander
My name is Matthew Berry and the awesome things about the Thousand Islands are the super good places to fish and all the...
by: Matthew Berry
Picnicking is as much a part of 1000 Islands tradition as taking boat rides and fishing. Picnicking during the 1880s was...
by: Tad Clark
About a month ago we started noticing some “unusual” things on our island in the Lake Fleet Group. We have a...
by: Doug McLellan
(WARNING: If you are afraid of snakes…do NOT read this article) *********** “Are there snakes there?” I demanded, prior ...
by: Lynn E. McElfresh
Turning 80 is a milestone – no I am not talking age – but rather the number of articles decided upon, resear...
by: Susan W. Smith
In February of 2015, the Federal Government of Canada recognized Agnes Maule Machar as a person of national interest.&nb...
by: Heather Chitty
The Red is a majestic cottage on Tremont Island. It lives on the St. Lawrence River right near Gananoque, Ontario. This ...
by: Kate Modler
Do you buy postcards or do you prefer to capture your own images while enjoying the Thousand Islands?
Like most peopl...
by: Paul Holland
Who can forget the meeting in Rockport, in November 1975, when an announcement by Parks Canada stunned owners of Canadia...
by: Mackintosh Anne (Blu)
This is a journey I embarked on, trying to find out where Mr. Edgar Cayce vacationed, in the 1000 Islands. I came across...
by: Mary Politis
William Lyon Mackenzie was the leader of the 1837 Upper Canadian Rebellion. He escaped, after the defeat of rebel forces...
by: John C. Carter
Editor’s Note: “Summer Magic” was written by Robert L. Neulieb, a member of the Poet & Writers, IN...
by: Robert Neulieb
Editor’s Note: Camille Crandall presented Boating Adventures in the 1000 Islands as part of a 500-word writing ass...
by: Camille Crandall
The summer I was 14, I named my journal, “Summer is an Island.” No one would find that title odd now, as I spend my summ...
by: Lynn E. McElfresh
“Darn!” I exclaimed; “I forgot to buy rhubarb.” My friend and I had planned to make rhubarb marmalade the next morning. ...
by: Susan W. Smith & Jessy Kahn
I heard the pounding before I saw him, as I stepped out of my 2002 silver Jetta. It was a chilly Tuesday morning, April...
by: Peggy Timmerman
Seeing an Art Pundt photograph on Facebook, always brings a smile. This month I had the opportunity to place a call and...
by: Susan W. Smith
We all remember that great summer day when we passed our first real test on the river: “If you can swim from our dock to...
by: Terry Bambrick
A photograph of the “Valeria.” Where did she ply the waterways? When? What is her hi...
by: Mathew D. Hargreaves
We encourage our readers to visit the many museums and art exhibits in the region. A simple way to plan your summe...
by: Susan W. Smith
Everyone knows someone who is hooked on Sudoku puzzles. For those who love them, Sudoku is quite meditative and ju...
by: Jessy Kahn
Luckily for 1000 Islanders, this winter Ian Coristine found he had almost 20,000 new photographs, since he published his...
by: Susan W. Smith
North Wind Publishing (Belfast, Maine) releases Patty Mondore’s newest book, “A Bird Lover's Reflections: A 90-Day Devot...
by: Susan W. Smith
It's that time of year again: Island Time. This year's issue of Island Life Magazine,available this month,
by: Kim Lunman
The garage door closed, the drag of melancholy left behind.
To The River in brilliant sunlight,
grey macadam before and after me,
by: Robert W. Daly
When I was a little girl, (a long time ago) we rarely saw squirrels, rabbits, raccoons, etc. I think there had been an e...
by: Nancy Bond
"There is a piano in the park.", said one grandchild. “Honestly, a real piano,” said the second and from the third came,...
by: Susan W. Smith
It was a simple idea. A group of guys who read decided to get together to discuss books. We came from a diverse backgro...
by: Barry Keefe
Editor’s Note: Normally we stay close to the St. Lawrence River… “on it, under it, or above it.” However, many Islande...
by: Joan Delaney
The 10-foot inflatable boat that is the New York Sea Grant Discover Clean & Safe Boating educational vessel for 2015...
by: Kara Lynn Dunn
Editor’s Note: A version of this article was first published in “Country” magazine. St. Lawrence River: Through the Th...
by: Chris Murray and Brian G. Fay
Justin Heath has a dream that someday the sign on Heart Island will read: Boldt Castle & Formal Gardens. For some, the g...
by: Lynn E. McElfresh
How do you capture an inspired view of the River? In memories? Perhaps digitally, or yesterday on film? Alice Burton’s ...
by: Susan W. Smith
Editor’s note: Our thanks to Tom French for sharing his fictional story with TI Life from his e-book. Wind Water Waves,...
by: Tom French
“There are all kinds of silences and each of them means a different thing. There is the silence that comes with mo...
by: Jeffry Weldon
The Luckenback Family were prominent River people, yet they did not have a cottage, as far as this author has been able ...
by: Rex Ennis
Frances Richards was born in Brockville, in 1852, into the prominent Richards clan. Her uncle William Buell Richards was...
by: Russ Disotell
Editor’s Note. Rexford Ennis published “Toujours Jeune, Always Young,” in 2012 and the...
by: Rex Ennis
Steven D. Glazer found the attached article from the front page of the October 24, 1890, issue of The St. Lawrence Heral...
by: Steven D. Glazer
The FAB Community profile series features people who are prominent and involved members of the Frontenac Arch Biosphere ...
by: Hillary Hone
As we go to press today, April 14th, we learned that Clayton will serve as a Port of Call for cruise ships this summer.&...
by: 1000 Islands
“Dad couldn’t swim a stroke. His line always was: ‘If I fall in, I figure I’ll learn’!” -Mike Hogan Springtime in Ki...
by: Brian Johnson
Grindstone explorers, who study a topographical map of Grindstone Island, will note a Bench Mark out near Grindstone&rsq...
by: Rex Ennis
It had been 99 years since a member of the E.R. Holden family visited Thousand Island Park. However, this past summer i...
by: Michael Stedem
2014: A Successful/Record Year for Common Terns in the 1000 Islands. After 25 years of working to restore the dwindling...
by: John Peach
It actually started in California. I was on a road trip down the west coast from Vancouver, then across the continental ...
by: Amy Pierrson
I am originally from South of Syracuse, NY. I was a boy when my grandparents moved from, just down the road from w...
by: Brian Knapp
A Toronto native, I graduated from Queen’s University in May 1962 and moved to Brockville, to take a job at Automatic El...
by: Bob Duthie
Before he died, our neighbor Bill Wood, a part-time handy man on the island, always said that you can find anything you ...
by: Lynn E. McElfresh
Last summer I read Captain Henry Johnston’s 1937 book, The Thousand Islands of the St Lawrence River with Descriptions o...
by: Robert L. Matthews
A breakwater in front of the piers at Cape Vincent, is demanded by the commercial wants of the place, and it is presumed...
by: Mary Alice Snetsinger
Throughout this past month, the name Doug Grant has overtaken my Facebook alerts and I am happy it has.
He has, just ...
by: Susan W. Smith
This is a true story...Sunday is a day of rest for everyone in the Carpenter family except my mother. She calls Sunday “the day of the rest of it.” My Mom runs Carpenter’s Grocery
by: Regi Carpenter
Question:
What does the St. Lawrence River and the Derwent River in Hobart, Tasmania have in common?
Answer:
Ca...
by: Elaine Vedette Tack
Patriot Chronicles: From Political Prisoner to American Pioneer February 12, 1840 marked the end of a long voyage to a ...
by: John C. Carter
I’ve posted this picture a few times over the years and get an incredible response each time. I like to make the t...
by: Tim Kocher
I found a treasure! Not gold coins or rare gems. It was a thin book wearing a dingy blue cloth cover with embossed gold ...
by: Lynn E. McElfresh
There is no place like home and for many, home is the Thousand Islands. Thomas K. Hunt, a poet, says this is where his ...
by: Susan W. Smith
This year, thousands of young Canadians all across Canada are going to be flocking to training schools to learn to fly, ...
by: Brian Johnson
When Rep. Elise Stefanik raised her right hand in Washington this month, to be sworn in as the North Country’s Rep...
by: Cary R. Brick
The first thing 10-year-old Grant Peacock did that summer morning early last century. . .
by: Jane Rippeteau Heffron
Overnight at Singer Castle on Dark Island: The Stuff of Dreams/Nightmares
Imagine this: a man you never met befor...
by: Debra Wdowiak
When I was a toddler many years ago, there were several thoroughly river rat locals who were known to relish the bounty ...
by: Hunter Grimes
Sometimes when we write about the past, we are reliant upon the words of those who came before us. So in this article, I...
by: Laurie Donohue
During the late 19th century, long before today's era of mass electronic media, stories relating to America's past were ...
by: Richard Palmer
Sure, everyone likes the River during the summer months when the water is liquid, the air is a warm 75 degrees and the t...
by: Richard Calabrese
It is such a privilege to see the River through the eyes of others who care deeply about it, but also a challenge to try...
by: Ian Coristine
I grew up landlocked. The only natural body of water in my hometown was called the Bone Yard Creek, which in reality was...
by: Lynn E. McElfresh
Breaking waves with blinding snow. A mariners nightmare. Rolling hard, the paddle-wheel steamer SS Wolfe Islander approached Garden Island. . .
by: Brian Johnson
Muskie Catch and Release from an Antique St Lawrence Skiff
I had just dropped back my antique Skinner Muskie spoon an...
by: John Peach
Well, the "nylons are in the shower" again, so it’s time for the annual, informal report of what happene...
by: Richard L. Withington
Editor’s Note: For almost 20 years, a local chapter of ACBS Wine Country Classic Boats, Inc. (WCCB, Inc.) Hammondspor...
by: Douglas Vittum
August 4, 2013: the day my husband Terry & I chose to honour our river heritage, pay homage to thirty-five years of ...
by: Gretchen & Terry Bambrick
How would you like to take a train ride to the Thousand Islands?
by: Robert L. Matthews
The hook is only 139 words of the Preface, but that was all it took for me to want the Jefferson County Egan Murders: Ni...
by: Susan W. Smith
In early May, Pat Carpenter packed up her car, left her maintenance-free condo in Columbus, Ohio, and along with her two...
by: Lynn E. McElfresh
It’s that time of year again, to celebrate the beauty of our islands - through your eyes.
Our 3rd annual Th...
by: Ian Coristine
I was brought up in a family where alcohol was considered the invention of the devil. My Mother had been brought up as a...
by: Nancy Bond
An Excerpt from "A Birth on the River," (December 24/25, 1962). To be published in The Ghost of Billy Masterson and Othe...
by: Thomas Pullyblank
We thank you most sincerely - Les Boszormeny - for continuing to share your passion...
by: Susan W. Smith
Editor’s Note: Julie Madlin is the City of Ogdensburg Historian, appointed in September 2014. Chief to...
by: Julie Madlin
Patriot Chronicles: Nathan Williams, a Rebel Who Participated In and Escaped From the Battle of the Windmill, is present...
by: John C. Carter
Marilee’s Fish Tale… My husband and I have been married now for fifteen years. On our wedding anniversary for the past 1...
by: Marilee & Joe Lupo and John F. Patterson
“Taking the Gold” continues the adventures and mysteries of Corey “Worder-Redrow-Hart,” who live...
by: M.A. Noble
Frontenac Arch Biosphere Reserve Conservation Biology Blueprint Study We are two students completing our final year at Q...
by: Alexandra Kelly and Monica Seidel
The work of famous American artist Frederic Remington is on display at the Brockville Arts Centre this month. Exhibits f...
by: Kim Lunman
One of the joys of living on an island is introducing new people to the River and island life. I’d been coming to ...
by: Lynn E. McElfresh
“I look intensely at the shapes of rocks, land and water and the interplay between the sky and water.. I live in the Tho...
by: Susan W. Smith
A Loon Encounter
The first time it happened, I suppose I chalked it up to luck – being in the right place at th...
by: Patty Mondore
September 17th and it is a beautiful fall morning. As I cross the Bridge into the United States the Customs Agent asked...
by: Susan W. Smith
[Editor’s Note: “Ode to a Friend” a tribute to the late John Russell. We at TI Life are honored to publish this and t]...
by: Daniel Gregory
Motorboats to sailing yachts - 100 plus years of CYC!
Today’s Clayton Yacht Club recently celebrated its 75th A...
by: Rex Ennis
When I was very young living on East Line Road, my bedroom window faced south over-looking the farm. Early in the mornin...
by: Nancy Bond
Our thanks to Kenneth Deedy of Grindstone Island, for sharing an article from his collection of Thousand Islands memorab...
by: 1000 Islands
Thanksgiving Day in Canada brings River families together for the traditional holiday dinner and weekend activities.&nbs...
by: Susan W. Smith & Jan Eliot
Thousand Island Park is no stranger to fire. On the night of August 13th, 2014, shortly before midnight, a fire was disc...
by: Lynn E. McElfresh
It was love at first sight that saved Casa Blanca, a grand Gilded Age estate on Cherry Island.
The century-old cottag...
by: Kim Lunman
There may be a simple way to thank community members for acts of generosity - a thank you letter; perhaps a plaque to ha...
by: Janet Sullins & Susan Smith
Tuesday, July 22nd was a perfect day on the river – sunny and warm with a light wind blowing from the southwest. My budd...
by: Tom King
Editor’s Note: This summer I had the opportunity to meet a talented photographer, Andrée Thorpe. After...
by: Andrée Thorpe
Note: This testimonial to the Northern New York EMS System was sent by Jack Elder. The Elder family summered...
by: Jack Elder
Save The River’s Bass Catch and Release Program
Save The River, the Upper St. Lawrence River’s envir...
by: John Peach
The old woman gazed thoughtfully at the September sky as she hung up the phone.
“There’s a big storm comi...
by: Ellen Childs
A cold February evening in Kansas, still at least six more weeks of winter weather. “You’ve got mail” ...
by: Deane C. Parkhurst
It’s been almost 15 years since the first time I laid eyes on the beauty of the 1000 Islands. I still remember it,...
by: Tyler W. Barton
I have a love/hate relationship with Canada geese. One goose by itself I can handle, but as a group…oh, my! The n...
by: Lynn E. McElfresh
What's in a name? The dictionary defines 'Kismet' as "a power that is believed to control what happens in the future."
...
by: Kim Lunman
The most widely recognized pump house in the 1000 Islands stands at the downriver end of Heart Island. George Boldt’s ma...
by: John Peach
I am not really old and wise, yet, but I have been fishing the St Lawrence for all of my 68 years. I am not a fisheries ...
by: Hunter Grimes
Good questions…. and there is one more: “Do you want it back”? Here is the beginning of the mystery.
Early ...
by: Richard L. Withington
I recently had the pleasure of meeting Hugh Papworth in Alexandria Bay.
Our conversations were much like reviewing a ...
by: Susan W. Smith
I accumulate stuff.
Thirty years on the staff of the United States House of Representatives in Washington, gave me an o...
by: Cary R. Brick
All along the shores of the St Lawrence River in the Thousand Islands are small communities. Most consist of year-round ...
by: Kathleen Thomas
The first time I experienced the Grenadier Island Country Club or GICC, as it’s known to its members, was in 2003. ...
by: Elaine Vedette Tack
On 9 July, 2014 Governor Andrew Cuomo announced the opening of the 1000 Islands Harbor Hotel in Clayton, NY, with the fo...
by: Rex Ennis
NOTE: We have been notified that the Paint-Out for this year has been cancelled. We will keep you informed ...
by: Bruce Sherman
All Photographs by Sue March
How excited I was to be invited for a week of sailing on The River! I summered there all o...
by: Sue March
Yes, we have more news. National Geographic Event…Sea-Doo Ride...Boat Parade… and a Wedding Celebration.
David Do...
by: Susan W. Smith
One of North America's premier developers renowned for his luxury custom design is revitalizing Gananoque's waterfront w...
by: Kim Lunman
Do you remember the Great Canadian Flag Debate of 1964? When our country’s Prime Minister, Nobel Peace Prizewinner Leste...
by: Brian Johnson
The launch of a St. Lawrence skiff has fittingly marked the launch of the first phase of the new Thousand Islands Boat M...
by: Kim Lunman
Sitting with All In Adventures co-owner Kevin Thorn near the water’s edge at Bonnie Castle’s Pointe Bar & Grill in A...
by: Hayley Coristine
1000 Islands Tower – (recent) past, present and future
2013 was a great first season. There was so much media coverage ...
by: Konrad Linckh
It must have been an arduous journey for my 5th. great-grandfather, Jacob Karn travelling from the Palatinate region of ...
by: Arthur Pegg UE
The peep- peep –peep call of the Common Tern is a ubiquitous part of the sound of the 1000 Islands.
Once a very plent...
by: John Peach
All too often we pass over or under a highway bridge with a tribute name displayed on a sign. We rarely stop to th...
by: Susan W. Smith
A Short Haiku Primer:
Haiku is a very short form of Japanese poetry popularized by Matsuo Bashō (1644–1694), ...
by: Ronald Hammond
Surely there are enough 1000 Islands dog stories to fill a dozen books. Few places on earth are better suited to the end...
by: Tad Clark
This is my first summer interning with the Thousand Islands Land Trust (TILT), but for years I have periodically spent m...
by: Kelly Kearns
A young German immigrant named Fred Huck discovered the Thousand Islands in the late 1800s; first in Cape Vincent and th...
by: Kim Lunman
We were crossing the channel Wednesday morning, May 28th when my husband, Gary, shouted out, “Ship!” I had been looking ...
by: Lynn E. McElfresh
Mary Ann Evans - known as Mare - is living her father’s legacy and extending her heritage at Evans House, a North Countr...
by: Karan Marie Cross
When most of us see a headline about the rich and famous, or a column about "Society", we often read it. In Rosemary Sex...
by: Susan W. Smith
Once a quiet waterfront village, Clayton has arguably become the poster child for Thousand Islands revitalization over t...
by: Hayley Coristine
In our family we have often said… “We will cross that bridge when we come to it…”
When Paul Malo, created TI Life in 20...
by: Susan W. Smith
About a month ago, I uploaded the photograph below, on the TI Life’s facebook page. Readers suggested I used Photo...
by: Douglas Day
I was reading The Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Grahame for the umpteenth time, and all I could think about was that I ...
by: Scott Ouderkirk
Editor’s Note:
In late March of this year I received an email from Rod Anstee. He collects photograph albums and...
by: Rod Anstee
Editor’s Note:
Our TI Life policy suggests we stick to stories, photographs or illustrations that relate to the ...
by: Pauline Buckby
My mother-in-law said when she was growing up, her relatives, the Pratts didn’t allow any weeding, raking or lawn mowing...
by: Lynn E. McElfresh
The pictures you are about see can be traced back to A. C. McIntyre, but they are not photographs as we know them today....
by: Robert L. Matthews
We have always lived in Clayton, NY, but not on the River. Our farm is at the upper end of French Creek and border...
by: Nancy Bond
Many years of playing and working on The River allowed me to make the acquaintance of several fascinating people. Some w...
by: Hunter Grimes
Unfortunately the story of the North American Patriots coming to Tasmania, has not had the publicity it deserves; ...
by: Pauline Buckby
“What’s the local brew?” It’s a simple question, but arguably the one that began Thousand Islands B&B owner Bruce Da...
by: Hayley Coristine
On May 3, 1814, troops from Kingston boarded seven ships, and eleven gunboats, manned by a thousand Royal Navy sailors; ...
by: Arthur Pegg UE
Dave Wells had no idea that his first book, published in 2011 would sell out… “I wasn’t sure how many people would...
by: Susan W. Smith
A Seaway Newcomer Comes on Board As a Seaway Giant Becomes a Legend
It is highly unlikely that Clarkson Univers...
by: Cary R. Brick
The Thousand Islands have been affected by an invader – the Pale Swallow-wort – with large infestations in the region, i...
by: Brandon Hollis
Over twenty years ago Janet, my wife, was working in her store, the Karmelcorn Shop in Watertown. It was an old building...
by: Rex Ennis
It's that time of year again. Island Time.
It's time to celebrate summer and enjoy The River in one of the most enchant...
by: Kim Lunman
It’s only a 5 x 8 book with 108 pages, but this little dynamo powers my unquenchable interest in Grenell Island history....
by: Lynn E. McElfresh
“That young Mullin deserves a medal... taking me across the ice under impossible conditions...”
Dr. Kenneth J. Regan; K...
by: Brian Johnson
After my father, Donald Heberling, died in 2003, I found two dozen essays he wrote during his plebe year at the United S...
by: Paul Heberling
From Coal Yard to Condos – The History of the Gordon Marine Property on the Gananoque Waterfront
Part Three: The...
by: Tom King
“I am a realist,” says Maureen Sheridan.
Her comment made me think, “I am too.”, as I loved every piece of her work a...
by: Susan W. Smith
How would you like to visit some Thousand Island homes and cottages as they were one hundred and thirty years ag...
by: Robert L. Matthews
This article is one of a series examining the early lighthouses of the Thousand Islands, in both Canadian and American w...
by: Mary Alice Snetsinger
Travelling down the St. Lawrence River and passing Carleton Island...
by: Dennis McCarthy
For many years the Arthur Child Heritage Museum in Gananoque has dreamed of undertaking a unique exhibit to be housed in...
by: Pat Colby
The War of 1812 from Sackets Harbor to the Saranac River
New York’s North Country looms large at the sixth annual War o...
by: Michael Whittaker
Editor’s note: I recently learned that the Aquatairum is moving forward with the concept of establishing RiverQues...
by: Ian Coristine
After a winter of continuous cold and snow, another weekend visit of the Polar Vortex seemed routine. The Vernal Equinox...
by: Richard L. Withington
As I delve into Grenell Island history, the newspaper archive is a treasure trove of information. Sporadically throughou...
by: Lynn E. McElfresh
Everything about the book, Great White Fleet: Celebrating Canada Steamship Lines Passenger Ships, (Dundurn, Toront...
by: Susan W. Smith
An article like this one is difficult to write. It was suggested to me at a recent HASHING OVER HISTORY session. A neigh...
by: Nancy Bond
I’ve long been a fan of the American Boat Line double deck tour boats. In fact, I’ve written about them before on my blo...
by: Mike Fesko
My father, Robert Gareth Service, had many talents: gifted writer, creative artist, in spite of being color blind, and a...
by: Martha Grimes
From Coal Yard to Condos – The History of the Gordon Marine Property on the Gananoque Waterfront
Part Two: The Cuttle Y...
by: Tom King
I first knew stained glass was something special, when my father brought home from work, two small, triangular-shaped pi...
by: William Lawrence Meikle
Two kilometers east of Kingston City Hall is an 1814-1816 rural village, much of it looking as way-back-then...
by: Floyd Patterson
Do you know how to make The Bloody Murry, a Starboard Coffee or Pirate Johnston Juice? Not to worry as you can now...
by: Susan W. Smith
Events of the 2013 Commemoration of the War of 1812
The second year of the War of 1812 began on the St. Lawrence, with ...
by: Morley Verdier
For those of us who live at the foot of Grenell, Pullman Island is helpful for nighttime navigation. We depend on that r...
by: Lynn E. McElfresh
Most people who live or visit the Thousand Islands have seen River Artist: Janet Sullins’ photographs. They ...
by: Kathi McCarthy
With half of the second period gone, Brydge staged a nice little rush, passed the puck to Patterson who tied the count w...
by: Brian Johnson
The Thousand Islands region will, in 2016, have an Olympian!
David Ross, who will graduate from Niagara College t...
by: Susan W. Smith
We are used to seeing beautiful color photographs of the Thousand Islands. The brilliant blue skies and green islands of...
by: Chris Murray
In June 2010, TI Life profiled Dr. John Carter in John Carter’s Prisoners in Van Diemen’s Land, The story had a remarkab...
by: John C. Carter
Island Settlement The War of 1812 was a 32-month conflict between the United States and Great Britain. At the conclusio...
by: Anthony Mollica Jr.
From Coal Yard to Condos – The History of the Gordon Marine Property on the Gananoque Waterfront
Part One: The Sampson ...
by: Tom King
Just as both side of the river prepared to enjoy the Christmas holiday, those aboard the ocean-going vessel Orsula were ...
by: Michael Folsom
So, who loves you? Hint: they are often seen around Cape Vincent driving a Valentine heart red vehicle.
by: Linda Rowe
In the midst of winter, it is certainly fun to think of the glorious ‘tea party’ hosted for the grand children and great...
by: Charles MacLean Cochand
Editor’s Note: For those of us fascinated by genealogy, this story is perfect. Rex Ennis weaves his magic by...
by: Rex Ennis
The Professor
I was writing about the Thousand Islands for just a few months when photographer Ian Coristine introduc...
by: Kim Lunman
About right now, I’m thinking about sitting on the dock, staring out at the St. Lawrence and sipping on a MacDac. It’s t...
by: Lynn E. McElfresh
The idea for a study of the Architecture on Historic Churches in Jefferson County, New York came from a request by the J...
by: Rick Tague
It was serendipitous that TI Life heard about local nature and wildlife photographer Bruce Dana. Bruce first introduced ...
by: Patty Mondore
Poetica is a charming name given to an equally charming one-of-a-kind boat from a superb boat builder. She was designed ...
by: Anthony Mollica Jr.
Will Salisbury began his art adventure more than four decades ago. “It was in Big Sur in 1971, that my first sales occur...
by: Susan W. Smith
Many of us have studied, or know of, Hamlet and, this summer, we may be able to experience something different, very dif...
by: Susan W. Smith
From my beginnings I flowed quietly and deep. In Summer you could hardly see my current as it flowed to the Great River....
by: Nancy Bond
The muskie press gallery published several stories about two giant muskies caught in our Thousand Islands.
Each headlin...
by: Susan W. Smith
From December 25, 2013 to December 30, 2013 the Bulk Carrier Orsula was stranded at Tibbetts Point...
by: Dennis McCarthy and Khris Hunt
Native tradition has it that a diminutive, ugly (hairy-faced), mischievous spirit lived in shallow caves on the cliff-si...
by: Herb Sheridan
Carol and Ken Kozin of Clayton, NY, have been traveling to Pasadena California for the last six years to help ...
by: Susan W. Smith
Editor’s Note:
Season's Greetings for 2013.
We asked our readers to submit their very best photographs of the Thousa...
by: Ian Coristine
When you talk about The River here in the Thousand Islands, no further explanation is required. Why? Because it might as...
by: Kim Lunman
Before my first visit to Grenell, my husband, then fiancé, tried to describe Grenell and surroundings. When he mentioned...
by: Lynn E. McElfresh
The life of a wooden boat can be harsh. As they age, these boats are often one problem away from being unceremoniously p...
by: Scott Ouderkirk
It all started with our neighbors. That is how most good things begin on Mink Island. The Navarras and the Ryans are fri...
by: Martha Grimes
It is Christmas on the River, a place quite different from summertime. The hustle and bustle of water sports and recreat...
by: Richard L. Withington
The first time I walked down the curving drive to the Zenda Lodge I was going to apply for a job. I had heard that they ...
by: Nancy Bond
Take a grant from the Northern New York Community Foundation and one from the Delaney Bay Foundation on Grindstone Islan...
by: Susan Smith and Bill Munro
When I was young, one of my favorite verses went like this: "They who wait on the LORD Shall renew their strength; They ...
by: Patty Mondore
Playton mayor Ogden Harper donned his pajamas and sat back with a tumbler of sherry in front of the TV...
by: Chris Brock
These Thousand Island pictures, taken over one hundred twenty five years ago, are a treasure to be shared.
They are sca...
by: Robert L. Matthews
It’s been an incredibly exciting year for RiverQuest’s Aquatarium, and 2014 looks even brighter!
With the RiverQuest Aq...
by: Morgan McLellan
Winters grasp begins to take hold. The boaters are long gone, either to a distant land or are squirreled away inside, be...
by: Michael Chahley
Heron Cay. Kismet. Cherry. And Honey Bee. What do these Thousand Islands have in common? They will be featured in the pa...
by: Kim Lunman
The closest I’d been to a traditional Thousand Island Shore Dinner is the banner hanging in my cottage kitchen. I’ve bee...
by: Lynn E. McElfresh
As with the chronicling of any historical event, period newspapers and journals were written for different reasons and from varied perspectives.
by: John C. Carter
Let’s face it. We’re in love.
For many of us, this romance began when we were old enough to wriggle into a life preserv...
by: Mark R. Russell
“How can we help the Library and the community?” asked the the Friends of the Hawn Memorial Library
by: Susan W. Smith
Thousand Islands Life Magazine’s second annual Christmas photo contest is upon us. Why Christmas? Because the winners’ a...
by: Ian Coristine
Cannon fire, presentations and re-enactors commemorated the Bicentennial Celebration of the War of 1812 Battle of French...
by: Dennis McCarthy
It's hard for me to believe that I'm so old that my childhood memories could be called history, but after sitting in on ...
by: Nancy Bond
The River is my lover… I believe I can speak those words intimately because the beautiful St Lawrence River is big enoug...
by: Dudley E. Danielson
On October 20th 2013 Jan and I entered the St. Lawrence River from the Atlantic Ocean through the Gulf of St. Lawrence.
by: Rex Ennis
It is that time of year again. The days are shorter, nights are cooler, and the geese are flocking. The evening star is ...
by: Richard L. Withington
Reminder: In the coming months, we will update our “Books Page” as we learn of new publications...
by: Susan W. Smith
Paul V. Johnson
October 15, 1940 – October 8, 2011
Ambitious, meticulous, redheaded Irishman... could be hotheaded, to...
by: Brian Johnson
A River Shirt is that special work shirt that is tattered, torn or splattered with paint, but it goes way beyond that.
by: Lynn E. McElfresh
Two years ago, Janice and I were watching the evening news when we saw a report on something called “The Little Free Lib...
by: Michael and Janice Laprade
These days, there does not seem to be much to distinguish young river rat types. Times have changed and young people hav...
by: Hunter Grimes
David Parkins is a top notch illustrator, whose work is seen in high profile international magazines, award winning ‘pic...
by: Liz Huff
Sometimes we see a beautiful photograph and think, “I wish that I could take photographs like that”. Well, that’s what I...
by: Susan W. Smith
Plans are currently underway to bring a new distinction to the 1000 Islands region that is long overdue, providing more ...
by: Mary Hamilton
This summer Meki Tate, a descendant of Cato Leonard visited the Thousand Island Museum in Clayton, NY. Her v...
by: Rex Ennis
Email, Facebook, Instagram, and all the other wondrous tools available on the Internet have made it easier than ever to ...
by: Bruce MacMillan
We didn’t need another boat, but Gary and I fell in love with 1922 La Tâche when we saw her at Antique Boat America. We ...
by: Lynn E. McElfresh
When we bought our 1922 Lindsey launch in the fall of 2011, she sported the name 1922 La Tache for the favorite wine of ...
by: Lynn E. McElfresh
In the 1960’s, when I was growing up on Manhattan Island on the St Lawrence River, fiberglass boats were beginning to ma...
by: John Peach
It was back in November 2011 that I first published “Just where in the heck is Redwood, NY?..What's in Redwo...
by: "Johnny Truesdell's ABay.com"
The St. Lawrence River town of Clayton, New York overlooking the Thousand Islands has a claim to fame other than being a...
by: Kim Lunman
In 2011, Eric J. Roberts and Andrea Reeves took an “Uncle Sam’s” boat tour one morning during a day trip to the Thousand...
by: Susan W. Smith
I’d like to share some insights as a boater of the Thousand Islands. I’m not talking about day boaters or island hoppers...
by: Tim Kocher
TI Life first met Patty Mondore back in August 2008 when she wrote a beautiful memorial tribute to Paul Malo, the founde...
by: Susan W. Smith
With its combination of shallow bays, marshes, and island ponds, our region is a prime area for appreciating turtles. Th...
by: Bob Arnebeck
"Where do your stories come from?" is a question we writers like to hear. In my case the answer is specific: the stories...
by: Thomas Pullyblank
We had exciting guests the second week of July. The descendents of Sam and Lucy Grenell—Connie Grenell, his wife, Mary, ...
by: Lynn E. McElfresh
Where else could you expect to meet the Vagabond King, Lady Gilbert, Red Devil and BarrTender?
At a golf course on an i...
by: Kim Lunman
"Wait a minute lady! What about me? When you moved in here almost forty years ago with those eight little kids, do you know what I was thinking?
by: Nancy Bond
“The sinking of the Athabaskan is the worst naval disaster in Canadian history,”
by: Brian Johnson
It was a dark and stormy night! OK that is a pretty lame way to start a narration but it was a dark and stormy night. I ...
by: Deane C. Parkhurst
Is it a loafer or a moccasin? It is called a “boat shoe,” and it has a skid resistant, rubber sole. The upper looks like...
by: Tad Clark
What is the easiest, least expensive way to own an island in the Thousand Islands area? Why create one, of course—on a t...
by: Patricia Costa Viglucci
Pastor Arthur Couch isn't a traditional snow bird. His annual fall pilgrimage isn't to Arizona, South Carolina or Florid...
by: Christian L. Vischi
Grayce Lulu Bickford was Charles G. Emery’s girl Friday at the New Frontenac Hotel on Round Island. Born 19 December 187...
by: Rex Ennis
My sister, Smith, and I have been coming to the Thousand Islands since we were little, following the tradition of spendi...
by: Henney Hambrose
I met Ann Davis in the Thousand Island Pavilion last month..
by: Lynn E. McElfresh
Get your zoot suit on or dress as a flapper and ‘roar’ in Rockport Aug. 16-18
by: Geraldine Last
Congratulations to the winners of the Thousand Island Land Trust’s (TILT) 2013 Instagram photo contest!
The contest i...
by: Corinne Mockler
Editor’s Note: Thousand Islands Life is pleased to publicize this important “Save our Casino Rally”. Kevin ...
by: Susan W. Smith
We’ve had a merganser nesting in the white pine outside our bedroom window every season for about four years now. We usu...
by: Lynn E. McElfresh
The mass escape of state prisoners on July 29, 1838 was a singular event in the history of Fort Henry, but it was an important chapter in the history...
by: John C. Carter
“The Russians are Coming! The Russians are coming!” Okay, I don’t think that’s actually what Stephanie Weiss, assistant ...
by: Lynn E. McElfresh
Editor’s Note: Imagine how pleased we were to receive this submission written by Kate Modler, who just competed 4t...
by: Kate Modler
Back in the early days of television, we watched the CBS’s show: “What’s My Line”, which ran fro...
by: Susan W. Smith
A moment long-awaited by enthusiasts of Rock Island Lighthouse came the morning of Tuesday, June 4th, when a Grand Reope...
by: Mark A. Wentling
Thousand Islands Land Trust (TILT) has once again announced their Annual Loon Count for July 20, 2013.
Observers across...
by: Susan W. Smith
When something is prohibited,....
by: Dianne Phillips
A “flapper” was the new woman of the 1920’s. The First World War had just ended. The world had lost its innocence....
by: Geraldine Last
To celebrate the 4th of July, Dennis & I took a Rockport Boat Line cruise to watch the fireworks over Boldt Castle, ...
by: Kathi and Dennis McCarthy
We’re here! We arrived on the island in the middle of a glorious sunny day. The crossing was a little bumpy but Linda at...
by: Lynn E. McElfresh
“I wouldn’t live anywhere else... I don’t think you can beat it!”
Antoine ‘Tiner’ LaRush
“People are drawn to this hou...
by: Brian Johnson
A handful of brave souls ventured out in the cold for the grand opening of the newly renamed Thousand Islands National P...
by: Lorraine Payette
The Thousand Islands Navy, or the Admiralty as it is known by some, was established in 1940 by W. Grant Mitchell, my gre...
by: Tom French
The sandwich board points to a Flea Market and each time I see it I experience the thrill of the hunt! In fa...
by: Susan W. Smith
The boat you are looking at is the oldest motoryacht in continuous usage anywhere in North America, and presents one of ...
by: Michael Joyce
Camping on an island has a special appeal -- that feeling of leaving the everyday back on the mainland. This quality tha...
by: Kim Robinson
I’ve only been working with the Thousand Islands Land Trust (TILT) for a little over a year, but in that short time I fe...
by: Corinne Mockler
Remington died of appendicitis in 1909 at the age of 48. Theodore Roosevelt...
by: Deborah Shaw
Any Islander will tell you, they are an integral part of keeping our river community safe.
And with water levels becomi...
by: Morgan McLellan
Riverquest...It’s all about inspiring curiosity! So whatever things you are “In Quest of”, be it adventure...
by: Morgan McLellan
Wednesday, June 4th, 2013 – or is it? The calendar may be correct, but the scenery told another story. More ...
by: Ian Coristine
As Brockville was preparing for the arrival of 14 tall ships, Clayton was ready for another 3 to arrive as part of the 2...
by: Janet Sullins
“It began as a spark of an idea that grew from conversations about the wonderful ‘Island’ stories...
by: Brian Johnson
It’s time to head north. I get emails from non-River friends all the time asking, “When are you going back to the cabin ...
by: Lynn E. McElfresh
It's that time of year again: Island Time. Summer is back and so is Island Life Magazine. Here's a preview of this year'...
by: Kim Lunman
What happened when eight talented artisans got together and brain stormed? A new business was formed which gave lo...
by: Susan W. Smith
It all sounded too good to be true.
When Dawn and Kevin Rast heard about a program where Fort Drum families were invite...
by: Missy L. Rosenberry
This is how - we - Heidi and Konrad Linckh, came to buy Hill Island's Skydeck Observation Tower.
There is d...
by: Konrad Linckh
The decade of the 1920s is well remembered as a time of rapid growth in the American economy and the development of pers...
by: Anthony Mollica Jr.
As far as debut novels go, this is a great one.
Inspired by a true story, this novel was the outcome of a screenplay wr...
by: April Scott-Clarke
Now That We’re Here, Where Will We Stay?
Some people collect postcards or stamps but my efforts turned to acquiri...
by: Robert L. Matthews, narrated by Jan Eliot
Paddlers, local and visiting, novice and expert, can choose from a new selection of paddling tours this season within th...
by: Celia Medcalf
This summer we want to hear from visiting mariners. Whether you are on a yacht, sailboat, or canoe or kayak – cons...
by: Arthur Bronstein
Editor’s note: “Taking Hart”, written by M.A. Noble is s a thriller and filled with action and suspense. Bel...
by: M.A. Noble
On May 12, 2013, we took the Rockport Boat Line’s Mother’s Day Cruise and Brunch. We were inside, so the cold didn...
by: Kathi and Dennis McCarthy
"Enough of that! Now for the really thrilling news... I soloed on Sunday, April 29! Yip, I SOLOed!
by: Brian Johnson
Among boaters that enjoy using their vintage craft frequently, Lyman boats seem to hold a very unique position. Many woo...
by: Anthony Mollica Jr.
During the summer of 1912, Ralph Britton of Gananoque, Canada’s foremost canoe expert, had won every sailing race of the...
by: Karen Wand
My father, Keith Taylor loved to talk about the early TIA days. He was one of the original boaters who attended the Augu...
by: John Taylor
The 2013 season is officially up and running on all cylinders throughout the region. Ice has melted, birds have returned...
by: Michael Folsom
The dock spider has the uncanny ability to strike fear into the hearts of all but the hardiest of souls.
by: Tom King
“...the burning of the Sir Robert Peel Steamer, by a band of masked villains – [was] outdoing the worst deeds of the worst ...
by: John C. Carter
The memories most dear to me are the times I spent with my Grandfather. He was so proud to show-off his first born grandson to the River captain community in the 'Burg...
by: Philip Jellie
The St. Lawrence River has always been an important transportation route.
During the War of 1812 the Upper St. Lawrence...
by: Alicia Wanless
The solitude and silence of the frozen sub-arctic winter sets the mind to thinking and the sharpens the senses. Without ...
by: Richard L. Withington
So what's different? Who out there remembers the 1000 Islands from the 60's and can compare it to today? Let me take a stab at it...
by: Mike Fesko
When we travel to different corners of the world, I’m always amazed how often our experiences somehow link back to the S...
by: Lynn E. McElfresh
Since 2004 my family and I have been visiting our secret garden cottage retreat, on the shores of the Thousand Islands R...
by: Michelle Caron
Island residents face their toughest winter in years. The ferry Wolfe Islander operates on an erratic schedule because o...
by: Brian Johnson
It’s estimated that around 5 million people in Canada and 20 million people in the United States are of Scottish decent....
by: Lynn E. McElfresh
For the first time since the Thousand Islands Playhouse was formed in 1982, a new Artistic Director has taken the reins....
by: Debbie Bennett
In the fall of 1940 officials from the United States Defense Department made a quiet trip to Alexandria Bay, NY. It was ...
by: Anthony Mollica Jr.
The historic and picturesque lakeside city of Kingston, Ontario will become the focus of the Antique and Classic Boat un...
by: John Peach
Early in September, 1927 a steam-powered barge appeared on the water off Snowshoe Point near Henderson Harbor in eastern...
by: Timothy W. Lake
These polar bears give “helping the community” a whole new meaning to the word "courage".
by: "Johnny Truesdell's ABay.com"
When people hear the word ‘volunteer’ a lot of things may come to mind. For me, volunteering as a way to give back to my...
by: Nicole Gokey
My boots tap on the faux-wood floor as I walk into Leeds County Books in downtown Brockville. The brightness and warmth ...
by: April Scott-Clarke
My father-in-law used to joke that the most expensive piece of artwork he owned was the wooden blue heron that sat on th...
by: Lynn E. McElfresh
Many years ago, when I was a student at Linklater Public School in Gananoque, I used to participate in the local Royal C...
by: Tom King
My thanks go to Brian Winter, the archivist for the Whitby Ontario Library for sharing this 1927 Toronto Daily Star arti...
by: Karen Killian
It's a new song about our favorite spot in the World. The 1000 Islands. It's written by a local performer called JPShaggy
by: "Johnny Truesdell's ABay.com"
In the early 1900s, long deck launches became the boats of choice among well-to-do summer residents on the lakes and riv...
by: Anthony Mollica Jr.
For River folks of all ages the world of nature and all of its beauty is literally waiting just outside your door. ...
by: Bill Munro
My grandfather, Thomas Mitchell (1913-1990), told me many stories about life on the river during the winter months. Many...
by: Tom French
One of the little known historic sites on the Canadian mainland is the area around Sheriff’s and Lindsay’s Points west o...
by: Alan Lindsay
I love looking at photographs of the Thousand Islands. In fact, I can never get enough of them, so when I learned that D...
by: Susan W. Smith
Readers of Thousand Islands Life well know how the St. Lawrence River inspires artists, poets, writers . . .
by: Kara Lynn Dunn
The date was February 1838. Action in the Upper Canadian rebellion had abated on Navy Island on the Niagara River and ha...
by: John C. Carter
In early February TI Life received a note from Rob Pakan. He gave a heartfelt thanks to TI Life and our many autho...
by: Robert Pakan
Our family came to the Thousand Islands and spent five years visiting the St. Lawrence Islands National Park docks. As a...
by: Susan W. Smith
The Serious Part of Childhood on the River and Elsewhere …Milestones
When we think of our progress down the river...
by: Hunter Grimes
Wheelock Souvenir China
In early February we received this email from Carol Apperson. Oceanside, Oregon, USA. Car...
by: Susan W. Smith
I have been feeding the deer for years at our winter home along the Parkway near Ivy Lea. They were emptying my bi...
by: Judy Orr
You can see the utter joy on their faces as children of the congregation come forward to ring the chapel. Lots of childr...
by: Lynn E. McElfresh
There was no ice to thaw as the Seaway season got underway back in March due to temperatures being higher than normal th...
by: Michael Folsom
His name has become quite familiar in the Thousand Islands in recent years even though he hasn't been there in almost a ...
by: Patty Mondore
I’ve heard stories, seen pictures and I’ve even seen the dusty stuffed trophies mounted...
by: Lynn E. McElfresh
There are times in one’s life when the stars seem to be in alignment and maybe this to be one of those times. It i...
by: Robert L. Matthews, narrated by Jan Eliot
Throughout the winter season Dr. Richard Withington provides a unique service to Round Islanders. He writes ...
by: Richard L. Withington
It was about 45 years ago, give or take a few years, when I first visited the Thousand Islands. I was about 7 or 8 years...
by: Tim Kocher
In mid-September 2011, I visited the Thousand Islands briefly from my home in East Virginia to gather material for an ar...
by: Dave Whitford
In December I won an auction on eBay – a pewter “Trophy Cup”. Once again...
by: Karen Killian
Were you around this summer to see photographers and videographers with cameras in hand shooting from the air, on boats,...
by: Susan W. Smith
How often is life a singular path? A narrative that guides you from one meaningful moment to the next. All o...
by: Mark R. Russell
In August 1958, my family of five, mom, dad, brother, sister, and myself sailed aboard the Cunard’s famous RMS Queen Elizabeth liner to Southampton, England.
by: Rex Ennis
I love this shot! It really immerses me in the place - a place I immediately want to be. I love the contrasting light...
by: Ian Coristine
A few weeks ago, just after sunset, I saw a gorgeous ship upbound at Clayton... It was unusual because it was bathed ent...
by: Richard L. Withington
Editor’s Note: Congratulations to all Grenell Island residents – past and present - who participated in the island...
by: Lynn E. McElfresh
The day that she and partner David Belding bought their first two pigs is the day Dani Baker thinks her mother rolled ov...
by: Melinda Stubbee
As we approach the holiday season it is appropriate to reflect on our circumstances that might otherwise be taken for gr...
by: Richard L. Withington
Just imagine yourself being one of the Seaway River Pilots stationed in Cape Vincent and you are scheduled for duty to g...
by: Martin Zonnenberg
Imagine the scene, just like the poem,
‘Twas the night before Christmas, and ‘you know who’ had been very busy up there...
by: Charles MacLean Cochand
Sometimes Mother Nature needs a hand. Low water levels on the St. Lawrence presented environmental groups the perfect op...
by: Lynn E. McElfresh
Who? George Rockwell? Never heard of him! No, it doesn’t surprise me as he flew under my radar for a while.
Let me star...
by: Robert L. Matthews
For those of you who wish you were back on the River – be envious. On Thursday, December 13, I had the chance to g...
by: Susan W. Smith
It's the towering tree that you first notice about this little island west of Brockville. It almost resembles a palm tre...
by: Kim Lunman
Island neighbor, Catherine Hinds, tells me the water was so low the year she was born, that her parents could walk from ...
by: Lynn E. McElfresh
“There’s just gott’a be a better way to earn a living than this!”
Grant ‘Lindy’ Lucy, machine operator at Parmenter &am...
by: Brian Johnson
The best thing about Thousand Island Park is its proximity to the swamps of Wellesley Island.
When I insulated our su...
by: Bob Arnebeck
Excitement is in the air! We are heading downriver on an October Saturday, cutting through the rippling waters of the St...
by: M.A. Noble
. . . Here I am again, sitting in my car on the Prescott/Ogdensburg international bridge, waiting in a line of traffic.
...
by: William J. Elliott
A few weeks ago, just before closing the island for the season, I awoke to a scene I had never seen before. Just beyond ...
by: Ian Coristine
If you were listening to the radio in the Thousand Islands, on the morning of June 20, 2009 you would have heard that a ...
by: Susan W. Smith
The history detectives at the Leeds and the Thousand Islands Archives (LTIArchives) are hard at work, constantly in search of their quarry.
by: Pierre Mercier
Had enough of The War of 1812?
Not really?
Good, because I feel the same way.
Ever since the Kingston Historical Soci...
by: Bill Fitsell
Anne and Charles Phillips honeymooned in the Thousand Islands in 1929. Before they left, the bride of a Methodist ...
by: Kim Lunman
Bounce! Bounce! PLOP! And the phone was gone. It was a blustery day and the river was so rough my husband changed to car...
by: Lynn E. McElfresh
“I don’t like your stupid old river!” blurted a little boy to his parents making the nighttime crossing by boat from a dance hall in Clayton, N.Y.,
by: Heather Chitty
After I developed my passion for photography I resisted for years taking pictures while in the Islands.
by: Chris Murray
Surfing the internet one day, I landed on a 1000-Island tourist attraction and found myself staring into the picture of ...
by: M.A. Noble
“Oh my God! That’s disgusting. That snake is going to get into the birdhouse”, my sister-in-law screamed.
We had been w...
by: Anne Timmons
It was September 21, 1812 - 200 years ago, the first shots on the St. Lawrence River frontier rang out in Gananoque.
...
by: Paul Scott
“Please remember to dump your garbage far enough from shore so it does not wash back onto the shores of Grenell.” I foun...
by: Lynn E. McElfresh
Bob, raised in Endicott NY often tent camped at Wellesley Island State Park. I am from small town Nebraska. Today we div...
by: Jill and Bob White
Excursions, books & magazines and a special gift to subscribers...all reasons to enjoy TI Life in the Fall, so read more here..
by: Susan W. Smith
Bottoms up for the St. Lawrence River… but not the kind you would tip your glass for.
The bottom of the St. Law...
by: Michael Folsom
The Great Lake Swimmers literally swam and dove into the St. Lawrence, spending a hot summer day here in August filming ...
by: Kim Lunman
When you live on an island, boats are important. In the early days, most people got to and from the island via a steamer...
by: Lynn E. McElfresh
Lovely, home-built and all-aluminum the Thousand Islander queens it over Gananoque’s seaway.
Alcan News, No. 6, 1972
W...
by: Brian Johnson
The St. Lawrence River has served as an avenue of exploration, a battleground for national freedom fighters, a platform ...
by: Kara Lynn Dunn
No I’m not talking about making a new dive site by sinking a ship with a rocket. I am talking about a lost shipwreck tha...
by: Kathi McCarthy
Now that my first summer as Coordinator of Education & Outreach at the Thousand Islands Land Trust (TILT) is winding...
by: Corinne Mockler
“No story of a small privately-owned firm such as Mitchell & Wilson Ltd. can be...
by: Susan W. Smith
The history of every legendary figure includes tall tales, deliberate embellishments, and apocrypha. Bill Johnston, the ...
by: Shaun J. McLaughlin
What actually makes you a River Rat?
A while ago, I ran into an old fellow who was reputed locally to be a "River Rat"...
by: Richard L. Withington
You see there are any number of distinct advantages to living in the Thousand Islands region, as attested to by the number of articles in this magazine...
by: Russ Disotell
When Ian Coristine published One in a Thousand on May 1st, we asked if we at TI Life could be involved in some small way...
by: Susan W. Smith
Temagami Island
I am in Chippewa Bay 10 miles below Alexandria Bay. Seven miles wide here and blows like hell ev...
by: Kim Lunman
Sam Grenell first laid out lots for summer cottages on Grenell Island in 1879. By the turn of the century there were ove...
by: Lynn E. McElfresh
The American lighthouses of the Thousand Islands have fared better than their Canadian counterparts over the years. Of t...
by: Mary Alice Snetsinger
Have you ever wondered what the Thousand Islands would be like if all the birds disappeared? I have, and I certainly hop...
by: Tom King
2012 marks the 175th anniversary of the 1837/38 Upper Canadian Rebellions. This is a chapter in that story which has a F...
by: John C. Carter
Dave and Mary Roberts signed a lease to open their privately owned public aquarium...
by: Kristen Taylor
It has been a roller-coaster since I first saw Kim Lunmen’s June 2011 article Fulford Yacht's Historical Homecomin...
by: Charles MacLean Cochand
Attended by almost 300 people, this year’s Thousand Islands Association annual meeting and traditional shore breakfast w...
by: Thornley Stoker
I’ve always held a fascination with history, especially along the river. Whether it was the wreck of the Riverside near the rift...
by: Tom French
Bob kicked the clod of earth that had covered the artifacts and out fell a brass tag that was about two and a half inches...
by: Ken Deedy
If you cruise by Grenell Island after dark this month, you might notice something special. Grenell Island is glowing wit...
by: Lynn E. McElfresh
Grenellians have an intense attachment to the old launch "That’s Her". For me, the stories make her seem larger...
by: Lynn E. McElfresh
It stood out like a beacon, which in fact it was.
For seven days, Rob Morrisette had seen nothing but water, sunrise to...
by: Brian Johnson
I happened to meet a fellow the other day who asked what I did with my time. I told him that I had the privilege of bein...
by: David Dodge
The 3-ring, leather, binder is the best “read” I have had in many years. Neither a novel or a piece of non-fiction it is...
by: Susan W. Smith
A.W. Bruce Sherman usually wears a cap. On it, in bold letters, is “Art Matters”, and for him it really does. He a...
by: Susan W. Smith