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Growing Up In Gereaux Island Lighthouse in the Early 1900s
These are some of the stories I’ve collected of my grandfather, William Lamondin, growing up in a lighthouse.
The Lamondin family has lived in Britt, Ontario since before the town had this name. I’ve heard stories about when Britt was a logging town, when the coal docks were the centre of activity, when the railway was installed, when electricity arrived, and when the lighthouse became automated and no longer required a keeper. As my parents drive up and down the Britt road, they recite histories of the buildings and the families, sometimes going back a hundred years.
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Georgian Bay Sunset Cruise in August
There is nothing like a Georgian Bay sunset. Dad took us out on a beautiful August evening for a cruise around Gereaux Island Lighthouse. What makes the water look like a mirror? Why do sunsets feel so much like coming home?
Every summer I indulge in Georgian Bay photography. I often post my photos on Twitter and Instagram too!
The Sunset is a Teacher
every evening
watch the sunset
in a boat if possible
swaying in the shining water
listen closely, our ancestors join us
notice the pulse of Mother Earth’s
lullaby of colour marked across the sky
pause to feel the call of the loon
soften in a moment of stillness
as the sun exhales a good day
in a ballet of light
By Jessica Outram
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Seasons of Britt, Ontario: A Song
Our family has lived in the Britt, Ontario area since the late 1800s. The landscape has become part of our family story. We feel a deep connection to the area. This year for Christmas I made my parents a video to try to capture how we feel about Georgian Bay.
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Lighthouse Keeper Louis Lamondin
Today I found a wonderful story about my great-grandfather, Louis Lamondin. He was the lighthouse keeper of Gereaux Island Lighthouse on Georgian Bay from 1910-1918 and from 1925-1946. He was responsible for the light for 29 years! My family lived there for over fifty years.
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Living in a Lighthouse
From 1885 to 1946 Lamondins lived and worked at Gereaux Island Lighthouse on Georgian Bay, Ontario. One question that drives my family history research is why did my ancestors choose to live at the lighthouse?