Our History
William’s Landing, which is at the Point of Lake Kashagawigamog, is on the Traditional Territories of the Nishnaabeg Nation. Its settler history can be traced back to the 1800’s when Haliburton County saw an increase in squatters, land surveyors, and settlers. Many histories of the region emphasize how essential Indigenous support was to settlers’ survival. Indigenous families such as Kennesis, Equayigs, St. Germains, Yorks, and others continue to return to Haliburton County well into the twentieth century.
The first recorded purchase of what is now William’s Landing was in 1867, when James Craick bought it for $318 before quickly selling it to Robert Wallace. By 1882, Jacob and Caroline Pockett had accumulated several lots, including William’s Landing. Based on our historical neighbours, William’s Landing may have been used for farming during this period. The Pocketts sold many of their holdings, including some to John Russell Scott in 1884. The Scotts family held the deed until 1899, but little is currently known about this period of the property’s history. What is known is that the Scotts sold Williams Landing and other lots to Edward Wilkes Rathbun and wife, Brunelle, in 1899.
The Rathbuns held the deed until 1902, when the Rathbun Company purchased the timber rights from the Bronson Company. Between 1899 and 1916, William’s Landing was logged by the Rathbun Company, the Standard Chemical Company, and The Baker Lumber Company Ltd.
In 1916, William T. Ramsay bought the property to use as a remote wilderness retreat and hunting camp. The following year, he built an impressive two-storey log summer home for his family. His children later added more cottages, and the property remained as a family compound until 1945. William’s Landing was named in William T. Ramsay’s honour.
Reverend John Aubone Boothroyd Hoyle purchased the property in 1948, creating Camp Gay Venture. It became a well-respected children’s camp, running for over 45 years. The Hoyle, Patterson and Adamson cottages are named after the three camp directors. Robin Patterson owned and directed the camp from 1960 to 1973, followed by Janet Adamson who led it from 1973 to 2002. In 2002, the land was sold to John Puffer and Joe Giglio, partners in Chandler Point Corporation, who went on to develop William’s Landing Cottages under the fractional ownership model that continues today.
Each cottage also features a unique collage celebrating its current owners—the families who are writing the next chapter in the rich history of this special place.
Below, enjoy a selection of photos from the Camp Gay Venture era.
Land Acknowledgement
We wish to acknowledge that William’s Landing, which is at the Point of Lake Kashagawigamog, is on the Traditional Territories of the Nishnaabeg Nation. We recognize and thank the caretakers of this land, including the Michi Saagiig communities of Oshkihomog (Curve Lake First Nation) and Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nations.
Michi Saagiig Nishnaabeg and Chippewa’ag Nishnaabeg communities are signatories to two Treaties that include William’s Landing: the 1818 Rice Lake Purchase also known as Treaty 20, and the Williams Treaties of 1923.
We further acknowledge the enduring presence of Indigenous people and the importance of working together to advance reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples across Canada.