06/25/2026
Bayview Park – Throwback Thursday 💛 Another long story - grab that coffee, get comfy, and enjoy....
Many of you have asked how Bayview Park got its name—and what inspired Otto & Pauline in those early days. I remember asking that very question myself.
The truth is, the original dream wasn’t to build a park at all. It was simply to find a special place to call their own… a quiet little piece of heaven along the beautiful shores of Crowe Lake. Here, they built a small cabin, and eventually a cottage—a place where spring, summer, and fall could be spent surrounded by family, laughter, and the simple joy of being together.
As time went on, and the idea emerged to “rent out a few campsites,” a name was needed. They chose "Bayview"—a simple name, yet so fitting. It reflects the gentle beauty of the bays that cradle this shoreline, and the stunning views that still welcome families today.
The first photo below captures Pauline with my sister and I, standing along the very shoreline where our family cottage would one day be built. In the distance, you can see Birch Island and Marble Point—a view that has remained just as pretty now as it was back then.
The next photo tells another part of the story—one that truly speaks to the heart of Bayview. Weekends were filled with family coming together. Relatives from both sides would arrive, ready to lend a hand. The picture was taken of the front deck of the little cabin; I have no idea where everyone slept - they must have brought tents.
Drinking water came from a well that required hand pumping (that pump is still here in the garden, 3rd picture, found it in the bush and dragged it out), an 'outhouse' for the 'facilities'. When you needed to wash up, you jumped in the lake. The men worked hard clearing the land, while the women cared for the children and prepared meals, each playing a role that reflected the traditions of that time.
While those roles have changed over the years, what hasn’t changed is the spirit behind them. Those were days of hard work—of sweat, determination, and yes, even a few tears—but more than anything, they were filled with laughter, love, and the kind of togetherness that creates lifelong memories.
That same spirit still lives here at Bayview Park… in every shared sunset, every family gathering, and every new memory being made.
