Thousand Islands Life is now online!

Ice is gone, docks are ready, boats are launched, and the 2025 Thousand Islands season has started! I hope you will take the time to read this issue. It is filled with the usual history, photographs, and stories about River life. We also provide an essay called "Sprit of the River!” Please, let us know what you think.

Volume 20, Issue 4, April 2025 is now online.

L: Ted Mowers shares a drive with Larkin on March 30, 2025, on Wellesley Island, after the ice storm; M: On April 2, 2025, Jay Levine's dog says, "Soon I will be swimming." and R: on April 3, 2025, Chelsea Hogan told us, "Two happy pups & a beautiful sunset tonight. Blessed to call this place home."

From the Editor – by Susan W. Smith
A group of guys from a small North Country town buy Canadians a beer . . . Plus events and celebrations!

Spirit of the River – by Jennifer Caddick & Susan W. Smith
For much of our lives, the border has felt like a bit of a casual formality, as friends and families crossed the invisible international line without giving it much thought . . .

"Victura" – 1932 Wianno Sr. Sloop – by Rick A. Casali
This article will stray from the waters of the Thousand Islands and go east to Nantucket Sound and Cape Cod . . . and the Kennedys . . .

James R. Miller captured a happy moment for boaters and mariners.

The Yacht Edith Boat Line – by Tom King
Back in the “Roaring Twenties,” Clayton was a hive of activity with trainload after trainload of tourists streaming into town . . .

Island Fires and Precautions to Take – By Dane Zabriskie
On October 24, I received the kind of call every islander dreads: "There’s been a fire on your island."

"Spotting a Ship on the Horizon Never Fades" – by Susan W. Smith
The call of the water, the power of these ships, and the stories they carry—it’s a passion that has defined my life.

Another James R. Miller photo of our River and a passing ship on April 12, 2025.

My Name is Belle Vue – by Sherry L.B. Johnson
My name is Belle Vue, but you more likely know me as the Gananoque Town Hall. I stand in the middle of a delightful park.

Shout Out to River Lifesavers – by Susan W. Smith
Imagine if there was no gas station near your home, no mechanic to fix your car, or when at home, no place to park your car?

Before the Summer Art Show '25! – by Martha Stroud
This year's art show, "Before the Summer," will be held May 2, 3, and 4 at the Firehall Theatre, 185 South Street, in Gananoque.

The Before the Summer Art Show ‘25

Spring Poetry – by Thousand Islands Poets
"Spring" by Kim Kalil; "Red Horse Rock" by Manley Rusho; and "The Old Pump" by David Lyttle.

Call for Recipes: St. Lawrence Slow Cooker Ribs – by Elspeth Naismith
This is one of my summer favourites. It takes about 15 minutes or less to prep in the morning.

Sudoku Puzzles #241-#244 – by Dan LeKander
There is a Sudoku technique that can be employed in extreme situations, called "Nishio." You begin by assuming one particular cell is a certain digit. . .

Stay safe as you open your cottage, launch your boat, or rock on the veranda!

Susan W. Smith, Editor, info@thousandislandslife.com

PS. Please send your comments to me for posting.