Spirit of the River
by: Jennifer Caddick & Susan W. Smith
Editor's Introduction: Last month, I wrote No Politics for TI Life. Almost immediately, I received emails asking me to reconsider. Not because people were taking a stand on any particular issue, but many just wanted us to know that they appreciate the mission of TI Life – as intended by Professor Paul Malo and photographer Ian Coristine:
Mission statement: "Thousand Islands Life is an occasional journal of articles about our distinctive region – its current development, its colourful heritage, and its characteristic marine lifestyle . . ."
There is nothing in the statement that says United States or Canada. It simply refers to the River. In fact, Ian always said that we are about the River – above it (planes and drones), beside it (waterfront and going a few miles inland), below it (divers), on it (swimming, anchoring, fishing, and sailing), and, and, and . . .
This week I spoke with Dr. Richard (Dick) Withington, who told me a story about how Clayton was able to finance their fireboat, "Last Chance". They held a Hot Dog Roast at the Antique Boat Museum. At one point, Dick stood up and announced that he had been given a $1,000 cheque from a Canadian towards the project. Suddenly a man at the back said, "Hey, if a Canadian can help, then you can put me down for $2,000." Before the night was over they had raised $27,000. Yes, the spirit of the River was alive then and it is alive now.
Susan W. Smith, Editor, info@thousandislandslife.com
Spirit of the River: by Jennifer Caddick
The Thousand Islands wouldn’t be the same if it were located anywhere else in the world. Yes, the geologic features – the craggy islands, the bent evergreen trees, the hidden shoals, the nooks and crannies between islands, the cold, dark winter nights, and glorious long, warm, summer days – might be the same. But the spirit of this place is shaped both by the islands and the international border that winds between them.
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. Politicians gave grand speeches about the special relationship between the US and Canada, the longest undefended border in the world. But to us Thousand Islanders, our cross-border friendship and support isn’t an abstraction; it’s how we live.
If an emergency happens across the border, we don’t ask questions; we jump in to help. Our River communities have a remarkable array of nonprofits – from museums and playhouses to environmental conservation groups – supported by volunteers and donors of both nationalities. We all join in the Canada Day and Independence Day celebrations.
Ian Coristine captured so much of our River not paying much attention to a border.
The boundary line between our two countries has come into focus at times when our two countries were at odds. The War of 1812 saw military battles. Rum runners flaunted international rules during prohibition. The aftermath of September 11 and COVID saw a tightening of border rules and regulations, making us all realize that this international border is serious business, but nevertheless, the spirit of this place carried on.
Sadly, the past few months have seen the biggest threat yet to our peaceful friendship. We fear this could mark the beginning of an irreversible unraveling of our way of life here in the Thousand Islands.
Questionnaire
As we begin our 2025 season we wish to profile as many entities in the region as possible.
Categories: marinas and gas docks; arts organizations; land trusts; museums; police; fire departments; construction companies; grocery stores; hydro works; caretakers; Parks Canada; and State Parks and Islanders, mainlanders, and mariners.
We ask that you fill out this short survey: https://forms.gle/huRXf4nFVXDK66k76
We will follow up with requests or photographs or additional material.
- What business or entity are you or where are you located?
- In the past has there been an occasion where you were called upon or you
assisted a similar entity or just assisted, across the border? If so, could you give
us a short description of what happened? - As we enter the 2025 summer season what could we do as Canadian/American
neighbours to help celebrate our River?
"Yes, together we can prove that the spirit of this place is shaped both by the islands and the international border that winds between them.”
By Jennifer Caddick and Susan Smith
Jennifer's first visit to the Thousand Islands was on a family vacation at the age of 10, and she was smitten with the River. She turned that into a career in the environmental movement, leading numerous advocacy campaigns fighting to protect the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River. From 2006-2012, Jennifer served as Executive Director of Save The River and led the organization through a period of growth and expansion. She splits her time between her home in Clayton and her family's cottage on Linda Island on the US side of the River, enjoying the River in all of its amazing seasons.
Susan W. Smith
Susan Weston Smith (known as Susie) took over as the production editor of Thousand Islands Life in December 2008. She is the author of The First Summer People, Thousand Islands 1650-1910, Boston Mills Press (1993) and working in the volunteer world is her passion. She is currently on the board of the 1000 Islands History Museum in Gananoque. In addition, she is a board member of the Zonta Club of Ottawa and the World Button Association. In the past she has served on the Board of the Thousand Islands Land Trust and Save the River in Clayton, NY, as well as the Thousand Islands Association in Gananoque.
Header photo by Bud Andress and appeared in the June 2012 article "Flag Etiquette in the 1000 Islands"
Comments
Nancy Keziah writes, "I am jogging my 70 year old memory from growing up in Clayton. I remember in the 50's and 60's the summer days of Kingston, Gananoque, Brockville, Cape Vincent, Clayton and Alexandria Bay holding a yearly celebration with parades and events. Every year and one of the towns would be the host. I think they were called Can/Am Days. I don't know when they started or ended. I was wondering if that could be featured at some point, especially in the light of these political days. I just remember attending and having fun. Thank you.
John Stencell writes, "Great positive approach, in 'Spirit of the River' story. I commend the approach taken in this story. The survey will reveal a great deal. Can’t wait to hear some of what people have accomplished by working cooperatively over the years."
