The Waubaushene Bridge

Prior to the erection of the Waubaushene bridge, to travel north from Waubaushene by land one had to go through Coldwater and around Matchedash Bay.  The Georgian Bay Lumber Co., who at the time owned much of the land in Waubaushene, would not allow a bridge to be built across the bay, as it would get in the way of their tugs and barges.  In order to cross the bay to go to school, children used skates in the winter and boats in the summer.  In 1882 and 1885, the county sent petitions to the federal government requesting that a bridge be constructed across the narrows.  In 1905, another appeal was made, with local farmers offering to supply free team and work labour.  Finally, in 1927, after the Lumber Company had closed down, a grant was secured for the construction of the bridge.  The bridge itself was moved from Atherley, where it had originally been built as a swing bridge over the narrows in 1887.  It was one of the first iron bridges built in Ontario.      Mr. William Finlayson cut the ribbon at the opening of the bridge on June 7, 1927. The first vehicle to drive across it was a buggy driven by Harry Gouett and his sister Loretta (above right), and the Russels were the first to cross in a car (above left).  The bridge played a big part in opening up transportation routes into Waubaushene, which became increasingly important as tourism took over as a leading industry.