14

Santa and children at a
Rolphton Hydro Colony Christmas Party

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Races at Rolphton Hydro Colony outdoor rink
1947
Rolphton, Ontario

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Races at the Rolphton Hydro Colony outdoor rink.

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Rolphton Hydro Colony House #14 and Occupant list
1990
Rolphton, Ontario

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TWO SISTERS REFLECTIONS ON GROWING UP IN THE COLONY; by
Bonnie Miller-Stewart and Beth Miller-Mitchell

As we look back over the years, we believe that growing up in the Rolphton Hydro colony gave us an appreciation of family and friends. The colony met many of our needs, the most important being a safe and secure community.

We really were like one big family and depended on each other. Being 12 miles from the nearest town, the colony community was very self-sufficient. Parents were organized and usually made a trip to Deep River weekly for groceries. If you did run out of sugar, eggs, etc., you borrowed from your neighbour.

The Hydro employees accommodated everyone as best they could. They cleared
us a beautiful beach and also built a dock and diving board at another location not far above the dam. We had the best swimming on the Ottawa River! We had our chores in the morning and then the afternoons were spent at the dock swimming with our friends all summer long. Mom would make us go berry picking for whatever was in season and the deal was that you had to get your pail full and then you could have a swim.

Hours were spent riding our bicycles around and around the colony. You could even ride two, three or four abreast as there was no traffic. We
were elated when the road was finally paved years later. What luxury! What a smooth ride!

We also had a tennis court for our use in the summer which converted into a skating rink in the winter. We skated daily and there were lots of great hockey games to watch, as well as broomball on occasion.

Many hours were enjoyed sliding on a long, steep hill leading from the colony to the plant which we called the Operator's Hill. As we look back now we realize how dangerous it really was with all the trees that we had to dodge, but at the time it was fabulous fun! There was also a beaver pond nearby to skate on when it froze over.

One of our fondest memories would be the Hydro recreation hall which was the
hub of the community. We held our Christmas concerts there, bowled weekly and had numerous parties and dances for every occasion; Girl Guides and Boy Scouts took place weekly as well. There was also a pool hall, gymnastic equipment, darts and a rifle range under the hall. Once a week we would get
out of public school early and head to the rec hall to see a movie. Then at night the adults would go to the movie. Our treat would be Freshie in a pop bottle or popcorn in a plastic bag - what a big afternoon out!

Another highlight in the summer would be walking to the plant with our friends for a tour given by our school principal who was employed as a tour guide during the summer. We got to wear a hard hat! A big thrill on the tour was where, in a certain area, we were able to observe the riverbed in its natural form. After the tour was complete we walked back home through the tunnel of the plant and ended up at the bottom of our infamous Operator's Hill.

We always felt proud that our father played an important role in Ontario Hydro. We feel blessed that we have had an enriched childhood and have kept in touch with our colony families to this day.

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Rolphton Community Church
1988
Rolphton, Ontario

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REMINISCENCE; By Trudy Bredewold

Our daughter was baptised in the Colony church. In the summer, there used to be AM services, at nine or nine thirty. It would be the same minister that would also minister to the United Church in Chalk River. He would come up to do a service in the colony, and then drive down to Chalk River. And in the winter, it would be at two o'clock. Now the church from the Colony is actually at Meilleurs Bay now at the Schoolhouse Musuem.

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Community Church en route to Museum Grounds
1990
Rolphton, Ontario

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In 1990 the Church from the Rolphton Hydro Colony was moved to the Museum Grounds where it became part of the Museum.