McGREGOR MacGREGOR “Swimming Rock”

The strip of land commonly referred to as The Swimming Rock was owned by Orrin and Lois A. MacGregor. They had purchased the land along the shore from Mrs. Myrtle Brooks Hiscott on Aug. 9, 1947. The length along the New London Bay was “230 feet on the north side of the road running from Cavendish to Stanley Bridge." When the new and wider road was built in the late 1950’s, they were left with very little space between the highway and their cottage.

Mr. MacGregor was deceased so Mrs. MacGregor sold the cottage and property to the members of Sterling Women’s Institute. She felt that by doing so, the area would continue to be used by people of all ages who wished to go swimming. It was known by “all locals” as an excellent swimming area. The family had always been very generous in welcoming those who wished to use the “swimming rock” area. Hundreds of children were taught to swim off this ‘rock’. The date of this transaction from Lois Adele MacGregor of Halifax to the members of the Sterling Women’s Institute was March 1, 1962.

With the Women’s Institute ownership, the Red Cross Swimming programme continued. The cottage on the site was used as a changing house for the swimmers and intructors. Many happy seasons were enjoyed by these participants. The busses which transported the children from neighbouring communities were able to park on the ‘triangular’ section of land adjacent to and south of the Seawood Estates. This was part of the old road which led to the Stanley village. The Minister of Highways agreed to give a deed to the members of Sterling Women’s Institute for this land as well as fill in the ditch for a safe parking area off the busy highway. This was considered an exchange for the land lost off the cottage lot.

Vandalism of the cottage and the property in general forced the members to close the building. Earl Carr removed the cottage from the site. Today it is part of the holdings of the “Stanley Bridge Country Resort”. The well on the property was filled in and other buildings removed. The area is still popular as a swimming area. Unfortunately, without constant supervision the Women’s Institute members could not afford to maintain the buildings. Keeping the steps to the shore has proven to be expensive over the years because of storm washout. However, residents and visitors continue to enjoy the beautiful “Swimming Rock” property.

Swimming Class boaters close to the “Swimming Rock " about 1955.

from It. Ernest MacEwen, Alan Douglas, Ronnie Reid, {Harriet Campbell (Meacher), Instructor}, Watson Fyfe, Irwin MacEwen’ Murdock F yfe, Hilda Malone,

Beryl F yfe, (front)

After swimming lessons! Enjoying a ‘row on the Bay’

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