Dear Editor,
The surviving cottages in Davies Orchard, however timeworn and humble should not be evaluated for their restorability or utility alone. They are remnants of a true and mythical phenomenon, and a memory that is dearly valued by Bowen Islanders.
There is a story from the Island’s past, Bowen’s best story ever, and the one story that is absolutely unique. For several lively decades, there was the spectacle of thousands of celebrants descending by steamship upon a few hundred islanders week after week for decades. This enormous tide of celebrants is likely still unmatched, certainly in Canada, perhaps anywhere. The Union Steamship period was not only astonishing for the sheer numbers but also for the extraordinary encampment culture that was created.
This was what they called the Happy Isle. The resort, this island’s only true landmark, is gone now. Our best story and our finest landmark are all memories. Archaeological anecdotes.
The most remarkable built feature was the massive complex of over two hundred guest cottages plus platform tents built throughout the forest that is now Crippen Park. They are long gone except for the orchard cottages which remain, not quite fossils but the last vestiges of something which was once very much alive. In this case, surely it is not the physical object which deserves to be valued but the respect and significance of its lifespan.
A visitor destination, such as Bowen Island, needs stories and landmarks tied to those stories. The orchard cottages are a visual shortcut to a remarkable chapter in Bowen Island history. Creatively envisioned, the past can be distilled into a memorable present day experience. Particularly if you can touch it.
Sincerely,
Ron Woodall
