Several generations of lake residents and visitors have played and picnicked on “Betty’s Island.”
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Mabel and Norton Hill at Betty’s christening, Betty’s Island (Barbara Paterson Collection)
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Betty was Mary Elizabeth Hill, the only daughter of Mabel and Norton Hill, and was raised at Camp Billie Bear. She was born in Huntsville on June 20, 1921, and her family, with some friends, held a christening ceremony for her on the small island across the bay from their home later that summer.
As a child, Betty lived in the cabin called “Three Bears,” which is now owned by her daughter Shelley. Betty went to Alma College at the age of 10, and then on to the Toronto Conservatory of Music, from where she graduated. Music was an important part of Betty’s life, and she was a song writer, arranger, and chorus director.
Betty on the steps of Three Bears (Shelley Sproule)
When Betty died in 2003, members of her family, neighbours, and friends gathered on “her island” for a ceremony that autumn to honour her life. She had four children, and several of her descendants still visit the island and remember Betty, to this day.
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Photo of Betty’s Island for postcard, 1940s (Olive Corcoran) | |
Betty’s Island is owned by the Crown and cared for by the Bella-Rebecca Community Association. Following a fire on the island in August 2004, neighbours have maintained a sign prohibiting campfires.