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The Early 1900's |
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One of the first permanent settlers to live in Horseshoe Bay was Herb Thorpe, a hard rock miner from England. The outbreak of war cancelled his granite operation at Sunset Beach, so he moved to the bay and worked out an agreement with Colonel Whyte (Whytecliff Park was named after him) to clear trees and stumps for a stake in the bay. Colonel Whyte was in charge of all the land holdings on the west end of the municipality.
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By 1918 there were two floats extending off the beach at the foot of Royal Avenue from which you could rent a rowboat. One float was operated by Joe Rodgers, the other by Tom Garrow. Garrow moved his operation south to Garrow Bay. Rodgers in due course passed his float to his son Howard, including the Horseshoe Bay Hotel, a boat house and later a dance hall, all located at the marina. |
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By 1931 the Bay was already a favourite weekend spot for campers, picnickers and fishermen. Ferries and taxis ran out of the Bay to Bowen Island, Brunswick Beach, Anvil Island, Glacier Bay and Squamish, the most fondly remembered being the Sannies plying their way to Bowen Island loaded with excited children on Sunday School outings. Ladies would venture out in rented rowboats wearing their Sunday best for an afternoon in the bay.
 
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