40
Water SportsGiven that Almonte and the surrounding area are are located on the Mississippi River it is not surprising that our residents would use it in the spring and summer as well.
Canoes and rowboats were a vital form of transportation along the Indian and Mississippi Rivers. The Young family, cousins of James Naismith traveled by row boat to church every Sunday all year round.
The April 16 1870 Gazette reports that the Mississippi Jr. is swollen to unusual size by melting snow and that canoes "are paddled about from door to door."
Both McKenzie and Naismith fondly recalled their exploits at the local swimming hole.
41
The Young sisters paddle the boat up the Mississippi to Church.1905
Almonte
42
Boating on the Indian River near Otter Glen, the old Barley Mill is in the upper right.1900
Almonte
43
Boating on the Indian River1905
Almonte
44
Canoeing on the Mississippi River just below mouth of the Indian River.1900
Almonte
45
Kate Young paddles her canoe on the Mississippi River.1905
Almonte
46
Twin sisters Shariffa and Natalie canoe on the Mississippi River just below the mouth of the Indian.1997
Almonte
47
A group of swimmers take time out to pose.1930
Almonte
48
Ladies cool off in the Mississippi River, below Pakenham, c.1920.1920
Almonte
49
Cycling"An Almonte Athlete has ridden to Pakenham in 39 minutes. A Pakenham cyclist has ridden to Almonte in 40 minutes. Who will lower the record?" Almonte Gazette, October 29, 1897
Not only a form of physical activity, cycling was a means of transportation as well. In a town where one cannot go to far without encountering a hill our cyclists manage to stay very fit indeed.
50
G.A. Clarke stops for a break in front of the Young Farmhouse.1900
Almonte
51
Milton Lindsay takes a break from a leisurely bicycle ride to pose for a picture.1900
Almonte
52
Hunting and Shooting ContestsHunting has long been a popular sporting activity for the men and a few women of the community.
An excerpt from the Almonte Gazette, October 29, 1897:
"This week several parties of Almonte sportsmen, with some from outside points, have gone or will to the haunts of the antlered denizens of the forest, and will spend the open season hunting for them (Nov. 1st to 15th) in that healthful sport- healthful for the hunters, we mean."
Almonte Gazette, July 9, 1870:
"A party of Smiths Falls gentlemen held a trial of skill in the use of rifle with an equal number of Almonters, on Dominion Day. The Almonte marksmen came out victors in the encounter."
In September of the same year another contest is held, Almonte reportedly won the contest, however an angry letter to the editor the following week refutes the report.
53
A couple of sharp shooters pose with their awards and their rifles at the Young Farm.1900
Almonte
 |
 |
 |
 |