Pauline Kerr
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
pkerr@midwesternnewspapers.com
CARGILL – This year’s Dinner Over the Yokasippi River on July 26 (the rain date, postponed from July 19) had its weather challenges, but what’s a little rain, to a group of history and environmental enthusiasts – and those who simply enjoy a unique adventure?
The fact the adventure involved spectacular scenery, some delightful tall tales of the swamp, and a delicious meal (Harley’s outdid themselves!) added to the fun.
Some of those who attended this year’s event were not strangers to the Cargill and Greenock Swamp Promotional Association, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to raising awareness about the history of Cargill, and the importance of the Greenock Swamp to Bruce County. The others are strangers no longer, but fellow adventurers.
Everyone listened to the tales of the swamp – the story of how Bruce County’s very own Greenock Swamp might have, lurking among the orchids and other strange flora and fauna, its very own Big Foot; of how the mysteriously glowing wisps of swamp gas have terrified visitors who didn’t know what they were seeing and weren’t sticking around to find out, and of the bootlegging – lots of bootlegging – that made the swamp notorious during prohibition.
MC Shannon Wood and crew know their legends of the swamp, and have shared many them during the popular swamp tours that have taken place in the past few years. Some people have read about the legends in local publications. However, there’s something about hearing the legends, while looking down at the famous Teeswater River – also known by its Indigenous name, the Yokasippi – from a lovely, old iron bridge, while the sound of the “Log Driver’s Waltz” plays
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softly in the background. It’s easy to imagine the logs being floated down the river by lumber baron Henry Cargill’s workers, and the bootleggers evading the law by sinking the evidence into the bottomless mud of a nearby lake.
However, on July 26, the bridge belonged not to the ghosts of old lumberjacks and bootleggers, but to diners determined to have a great time. And they certainly did. Most of the guests came prepared with rain gear and umbrellas, and the temperature was comfortably warm, despite the rain. After enjoying musical entertainment and a delicious meal of elegant appetizers, a main course of beef bourguignon with all the trimmings, and dessert of strawberry torte, all served with wine, the guests took a final look down at the scenic river, and were transported back to the Cargill Community Hall. Many are already inquiring about next year’s Dinner Over the Yokasippi River.
The bridge
The bridge is one of many in Bruce County. What makes this one unique is the fact that connections are pinned, not riveted, a rarity in Ontario. They represent an earlier design of metal truss bridges, and were constructed between 1880 and 1915. After 1905, they decreased in popularity. The bridge has other unique features. While repairs have been done, the majority of the bridge retains its historical integrity regarding materials and design. The bridge is rated eight out of 10 for its historical significance.
For more information about how the Cargill and Greenock Swamp Promotional Association continues to “bring history alive,” email greenocktours@gmail.com.
