By John Francis, Bruce Peninsula Press
A historic settlers’ cabin sat by the shore of Little Dunks Bay for about 150 years. For the last 50 years or more, it has been abandoned. It was located on the property known as the “Fathom Five land base” which was purchased by the province in the 1970s to serve Fathom Five Provincial Park. When Fathom Five became a national park, the property changed hands. But through all of this, the cabin just sat empty.
Parks Canada had no interest in turning it into a historic site, but did some repairs and put on a new metal roof, which saved it from deteriorating beyond repair.
At long last an arrangement was formalized between Parks Canada and the Municipality of Northern Bruce Peninsula to move the cabin to the St Edmunds and Bruce Peninsula Museum property on Highway 6 near Little Cove Road. A foundation was constructed there, adjacent to Jacob’s Cabin (which was built in 1873). The best guess by local historians is that the Little Dunks Bay cabin was built in 1870-71, probably by or for Abraham Davis and his family. Many of Abraham Davis’ descendants still live in the Tobermory area.
The move was completed on November 13, 2022, to the delight of all concerned. More detailed stories will appear in future issues.
