From the Archives: Desert Lake’s First Newsletter
Celebrating 50 Years of the Desert Lake Property Owners’ Association (1976–2026)
As we continue celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Desert Lake Property Owners’ Association (DLPOA), we have a wonderful piece of history to share.
Thanks to a recent submission from Graham Pryce, we are delighted to revisit the Association’s very first newsletter, published in February 1977, just months after the DLPOA was established in the summer of 1976.
This remarkable five-page document offers a glimpse into life on Desert Lake nearly half a century ago, introducing the people, priorities, and community spirit that helped shape the Association we know today.
A Community Comes Together
In July 1976, ten Desert Lake property owners gathered to establish an organization dedicated to protecting the lake and representing the interests of its property owners.
The inaugural newsletter introduced the interim executive, led by President R.N. (Bob) Boyd, alongside Vice President Morgan Pryce, Secretary S. Roy Martin, and Treasurer Frank J. Lovett.
Their mission was straightforward but ambitious: to bring neighbours together, protect the ecology of Desert Lake, and ensure property owners had a collective voice in decisions affecting their community.
Among the Association's earliest priorities were water quality, environmental protection, responsible development, and representation at the municipal and provincial levels.
Sound familiar?
Nearly 50 years later, these same principles continue to guide much of the DLPOA's work.
Protecting Desert Lake from the Beginning
One of the most striking aspects of the original newsletter is just how seriously members took environmental stewardship from the outset.
Water pollution was identified as one of the most pressing concerns facing the lake. Members were already advocating for improved environmental oversight, measures to prevent pollution, and stronger protections for fish populations.
The newsletter also describes efforts to oppose a proposed commercial seaplane base on Desert Lake. Following submissions from concerned property owners and a presentation to township council, the application was rejected.
It is a fascinating early example of what an organized and engaged lake community can accomplish.
Cottage Life in 1977
Beyond the serious business of protecting the lake, the newsletter captures the character and camaraderie of cottage life in the 1970s.
Members shared stories of winter patrols by snowmobile, including one occasion when a broken window was discovered at a cottage. There were also accounts of a remarkable 16-pound pike caught during the Labour Day weekend, a backyard magic show, and the importance of getting to know neighbours around the lake.
One particularly charming passage encourages property owners to attend Association meetings not simply to discuss lake matters, but to meet the people who shared their love of Desert Lake.
The newsletter's membership update also reveals that 55 of the lake's 78 property owners had already joined the Association — an impressive show of support in its earliest months.
A Hand-Drawn Piece of History
Perhaps one of the most interesting features of the original newsletter is the hand-drawn map of Desert Lake, prepared as part of the Association's early membership campaign.
The map identifies property owners around the shoreline, offering a unique snapshot of the lake community in 1976.
For longtime families, it may bring back familiar names and memories. For newer members, it provides a fascinating look at how the lake community has evolved over the decades.
Fifty Years of Community and Stewardship
Looking back at this first newsletter, it is remarkable how much has changed — and how much has stayed the same.
The cottages, families, and faces around Desert Lake have evolved over five decades, but the shared commitment to protecting its natural beauty, preserving water quality, and fostering a connected community remains.
What began as a small gathering of concerned property owners in 1976 has grown into an Association with a proud history of advocacy, environmental stewardship, and neighbourly connection.
As we celebrate this milestone anniversary, we extend our appreciation to the founding members whose foresight and dedication laid the groundwork for the DLPOA.
A special thank you to Graham Pryce for sharing this wonderful piece of our history and helping us preserve the story of Desert Lake for future generations.
Explore the Original 1977 Newsletter
We invite you to take a trip back in time and browse all five pages of the February 1977 newsletter, including the original hand-drawn property owners' map.
You might just recognize a name, discover a little-known piece of lake history, or be reminded that the things we cherish most about Desert Lake have been bringing people together for generations.
Do you have old photographs, newsletters, stories, or other pieces of Desert Lake history? We'd love to hear from you as we continue celebrating 50 years of the DLPOA. Write us at history@desertlakelife.ca
