Letters to Us
The following letter is from Agnes A.J. Cserhati our very first donor. I think it is a tribute to how well fine young people think. Too often we view the young as uncaring and not sympathetic to the world around them. Read on for a view from the best and the brightest.
Dear Committee Members:
Thank you so much for the January newsletter. It's very exciting to know that you are making a difference in reconstructing the Chantry Island Keeper's Quarters, but even better to see it in your photos and to read about it in your selection of log entries.
Currently I am a 'Shipmate', and although I would prefer to move up in the ranks, my current circumstances/plans make that impossible. I'll be off to the University of London (England) this September for one year of post-graduate studies for which I really need to be counting my pennies, but I hope you can keep me on as a Shipmate even if I don't make a contribution this year.
I have been coming to Southampton every summer since I was four years old, even if only for a day trips when that was all that time permitted. The sunrises and walks along the beaches just after sunsets are my favourite times, and they just wouldn't be the same without the welcome sight of Chantry Island.
Having read the newsletter, I have arranged to be in Southampton for the Fish Fry weekend. I am particularly interested in the photography competition and would appreciate any information on how to enter, etc. As an added thought to this, I wonder how you will award the winners. I ask this not necessarily as a hopeful winner, but more as someone who likes to buy postcards when in Southampton, but hasn't had much of a selection from which to choose in the past 5 years or so. A photography competition seems a wonderful opportunity to gather photographs worthy of Southampton postcards. Perhaps the winners could be awarded by having their pictures made as postcards? Since postcards boost tourism, perhaps Southampton business/tourist board, etc., could be approached to help fund the making of new postcards? These are just thoughts on paper for now, but I thought them worth sending along to you.
I look forward to hearing from you with more details about the Fish Fry weekend, and please do keep me in mind for future donations. You can count on it. (not just this particular moment)
All the best,
Agnes A.J. Cserhati
A letter from a 14 year old boy.....
I feel that the rebuilding at Chantry Island is a good thing for our town in many ways. Chantry Island is a big part of our heritage. There are a lot of historical facts at the Bruce County Museum, such as facts about the light house keeper, his family and the storms that have taken their toll on the Island. Of course the stories that I'm sure everyone has heard of.
I feel that the rebuilding of the Island is a good thing. The people that are rebuilding the Island are really restoring our history. I wonder if they have realized yet that they are helping to restore our heritage. I thank them for their time and effort. The other part of the restoring process involves them taking out tours to the Island. This will be a good part of our tourism trade, and good for the local businesses.
I think this is a very good addition to our town. I just might have to go on one of these tours myself. How about you?
D.J. Harrigan
Southampton.
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Another letter from our first donor Agnes Cserhati
July 4th, 2002
Here are the photos, as promised. Also, another splash in the shipmate's bucket. Only enough to wash the decks, perhaps, but given with all the vigour on can manage in this stage of an early voyage.
What I'd like to really say is this:
Having seen what you've all done, what's been cultivated and is cherished by the hard work, dedication and no small matter of soul that's been put into the Chantry Island project it's as though what I've known best of the islands's light, its reach across the dusk covered shores of Southampton with its beacon pulse keeping time with the rusted creaking swings upon which I'd often lingered in quiet contemplation, is now reflected in the life that's been breathed into the island's days as well with boats coming and going and the constant buzz of activity giving testament to a vision fulfilled.
And what a sight it is! It was a delight to be toured around the restored keeper's quarters, the well kept patches of garden and rock, and the view from atop the 114 stairs of the lighthouse, gazing across the waters and back down upon the Peerless, which brought us across to the island in the first place. The stories of what made this possible was what touched me most -- how enthusiastic and involved are the volunteers, and how enriching the experiences, brought together by the project.
I look forward to the day when I may step ashore and take part in the island's life as a volunteer in a more hands-on capacity. for the time being, I send my best wishes and continued success in your important work.
With all the best regards,
Agnes (Cserhati)
