History of Amiscape Woods (use Back browser to return)

 

The Amiscape Woods property was homesteaded in the 1920’s by the two Arndt brothers who emigrated from Germany.  Their summer access was through a three-mile bush trail or by raft across the lake. The winter route was across the frozen lake. About 15 acres was cleared by hand and cultivated to produce crops of hay and the brothers’ specialty – strawberries!  Folks in the area still refer to the place as “The Old Strawberry Farm”. The bachelor brothers were quite self-sufficient, with a team of horses and a couple of cows. They grew vegetables and built two root cellars to store their harvest for the winter. They also caught and smoked fish, and hunted wild game. (There is also a rumour that they sold moonshine to the locals but this has never been substantiated.)

 

When the brothers retired from the farm in the 1950’s, they sold it to a family from Westlock - de Rappards, who loved to fish on the lake and visit the farm. They had previously become friends and helped the brothers make the transition to life off the farm. In 1971 when Mr. de Rappard retired and moved to the West Coast, Don and Owen Haythorne purchased the lakeside wilderness retreat from him.

 

The present day Amiscape Woods site came into being in 1997-8, when with the help of family and friends, Don and Myriam built a new pan-abode cedar lodge, renovating most of the cabins and out-buildings. The place has been enjoyed by numerous guests since. Traces of the old homestead are still visible around the site  - in the old tool sheds, dump rake, and wagon.

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