Rosseau—the community at the head of the lakes
Rosseau, situated at the most northerly end of Lake Rosseau, is this year, 1976, celebrating its fiftieth birthday.
Rosseau was part of the Township of Humphrey. In the early twenties, Rosseau became a Police Village, still in the Township of Humphrey. It's three Commissioners administered the affairs of Rosseau, but under the jurisdiction of the Township.
Fifty years ago, by an Act of the Ontario Legislature, Rosseau became an incorporated village, an independent municipality. Rosseau's first Reeve was John Knowles, the grandfather of the present Reeve, Mrs. Robert Swainson.
Rosseau, although only a small village, has, for fifty years, remained proudly independent and in control of its own affairs. The village remained solvent, free of debt, even through the depression years.
During the last few years, the control of its affairs, namely Education, Assessment and Welfare have been controlled and administered by central bodies in the District of Parry Sound. Such action has been disappointing to many ratepayers, causing them to lose contact and thus lose interest in numerous affairs of the village.
Rosseau supports three churches, one being completely self-supporting. It owns its own hydro system, has an active volunteer fire brigade, an active Lions Club and a very active and sufficient hard working Community Association, Women's Institute, Legion Branch and auxiliary.
The welfare of its children is primary in its activities. Swimming classes and sailing classes are only two of its efforts to safeguard the young. During summer
months, beach supervision is maintained. Community efforts promote and support an annual summer regatta, as well as various winter amusements and recreations.
Rosseau boasts a beautiful Community Memorial Hall, an Agricultural Hall and grounds, a Legion Hall, and a Loyal Orange Lodge Hall.
The foregoing list of churches, halls and community associations show the vast effort that has to be put forth by Rosseau's small population to make them all successful.
Longevity seems to thrive in small quaint villages such as Rosseau which has 35 to 40 persons ranging in age from the early seventies to the middle nineties, out of a total
population of just over two hundred. Work and pride make places like Rosseau, a good place to reside.
As we go forward into the future, it is the desire of all residents that we remain autonomous and retain our pleasant "little village'' atmosphere.
t
Reeve Isabel Swainson Councillor James Swift Councillor George Generoux Councillor Margaret Presley Councillor Ken Bissonette