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Foreword It is basic human nature to inquire as to what has gone before . . . to ask the often unanswerable question, "What was it like?". The history of Muskoka is indeed a captivating one, with the various historical accounts published over the past few years reflecting a flourishing interest in "the days gone by". Unfortunately, however, much of Muskoka's past can only be found in the memories of those who experienced it â€" and is thus in grave danger of being lost forever. The task of the local historian is clearly becoming an urgent one: to record for future generations the events, the changes, and the people who have made the Muskoka that we are enjoying today. When one speaks of changes, there is one aspect of this geographical area that has remained unaltered. Muskoka is a retreat â€" a place far removed from the city and its hectic pace. The much quoted Guide Book and Atlas of Muskoka and Parry Sound (1879) mentions the vacationers of a hundred years ago as being "... birds of passage, who, like the swallows, annually cast themselves by a migration to our northern fastnesses, and depart refreshed." This will probably never change. Historical research, however, shows that Muskoka has changed, or perhaps evolved, a great deal over the last century â€" with some places showing more evidence of change than others. One location that has undergone such an evolution is situated at the head of Lake Rosseau. It is now the site of Rosseau Lake School, but to most, it is simply known as the "old Eaton estate", or Kawandag. It is my hope that the following pages will answer that question, "What was it like?". Derek V. Stott, Rosseau, Ontario 1981 Dedication This account is dedicated to all those persons â€" past, present, and future â€" who have had the courage to depart the "beaten track" in search of a new direction. . . . and in particular to one such pioneer, Mr. Ronald H. Perry, the founding Headmaster of Rosseau Lake School. His vision and determination built more than just a school, and shall serve as an inspiration for all who follow. 1