A Cabin of Names

What's in a name? Is it tribute, strength, character, or even a wee giggle?

While exploring Wallace Island in the southern gulf islands of BC I happened upon quite a treasure trove of boat names. The names were left in, on and around an old cabin - the origins of which I had yet to discover.

Wallace Island has had an interesting past. Originally named Narrow Island it was renamed in 1905 by Captain John Parry, after Captain Wallace Houstoun of the H.M.S. Trincomalee. Houstoun first surveyed the area in the 1850's. In 1874 Panther Point got it's name due to the HMS Panther running aground on the southern point of the island.

The first known resident of the island was a Scotsman by the name of Jeremiah Chivers. Chivers retired to the island, after futile efforts in the interior gold rush. In 1927, at the age of 92 (32 years on the island) Chivers passed away. Twisted fruit trees are the only remnants of the garden and orchard that he planted. Chivers point - the northern point of the island - is named after him.

In 1946 big dreams moved to Wallace Island. David Conover, who claimed to have discovered Marilyn Monroe, used his life savings to buy the island. After several years, he built cabins, that became the resort Royal Cedar Cottages. It offered a well stocked store, recreation hall, and boat rentals. Some of the buildings are still standing today (including a cabin of names) and there is still the small pickup truck that he used. In 1966, Conover started to sell off major portions of the island. He kept only 11 acres for his family in Princess Cove, where he lived until his death in 1983. These 11 acres remain the only private land on the island. Conover wrote two books about his adventures on Wallace Island :
"Once Upon an Island" and "One Man's Island."

"For weeks now, I have had no inclination to leave the island. If I don't watch out, I'll soon take root like a fir. The prospect, I admit, I find not unpleasant."
David Conover, "One Man's Island", 1971.

My crew seems to share Conover's sense of humor and sentimental affection for Wallace Island

In 1990, the Province of British Columbia bought up the portions of land that Conover had sold off. Today, these portions form a marine park frequented by many year round. There is moorage and dockage in Conover Cove. There is a network of trails throughout the island that are a real pleasure to explore. Camping is allowed, but never any camp fires. Princess Cove also has moorage, and a dinghy dock allowing access to the park.

While we were anchored in Princess Cove we enjoyed our stay at Wallace Island immensely. There's something to be said for exploring the last remains of another's lifelong dream. In some ways it is eerie. In other ways it's a testament to how much life has changed. While we studied the names about the cabin there were several familiar names created a sense of community. We'd known people who'd been here before us! I couldn't help but wonder what Conover would think of all the boat names, and which one would be his favorite.

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