The Ministry of Natural Resources is currently working on a decision regarding an application to rename Crane Island (Lake Joseph) to Stowe Island. But why Stowe? Let’s talk about the incredible history behind the name.
The Story Behind Stowe Island: Honouring Dr. Emily Howard Jennings Stowe
Dr. Emily Howard Jennings Stowe was a trailblazer, a woman who defied the conventions of her time to make a lasting impact on Canadian society. Born in 1831, Emily Stowe became a pivotal figure in Canada’s history as the first licensed female physician in the country. Yet her legacy extends beyond her medical achievements; she was also a driving force behind women’s education and suffrage.
Raised in a Quaker family that valued education for both genders, Emily was encouraged to pursue knowledge from a young age. Though denied entry to the University of Toronto’s medical school due to her gender, she persisted by studying in the United States, graduating from the New York Medical College for Women in 1867.
The treatment she endured set the stage for change, leading to her involvement in founding the Ontario Medical College for Women in 1883. This institution was crucial in providing women with access to medical training in Canada. Emily’s daughter, Augusta Stowe-Gullen, followed in her footsteps, becoming the first woman to graduate with a medical degree from a Canadian university.
The Stowes’ connection to Lake Joseph began in 1883, with the purchase of an island for the family’s retreat, a sanctuary for Emily and her husband, John, to escape the rigours of their work. Named “Stowe Island,” it was designed as a peaceful haven, complete with flower beds, vegetable gardens, and cozy summer cottages. Here, Emily found respite amid her relentless campaigning for women’s rights and equal opportunities.
This island, now known as Crane Island, holds a remarkable legacy. Renaming it Stowe Island would not only honour Emily’s contributions to medical and social reforms in Canada but also her enduring impact on future generations, symbolizing the vision and commitment that inspired her life’s work. She is someone worth remembering.
Old Muskoka
Much of this information is available as one resource in the fabulous book Old Muskoka: Century Cottages and Summer Estates by Liz Lundell. If you are interested in historic estates in Muskoka this is a must read. I am often look to as a resource for information about Muskoka (so flattering!!), and this is one of the books that I referred to often while trying to learn as much as I possibly could about Muskoka and the Big Three (Lake Muskoka, Lake Rosseau, and Lake Joseph).
I hope you enjoyed learning about legacy behind Stowe Island. I will let you know if the change in name is approved by the ministry. If you have any questions, feel free to email me at len@cottageinmuskoka.ca. And don’t forget to check out our Instagram @cottageinmuskoka for more Muskoka content.