Getting to Know Tichborne

Kelli McRobert | Feb 08, 2023

Recently, I received a lovely text message with a few photos of an abandoned bus on the K&P Trail. Many of us that travel the trail, rarely take the time to investigate why or how these relics come to be. The bus has seen better days and sits tucked away neatly amongst the birch and pine. Snow covers the roof and has blown through the gaping doors. Windows are gone and rust has begun to eat its way through the metal, bleeding down the white trim as corrosion gnaws away at the teal blue folding doors.

When we dig a bit deeper, we discover that Stewart R. McEwen and his wife Myrtle were the owners of the store SR and it was set on 40 acres that abuts the trail. Cheryl McEwen, the granddaughter still has some tales to tell about the bus and her childhood memories of avoiding ‘bees’ as they played amongst the battered metal shelter. The bus itself, had been purchased in the 70s (as his granddaughter recounts), and it was moved up from Kingston and used as storage for various bits and pieces Stewart had acquired.

Since the 70s, the bus has remained a silent reminder of the family store that ran from 1951-1973 and was a favourite place to stop in for an ice cream cone, burger, and fries. The lunch counter was lined with stools that stood like steel soldiers waiting for their next customer. Some memories are coloured by the stool tops in a brilliant red, beacons that drew customers in for a cool drink and a bit of social interaction. Also, there were gas pumps outside, and indoors offered residents a quick stop for any necessary groceries or sundries that were regularly needed. In the 50’s it was one of 4 stores located in Tichborne, a far cry from today, where there are none.

Mary, a local historian, and former resident, giggles, as she recounts the tale of bringing her lunch into the counter to spend time with the McEwen’s, as she nibbled on her sandwich, legs dangling over the cool countertop. Her mother used to send her up for a scoop of ice cream, and she would lug a large bowl to get her two scoops for .05 cents, a real bargain! The McEwen’s lived over the store and were a large part of the Tichborne community. The store showed some expansion in the early 70s as a Marina was opened (beside the store) to accommodate local boaters and Stewart, and his son David, were running it for a period a period of time. After Stewart (1984) and Myrtle (1983) passed away, David sold the remaining property.

There are still stories that come and go about other people owning the store, a name change to the Lakeland Community Store and it’s final closure was in 2002 when it was demolished. Other stories are about a leak of gasoline in the area, that then caused several homes to be torn down as the water quality was not potable. I love when we delve into some of the historic buildings, stories, and tales as it builds a foundation of knowledge for those within the community. If you have a story to tell, please reach out with details, and send us a photo, so we can share it with the rest of the county.

History will continue through past stories shared.