90 Years of Memories at Kirk Kove

Kelli McRobert | Aug 10, 2022

It’s 2022, and I pull up in front of the main store, the stone fireplace is still there, a testament of time. Solid, strong, with a permanence that grounds the buildings steeped in the history of Gull Lake and Kirk Kove. To get to here (the anniversary), we must go back, 90 years……as I sit down with Ken Kirk, he eagerly pulls out a detailed photo album that takes us on a journey back to 1932, where some of our story begins….

The price of gas was .18 cents, a loaf of bread a mere .07, and a new home was around $6500.00 with many workers taking home around $1650.00 per year. The Toronto Maple Leaf’s win their third Stanley Cup game defeating the New York Rangers 3 games to 0. Maple Leaf Gardens had just opened, and Canada won their fourth consecutive hockey gold medal in the winter Olympics.

Ken’s father was a businessman in Arden and had a vision of a place for families to go. Cottages along the shoreline, he thought, and a plan began to build momentum as they purchased land and constructed cabins. A dining hall, a small store, and a dock took shape and continued to evolve until they had 20 cabins and regular clientele. Wednesdays and Sundays were when the largest gatherings took place as the community drove up to see the waterskiing show with Sunday’s offering up a full turkey dinner.

Ken and his cousin Guy took to the water as their family settled into the cottage life every summer and the business continued to grow. Waterskiing was their passion, and they became champions who would later teach the next generation how to ski barefoot, and kite sail, as they developed forward thinking filming technologies for action shots and overhead stills. Dodie, now a regular camper, joined the troop of skiers and retells stories of Ken driving the boat and the laughter shared as she would miss a jump or be bumped along, a friendly ‘poke’ at Ken’s driving abilities, taken in gest. She can still tell you what engine, when and where the shot was taken, and offer up a quick behind the scenes tale of the boat chugging along as the girls prepared their stunt, looking polished as they would round the final corner to ‘wow’ the crowds on the shore. The photo on the wall clearly shows 3 stunning beauties-- arms up, all smiles as their skis cut through the still water, making it all seem so effortless.

You can see the deep friendship they still have as they reminisce outside the sturdy fireplace built 90 years ago, with a commemorative photo captured. Memories of the parties in the gravel pit, the hard work of practicing the stunts and staying upright as technology evolved from kite skiing with no harnesses to boogie boards that were solid planks towed behind old boats, pre -twin engine days. They can tell you exactly what happened in each black and white photo (as if yesterday) and their eyes light up, peeling away decades, bringing them back to their youth, free, fit, and filming it all for future generations to see. Photo album done and we have journeyed through the 30s, 40s, 50s, 60s, you get the picture…..ownership has changed hands-from Kirk, to Harwood, to the Walkers, and a few cottages have been sold, buildings have been modified slightly but the charm remains.

The family stories continue as Dodie’s son Steve states that after 10 years of coming to the cottages his parents purchased one “about a mile down the lake”. Steve shares his fondest memories of his mother (Dodie) packing them up for summers starting around 1969. “Dodie worked here”, he claims, “back in the 1950s as a waitress in the large dining hall” he notes that “the cabins, at that time, had no kitchens so large meals were prepared daily for their resident guests”.

From a fabric shortage during the war (30s-40s), saddle shoes (50’s), and mini skirts (60s), fashion and technology continued to evolve, and families grew at Kirk Kove. Dances, live water shows, and traditional feasts carved into the next generation of memories -still shots beachside used to draw travellers up to this quiet destination. Fast forward another few decades and the dining hall has since been repurposed to a recreational centre with a large TV, and comfy couches; one that overlooks the lake and where children can play on rainy days.

The cabins have also been upgraded so each unit is fully equipped and yet they still hold their rustic appeal and beautiful lakeside views. Large groups book the tiny homes that dot the inland shoreline, close enough to connect, but private enough to escape a tenuous moment or retreat when needed. Each year, coming back to a safe place to bring the kids, catch a fish or two, or relax as your kayak bobs along the quiet shoreline, sheltered from the hardships of a pandemic, soaring gas prices, or maybe workplace stressors. A chance to disconnect, if but for a moment.

He goes on to explain how it was a tradition for them to come every summer and ‘regulars’ would show up for large gatherings in the main hall, with a long enough table able to accommodate the crowd. Fishing for Walleye was a huge draw, and still is, as groups travel from around the world to seek out this renowned spot and Willie, Steve’s son, can show you just the right spot to lure them in.

“I have been on the lake for over 53 years,” he exclaims, “and about 4 or 5 years ago we approached the Walkers, to see if they would be interested in selling, as we wanted to get out of Toronto and try something new.” As we continue to chat and tour the property, the stories are abundant as families come and go and history unfolds for the summer of 2022. Generations pass down a legacy of tales to younger ones, memories are built shoreside with the first fish caught, or a giggle as newbies try to paddle a canoe or hold on tight as they tube around the pristine lake grinning with windswept joy.

The Walkers still live on the lake, “just down the way”, as does Ken Kirk who has taken a ‘backseat’ to the running of the place. He will clarify a historic point or two and still has the passion of a champion and takes pride in his father’s legacy during a trip down memory lane.

Dodie, Steve, Julie, and Willie live at the lake too, a clear sign that this location is generational and offers up the ideal setting to stay, play, and grow. Steve and Julie just got engaged, yet another chapter in the Kirk Kove tale of two families now becoming one. Mother, son, grandson, and fiancée continuing a shared legacy for the next generations to enjoy, one summer at a time. A story coming ‘full circle’.

Congratulations on the 90th year and I wish you clear skies, calm waters, and continued success.

Thank you for the stories, photos, and Ken, for the autographed card!

To Dodie, who shares my passion for cats, and the open invitation to come back for a visit …-I shall!

For more information, or if you would like to book a stay at Kirk Kove Cottages and Marina located at 1539 Kirk Kove Road, Arden, ON K0H 1B0, call 1-877-688-8388 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or www.kirkkove.com.