Hi everyone! Wow! Mother Nature showed her true colours a few times this August. She was just reminding us how powerful she can be, right? From amazing sunsets, spectacular full moon rises, to heavy, torrential rain, and what about that massive thunder and lightning storm that lasted well over an hour! We’ve had it all in just a few days. The forecast looks pretty good for the rest of this month, so let’s continue to enjoy what’s left of the summer. Back to Stage 1 water restriction. Yeah!
Firstly, I’d like to say a HUGE thank-you to those of you who have sent along your words of encouragement and comments about the Halfmoon Happenings articles you’ve read. It truly means a lot to hear from you. One of my favourites was from Cathy as she called out from her boat, “I love reading your articles Cindy!” Really made my day! Although I’ve missed submitting on two separate weeks this month, I will continue to write when I can and hope to keep you all enlightened, informed and sometimes amused.
If you have strolled along the government wharf in Halfmoon Bay, you would be sure to notice the house to the right with the amazing stonework down to the ocean. Known as the Rutherford House, it has been part of Priestland Cove history for many years and has had a few owners. Recently, I had the pleasure of speaking with Louise, the daughter of Archie and Grace Rutherford, who owned and lived in the house from 1952 to 1988. Louise grew up in that house and shared some of her family’s history.
Before the Rutherfords’ time, Clara Priestland was the original owner and was the first postmistress for the area. In January 1915, the name of the post office was officially changed to Halfmoon Bay Post Office. Fast forward to 1952 when Archie and Grace Rutherford purchased the house/post office and managed it until 1979. Archie delivered mail from Halfmoon Bay all the way to Kleindale. After Archie passed away in 1975, Grace continued to manage the post office while Ms. Pete (sister of Lloyd Brackett) became the new postmistress. During the next few years, Grace renovated the house and lived in it until 1988 when she put the house up for sale. An interested buyer purchased the home on a “handshake” and later did not go through with the deal. Eventually, Louise’s cousin, Ralph Rutherford Sr., purchased the home and used it as the family’s vacation get-away. The family lived in California and would travel to Halfmoon Bay for summer vacations, Easter, Christmas and other holidays. In 1990 the family made it their permanent residence. Eventually one of the sons, Ralph Rutherford Jr., became the owner and lived in the home for many years. Ralph added to the amazing rock wall that is a piece of art in itself.
Ralph and his family have since moved and the new owners are making it their own and loving this beautiful area of Halfmoon Bay. This is just a small glimpse of the history; I’m sure there are many more stories about the property and those who lived in the home. Next time you find yourself walking on the wharf and look at the house, try to imagine a tiny woman in a rowboat, rowing all the way to Welcome Pass to pick up mail from the Postal Steamship. My how times have changed!
Have your “Say at the Bay,” please contact me before 5 p.m. on Mondays. [email protected].
Be kind, be gentle, be safe.
