In 1900, the American Canoe Association formed a committee to obtain a permanent site on the St. Lawrence River to hold its annual meet.
[1] Starting in 1903 they hosted the annual meet for camping, competition and camaraderie between canoeists.
[2] Canoeists, kayakers and sailors come to visit from around the world and participate in longstanding competitions.
For many years the only buildings on the island were the mess hall, the storehouse, and the ice house, the latter a favorite gathering place of the younger generation.
[1] After World War II a limited number of cabin sites were made available to members.