As a kid, I heard much about the Hogan Camp in Nova Scotia but it was a remote place of my imagination. My parents ran a motel in New Hampshire and were too busy to go in the summer, but it had been my father’s family summer destination. Built in 1934 by my grandfather, Roland Bell Hogan, the place is situated on Indian Point in Young’s Cove facing the Bay of Fundy, home of the highest tides in the world. His grandfather, Patrick Hogan, immigrated from Belfast, Ireland in the early 1800’s, perhaps as a veteran of the British army after the War of 1812. Settled in Young’s Cove, N.S., he and his wife Martha had 11 children; there are plenty of Hogan descendents in the area.
I found this precise drawing of the camp’s design from 1933, three bedrooms, no bathroom.
The old camp had a stone front and two chimneys for the chilly summer evenings.
I never had the pleasure of being there with my Grampy Hogan, famed for his hearty breakfasts.
My first visit to the Hogan Camp was in 1972, with my Aunt Eleanor.
It wasn’t open, and we ventured over the Hogan Brook to my Great Aunt Eleanor Hawley’s place, also boarded up. I was 14.
I visited again in 1987, still boarded up.
Finally, 20 years after my first visit, we visited while my Uncle Roley and his clan were in residence. Looks much the same in 1992.
When we visited last week, a few updates have been made: a bathroom, a larger bedroom, no more stone chimneys, a screened-in porch, and wifi!
A rare gathering of relatives shared news inside.
We cut through the woods to see my cousin Brian’s old place, ravaged by time. Daisy found a vintage pair of binoculars that still work just fine.
The clan, from three generations with many missing, gathered on the porch of the Hogan Camp, full of Nathalie’s blueberry buckle.
The place has a rustic charm, but it’s the view of the Bay of Fundy that’s hard to leave.
I sat low on the beach of stones to make a sketch before bidding au revoir.
Tides rise and fall here, but deep memories remain. Thanks to my cousins, Peg and Tom, who have preserved this special place. Time now to plot our return before too long.
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What a lovely tribute & it was great to see the old photos. My husband Gord & I have been friends with Tom & Peg for 10 years. We are also neighbours here in NS as Gord & I also summer here (from Ontario). Thanks for sharing this lovely story! Cheers!
Jamie – thank you for sharing these pictures and your memories. Grammy Hillman took me there one summer for a week or so. Uncle Peter was also there for a visit. I spent a few days picking peas for pocket money at a nearby farm. I especially remember the ferry ride back and forth to Portland. Wonderful memories! Love you, Cousin Susie
Hi Jamie,
I came across your blog posting by accident. I was just telling my younger daughter Becca about the camps in Youngs Cove the other day. We went up with my parents in 1968 and 1970 to visit with my grandmother, Eleanor. We went over to Uncle Rollie’s for lunch one day. I remember telling my mother that Uncle Rollie’s must have a bathroom because it looks so much newer and she said no.
I also told Becca about all the different flags that your grandfather flew. I said I would dig out the old photos to show her. I just sent her a link to this so she can see it in the meantime.
I still remember visiting at the Red Doors Motel one day while we we site seeing in Lincoln. We were staying with my other grandparents in West Caanan, NH at the time.
Jane
Jane, Wow, we have much in common! Is your aunt Eleanor a McDonough or was it Eleanor Hawley? Are we cousins? Funny how life’s threads are connected. Thanks for reading and commenting.
Jamie
My mother was your father’s first cousin. I was getting confused with all the Eleanors and Rolands myself. Eleanor Hawley was my grandmother. Eleanor McDonough we called Cousin Eleanor. We always called your grandfather Uncle Rollie but he was really my great uncle. I think that makes us second cousins.
Jane
Jane, We need a cousins convergence, don’t we? Let’s be in touch!