Boston Mills Press Independent Publisher
Boston Mills Press is Canada's foremost independent publisher of books on the Canadian lifestyle, trains, aviation, cottage country, travel, Ontario, art and antiques, and outdoor life. This was its website in the early 2000's.
Content below is from 2001-2002 archived pages.
Boston Mills Press
132 Main Street
Erin, Ontario
Canada N0B 1T0
As the countdown to our spring & summer 2002 season begins, please see our 'other new titles' section below, for a complete listing of soon to be released titles!
Featured Title
Ontario's Lost Canoe Routes
Kevin Callan
Ontario's favorite canoeist is back. After ditching civilization, Kevin Callan has resurfaced with a new guide to Ontario's little known waterways!
THE YORK RIVER, EXCERPTED FROM ONTARIO'S LOST CANOE ROUTES.
Printed use of this excerpt is granted by the Boston Mills Press, provided the excerpt is reprinted with the following acknowledgement: "Reprinted with permission, from Ontario's Lost Canoe Routes, published by the Boston Mills Press. Copyright, April 2002, Kevin Callan."
York River
For countless years the York River was used as a major waterway. Algonquin tribes used it while retreating from the invading Iroquois. Fur traders used it as part of a transport route from Georgian Bay to the Ottawa River. Lumber companies based in Haliburton began flushing their logs down it before making use of any other neighboring tributary. Even the initial surveyors remarked it was a great-grandchild of the mighty St. Lawrence. But for a while now it's basically been forgotten. In fact, I can't recall ever seeing another canoeist while on the river. And for that reason alone, it definitely fits the "lost canoe route" category.
The best section of the river to paddle is between Egan Chutes Provincial Park and Conroy Marsh. It's a perfect two-day outing for novice canoeists or advanced paddlers looking for a leisurely getaway.
Egan Chute Provincial Park is 11 kilometers east of Bancroft, along Highway 28; the public access road is northeast of the highway bridge. Take note, however, that the park is no longer regularly maintained by the province and has only a small clearing below the remains of an old concrete dam acting as the put-in site. Also, since it's a river route, you'll have to shuttle a second vehicle to the public launch at the west end of Combermere, along Highway 62.
Not far from the starting point is Egan Chute itself, named after Lumber Baron John Egan, who, in the mid-1800s, built a number of timber chutes along the York River. He was in fact one of the first to hold a timber license in the district (1847), driving most of his logs down the river from nearby Baptiste Lake.
To the left of the cascade is a short but fairly steep 50-meter portage. It's used on a regular basis - not by canoeists, but by rockhounds. Bancroft is known as the Mineral Capital of Canada, and Egan Chute is one of the local hotspots, holding a high quantity of nepheline, sodalite, biotite, zircon, and blue corundum.
Egan Chutes also happens to be the place where my poor dog, Bailey, almost plummeted to her death. It was during my last trip down the York. The dog, for some unapparent reason, decided to go for a swim just above the falls. In seconds I found myself leaping down a rock face and grabbing her paw just as she was going over the brink. The dog came out of the ordeal without a scratch. I, on the other hand, suffered a split knee and cracked shinbone.
Just beyond Egan Chutes are two more prominent drops - Middle Chute and Farm Chute. Both have portages (100 meters on the left and 200 meters on the right), but these are hardly used and can be difficult to follow at times. The first trail keeps close to the edge of the river, where the second heads almost directly up and over a knob of granite. Both also have campsites on the east bank. But again, they are rarely used except by some local teenagers. (Middle Chute's campsite has been marked "Buzzed Out Point.")
Other sites are found not far downstream, situated on one of the many sandbars found between the Great Bend (where the river takes a dramatic twist to the northeast) and King's Marsh. I've always arrived at these sites too early in the trip, however, and much prefer to make my own site further downstream - making sure to practice low-impact camping, of course. This stretch, with its large sections of deciduous swamps and forest levees, suits the York's Native name, Shawashkong (the river of marshes), and is my favorite place to paddle along the river.
If you're not that interested in making your own bush camp, it is possible to paddle a full six-to-eight-hour day and end your trip at the alternative take-out at the Boulter Road bridge. Better yet, you could also choose to book a cabin at Silgrey Resort, situated just below the Boulter bridge, on the south side of Conroy Rapids (three sets of swifts that can easily be run or lined down).
However, if you paddle only the first half of the route, you miss the most significant portion - Conroy Marsh - altogether.
This unique wetland, named after Robert Conroy, who held a timber license on land west of Robinson Lake, drained by the York River, was made famous some years ago after Group of Seven member A. J. Casson depicted it on canvas. And because of its richly diverse plant and animal life, as well its beautiful setting in the majestic hills of the Madawaska Highlands, the government soon made it a Crown Game Reserve. Recently, it also was designated a new park under the Living Legacy program.
Because of its size, it's also an easy place to find yourself lost in. A couple of kilometers downstream from Conroy Rapids the waterway spreads out over 2,400 hectares, with Robinson Lake to the west and Winter Lake, Garden Lake, One Mile Bay and the mouth of the Little Mississippi River to the east. To help keep yourself on track, it's best to stay in the center of the main channel and eventually you'll meet up with Negeek Lake, where the York River flushes into the Madawaska River.
From here it's just a short paddle west, under the Highway 62 bridge, and then left toward the public launch in Combermere. Or, if you don't happen to have a not-so-bright dog prone to swimming above waterfalls, you could travel east on the Madawaska and take in a week of adventurous whitewater paddling all the way down to the Ottawa River.
Time: 1-2 days
Number of portages: 3
Longest portage: 200 meters
Difficulty: The portages around Egan, Middle and Farm Chute are extremely steep but the river itself is still considered a novice route.
Alternative access: Put in from the Boulter Road bridge or Silgrey Resort, reached by turning east off Boulter Road onto Hass Road, and then left on Havergal Road. You can also access the river at the end of McPhees Bay Road off Highway 515.
Alternative route: The route can be divided into two daytrips by making use of the Boulter Road bridge access or Silgrey Resort.
ICYMI: In early January 2000, this site was the focus of an attack which demonstrated the dangers to online business caused by organized hackers and scammers whose motive may never be discovered. A Romanian hacker collective not only hacked the site, but defaced it with their graffiti - their trademark brag in the form of a logo - taking credit for the hack and actually bragging about it. It was basically cyber vandalism. Our webmaster quickly restored the site, but the next day the problem returned. And every effort to fix the problem was reversed soon afterward. We started getting emails from our writers, clients and friends about the condition of our website. Finally, we were referred to a team of SEO experts experienced in dealing with these kinds of attacks and they provided a permanent solution at no cost. We credit Bob Sakayama and his team at TNG/Earthling for providing the information that continues to keep us live - we learned how to block the ips of the attackers, something we've done more than once since. You can read a fascinating recent post about some of the experiences that these guys have had fighting bad online players. At the time, our lawyers advised against publishing this story since it had the potential to scare writers and buyers away. We regret that decision and are speaking to it now. Given what we've seen since this incident, services like TNG/E are probably very busy these days.
The Toilet Papers
Wit, Wisdom & Wickedly Funny Stuff for Reading in the John
Ken Weber
Bestselling author Ken Weber presents a royal flush of arcane knowledge, mini-mysteries, bizarre believe-it-or-nots, brain teasers, and shifts of wit.
Other New Titles
Beaver Tales
Canada's Carolinian Trees
A Conspiracy of Paddlers
The Danes of Send Manor
Ditchburn
Grand & Glorious
Hiker Mike II, Adventures Farther Afield
Locator Map
Mapping Muskoka Wild
Northern Saskatchewan Canoe Trips
Speedway to Sunshine
Trans Canada Trail Guide, Newfoundland
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Paddle Quest
Gone Canoeing
Steel Wheels Rolling
At the Controls
Gunner
Shelter at the Shore
I-75 and the 401
Canoescapes
I Hate Winter
Kensington
More Background on BostonMillsPress.com
Boston Mills Press has long been recognized as one of Canada's leading independent publishers, specializing in books that celebrate Canadian culture, history, and natural beauty. While the company's official website may no longer be active, its legacy and impact on Canadian publishing continue to resonate. This article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of Boston Mills Press, its history, significance, and the mark it has left on Canada's literary landscape.
History and Background
Founded in the late 1970s, Boston Mills Press took its name from a small community in Ontario, reflecting its roots in Canadian culture and geography. The press was established with the goal of producing high-quality books that showcased various aspects of Canadian life, from its stunning landscapes to its rich history and diverse cultural heritage. Over the years, Boston Mills Press gained a reputation for publishing beautifully crafted books on a wide range of subjects, including:
- Canadian art and artists
- Natural history and wildlife
- Outdoor recreation and adventure
- Regional histories and cultural studies
- Transportation, including railways and aviation
- Architecture and design, particularly focusing on Canadian cottages and rural buildings
The press operated independently for several decades, maintaining its commitment to quality and its focus on Canadian subjects. In the early 2000s, Boston Mills Press was acquired by Firefly Books, another Canadian publisher, which helped to expand its reach while allowing it to maintain its distinct identity and publishing focus.
Notable Publications and Authors
Boston Mills Press has been known for working with a diverse array of Canadian authors, photographers, and artists to produce books that capture the essence of Canadian life and landscapes. Some of the press's most notable publications and authors include:
- Kevin Callan: Often referred to as "The Happy Camper," Callan is a renowned outdoor enthusiast and author. His guidebooks on canoeing and camping in Ontario, published by Boston Mills Press, have become essential resources for outdoor adventurers.
- John de Visser: A celebrated Canadian photographer whose work has been featured in numerous Boston Mills Press publications, particularly those focusing on Canadian architecture and landscapes.
- Bill Mason: The late filmmaker, artist, and canoeist Bill Mason's work has been prominently featured in Boston Mills Press books, including collections of his paintings and writings on canoeing.
- Ken Weber: Author of popular trivia and puzzle books, Weber's "The Toilet Papers" series published by Boston Mills Press gained a cult following for its humorous and informative content.
Cultural and Social Significance
Boston Mills Press has played a significant role in documenting and preserving various aspects of Canadian culture and history. Through its publications, the press has:
- Promoted awareness of Canadian natural heritage: Books on wildlife, parks, and outdoor recreation have helped Canadians and international readers appreciate the country's diverse ecosystems and natural beauty.
- Documented regional histories: Publications focusing on specific areas of Canada have helped preserve local histories and traditions that might otherwise be lost to time.
- Showcased Canadian art and artists: By publishing books on Canadian painters, photographers, and other artists, Boston Mills Press has contributed to the promotion and appreciation of Canadian art both domestically and internationally.
- Encouraged outdoor exploration: Guidebooks and adventure narratives have inspired countless readers to explore Canada's wilderness areas, fostering a deeper connection with the country's natural landscapes.
- Preserved architectural heritage: Books on Canadian cottages, boathouses, and rural architecture have helped document and celebrate unique aspects of Canadian building traditions.
Audience and Readership
Boston Mills Press has cultivated a diverse readership over the years, appealing to:
- Outdoor enthusiasts and adventure seekers
- History buffs and cultural heritage enthusiasts
- Art lovers and collectors
- Architects and design professionals
- Canadiana collectors and gift shoppers
- Libraries and educational institutions
The press's ability to produce visually stunning books with informative content has made its publications popular as coffee table books and gifts, as well as valuable resources for researchers and enthusiasts in various fields.
Publishing Approach and Quality
One of the hallmarks of Boston Mills Press has been its commitment to producing high-quality books with exceptional production values. This approach has included:
- High-quality paper and printing: Many Boston Mills Press books feature glossy pages and vibrant color reproductions, particularly important for art books and photography collections.
- Thoughtful design and layout: The press has been known for its attention to detail in book design, creating visually appealing and easy-to-navigate volumes.
- Comprehensive research: Whether producing guidebooks or historical works, Boston Mills Press has emphasized thorough research and fact-checking.
- Collaboration with experts: The press often partners with recognized authorities in various fields to ensure the accuracy and depth of its publications.
Challenges and Adaptations
Like many independent publishers, Boston Mills Press has faced challenges in the changing landscape of the publishing industry. The rise of digital media and online booksellers has forced traditional publishers to adapt their strategies. While specific details about Boston Mills Press's adaptations are not widely available, it's likely that the company has:
- Explored digital publishing options for some of its titles
- Focused on producing high-quality physical books that offer value beyond what can be found online
- Leveraged its reputation and niche focus to maintain its market position
The acquisition by Firefly Books likely provided additional resources and distribution channels to help Boston Mills Press navigate these industry changes.
Legacy and Influence
Although Boston Mills Press may no longer maintain an active online presence, its impact on Canadian publishing and cultural documentation remains significant. The press has:
- Contributed to the preservation of Canadian stories and traditions
- Inspired generations of readers to explore and appreciate Canada's natural and cultural heritage
- Set high standards for quality in niche publishing
- Provided a platform for Canadian authors, photographers, and artists to showcase their work
Many of the books published by Boston Mills Press continue to be valued by collectors and enthusiasts, serving as lasting testaments to the company's commitment to quality and its celebration of Canadian culture.
Boston Mills Press stands as a testament to the power of focused, quality-driven publishing. By dedicating itself to celebrating and documenting various aspects of Canadian life, the press has created a lasting legacy that extends far beyond its books. Through its publications, Boston Mills Press has not only informed and entertained readers but has also played a crucial role in shaping how Canadians and international audiences perceive and appreciate the diverse facets of Canadian culture, history, and natural beauty. While the publishing landscape continues to evolve, the impact of Boston Mills Press serves as a reminder of the enduring value of well-crafted books that speak to the heart of a nation's identity. As readers and collectors continue to cherish the works produced by this distinctive Canadian publisher, the legacy of Boston Mills Press remains an integral part of Canada's literary and cultural heritage.