Roesland

Roesland began as a pioneer farm, literally carved out of an old growth forest whose dense foliage overhung the beaches.  As there was no market for timber, the land was cleared for farming by burning the standing trees until they fell and then continuing the burn of the trunks and stumps where they lay.  By this means some 30 arces were cleared for cultivation.

In 1912, a cottage on the property was casually rented and its popularity for further rentals indicated the potential for more vacation cabins.  By 1917, Roesland began advertising itself as a "Farm-Resort".  Guests, more often than not, willingly participated in the chores of the farm from the milking to the haying.  Accommodation in these early days was spartan by any standards with guests providing their own bedding, china, cutlery and kitchen utensils.