White Point Beach Resort, from its rustic beginnings in 1928 to the international destination it is today and the people who made it happen will be chronicled in new book in the works by Lunenburg County author Frances Dickson.
"It’s people who make history come alive," said Dickson, who was in Queens County last week conducting research for the book, Destination White Point (working title).
Dickson is finding White Point's history is very much alive, with multi-generations of families working and playing at the resort through the years. "Everyone I approach leads to something else," she said. "It takes on a life of its own."
As part of her research, Dickson has spoken with staff that worked at the resort as far back as the 1930s, some of whom are third generation employees at White Point, which is "so unique in the hospitality industry."
Dickson, a 20 year customer of the resort says the experience "just keeps geting better" with each visit. This is her third book she has worked on.
"It was perfect timing for me," said Danny Morton, White Point's general manager. "We were talking about such a project."
The book is "not only a retrospective but a celebration," said Morton, adding the purpose of the project is three-fold. "One is for the company, one is for how the company has interacted with the community, and three, maybe the most important retrospective is how the guests have evolved," he said. "Some people have been coming to White Point since they were youngsters with their grandparents and now they bring their own children."
There are similar stories with staff, who are "excited to talk about their White Point experiences," said Dickson. "There certainly is a family spirit that exists here," adding the guests she has spoken with also refer to the family spirit and positive atmosphere that exists at the resort.
White Point was started in 1928 as a hunting lodge with five cabins, surviving the Great Depression and World War II, to become a year round, 160 bedroom resort.
"It's one of those things," said Morton. "While everything else is changing so quickly White Point has been a stability in the community and has been pivotal in the community. It just feels real in my mind as far as what’s important. As far as stability goes White Point has given meaning and anchor in many people’s lives."
Dickson is still looking for people to connect with over the next several weeks and maybe into early summer, eager to hear their White Point tales and stories. She is also looking for photos that staff or guests may have taken over the years.
Anyone interested in communicating with Dickson can contact her by phone, (902) 766-4016; email, fjewel@eastlink.ca; or through White Point.
Dickson doesn't expect the book will be released until late next year. Information on Dickson's other works can be found on her website www.voicesetc.ca
