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Wallace Island
Wallace Island, next to Galiano Island, was originally named Narrow
Island, but was renamed, in 1905, by Captain John Parry, after Captain Wallace Houston of
the H.M.S. Trincomalee, who first surveyed the area between 1853-1856. In 1874, the HMS
Panther ran aground on the southern point of the island, on what is now known as Panther
Point.
The first known resident of the island was Jeremiah Chivers, a Scotsman, who
retired to the island, after fruitless adventures in the interior gold rushes.
He died after 38 years on the island, in 1927, at the age of 92.
Twisted fruit trees are the only remnants of the garden and orchard, he
planted. The northern point of the island is named after him.
In 1946, David Conover, who claimed to have discovered Marilyn Monroe, used his life
savings to buy the island. After several years, he built cabins, that became
the resort "Royal Cedar Cottages". It offered a well stocked store, recreation
hall, and boat rentals. Some of the buildings are still standing today, and
there is still the small pickup truck, he used.
In 1966, Mr Conover started to sell off major portions of the island. He kept
only 11 acres for his family in Princess Cove, where he lived until his death
in 1983. These 11 acres remain the only private land on the island.
In 1990, the Province of British Columbia started to buy up the portions, Mr
Conover had sold off. Today, these portions form a marine park. There is
moorage and dockage in Conover Cove, and a network of trails throughout the
island. Camping is allowed, but never any camp fires.
There is also moorage in Princess Cove, and a dinghy dock allowing access to the
park.
View a Slide Show of Wallace Island Marine Park.
Mr Conover wrote two books about his adventures on Wallace Island : "Once
Upon an Island" and "One Man's Island".
"For weeks now, I have had no inclination to leave the island. If I don't
watch out, I'll soon take root like a fir. The prospect, I admit, I find not
unpleasant."
David Conover, "One Man's Island", 1971.
Contact Li Read at Sea to Sky Premier Properties (Salt Spring), 4 - 105 Rainbow Road, Salt Spring Island, BC, V8K 2V5; Direct Tel: 1-250-537-7647