NECA members enjoy a delicious cake celebrating Canada' 150th and NECA's 25th anniversaries!
For a complete history, read "NECA Celebrates 20 Years," published in 2012. "NECA Celebrates 20 Years" is available for reading in the Store.
The Early Years
In 1868, John Dauncy received a Crown grant of 89 acres on Lot 25, Concession 5, Minden Township. Sometime thereafter, he began construction of a two-storey farmhouse.
In 1896, John MacMicken Robertson bought Dauncy's land and house for $600, which had become known as "The Model Farm."
The farm's barn was named "Northern Eagle," and to this day, part of the barn's foundation can be found on Site 80.
In 1905, Robertson sold the farm to Charles-Douglas Kellett. Two years later, it sold to the Hope family.
In 1911, the Hope family let go of the property, and it reverted to Kellet's widow. The farm was then sold to George and Georgina Robertson -- the son and daughter-in-law of John MacMicken Robertson -- for $1,200.
The Robertson Years
The Robertsons used the property primarily for farming, but also ran the Allsaw Post Office out of their living room! (Someone suggested "Call it Allsaw, for it is all sawing here." Allsaw still appears on many maps, and the nearby church is Allsaw Pentecostal Church).
During World War I, summer visitors requested if they could pitch tents in the fields -- and if Georgina Robertson would prepare their meals. After a few years of this, the visitors encouraged George Robertson to provide more permanent accommodations.
In 1922, the Robertsons constructed a large two-storey addition on the west side of the house. The Northern Eagle Farm Summer Home was born! It boasted guest rooms on both floors, and a lounge on the first floor. Sometime between 1922 and 1936, an impressive colonnaded verandah was added to three sides of the house.
In 1930 -- five years before the arrival of mainline electricity -- the Robertsons had the whole place wired for an on-site 23-volt generator.
In 1944, Murray Robertson -- the son of George and Georgina, built a white frame house near the brick house (where his parents lived). Murray moved into the white frame house with his wife, Helen, a year later. George Robertson passed away two years later.
In 1953, Murray and Helen Robertson closed down the hotel, due to declines in the resort business following World War II.
Several years passed and the Robertsons were unsure about what to to with the property. Murray Robertson got the idea that people might be willing to pay to pitch their tents, just as they had so many years ago.
In 1965, the Northern Eagle Campground was born. The lower floor of the hotel was turned into a recreation hall, and the upper floor into a games room. Murray and Helen continued to live in the white house, and the brick house was used as an office and shop.
The Saunders Years
In 1977, the Robertsons sold the house and lands to Godfrey and Marie Saunders.
The white house -- where the Saunders moved -- proved to be too small for a growing family. So they decided to renovate the brick house. The renovation took three years! Many historical artifacts were found during the renovations.
In 1987, Craig Saunders and Melissa Stephens -- the son and daughter-in-law of Godfrey and Marie Saunders -- bought the house and campground.
Northern Eagle Campers Association
In the summer of 1991, it was discovered the property was to be sold again. This time, developers were eyeing the property.
Three campers -- Gary Lambert, Derek Rewbury, and Linda Rowland -- came forward with the idea to form an association of campers to buy the park and have it remain as a campground.
The Northern Eagle Campers Association was formed in January 1992.
NECA's 20th anniversary was celebrated on June 30, 2012.
It's 25th anniversary was celebrated on July 1, 2017, in conjunction with Canada's 150th anniversary.