History
While building their livelihood, Pete and Florence also nurtured a growing family. Between 1951 and 1956, four children joined the scene: two sons (Lyn and Richard) followed by two daughters (Jennifer and Robin).
As Devil’s Elbow gained recognition beyond a mere fishing retreat, families seeking a tranquil summer getaway arrived. The demand for lodging grew, prompting the construction of new cabins and facilities, all off the grid. Pete and Florence embraced the challenges, pledging to preserve this simple and unspoiled way of life.
Hard work became a family ethos, with Lyn and Richard learning carpentry from Pete, actively participating in building cabins. Florence, alongside her daughters, spent days painting and preparing cabins for housekeeping. Summers brought Jennifer and Robin into the dining room, serving guests as waitresses and aiding in cabin maintenance.
In the 60s, an ad in the Hamilton Spectator proved pivotal in attracting new visitors. Families from Hamilton sought an affordable family vacation, sharing their experiences, fostering a tradition that endures. Today, Devil’s Elbow remains under the ownership of the Johns family, with Jennifer and her son Matthew at the helm, dedicated to maintaining, improving, and providing the best vacation experience.
Devil’s Elbow Lodge stands unwavering, true to its roots—rustic, unspoiled, off-grid, family-operated, pet-friendly, and affordable.
Our path to here...
The tale of Devil’s Elbow Lodge unfolds over 75 years ago when Carson (Pete) and Florence Johns, hailing from Scotland, discovered a secluded 100-acre bull pasture on the shores of Sharrow Lake near Bancroft. A stroke of luck from Pete’s service in the British Army provided the means to acquire this idyllic property, marking the inception of Devil’s Elbow Lodge.
Though resources were scarce, Pete and Florence, brimming with youth and optimism, embarked on crafting their vision. Pete mastered the art of fishing with insights from generous local residents who shared their time and expertise. The evolution into a thriving business took shape as the main lodge became a haven for anglers from Indiana and Ohio seeking bass and pickerel, guided by Pete himself. Word spread, attracting more adventurers eager for the thrill of the big catch..
By the age of 10 or 12, Lyn and Richard, guided by Pete, were exploring local ponds, trapping minnows and crayfish to sell to summer guests. Their expertise extended to guiding fishing trips to nearby lakes, with Richard becoming the lodge's fish-cleaning expert.
As Pete and his sons focused on the fishing aspect, Florence seized an opportunity to turn her love for animals into a profitable venture. Four horses—Tonto, Rouge, Thunder, and Storm—arrived, leading Jennifer and Robin to become guides, offering horseback rides through the forested trails, a cherished summer activity.
In the 60s and 70s, Devil’s Elbow embraced winter, welcoming snowmobile groups on weekends. Today, two of the nine cabins are available for winter lodgers seeking adventure.
