West Vancouver Historical Society land...and hired a scow to tow in a three-room house ready-made by Royal City Mills,...Roedde developed guest houses for thirty, a dance hall with a sprung floor, and picnic grounds." ("Cottages to Community" by Francis Mansbrige, page 114, West Vancouver Historical Society, 2012). The completion of Marine Drive to Horseshoe Bay in 1926 allowed for casual day trippers who came for the beauty of the area, the beaches for swimming and the water for great fishing. Those who came for a Sunday picnic visited the new local stores for provisions, supplies and lunch. Some decided to stay and soon a local community with a hotel, restaurants and a gas station sprang up. One of the largest local businesses was the boat rental. Dan Sewell and others serviced the growing demand for row boats and putt putts. Fishing, swimming and other recreational pursuits were the thing of the 30's, 40's and 50's. Horseshoe Bay became a destination for Sunday drives and picnics. Ferries used the natural harbour of the Bay to service the demands of Vancouverites who wished to visit Bowen Island, the Sunshine Coast, Howe Sound and Squamish. routes. Local ferries began to appear on regular Black Ball Captain Gates' Terminal Steam Navigation Company provided daily service to Howe Sound in 1909 In 1952 Black Ball began the run to Nanaimo. Black Ball Ferries was taken ("Cottages to Community" page 119). Others followed - culminating in Union Steamships in 1944. Ferries of Seattle arrived in 1952. over by the BC Government in 1961. It has been non-stop ever since. Horseshoe Bay was no longer a destination for day or weekend visitors, a place valued for itself, rather a jumping off point for those wishing to go somewhere else. Horseshoe Bay still has its idyllic charm and beautiful sunsets. The ocean view and village-like The view is more atmosphere still attract those looking for a good meal and a stroll along the beach. commercial and the salt air has a diesel aroma to it, blacktop has replaced much of the vegetation and the water is less attractive to the casual paddler. The fish are gone unless you go to Troll's. But these days even Horseshoe Bay has learned to adapt Much of the information given here was taken from Francis Mansbridge's book "Cottages"to Community - the Story of West Vancouver's Neighbourhoods" published by the West Vancouver Historical Society in celebration of West Vancouver's 2012 Centennial. Ernie Sayers in 1928 - note the Horseshoe Bay Hotel, cottages , boats and bathers West Van Archives - 2345.WVA.PHO page 3