In 1924, Guy Sensiba purchased the maximum that the Canadian Government would sell to each person, 5 acres
of the island registered as G-2035. The following year the balance of the island was purchased by Glenn Sensiba.
The island then became known as
In the year 1925, the first contract to build Cabin
No. 1 on the island was let to Maurice Dalseg. It consisted of a main living room used for sleeping quarters. A kitchen
was added the next winter. It became a custom for each guest to spend a few hours a day cutting down dead timer and clearing
brush away.
For several years Shady Roost was used exclusively as a man's retreat, fishermen coming
to Canada partly for fishing, partly because of prohibition existed in the United States, and probably for many of
them to get away from business worries, for a vacation to a land where Carling's Ale, Johnny Walker Black Label or a crock of Canadian
Club could be purchased legitimately.
After much persuasion, from the fairer sex, it was finally decided to
build Cabin No. 2, with accommodations for neglected fishermen's wives who cared to brave the eight-hundred-mile auto trip from
Naturally more buildings had
to be put up and each witner new buildings were erected until they had ten buildings. Some which were equipped for housekeeping,
as guests often go for the rest and enjoyment of the island rather than for the fishing.
Some time in the 1950s, Glenn met a man by the name of Rennie Neal. Rennie eventually wired and insulated the whole resort. Rennie and his mother worked at the Roost for many years doing many things. Rennie built buildings, did the electrical work, insulated, and even guided at times. His mother worked in the kitchen and as a housekeeper.
