For more than 50 years, a group of eight to twelve lifelong friends from Hamilton has gathered at the same cottage in Southampton for the Victoria Day (May 24) weekend.
Some of us” kids” grew up on the same street, while others, close friends in high school. Each spring, we would sit in the school cafeteria and plan our annual May Two-Four trip to Southampton.
Those planning sessions focused on the essentials: who had access to a car and which of us looked old enough to buy the beer.
At the time, we thought we were simply organizing another fun weekend. None of us realized we were creating a tradition that would last more than half a century.
This tradition would never have happened without the generosity of Mr. and Mrs. Burrows, who were brave enough to turn over their cottage near the old Southampton bowling alley to a group of teenage boys each Victoria Day weekend. It was an act of trust … and courage, that helped create a lifetime of memories.
More than fifty years later, that same cottage still serves as the headquarters for our annual reunion.
The bowling alley is gone. The Casino is gone. The drive-in theatre, where we occasionally tried to sneak in, is gone as well.
But the cottage remains, and so does the tradition.
Adventures of Youth
In those early years, we made the most of every minute. Someone usually brought a guitar, and before long we were jamming and composing songs that probably sounded much better to us than to anyone within earshot.
We explored Chantry Island long before the lighthouse restoration and organized tours.
We set off fireworks on the beach, wandered the town, and plunged into the frigid waters of Lake Huron in May.
We stayed up late, laughed loudly, and assumed those days would go on forever.
In a way, they did.
From Smoky Experiments to Excellent Barbecues
Our cooking has improved significantly over the years. In the early days, meals often involved smoky experiments, including burned clothing.
Today, we enjoy refined meals that are genuinely excellent.
The Weekend Today
Sadly, the pace is a little more measured now. Depending on the weather and our ambition, we may play golf, go fishing, play cards, or simply stroll through town and along the waterfront.
We are not quite as late or as loud as we once were, and an afternoon nap is now an accepted part of the weekend. At night, things are a little different as well. CPAP machines hum quietly, and the occasional Tums or other remedies. And even with hearing aids out … I think the snoring is louder.
The stories may be repeated, but they continue to draw the same laughter.
Southampton Becomes Home
Originally, only one family had a connection to Southampton. Today, three of us own property here, and my wife and I are active members of the community.
What began as a weekend destination has become an important part of our lives. For some of us, home.
Friendships That Last
Over the decades, we have grown from teenagers into husbands, fathers, grandfathers, and retirees. We have celebrated milestones, shared losses, and maintained friendships that have stood the test of time.
Each May, we return not only to Southampton, but to a shared history.
Still Coming Back
Southampton has changed, and sadly so have we.
Many of the landmarks from our youth have disappeared. The water feels colder, our pace is slower, and afternoon naps are common.
But every Victoria Day weekend, eight to twelve old friends still gather at the cottage. We return for the laughter, the memories, and the enduring friendships that began when a group of teenagers planned a weekend getaway that turned into a lifelong tradition.
