Nellie Taylor is a 3rd-Generation TI Parker.  Her Grandfather, Thomas Mitchell Sr.’s, family moved to Thousand Island Park from Wolfe Island sometime in the early 1890s as a contractor.  He built the addition to Elizabeth Dutcher’s cottage that was used by Swami Vivekananda. Nellie’s Uncle, Grant Mitchell, was thirteen at the time of the Columbian Fire and recounts his recollection of that event in a recording at Riverstories.org.  Her father, Thomas Mitchell Jr., was a local contractor and owner of a Paint and Lumber Shop at the Park for decades.  His rememberences of life along the river in the 1920s, 30s, and 40s can also be found at Riverstories.org.

Carol Gridley was born on Christmas Day, 1921, so her life at the Park began at a very early age. Her father rented the Maxon’s & Benham cottages for several years before purchasing their “Little Cottage” in Crystal Bay in 1937. Her late husband, Webb, was at least a 3rd Generation T.I. Parker. His grandfather originally owned one of the Rochester Cottages. Carol passed away two weeks after her 100th birthday. Her presence, stories, and knowledge from her early days at the Park are sorely missed.

Bernie is a 5th-Generation Wellesley Island (his family goes back to 1849 on Grindstone Island with a history of boat builders and farming along the river). He attended the T.I. Park School (now the chapel) until 1954. He taught 3rd, 4th, and 5th Grade in Harrisville for over 30 years. He was a deacon at St. Cyril’s Church in Alexandria Bay for over 20 years and is still active for special occasions. He can usually be found in the Museum on Thursdays.