The dirt trail that leads to the Roxbury settlement deep in the woods. – ContributedArticle contentAs flames from the Long Lake wildfire continue to burn east of Paradise Lake, they’re heading in the general direction of the former settlement of Roxbury.THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY.Subscribe now to access this story and more:Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsSUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES.Subscribe or sign in to your account to continue your reading experience.Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsRegister to unlock more articles.Create an account or sign in to continue your reading experience.Access additional stories every monthShare your thoughts and join the conversation in our commenting communityGet email updates from your favourite authorsSign In or Create an AccountorArticle contentThe once-bustling logging community is still a popular hiking destination for those who want to make the trek. Along with some foundations of the old mid-1880s settlement, those exploring can find two cemeteries nestled among the trees near where once stood the homes of 70 people.Article contentArticle contentArticle contentThe community had a school, church and a sawmill that kept people working and produced lumber that was exported to the train station in Paradise.Article contentDave Whitman, a local historian and author who wrote about the settlement’s history and is referred to by many as the Mayor of Roxbury, said that while there is nothing left that can suffer fire damage besides interpretive signs and a guest book, there is still the danger of falling burned trees damaging the cemetery plots.Article content“There are no buildings left. The cemeteries are self-preserving. The stone walls will stay, the foundations will stay, the only things that could go are the signs,” he said.Article contentThe settlement area is considered a provincial park preserve.Article contentBut still, Whitman said, he wouldn’t want to see the fire burn through an area that has a certain mystique when you visit it.Article contentIf it escapes damage, it wouldn’t be the first time.Article contentArticle content“History repeats itself,” Whitman said of the threat to the area. “In 1903, the Great Fire went through there, following about the same path. It burned right through to Highway 10 and beyond.”Article contentHe said that fire started on Morse Road as a result of someone burning brush, “but in those days they didn’t have the technology they have today (to fight the flames).”Article contentIn researching the community for his book, he found a journal entry in which someone on Highway 201 commented about men in the community heading out to fight the fire.Article contentBut that blaze, while extensive, somehow missed Roxbury, Whitman said.Article contentThe settlement’s mill was located on the east side of Paradise Lake, where the fire is now burning.Article content“There were piles of lumber, but the fire miraculously went around that and went around the settlement,” Whitman said.Article contentHe’s hoping that the same thing happens again.
Historian hopes Long Lake fire misses old Roxbury settlement, which survived a fire in 1903
