Dowker Island ruins

These ruins are the remains of a two story house built by Leslie Dowker in 1897. They are located on a small island in Lake Saint Louis approximately one kilometer south of the western tip of Montreal Island. The island currently serves as a Bird Sanctuary and a popular stopping place for local boaters and Snowshoers . Originally named Ile Sainte Genevieve and later Lynch Island, it was re-named Dowker Island after it was acquired by Leslie Dowker in 1897. A member of a prominent West Island family, Leslie Rose Dowker lived on the island until his death in 1945. After Dowker died the house was abandoned and burned down in the early 1960’s, leaving only the outer stone walls standing. Harsh winters since then have taken their toll and only the ruins shown in the pictures remain today. The stone and brick chimney, the largest remaining part of the structure, leans precariously inward and has done so for several years. Eventually it too will no doubt succumb to time and the elements. The only other standing parts of the once proud house are the lower sections of the opposite corners.