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CRYSTAL BEACH NOW HAS A NEWSPAPER
[The Welland Tribune and Telegraph, 14 June 1921]
We announce the hanging of the portrait of Henry Oges of Crystal Beach in our gallery of heroes. Mr. Oges last week launched a new paper-The Crystal Beach Herald. So far as we know but one other new publication has been started in the past three years-and it died. Mr. Oges seeks to serve the new town of Crystal Beach, and if he continues as he began he will do well.
In his salutary he tells of the beginnings of the resort, and so interesting that we quote it:-
“Thirty-one years ago, in the year 1890 to be precise, J.E. Rebstock chose a spot on the north shore of Lake Erie, twelve miles from Buffalo, and took up stock farming. Mr. Rebstock came to the conclusion that the proposition would not be a profitable one, so he looked around for other possible prospects.
Being impressed by the remarkable quality and abundance of the numerous sand banks along the shore, he then undertook to organize a company to remove and sell the product for commercial purposes. Buildings were erected and machinery installed and soon a ready market for the sand was found in Buffalo and surrounding cities.
One day Mr. Rebstock invited a party of business and newspaper men and politicians from Buffalo to inspect his sand plant and show them what he was doing. Immediately recognizing the natural advantages and beautiful scenic attractions of the spot, several guests were prompted to ask the question, “Why spoil the natural beauties of the place for purposes of commerce. Why not turn it into a summer resort?”
Mr. Rebstock’s answer was as emphatic as it was prophetic; “This shall be a summer resort, it will be called Crystal Beach, and it will become the largest and finest watering place on the Great Lakes.”
The following day he went to Detroit and chartered the steamer ‘Dove’, an old-time excursion side-wheeler, as a trial proposition, dismantling the sand plant on his return. The venture proved such a success that the following year two excursion steamers, the ‘Pearl” and ‘Gazelle,’ were purchased and place on route between Crystal Beach and Buffalo.
Uphill struggles characterized the first few years. Many times failure was predicted, but in 1898 the turn came, and ever since the growth of the resort has been steady and sure.”
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