Thread: I've lost my mojo!

To the OP, if you are in Magog, perhaps you might like to study up on the mythical Magog stone, which was quarried on Whetstone Island in Lake Memphremagog during the first half of the 19th century. While mentioned on the forums, my understanding is that there has yet to be an authentic photographic example shown (although lots of sellers on eBay will show a funky Washita stone for sale with the tag, Magog?). My wife and I visited the area a few years ago in search of one. No success on this front; but we found the region, including the town of Magog, quite agreeable.

Originally Posted by Brontosaurus

To the OP, if you are in Magog, perhaps you might like to study up on the mythical Magog stone, which was quarried on Whetstone Island in Lake Memphremagog during the first half of the 19th century. While mentioned on the forums, my understanding is that there has yet to be an authentic photographic example shown (although lots of sellers on eBay will show a funky Washita stone for sale with the tag, Magog?). My wife and I visited the area a few years ago in search of one. No success on this front; but we found the region, including the town of Magog, quite agreeable.

Yes, this has been my mission while in the area. Unfortunately, because the quarry closed down so long ago, only local history buffs seem to have heard of these oilstones. Even the local thrift store owners I've spoken to have never heard of the stone. One person I know claims her father had a large stone from that quarry to sharpen tools on their farm, and she believes it was given to neighbours about two generations ago, but because I know it wouldn't be a razor quality stone I haven't followed up on it (the way she described it, it's one of those large circular stones that spin around, I don't know what they're called). I still plan on (illegally) visiting Whetstone Island, but haven't had a chance yet. I'll probably canoe around the island this coming summer, and at least visit the site of the quarry (which is now under more than 10 feet of water since the lake was dammed after the quarry closed down).

I still have other leads I will follow when I have time. There seems to be a relatively active francophone straight razor community in the area that I still haven't connected with. But I know that in the town to which I'll be moving this summer, there is at least one guy who makes and sells brushes and strops, I think that will be a good starting point.

I also haven't explored much on the US side of the border, where I suspect much of the stones would have been exported (at the time the quarry was active, it was very common for businesses to exist in both Canada and the US. The place where I work is evidence of that). I can't help but wonder what I would find in the Vermont and other New England flea markets, thrift stores and estate sales - unfortunately driving to the area and exploring is a larger time commitment than I'm able to manage with 2 toddlers, with a third on the way.

Glad to hear you're on the search. Let us know how it evolves. When I was in the area, I was able to circle the island in a boat with a local, who pointed out a trench like area where the quarry may have been. But now, the island is privately owned by two families from Montreal who use it as a vacation retreat. From the historical sources, the stones were shaped to size in and around Derby, Vermont, so that might be a good area to search. I passed through there briefly in returning from Lake Memphremagog, but really did not have much time to make serious inquiries.

I'll definitely keep everyone posted if I find anything!!

I just reread your post, and realized I missed this bit:

Originally Posted by Brontosaurus

From the historical sources, the stones were shaped to size in and around Derby, Vermont, so that might be a good area to search.

I didn't know that part before. Thanks for the lead!

If you need a partner in crime to go visiting a forbidden island I'm up for an adventure

Originally Posted by AlanQ

If you need a partner in crime to go visiting a forbidden island I'm up for an adventure

That would be awesome if you could come along! Let's keep in touch about it.