End of an era for well-known local Christmas tree
It’s the end of a Christmas tree legacy in Kawartha Lakes.
Michael Cayley’s parents, Paul and Kathleen, started building a house in 1967, a centennial project. It was completed in 1968, known as 1899 Little Britain Road. It has been a Cayley residency ever since. However, last year was the last time the tree was lit up under the Cayley name.
On its front lawn is an outdoor Christmas tree. It used to be about six or seven feet tall when Michael was a little kid. Some of his earliest memories involved standing on a stool and lifting the lights to its highest point with a hockey stick. Five decades later, the tree now stands at 50 feet. To decorate it, the late Hugh Snoddon and his son, Jeff, from Hub International had to come with their lift, and even at the lift’s highest, a 20-foot extension pole was needed to get the lights to the peak. The Snoddon’s have brought their lift to help decorate every year since 1997.
Michael calls it a famous local beacon of the season.
This giant Christmas tree is so popular, that according to Michael, “we typically get several cards and dozens of phone calls and comments, sometimes from strangers, about how the tree has become part of the community’s fond Christmas memories. For folks from the city, it is the sight they see on their way in from Toronto that says, ‘welcome home for Christmas.’”
Decorating the tree requires many helpers, from lift drivers and driver directors and bulb checkers to those who can do small repairs on the fly. Once the tree’s complete, the party commences, with dinner, some fiddle playing, and everyone gathering outside around the tree to sing “Oh Christmas Tree!”
Michael and his sister Paula eventually moved out of the house, and Kathleen passed away from lung cancer in 2009. They ended up breaking off the top 10 feet of the tree and brought a bit of it into her bedside at the hospital.
Now Paul is the only one living at 1899 Little Britain Road, and is now preparing to move into a retirement home as he recently celebrated his 91st birthday.
“Dad wants to thank everyone who has volunteered to help decorate the tree over the years and anyone who has ever appreciated it,” Michael told the Advocate.
This year the tree is sadly not decorated, he says. “It’s been pretty tough coming home this year,” said Paula, who has moved to B.C. “There wasn’t that beacon of light I’m used to.”
When describing fond memories of the tree and festivities, Paula recalled how the tree got bigger and the work to make it all happen increased. Her dad would check every single light strand and her mom would be preparing or ordering food as the neighbours and friends came for the parties.
Paul says she’s hoping the next owners will keep the tradition going. Whoever moves in will have the lights as a bonus.
“It would be very satisfying for us,” said Paula, “if they were to do that.”
Names the family would like to commemorate for their help and love over the years include John Walden (who passed away and was one of Paull’s best friends and neighbours his whole life), Russell Bergin, Elvin and Doreen Taylor, the Snoddon’s, Paul’s brother-in-law Bill Connolly, and Paul’s brother Dan Cayley.
What an amazing story. These memories made here will never be forgotten. Thanks to all who participated.
Definitely a lovely tradition that i have enjoyed through the years. Thank you, Mr Cayley, family and friends for all of your work. It was greatly appreciated and will be missed. Merry Christmas to you all. 🥰
Thank you for the memories. I would drive from Port Hoover to Lindsay always seeing the glow of the lights heading east.
Merry Christmas
Thank you for that tree and for the story that lies behind the tree. Our kids wait and watch and it is the sign that Chrismas is coming. It was also a beacon for us during a storm as we live on Little Britain Rd as well. Much love and light xo
Always a great site to see and I remember the year when Kay Cayley passed away … and the tree went dark but thankfully the next year it was up with all its beauty. Hugs and love to all
My daughter and I came by on our way home just last night and I remarked about how the lights would probably be up soon. Thanks for all the wonderful memories and the sight of this beautiful Christmas tree over the years ❤️
The tree was so beautiful, and as neighbours we could see it from our upstairs windows. Our best wishes to Paul, as you begin a new journey.
Lynn and Roger Johnston
I have to say I have enjoyed your lovely tree too for many years.. it has been such a welcoming icon. Thank you to the family and all that helped for so many years.
This Christmas tree has always be special to myself and children. Many nice memories. Surely we are going to miss the lights during the Christmas season.
Thanks Sharon, lots of fond memories with you!
Thank you for so many years of dedication. I too lived on the road. We loved the size of the Christmas tree. Our family was always excited to see it each year.
I don’t live there but it would be a beautiful gesture for him if the community got together and decorated the tree for him and provided the meal 💜😢
Corrected punctuation…
Always loved that multi-coloured beacon of light on the drive to and from home when I lived on County Rd. 17!
Gotta love the Cayleys – always bringing a smile to everyone they know! XOXOXOXO
I worked in the Toronto area for thirty-odd years, commuting every day during the week, and that tree was always a welcoming sight telling me I was nearly home, especially through snowstorms and bad weather. Thank you for giving me that lovely gift every year.
Paul, you know how much George and I loved you and Kay and your TREE! Hopefully someone on Little Britain Road will continue this beautiful tradition.
How lovely are thy branches…It was a beautiful tradition. With thanks to the Cayley family and to all who adorned this majestic blue spruce every Christmas season.