The Lighthouse is one of several landmarks that date back to the earliest days of the Sandhills. Originally a seasonal business it has seen many owners and had many facelifts.

     The building was an open beam clapboard structure that had no insulation with the grill providing the only source of heat for those cool spring and fall evenings. Every corner of the building was stacked with cans of beans, Coca Cola, Kellogg's Corn Flakes and Player's cigerrettes. Whatever you wanted you'd find it here.

     There was a simple uninsulated bedroom above the building where the owner spent his limited free time. It included a small sink with running water - but little else. The entreprenerial spirit was alive and well in the Sandhills!

     This old Lighthouse advertisement was found in a 1972 edition of a local newspaper called the Cottager.

     Clearly not much has changed over the years. Pizza and Chinese were just as popular then as they are now.

     The smaller photos clearly demonstrates the open architecture and the mountains of "sundries" that filled the store from floor to ceiling.

     You can almost picture the kids standing over the ice cream cooler trying to decide what flavour they'd try today which is pretty much the same scene that plays out at the Lighthouse today - except they didn't have bubble gum flavour back in 1948!

     This 1981 painting of the Lighthouse may not show that the Lighthouse had seen much improvement since old Tom owned it, but in fact it had undergone many renovations since 1958.

     The building was now completely insulated and the walls closed in. By this time the gas pumps had been removed.

     The Lighthouse was owned by Ernie and Laurie during this period. Ernie had a reputation for being a tough task master for the many youth who were in his employ - but they all grew up to appreciate the experience.

     Just like today, the store was stacked from floor to ceiling with all of the goodies the residents might desire.

     This 1986 photo shows a very busy Lighthouse. By this time, George and Tommy McConnell had finally retired. They had owned a small but popular grocery where the current gas bar stands. The building had undergone yet more improvements - including a new roof.

     There still wasn't much seating capacity beyond the lunch counter but it was still a very popular place for both food and groceries.

     New owners had just taken over and were faced with the task of winning over Ernie and Lauries loyal customers. While Ernie may have been a bit "crusty" - he sure knew how to make a great pizza.

     In 1989 the Lighthouse was purchased by Eli El-Chantiry who quickly went to work making numerous renovations.

      This 1991 photo was taken shortly after the light had been installed on the roof. The light was built by local artist and sign maker, Paul Wussing who subsequently made the sign that marks the entrance to the Bay. They had to bring a crane in from Arnprior to do the job, but Eli was determined to have a real lighthouse mounted on the roof.

     That wasn't the end of it though. It wasn't long before Eli began making even more improvements!

     This 1999 arial photo shows the Lighthouse after an extensive addition and even more renovations had been completed.

     The restaurant had gone from being a "greasy spoon" with a small diner style lunch counter to having a proper dining area.

     The menu has grown correspondingly with the addition of a full Chinese style kitchen where Mike, the Chinese chef prepares everything from Egg Rolls to Mongolian Beef - and yes, Eli continues the tradition of serving some of the best pizza in the area.

     Eli has been a valuable member of the community. He's everywhere. Whether it's a local parade or serving his famous beef on a bun - Eli is there.

     He loves kids and enjoys inviting them into the restaurant where he shows them how to make pizza.

     In 1999, the Lighthouse celebrated it's 10th anniversary with Eli as the owner. He hosted a monster party and invited all the local kids. There were hot dogs and pop for all while Circus Delight's entertained them with lot's of magic tricks.