From the tragic tale of Robert Donald Dickie and his untimely death, to the origins of the lake’s name and the development of the community known today as Shawano, this region holds a unique place in Ontario’s pioneer history. The events that unfolded here in the mid-1800s left a lasting impression, not just on those who lived through them, but on the generations who have since called this area home. What follows is a collection of researched accounts, family recollections, and archival insights that paint a vivid picture of Dickey Lake’s storied past.
A headstone in the O’Hara Cemetery bears the following inscription, visible through spots of moss:
1859
Erected by John Dickie of Cherryvale, Aberdeenshire, NB, to commemorate the tragic death of his son, Robert Donald Dickie, born 28 July 1825, who was robbed and murdered in his own house on 10 January 1859 by Samuel Peter Rock, one of his own servants. Rock was tried and convicted of robbery and murder and executed on 13 June 1859.
The cemetery is located approximately 1 kilometre west of Highway 62 and north of Highway 7, on the west side of O’Hara Road. The grave plot is enclosed by an iron fence, and both the fence and the headstone were sent from overseas by Dickie’s parents. The elaborate engraving and the fence suggest that the Dickie family was relatively well-off, such embellishments were uncommon at the time.
At the time of his death, Dickie was building a house with the help of a Mr. Barbeau, on the east side of Hastings Road, opposite the present-day Thompson property. On January 10th, 1859, he returned, likely on snowshoes, to his temporary cabin and found Rock rummaging through a trunk. Dickie exclaimed, “Oh my God, I am being robbed!” Rock produced a muzzle-loading flintlock, fired at point-blank range, and killed Dickie. Barbeau managed to escape unharmed.
Barbeau immediately went to nearby neighbours for help. He was joined by Pat (Paddy) Nugent, Charlie Murphy Sr., and John Thompson (grandfather of George Thompson), and the group pursued Rock. They found him at a hotel owned by Sandy Menzie, north of Murphy’s Corners near Ormsby. Rock was apprehended by a citizen’s arrest. Although some wanted to lynch him on the spot, cooler heads prevailed, and he was confined overnight in a boarded-up room. The next day, he was taken to Belleville, where he was imprisoned, tried, convicted, and hanged in the Market Square.
1850
Dickie initially emigrated to Australia but disliked it and relocated to Upper Canada in the early 1850s. At that time, Hastings County was being “opened up” for settlement, with travel primarily by ox-cart along what is now the Old Hastings Road. Settlers were granted land if they cleared eight acres.
Dickie built a small temporary cabin—approximately 10’ x 14’, near a southeastern bay of what is now known as Dickey Lake (note the spelling difference). It was commonly believed that Dickie possessed gold, though it is unclear whether it was in the form of nuggets, bars, or jewelry. He was well-regarded in the local area and in Coe Hill.
Although his first name was Robert, he was commonly known by his middle name, Donald.
Over the years, many have searched for the alleged gold—using even modern metal detectors—but nothing has ever been reported found.
Much of the historical account above is credited to George Thompson. The write-up is by Grant Boundy.
Sourced from Mr. Jeff Ball, Geographic Names Specialist, Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources
Records from the Ministry indicate that the Patents Plan of 1876 used the spelling “Dickey” rather than “Dickie.” At that time, less attention was given to verifying the spelling and origin of names before approval.
Dickey Lake was officially named on March 24, 1936 by the Geographic Board of Canada, based on long-standing map and document usage dating back to at least 1876.
Information courtesy of Helen McPherson
Joe Sullivan, the original sales representative for property development on Dickey Lake, shared that the developers—Bowes & Cocks of Peterborough—named the area circa 1969–1970. After consulting with local Indigenous representatives, they chose the name “Shawano,” which translates to “Clear Water and Tall Pines.”
Shawano covers approximately 1,000 acres, encompassing Dickey Lake, Lost Lake, Perch Lake, and Lake of Islands.
Information courtesy of SRI Historian, Helen McPherson
The landmark tower at Queen’s Park known as the Whitney Block features materials sourced from the local region: