Cecchetto hunt camp at Meldrum Bay still going strong
MANITOULIN—The Cecchetto family camp on Manitoulin was established 73 years ago by Chris Cecchetto’s grandfather and his grandfather’s brothers Chic, Eddy, Malo and Lindo.
“Back in those days it was all gravel roads, so it took a full day to get to camp,” said Mr. Cecchetto. “Back then the hunt was two weeks and the camp was full both weeks.”
As it has for nearly three quarters of a century, the hunt camp quickly became a gathering place for family and friends—filled with memories and stories—not only during the annual deer hunting season, but also throughout the warmer months. This year the gathering at the camp memories will be especially at the forefront.
“We basically grew up going to the camp every weekend in the summer,” said Mr. Cecchetto, who grew up in the Long Lake area of Sudbury. “Manitoulin Island has been a big part of our lives.”
The camp itself is on property leased from the Bebamash family of M’Chigeeng and has proven to be a great base from which he and his brothers Ben and Brent enjoy going salmon fishing as well as taking part in the annual deer hunt. Located just off Highway 540, the Cecchetto camp is far from just being just a small rustic get-away nestled on former Quebec Paper Company lands, the camp can host a substantial number of people. The family construction company was instrumental in pushing through many of the lumber roads for the company.
“We have had as many as 26 hunters, family and friends,” he said, but over the years the numbers in the hunting party have gotten smaller.
The hunt has seen varying levels of success over the years. At one time as many as 17 deer could be found hanging at the camp—these days not so many. “It’s really about getting together to enjoy food and family—if we get a deer, that’s a bonus,” laughs Mr. Cecchetto.
“Food is a big one,” he continues. “Homemade gnocchi, lots of different pasta dishes and the most popular meal is probably the prime rib dinner.”
“It has always been about family and friends,” said Mr. Cecchetto. This year the stories told around the camp stove will doubtlessly centre on one family member who will not be there this year—Mr. Cecchetto’s father, Tony, who passed away in October last year.
Tony, that’s Anthony Thomas Cecchetto, was a partner and president of Cecchetto and Sons, a storied construction company known throughout the North before he retired in 2018. An enthusiastic outdoorsman, Mr. Cecchetto, together with his good friend Sam Bruno, would spend “countless days carefully planning out the food and beverage itinerary for ‘The Hunt’.” Along with the elder Cecchetto’s brother, Tom, the three will be forever remembered as the “Three cooks and a stove.”
Stories of days spent walking the trails, skipping rocks off the Meldrum Bay break wall with his grandchildren, stooping to collect shells or rare stones for his beloved collection.
Hunting and fishing camps are the foundation upon which countless fond memories with family and friends are laid down and held firm in the memories of succeeding generations. Mr. Cecchetto’s son Marco represents the youngest generation at the camp now.
“That’s why we just love going there,” said Mr. Cecchetto. “It’s a place where we get together as family and friends and have a good time.”
