Carpin Beach's Name Honors Two Local Families

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Carpin Beach Road in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario was named after two local families - the Orval Carney family and the J.C. Pinch family - who were the first to camp at the popular summer destination in the early 1930s. The name was suggested by Mrs. Pinch, combining the first syllables of the two family names.

Why it matters

This story highlights how the names of local landmarks and streets can often be traced back to the history and contributions of specific families and individuals in a community. Carpin Beach was a beloved summer spot for generations, and its name pays tribute to the entrepreneurial spirit and community involvement of the Carney and Pinch families.

The details

Carpin Beach was a well-populated summer resort area in the 1930s, with 16 cottages surrounded by a hardwood grove. It featured a beach with shallow, sandy waters that were ideal for swimming. The name "Carpin" was suggested by Mrs. Pinch, combining the first syllables of the Carney and Pinch family names. Joseph Pinch was a successful local grocer, owning the largest grocery chain in Sault Ste. Marie, while O.C. Carney owned a popular electric appliance store on Queen Street.

• Carpin Beach was a popular summer destination as far back as the early 1930s.