Ladywood Farm was first recorded as settled around 1875 by CPR personnel engaged in the building of the railroad. First named Rossland, the station's name was later changed to Margach when the second line was constructed in 1902. Huge coal-fired steam shovels were brought in to remove some of the sandy soil for railroad beds, a few small fields were cleared for domestic animals, gardens sprang up and buildings were erected. Situated on a point overlooking a secluded lake, Rossland soon developed into a bustling encampment.

Around the turn of the century, gold fever hit Rat Portage (Kenora). Prospectors and pick axes descended on the rich mineral outcroppings of the Rossland/Margach area and gold was discovered, leading to the development of the nearby Champion Gold Mine.

Railroad workers lived at Margach until about 1950. Outlines of some of the buildings and old railroad road beds can still be seen, as well as moss and lichen encrusted furrows, pits and steep embankments carved out by the steam shovels. A walk in the bush will often reveal deep trenches and shallow shafts made by the pick axe of some optimistic young miner caught up in the fever of a century ago.

In 1983, the property was purchased by the Olson family and renamed Ladywood. It became their permanent home in 1985. Ladywood is the realization of the dreams and determination of Peter and Kathy and their two daughters, Teika and Erika. The result of 21 years of hard work, it has evolved from a farm complete with Jersey cows, a horse and all the other usual creatures into a special little place that produces organic chickens and potatoes.

In keeping with our deep love of nature, the majority of the land has been left as natural habitat so that Ladywood may continue to nurture both the body and the spirit of those who tread her grounds.

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