 At one time there was a refitting station on the west end of the portage where canoes were repaired.Voyageurs coming for the first time to the ' were initiated after crossing the portage.Each newcomer would be sprinkled with a cedar bough dipped in water, and be made to swear that he would not allow another novice to pass that way without undergoing similar rites and that he would never kiss another voyageur's wife without her consent.