WANDA III STANLEY MEEK STEAM ERA WILL SAIL AGAIN EXHIBIT BEING BUILT the Eatons BOATS and ELEGANCE

MUSKOKA

REFLECTIONSIn the lake’s placid reflections are mirrored past, present and even glimpses of the future Welcome aboard! $3M-plus expansion ICONIC YACHT WANDA III STANLEY MEEK STEAM ERA WILL SAIL AGAIN EXHIBIT BEING BUILT The Eatons BOATS AND ELEGANCE

SUMMER TWENTY NINETEEN

PRESIDENt’s MESSAGE A celebration of an era NEW LOOK MAGAZINE daunting. You will read in this issue that There is only one Muskoka, and this not only are we ensuring her protection is the authentic way to experience it. IS JUST PART OF AN going forward, we are also developing a EXCITING YEAR new exciting attraction for Muskoka which See you this summer! will create jobs and bring more people elcome to our redesigned to our region. But more importantly, it Reflections! We have will strengthen the sustainability of the W partnered with Dockside Muskoka Discovery Centre … truly, a Publishing to give our magazine a new cause for celebration! look with powerful images and styling that will compliment our heritage With the excitement of our newest stories, offerings and perspectives. We exhibit, Watershed Wonders, in 2018 hope you like it! and the Steam Era project this year, we want to remind you about our core As our cover says, The Steam Era business: cruises and private charters, Exhibit project is now a reality. It’s a exhibits, educational programs, special boathouse for Wanda III and so much events and unforgettable experiences. JOHN MILLER PRESIDENT more. Since I arrived in the spring of Please think of us next time you are 2001, the challenge of preserving this entertaining guests, planning special one-of-a-kind historic occasions or just feel like dressing up artifact has been as a pirate on Sunday mornings…. COURTESY OF Riley Lake Productions COURTESY

Summer 2019 • 1 MUSKOKA REFLECTIONS TABLE OF CONTENTS SUMMER, TWENTY NINETEEN

18 Massive expansion is underway A $3 million addition and exhibit expansion will transform the waterfront, celebrate the Steam Era, and provide a new home for a beloved and iconic boat.

4 WILDLIFE AND WOODEN BOATS There’s always something new to see on board the ships and at the Muskoka Discovery Centre.

6 AT LONG LAST, A HOME FOR WANDA III 14 The push is on for the final round of donations to Timber Titan complete this exciting project. Charles Mickle didn’t just make his fortune in Gravenhurst, he also transformed the town. 7 JOIN US Become a member at the Muskoka Steamships & Discovery Centre.

8 ON THE HORIZON A full slate of events is taking place this summer, on land and aboard the ships. 22 Symbols of an Era 10 SHIP-SIDE ROMANCE A former pirate returns to the wharf They were Canadian royalty, and the Eatons knew how to travel for a waterfront wedding. Muskoka in style.

2 • MUSKOKA REFLECTIONS MUSKOKA REFLECTIONS Muskoka steamship & Discovery centre www.realmuskoka.com MUSKOkA STEAMSHIPS 185 Cherokee Lane, Gravenhurst, ON P1P 1Z9 [email protected] 705-687-6667 25 28 MUSKOkA DISCOVERY CENTRE 275 Steamship Bay Road, Gravenhurst, ON P1P 1Z9 The opening From truck to lake [email protected] of Muskoka to dock 705-687-2115 Charity Registration #13261 7770 RR0001 Location, timing, and more than a Wanda III will soon be taking passengers few well-connected people helped on Lake Muskoka once again. Getting PRESIDENT: John Miller Muskoka prosper and grow during her to this point has been a long and the steam era. challenging journey. operations manager/curator (MDC): Ann Curley Controller: Molly Rivers 12 GREENING WANDA 34 GORGEOUS BOATS Sales Manager: Inguna Ramina Generous donation will help turn FROM A SMALL SHOP ship operations manager: Jordan Waines the beloved steamship into The company didn’t last long, membership: Pat Durrant a zero-emissions vessel. but Matlo Boats produced some [email protected] elegant vessels in its day. board of directors: Honorary Directors – Stan Meek, 13 A ROADMAP Murray Walker TO EXCELLENCE 35 200 CRUISES Gary Getson – Chair of the Board The Muskoka Discovery Centre AND COUNTING Anne Collins, Dan Cornacchia, Dale Curd, is becoming one of Ontario’s TheSegwun doesn’t just float Randy Jorgensen, Catherine King, Sandy leading cultural attractions. on the water: she also sails in Lockhart, Al Manchee, Rick McGraw, the hearts of those who love her. Blair McMurchy, Jake Thomas Advisory Council: 32 THE PHOENIX Patrick Boyer, Chris Cragg, Ben Cousineau, RISES AGAIN 36 SOMEWHERE Gord Durnan, Lou Guerriero, Paul Kelly, Craftsmen give some loving IN MUSKOKA Mara Kerry, John Klinck (Chair), Eleanor Lewis, Austen McMurchy, attention to the Segwun’s The landscape has changed, but Peter Sale, Bob Sheppard, Ian Turnbull, beloved mascot. you may still be able to recognize Norm Yan, Rick Zytaruk these landmarks. Assistant Editor: Sandy Lockhart [email protected] VOLUNTEERS 33 Historical Features Editor: Mary Storey CRAFT NEW MAST Editorial & Design: It isn’t easy to craft a perfectly Dockside Publishing tapered 24-foot floating flagpole. New on the ships and the Muskoka Discovery Centre Wildlife and wooden boats

Touring with tech

Explore the Muskoka Discovery Centre using our new Self-Guided Tour App. Download our app and connect with our beacons to receive extra information and games as you Laugh, Learn, Discover, and Explore the Muskoka Discovery COURTESY OF Jordan Waines OF Jordan COURTESY Centre year-round.

Family fun

Meet our new aquarium friends – a snapping turtle and a beaver in the amazing Watershed Wonders exhibit. Kidzone, our Family Skilled volunteers Wonders of the Engagement space, has fun for everyone. watershed And there’s even more fun to be found Heritage Boatworks has been busy this on board Wenonah II with our family- year building a new mast for the RMS Watershed Wonders, our newest themed cruises. Segwun and restoring the Phoenix. When world class exhibit, will continue cruising onboard this summer don’t to amaze you! Didja Know that miss the opportunity to see the quality the Cerulean Warblers are an craftsmanship of our volunteers from interior forest species that nest and feed Heritage Boatworks. Learn more about high in the tree canopy? these projects on pages 33 and 34.

The Antique and Classic Boat Society History, Craftsmanship, Heritage Beauty Visit acbs.ca or call 416-299-3311 for more info Become a member and help us celebrate and promote Find us on Facebook ACBSToronto the history recreational boating in Ontario!

4 • MUSKOKA REFLECTIONS New ship commentary

For 2019 RMS Segwun and Wenonah II will have a new automated commentary system to provide passengers with interesting facts and information during their cruise. This will make commentary available on all cruises. Live commentary will continue to be provided on select cruises.

Glorious wooden boats 2019 FEATURE EXHIBITS Immerse yourself in the • On The Water Murray Walker Grace & Speed • Didja Know Wooden Boats boathouse as you view our • Charlie M. (1849 - 1929) collection of beautiful mahogany boats built in Muskoka, as well as an amazing • Songs to Enjoy collection of canoes, kayaks and • Muskoka Lakes Golf & Country Club Celebrating 100 Years rowing skiffs.

“YOUR STORE FOR LOW PRICES” Terry & Susan Candow (705) 687 - 0720 • (705) 687 - 0554 Gravenhurst, Muskoka Ontario P1P 1H3 Owner/Operators 290 First Street North

Summer 2019 • 5 CHAIR’S MESSAGE At long last, a home for Wanda III DONATIONS ARE KEY a substantial contribution to the project Muskoka Discovery Centre so a visitor sponsoring his passion, the continued will enter and experience the full impact TO COMPLETING running of Wanda III, with the of the exhibit. While the Wanda III will EXCITING PROJECT electrification project. The journey has be obvious by its size, the exhibit will included two years of planning on how include audio visual displays and related hat to do with Margaret to celebrate the legacy of Wanda III. artifacts highlighting at least six different Eaton’s steam launch Wanda aspects of the steam era (defined as 1830- W III has been an ongoing Well, a major event occurred on 1930) including indigenous people. challenge since she stopped sailing as January 31, 2019 when we received part of our fleet in 2003. On her own a letter from the Federal Minister of I wish to thank all the contributing she is an important piece of Canadian Culture and Heritage granting our writers and photographers. We hope that maritime history. She was built in 1915 requested $950,000. This grant will you as readers will join us in celebrating to be the fastest launch on the Muskoka significantly contribute to fund the the culture and heritage of Muskoka Lakes for the use of the Eaton family and building that will house a Steam Era and become members of the Muskoka their friends. She was built to not only be Exhibit that will illustrate and celebrate Steamships & Discovery Centre. fast, but also elegant and representative a wonderful and exciting period of of the Edwardian era. While the RMS Canadian history. And Wanda III will be Segwun represents the use of steam the central attraction. power for the public, Wanda III was the privilege of the wealthy. We are delighted to announce that over 70 per cent of the $ 2.7M funding Stan Meek, with over 25 years of is in place and the public campaign leadership in our organization, and his and additional funding applications are generous donation of a matching grant in progress. of $500,000 in 2018, was the catalyst that began the successful journey to arrive The Steam Era Exhibit will be GARY GETSON CHAIR at where we are today. Jack McIrvine, a separate and distinct area of the responding to Stan’s lead, has provided

COURTESY OF JOHN McQUARRIE

6 • MUSKOKA REFLECTIONS WE APPRECIATE OUR Join us SUPPORTERS. AS A MEMBER, YOU WILL RECEIVE: PURCHASE A MEMBERSHIP • 10% savings on admission to FOR YOURSELF OR AS A GIFT Muskoka Discovery Centre • 10% off rental of any Discovery membership to the Muskoka days, members receive free admission Centre event space. Steamship & Discovery Centre to the Discovery Centre (this year on is great value for a good cause. Saturday, July 13, Saturday, August 3, a • 10% savings per adult member on A public cruises –(not applicable on Buy one to get involved, or get one as a Christmas mingle on Dec. 13 and dates in birthday or anniversary gift for that hard- February and June 2020.) additional cruise tickets). to-buy-for person. • Free subscription to this Muskoka Membership fees and donations Reflections magazine, published three Membership is a great way to support remain a major source of revenue for times a year and full of steamship the 132-year old RMS Segwun and the Muskoka Steamships & Discovery Centre. news, events, tales of Muskoka’s Discovery Centre, and save the old Donations of any size are appreciated and colourful history and more. Muskoka story for future generations. are eligible for a tax receipt. • Discounts on some special events at For many members, the most popular Member support lets us carry on the the Muskoka Discovery Centre. benefit is the annual members’ cruise important work of being a leader in • Discounts on special cruise in May. We hold our Annual General preserving, promoting and celebrating the opportunities. Meeting on this cruise, a chance for like- culture and heritage of Canada’s Muskoka minded people to celebrate their love of District for current and future generations. • E-blasts with news and discount ships and heritage. Each member has a Membership is just $65 single, $100 per messages, including special last- vote at the AGM. family/grandparent or $220 as a Captain minute pricing on cruises and (which includes a $150 tax receipt). Discovery Centre events. And the members’ cruise is just the • An exclusive downloadable beginning. Members and their guests get To join contact Pat Durrant MS&DC telephone ringtone of the RMS 10 percent off admission to the Muskoka Membership Coordinator at 705-687-2115 Segwun whistle. Discovery Centre. And on designated or [email protected] The Stanley Meek Steam Era Exhibit Donate at www.realmuskoka.com or call 705-687-6667

Funded in part by the Government of Canada Coming in 2020 to Muskoka Discovery Centre!

Summer 2019 • 7 Special events on land On the horizon at Muskoka Discovery Centre

Daily art projects and STEM experiments Celebrate Culture Days July and August, rain or shine. with Musical Memories In the Kidzone Family Engagement space. September 27

Captain Corbin Magic Shows MDC Kids Camps July 14 and September 1 at 2:30 p.m. All summer. Camps also take place on PA days, Christmas holidays and March Break. Zoo to You July 27, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Speaker Series Repeat presentations January 4 and 5, 2020 Throughout the year. Visit www.realmuskoka.com for complete list of speakers Team T&J performance August 7, 2:30 p.m.

Pirate Themed Cruise PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF RILEY LAKE PRODUCTIONS

8 • MUSKOKA REFLECTIONS Special events on the water On board RMS Segwun & Wenonah II Cruise season for 2019 May 25 to October 19. Please check website for cruise schedules for RMS Segwun & Wenonah II, including daytime cruises, Millionaires’ Row and Sunset Dinner Cruises.

THEMED CRUISES FOR 2019 Princess Cruise August 17

Walkers Point Canada Day Fireworks Cruise Sip & Sample Dinner Cruise June 29 September 21

Pirate Cruises Thanksgiving Dinner Cruise July 7, 14, August 4, 11, 18, 25, September 1 October 12

Wiggles Party Cruise Kids Hallowe’en Cruise August 3 October 19. Featuring Amazing Corbin followed by Octoberfest Cruise to finish the 2019 sailing season.

Walkers Point Canada Day Fireworks Cruise Princess Cruise

Summer 2019 • 9 Celebrations Ship-side romance PIRATE RETURNS FOR MUSEUM WEDDING Tell us about something funny or touching that happened on your wedding day.

It was in a panic the day before the wedding because I thought I didn’t make enough origami bouquets for the wedding party. I kept counting how many bouquets I had, then how many heads were sitting around me. It wasn’t until the morning when we were walking into the hairdresser’s that I realized my brother had a boutonniere and didn’t need a bouquet. It was one of those moments my mother and I were going over Where was your ceremony? perfect for photos. We enjoyed a little details in the car trying to make slice of nature and waterfront just sense of it that we had a simultaneous We had our ceremony and reception before sunset. There was more than moment of revelation: “Ted doesn’t at the Muskoka Discovery Centre. enough parking for our guests, and need a bouquet.” My mother surprised me and had some guests were able to book rooms at contacted Jeffrey Crawford of Jeffrey the Marriott Residence Inn next door Christi and my mom, Linda, are Crawford Creative Event Drapery for an easy trip to bed for the night. the main reason everything went so to drape the whole museum wall in smoothly that day. They were able to white and fairy lights, with beautiful Had you been on the ships before take my ideas and go even further. My white chair covers, and a fairy tale aisle deciding to have your wedding sister previously worked with Muskoka runner. They completely transformed at the museum? Steamships as the Sales Manager. They the museum not once, but twice. We went to Ann Curley for me, while I was had the guests and the wedding party Cameron has joined me on the ships working in Toronto and Hamilton, and step outside to take photos and leave for cruises as it is a necessary stop worked out every detail. the space for a short time. The museum when visiting home. I worked for the was then changed from ceremony to company for five summers, in the ticket One of our first decisions was to have reception, the drapery allowing the office making reservations, answering Don Potter of Muskoka Catering as our purple and green to stand out. phone calls and greeting guests. I also caterer for the evening. We were able participated in the Sunday morning to give him an idea of what we wanted We were very lucky to have our Pirate Cruises aboard Wenonah II with to eat, and he came back with a menu wedding on such a warm and sunny Captain Ron. My alias was Scurvy Sally proposal that was perfect. We contacted day in September. The immediate for a couple years. Muskoka Party Rentals for the linens, surroundings of the museum were including tablecloths and runners.

Rebecca Stokes and Cameron Smart: September 15, 2018

10 • MUSKOKA REFLECTIONS What did you do to make your wedding stand out?

For the cake, I was honoured to have my best friend Shannon Doherty of Shannon’s Soul Sweets (@shannonssoulsweets) make and decorate our three-tiered carrot cake with cream cheese icing and hand-made butter cream flowers. The Centre was dressed with fairy lights and draperies, then I made it a bit different by making most of transformed again for the reception the flowers myself. I started folding paper while photos were taken outside. one day, sometimes making these patterns

that involved a bit of glue. After creating Petrogiani, Chilli Pepper Productions Dan Photos by about 50 flowers in a few origami varieties, I decided I would create the bouquets myself – and maybe save a little money. I went on the hunt for some supplies like shiny earring studs for centres and paper I could fold or cut to size and fold. My mom, sister and I texted daily, and sent different sample photos off Pinterest or Google back and forth for a few months. Every day I made it a priority to fold at least one flower, or six petals while I drank my coffee in the morning or while I decompressed before bed. Soon I had over 300 paper flowers in a variety of sizes that I had also stemmed individually. I am quite proud of the flowers as I arranged the bridal and maids’ bouquets. I made sure each one had a Tardis-blue flower, for good luck and something blue.

I handed over all the remaining flowers I had to my mother and she took it upon herself to arrange individual bouquets for all the table centres. It was a lot of work, and she spent a couple months arranging, and then waiting for me to show up with another batch to go in. It made the day feel really special to know that we had put so much work and effort into it and that the bouquets could be taken home and easily kept.

Summer 2019 • 11 WANDA III IS GOING GREEN! JACK AND BRITT MCIRVINE WANT YOU TO MATCH THEIR PLEDGE TO UPDATE WANDA III

t’s going to cost close to $400,000 with current Transport Canada artefact just like the RMS Segwun. It to electrify Wanda III and put standards. is important to preserve these ships as Iher in first class condition to a unique experience for present and sail the Muskoka Lakes once again. Wanda will live in a protected future generations. We can operate Wanda III if she is environment in the new building at the powered by electricity instead of Muskoka Discovery Centre and be on So please donate today and help steam. Jack and Britt McIrvine, very display in a dedicated slip. There will be match their very generous pledge! long time supporters of the steamship solar panels on the green roof to charge Help us go green! Every dollar donated organization, have very generously her new batteries. She will also have a counts as two. pledged $200,000 or 50 per cent on lift capable of bringing a matching basis to make her a zero- her 60 tons out of emissions yacht. That means to get the water for winter the job done we need the community storage and regular to come forward and match their maintenance. Wanda support for this refit of Wanda III. will be preserved She is going to be a feature of the Stan indefinitely! Meek Steam Era Exhibit. Ron Sclater, a Electric power is not as modern as former captain of you might think: Some ships were Wanda III, said “she powered with electricity more than has a very special feel 120 years ago. But it certainly is or personality that ecologically friendly. We are going to bring peace and calm leave the historic First World War-era to her passengers. It’s triple stage steam engine in place and very elegant being use electricity to turn the motor while out on the lake with she is cruising to demonstrate the her, regardless of the beauty of a steam engine in motion. weather.”

Wanda III’s hull is actually in pretty Thanks to Jack good shape, but there is some work to and Britt McIrvine’s be done with upholstery, varnish on generosity and interest the interior paneling, and carpeting. in the environment We also have to renew and replace all Wanda will once Britt and Jack McIrvine have pledged to match the safety and navigation equipment, again become a donations up to $200,000 in order to fund converting including life rafts, in order to comply unique operating historic Wanda III to a zero-emissions yacht.

Your support helps keep us afloat Become a member and enjoy all the benefits of belonging

Join online at www.realmuskoka.com, email: [email protected], or call 705-687-2115

12 • MUSKOKA REFLECTIONS A roadmap to excellence MASTER PLAN WILL GUIDE GROWTH OF THE MUSKOKA DISCOVERY CENTRE he Muskoka Discovery Centre is becoming one of Ontario’s Tleading cultural attractions. To get us there, we are expanding our offerings, and enhancing the way we tell the fascinating story of Muskoka.

Last fall, the Muskoka Steamship & Discovery Centre commissioned Reich + Petch (R+P) to prepare a Master The addition will Plan that will guide the development serve as a dramatic of the Muskoka Discovery Centre boathouse for Wanda (MDC) over the next five years. The III, as well as an objective is to help turn MDC into one engaging exhibit of the leading cultural attractions in highlighting Ontario for tourists and residents. the Steam Era. To develop the plan R+P did an extensive review of the existing facility, examined the archives, held workshops Ontario, we would have to substantially front of the MDC to address facility to solicit the views of a cross section increase the number of displays, themes deficiencies and add more exhibits. of people and analyzed the findings and stories in order to provide a highly of special surveys of MDC customers. memorable visitor experience. Progressive cultural institutions today They interviewed management and recognize the need to continuously members of the Board of Directors and Specifically, R+P endorsed renew their offerings. New interactive reviewed the organization’s Vision, and recommended that the MDC technologies can tell old and new stories Mission and Mandate. continue to pursue the Steam Era in a more engaging and entertaining Exhibit project. That would involve manner. R+P, who is renowned in They looked at the big picture and a significant addition to the existing the museum field, has provided a a multitude of detailed aspects of all building and include a facility to house roadmap. As we implement their many the existing exhibits. They identified and preserve the famous Wanda III. recommendations, MDC will become the strengths and weaknesses and They helped management write the even more revered in the District of recommended ways to improve the interpretive programming that that Muskoka and the Province of Ontario. present offerings. helped secure a critical grant from the federal government. They also – Rick McGraw, Revitalization It quickly became clear to R+P that if recommended proceeding with a long Committee Chair MDC is to become a leading attraction in overdue addition and renovation to the

FLOORING • WINDOWS • DOORS DECKS • DOCKS • HEARTH

1111 HIGHWAY 169 • 705-687-2289 • HBCGRAVENHURST.CA

Summer 2019 • 13 SPECIAL EDITORIAL FEATURE Timber Titan FEW PEOPLE HAVE LEFT A MARK AS IMPRESSIVE AS CHARLES MICKLE’S

John Bull was an ‘alligator,’ an amphibious tug that mainly worked on Lake of Bays.

14 • MUSKOKA REFLECTIONS t was a building boom like nothing His timing was perfect. Two years earlier, Muskoka has seen since, a time when the railway had finally arrived in Gravenhurst Iambitious young men flocked to and announced that the line would not be Gravenhurst knowing there were fortunes extended for at least another ten years. Mills to be made. sprang up all along the shores of Muskoka Bay: by 1880 there were at least fourteen One of those men was Charles Mickle, mills operating around the bay, giving and his footprint can still be seen in some Gravenhurst its nickname, Sawdust City. of Muskoka’s grandest buildings. One of those mills belonged to Charles Mickle was born in Guelph in 1849, the son Mickle. of a mill-owner. In 1877, when the younger Mickle was 28, he set out for Muskoka Mickle had formed a partnership with with plans to tie his fortune to the region’s William Tait of Orillia to build a sawmill enormous lumber bounty. near the Muskoka Wharf. The business became instantly successful and within a year and a half Mickle bought out Tait and purchased an adjoining mill.

Charles Mickle (in bowler hat) and family aboard his wife’s pleasure yacht, Priscilla.

Summer 2019 • 15 ‘The company was cutting 14 million board feet of lumber a year.’

In 1884, Mickle formed a partnership Once they reached the lake, they But problems were looming. As the with Nathaniel Dyment of Barrie. The were towed to the mills in Gravenhurst population around Muskoka grew and new enterprise became known as the Bay. Pine, birch, spruce, hemlock, more watercraft plied the Muskoka lakes, Mickle-Dyment company and it became tamarack, maple and ash were cut, homeowners, boaters, and the growing the largest of its kind, also operating mills sorted and milled, with most of number of cottage owners began to in Bradford, Barrie, Severn Bridge and this product loaded on rail cars and complain loudly about the logs blocking Fenelon Falls. Eventually, the company destined for the United States and the river. Complaints about logs jamming was renamed Mickle-Dyment & Sons. Great Britain. access into Bracebridge grew so loud that in 1909 the town decided to lay charges In Muskoka, the timber was cut Fire was a constant risk in Sawdust against Mickle for delaying navigation in winter and transported by horse City, and in 1890, Mickle’s first mill and mail delivery. Three years later the teams to nearby rivers. Once spring burned down. He didn’t rebuild, but by federal government became involved in arrived, the Muskoka River became 1894, he had opened a planing mill that the problem, issuing an order-in-council a log transportation highway, with produced doors, sashes and trim. prohibiting the lumbermen from driving thousands of logs flowing loose logs down the river after July downstream to Lake The Mickle-Dyment 10th without the use of booms. Mickle Muskoka. conglomerate was very continued to ignore the order and in the successful, but signs were following year he was given an extension already emerging that the to the end of July. The problem gradually lumber was beginning resolved itself over time as the volume to run out. Only large- of timber diminished and other sawmills scale operations like began to close. By the early 1920s, the big Mickle’s could succeed. log drives had ended. By 1905, the Mickle- Dyment company was In 1926, the Mickle-Dyment mill in cutting and milling an Gravenhurst closed its doors, the last of the average of fourteen Gravenhurst mills to close. million board feet per year, and the company WOOD ON THE WATER continued to be Running a large operation like the financially successful. Mickle-Dyment company also required a fleet of boats. Tugs were needed to

Charles Mickle Sr. twice served as mayor, and oversaw the construction of the town’s Opera House.

DREAM IT. WE DESIGN IT. LUMBER AND BUILDING MATERIALS | CUSTOM BUILT DOCKS | BOOM TRUCK SERVICES *Serving Muskoka and Surrounding Areas Since 1951* 1091 Chamberlain Drive, Gravenhurst, ON • 705-687-4007 • 1-800-361-0034 WWW.TIMBERMART.CA/CHAMBERLAIN

16 • MUSKOKA REFLECTIONS transport logs across the lakes, and many owners – Mickle included – also Bertha May was the company’s acquired pleasure boats. first tug, but it also did double duty as a pleasure boat. The company’s first tug, named Bertha May after Mickle’s daughter, was acquired in 1886. This was followed three years later by the Herbert M. Both tugs operated until 1908.

A third tug, Wawonaissa, was built in 1897. Mickle-Dyment bought it in 1902, had it lengthened from 36 ft to 49 ft, and renamed it Nishka. It doubled as a tug and pleasure craft and was used on Sparrow Lake, eventually being moved to Lake of Bays. Another tug owned by Mickle was the Grace M, named after Mickle’s other daughter. It was built in Gravenhurst and was a rather large boat, measuring 69 ft. ft long and had similar looks to the In 1877 Gravenhurst was devastated Passing through various other owners, Naiad, including a miniature nickel- by an enormous fire, which destroyed it survived into the 1930s. plated cannon on the foredeck, as well the town hall among other buildings. as other nickel trimmings in In 1900, Mayor Mickle initiated the The company also owned the John her cabins. building of the Gravenhurst Opera Bull, an alligator, or amphibious tug House, which included a new town that could winch itself across land or Charles and Emma had three hall. The Gravenhurst Opera House water. Mickle-Dyment’s alligator plied children: Bertha, Grace and Charles is a lasting legacy to Charles Mickle the waters of Lake of Bays from Dorset Jr. To accommodate his growing and his fellow councillors, as today to Baysville. Due to its pulling power, family – and to celebrate his growing it is a centre for entertainment in it did the bulk of the work of towing fortune – in 1884 Mickle built a grand Gravenhurst, as well as a symbolic large log booms or logs to the narrows residence that he called “Rosehurst,” building of the town. in Baysville. which became the centre of social life in Gravenhurst. The house was sold Charles Mickle Sr. died in 1929, Mickle also owned a yacht, Charlie by the family in 1934, but still stands and shortly thereafter all company M, which was built in 1897. Named today. It was, and still is, one of the activities ceased. In 1936, the after his son, it was 53 ft long. In 1903 most elaborate dwellings in the town company’s mills in Gravenhurst and it was sold to the Muskoka Lakes of Gravenhurst. When you drive along Severn Bridge were dismantled, a Navigation Company, where it was Bay Street, note the original cement sign that the era of big lumbering used for passenger service in the Bala flower urns and the cement steps at the in Muskoka was truly over. Charles area until 1919. curb, which were used in the days of Mickle’s legacy includes the Opera horse and carriage. House, a cemetery named after him… Mickle’s wife, Emma (nee Rowe) and a lot of scrap lumber at the bottom also owned her own boat, Priscilla, From 1894 to 1895, and again from of Muskoka Bay. which she bought in 1908 and sold in 1898 to 1900, Charles Mickle was 1922. Priscilla was an impressive 53 Mayor of Gravenhurst. – Bob Winter, Archives Volunteer

Friday, August 16 10 - 6 Saturday, August 17 10 - 6 Artisans, music Sunday, August 18 10 - 4 705.687.4432 | DOCKSIDEFESTIVAL.COM & family fun OVER 100 ARTISANS • LIVE MUSIC • FOOD • CRAFT BEER • CHILDREN’S ART ACTIVITIES AND SPLASH PARK

Summer 2019 • 17 SPECIAL EDITORIAL FEATURE Massive expansion is underway $3 MILLION RESTORATION AND CONSTRUCTION PROJECT WILL CELEBRATE MUSKOKA’S HERITAGE

here’s a an exciting new on Muskoka Bay. It will house an amazing the context to fully appreciate their development on the water, a collection of interactive displays, and be impact on Canada, but particularly on the Tproject that aims to make the the first real home thatWanda III has prosperity of the District of Muskoka. Muskoka Steamship & Discovery Centre had since she was originally housed at as famous as our iconic RMS Segwun. Ravenscrag on Lake Rosseau in 1915. At the same time we plan to expand our centre of learning for all ages. And with We are adding a whole new structure The new structure will be distinctively the anticipated success of the exhibit, we to the north side of the big red building different architecturally from the existing will improve the sustainability of the entire design to give the Discovery Centre new Muskoka Steamships & Discovery Centre character and interest. organization. That is a very tall order, but come around next summer and you will This is the first addition to the Discovery become a believer. Centre since it was built 13 years ago. The theme will be the Steam Era, a wonderful WANDA III WAS THE CATALYST period of Canadian history (1830-1930) Wanda III was the catalyst for this during which there were countless ambitious project. She is inventions and developments that a precious and amazing shaped the country we live in today. We intend to celebrate many of the most important ones and provide

The glorious ships of Muskoka aren’t just beautiful, they are also emblems of a tech boom that transformed the world.

18 • MUSKOKA REFLECTIONS 105-year-old artifact, and represents a glorious time in our history. ‘With steam engines, everything

She has one of the few remaining changed and the impact was felt around triple-stage steam engines, mammoth power plants that were used to power the world, including in Muskoka.’ Canadian warships in the First World War. She may in fact be one of the first any more for safety reasons. These foundation and impetus for the ‘cigarette boats’ because Mrs. Eaton were serious challenges, but two following business revolutions and got the biggest engine she could find so years ago our organization stopped technical developments. With steam she could have the fastest boat on the moaning and decided instead to build engines, everything changed, and the Muskoka Lakes. (There is more detail on a new addition and make Wanda III impact was felt around the world, her history on page 22.) a huge part of it. Stan Meek stepped including in Muskoka. forward with a very generous matching Impressive as she is, Wanda III has financial pledge and the rest really is Steam power revolutionized been a challenge for our organization history. transportation and meant factories from day one. At 94 feet she is big and could be located almost anywhere. the sun is always attacking her beautiful WE OWE A LOT TO STEAM POWER International trade mahogany finishes. Steam powered the industrial expanded with revolution, which became the dependable Our organization has always highly valued her authenticity and alignment with our purpose of preserving and celebrating Muskoka history. There was supposed to be a boathouse for her when the Discovery Centre was built, but that never happened. Transport Canada told us in 2004 that we could not use her boiler

Summer 2019 • 19 mass influx of settlers with different expectations and cultures. This exhibit will explain the changes that happened and how the community we live in today has been influenced by the original indigenous communities.

Industry: Industries of all types benefited greatly when steam became available as an energy source. Mining, manufacturing, logging all became more efficient with the application of steam. The Steam Era was the greatest period of infrastructure construction With steam engines, even the farthest ends of the lake were made accessible. in Canadian history. The population of Muskoka exploded and changed from hunters and trappers to employees in a transportation. Muskoka as we know it The plan is to present a combination variety of industries. opened up when the most distant parts of artifacts, objects, archival material of the lakes became accessible with and modern exhibit technologies Tourism: Tourism exploded across scheduled steam transport. Steam power to deliver interpreted content in an Canada because access was provided to became the rationale to build the nation- impactful and interactive manner. We areas that were previously inaccessible. wide railroads which opened up Canada, want to entertain and educate you Canadians began travelling for pleasure infrastructure that is still critical today. It at the same time. We have finalized and people began visiting from other was the first machine age! an extensive interpretive plan to guide countries. Trip times were hugely the development and fabrication of diminished and steamboats became Steam whetted the appetite for the exhibits. Four key subjects will the popular mode of transportation in more efficient power which led to form the backbone of what we plan to Muskoka. For the first time, Muskoka the development of the internal address: transportation, the indigenous and its pristine lakes became the combustion engine. As Thomas community, industry and tourism. pleasure destination they are today. Freidman said in his latest book, Thanks for Being Late, this era is Transportation: Steam revolutionized By using state-of-the-art technologies, when the process of technological transportation throughout the the Steam Era Exhibit won’t just tell and scientific process started to developing world powering trains, ships, those stories, it will make them come speed up, serving as the precursor war ships and even early automobiles. alive. The goal is to make visitors smile, of the acceleration we all feel with In Muskoka it’s hard to over-estimate listen, and remember. technology today. the impact and difficult to provide a complete description of what happened A WORLD CLASS EXHIBIT A PERIOD OF CANADIAN because it was so pervasive. The display IS EXPENSIVE TO BUILD DEVELOPMENT will be exciting and captivating. Our goal is to build a world class The Steam Era period (1830-1930) exhibit that will contribute to making was a time of enormous innovation. Indigenous Community: The Steam the Muskoka Discovery Centre one of Our exhibit will focus in particular on Era was a period of tremendous change the most popular destinations in Ontario the time from 1880 to 1930, and look at for the indigenous communities, and as well recognized as the iconic RMS the impact on Muskoka. dramatically altering their way of Segwun. And that will cost between $2.7 life forever. The era witnessed a Mil and $3.3 Mil .

217 Pindo Palm Drive, Ponte Vedra, FL 32081 Phone (904) 417-0163 • Fax (904) 417-0163 Cell (636) 575-1243 Charles E. Welsh [email protected]

20 • MUSKOKA REFLECTIONS As of this publication deadline we This last amount of money is for the biggest, but a unique and high-quality have raised two million dollars, or state-of-the-art technology that will help celebration of Muskoka that both residents 74 per cent of our minimum goal. us tell our stories and deliver history in an and non-residents will thoroughly enjoy! That money came from individuals, engaging and interactive way. This money internal funds and a $950,000 grant will make our exhibit truly exciting and This is your Muskoka Discovery from Cultural Spaces of the Federal dynamic. It will explain how Muskoka Centre because its community owned. If Government. came to be what we all love today and you are not already a member, join today make you proud to be Canadian. and help support our aspirations. With We have several pending careful execution of this plan, Wanda III applications with private institutions THE FUTURE LOOKS BRIGHT and The Muskoka Discovery Centre will and other government agencies that The Stanley Meek Steam Era exhibit be here for many future generations so we are cautiously optimistic about. is the first major initiative in a five-year they too can learn about the Steam Era. We are reaching out to the community Master Plan that was just finalized. The looking for support – both large and goal is to be competitive with the best – Rick McGraw, small, because it all counts. cultural institutions in Ontario – not the Revitalization Committee Chair

THE STANLEY MEEK STEAM ERA EXHIBIT The Steam Era Exhibit is being named after Stanley Meek Stan’s leadership also resulted in Jack McIrvine, another for a very simple reason: Without Stan’s vision, love and long-time member of the organization, recently making dedication to Wanda III and a very generous donation of a significant and meaningful donation to the Steam Era $500,000 this project would never have got off the ground. project, specifically for the electrification ofWanda III.

In fact, Wanda III would not be back on Lake Muskoka Stan has been involved with the Muskoka Steamship and without his determination to secure it and move it from Lake Discovery Centre for over 30 years. He has been President, a of Bays. He raised money for her restoration work on several Director, Treasurer and was recently awarded an Honourary occasions and always provided the critical seed money. His Directorship in recognition of his many outstanding leadership and passion for Wanda III has always energized contributions. Stan has participated in every fund-raising the management team and convinced the Board of Directors campaign that the organization has conducted and was to never end the pursuit of the right home for her. usually one of the first to contribute.

Stan heard about Wanda III in 1985 and had the vision We are recognizing of bringing her back to be the second ship in the Muskoka Stan’s contributions Steamships fleet. He recognized her historical significance today by naming the and convinced the rest of the Board of Directors to Steam Era Exhibit after undertake the task. him so that present and future generations will It was a challenge to say the least: the 94-foot long ship remember him. with its tall superstructure had to travel over 50 miles of roads to get from Lake of Bays to Lake Muskoka. All the overhead Stanley Meek has been a telephone and electrical wires had to be manually raised so longtime supporter of the she could pass under. The project took a house mover several Muskoka Steamship & days to complete: it’s hard to imagine it being done today. Discovery Centre.

Downtown Gravenhurst 705-687-9900 www.muskokabayclothing.com

Summer 2019 • 21 SPECIAL EDITORIAL FEATURE Symbols of an Era CANADIAN ROYALTY, THE EATONS TRAVELLED MUSKOKA’S LAKES WITH SPEED AND STYLE

he Eatons were a Canadian family In 1884, Timothy Eaton was the Jeff Bezos dynasty that built a business of his day. The department store he founded Tempire. It was an empire which had 60 percent of all department store sales provided a lifestyle that few could imagine in Canada. He was also an innovator who or attain, with grand homes and grander revolutionized shopping. His catalogue yachts. The Wanda III was not only brought goods directly to the customer, a symbolic of the Eatons’ success, but also of service that had never been seen. Coast to the Steam Era itself – an era that changed coast, urban and rural, everyone had access the world. to a vast selection of goods, large and small. Customers could even order a cottage, a few of which still stand around the lakes today. COURTESY OF JOHN McQUARRIE COURTESY

The Eatons always wanted the fastest boat on the lakes. In 1915, that boat was Wanda III.

22 • MUSKOKA REFLECTIONS Timothy and Margaret Eaton enjoyed a busy life that brought a need for rest and relaxation. They travelled the long way to Muskoka by rail and then by steamship. Loving the area, they decided to purchase land on Lake Rosseau and build their beloved summer residence called “Ravenscrag” near Windermere. It was at Ravenscrag where they enjoyed their steam yachts through three decades: Wanda, Wanda II and Wanda III. The Eatons entertained their many illustrious guests on these yachts. As Sir John and Lady Eaton enjoyed summers they cruised the lakes to live music, high at Kawandag, on Lake Rosseau. tea was served on the Wanda’s custom embossed china. autobiography, Memory Wall. “Mr. … on arrival at Ravenscrag the flag was and Mrs. Eaton came aboard and the hoisted and there was a pleasant bustle Their daughter-in-law, Flora (later captain broke out the ensign of the around the place as Mrs. Eaton settled Lady Eaton after her husband John Royal Canadian Yacht Club … spring things to her liking and prepared to was knighted), describes arriving lamb with all the trimmings was served receive her summer guests.” at Muskoka Wharf in Gravenhurst, in the (mahogany and brass- departing the train and stepping fitted) dining salon as the aboard the first Wanda. “The Wanda Wanda glided north past was in perfect shape,” she writes in her Muskoka’s green shores

“Mr. and Mrs. Eaton came aboard and the captain broke out the ensign... spring lamb with all the trimmings was served in the dining salon.”

Summer 2019 • 23 Wanda was followed by Wanda II, Sir John and Lady Eaton enjoyed stables and several boathouses for their which was lost in a boathouse fire at hosting many summer guests, extensive boat collection. Ravenscrag in August, 1914. Timothy including relative Billy Bishop, who Eaton had passed away by this time, flew in dockside for the weekend. The era of the Eatons and their and youngest son John (later Sir John) They lived a life of wealth and privilege yachts eventually ended. In 1930, was involved in the First World War, but were grounded in many ways. John Wanda III was sold to the owner sponsoring a machine gun battery. All was a major philanthropist and his of Bigwin Inn on Lake of Bays. manufacturing activities were being wife, Flora, was a great supporter of Ravenscrag was sold in 1945 and is directed toward the war effort, but numerous causes. She remarked: “My now the site of Rosseau Lake College. because of John’s work he and his mother used to say, ‘Money is the root mother were able to get Polson Iron of all evil, but it could be a very useful The 128-year-old Eaton’s business Works to build a replacement private root,’ meaning that it could grow in the enterprise ended in insolvency in 1997, yacht for the family. direction of good.” This was a lesson but a glimpse of their lives will soon she tried never to forget. emerge from the past. The Eaton’s Launched in 1915, Wanda III’s coal- private yacht, Wanda III, in all her fired steam engine was a design similar Sir John and Lady Eaton bought elegance and style, will cruise the lakes to a WWI Royal Navy minesweeper’s their own Muskoka retreat on Lake once again. The Eatons, the Wandas engine. Her narrow hull and shallow Rosseau, on an adjacent piece of and their era will be highlighted in the draft cut through the water like a property formerly belonging to the upcoming MS&DC Steam Era Exhibit, torpedo, ensuring she was the fastest Ditchburns of wooden boat fame. an exhibit that will reflect this integral boat on the lakes. They named their estate “Kawandag,” part of Muskoka and Canadian history. meaning “the meeting place of the pines.” It had a – Catherine King, Archives private golf course, extensive Volunteer gardens, tennis courts,

The Eaton catalogue revolutionized shopping in Canada. The wealth it generated paid for luxuries like the mahogany-lined interior of Wanda III.

24 • MUSKOKA REFLECTIONS SPECIAL EDITORIAL FEATURE The opening of Muskoka LOCATION, TIMING, AND SOME CONNECTIONS HELPED THE REGION PROSPER IN THE AGE OF STEAM

ocation is important, yes, but so campaigns. But loggers arrived that aboard steam trains. Their next leg, from are timing and accessibility. decade along the Severn River and, Barrie up lakes Simcoe and Couchiching L in the 1860s, the district opened for to Washago, was likewise steam- Muskoka’s geographic location homesteaders as well. But that went powered, aboard steamship Emily itself was ideal, of course: a tidy section slowly, so the government introduced May. But to reach their Muskoka of forested lakeland at the convenient an incentive program in 1868, giving destination travel was overland, from southern edge of the vast Canadian Shield. the land away free. Hannah Boyer, in Severn Bridge to Gravenhurst, in John The place could be a “hinge” between Brooklyn, was skeptical. “If the land is Harvey’s horse-drawn hard-seated southern society and primal northland. any good, why are they giving it away?” stagecoach, bumping over a winding, Location made Muskoka a transition hilly, crude colonization road. zone, harmonizing the cultures of That’s when my great-grandmother, metropolis and hinterland. like other pioneer settlers, discovered An outgoing young man in their accessibility a real problem for Muskoka stagecoach introduced himself. A.P. Timing was significant in how because the Age of Steam remained a Cockburn was Muskoka’s member Muskoka’s development bridged the work-in-progress. She and the other of Ontario’s legislature, also a lumber advent of the steam revolution. Until Boyers travelled from New York to the 1850s, contact between Indigenous Toronto, then continued to Barrie, all peoples of Muskoka and Europeans had been limited to a few explorers, fur traders and War of 1812 military

The wealthiest cottagers travelled on private steam yachts, like the Eatons’ Wanda II

“In the 1860s, the district opened for homesteaders.”

Summer 2019 • 25 ‘Macleans unabashedly promoted Muskoka’s image as a playground for high rollers.’ dealer, merchant, railway promoter Wenonah’s smoother, faster, and more and Hotel Company combined and owner of a Lake Muskoka scenic route. resources with the Grand Trunk steamboat launched just three years Railway to build prestigious Royal before. Cockburn told the Boyers the Cockburn was all about accessibility Muskoka resort hotel on Lake Rosseau. Wenonah had the contract for mail to Muskoka. He expanded his steamer Here again, timing was key. When deliveries during navigation season, fleet, obtained a lock at Port Carling and ownership of the Navigation Company carried passengers, freight, livestock promoted railway extension from Barrie passed to Hugh and John MacLean, and made connections with all stages, to Gravenhurst. By 1875, when a rail line their Canada-wide media juggernaut steamers, sailboats, and colonization ran right onto Muskoka Wharf, right promoted easy travel into Muskoka, roads. These connections, he boasted, beside his steamships, Muskoka had which coincided with prosperous and made Wenonah “the only reliable truly become accessible from the south. prominent people hungering for an and complete highway to the most ideal vacation. important parts of Muskoka district.” Thanks to this Steam Age twinning of ships and trains, new resort hotels The pair’s printing and publishing The jolted Boyers, weary from their at the furthest reaches of Muskoka’s empire of many newspapers and long day of new impressions and rough lakes became the next stage of opening magazines, one bearing a streamlined coach ride, completed the last of their Ontario’s most convenient wilderness spelling of their name, Maclean’s, trip from Gravenhurst to Bracebridge, to urban vacationers. continuously promoted Hugh’s not by continuing over the treacherous Muskoka assets: his commodious Muskoka Road, but buying passage on In 1903 Muskoka Lakes Navigation steamship line, “North America’s

MUSKOKA WEDDING EVENT SPECIALISTS

705-768-4034 • [email protected] WWW.PURE-ELEGANCEDECOR.CA

26 • MUSKOKA REFLECTIONS Trains steamed onto the dock at Muskoka Wharf (below), so passengers could step directly onto steamers, like those owned by. A.P. Cockburn (left). Transportation allowed luxury hotels like the Royal Muskoka (far left) to prosper.

largest inland waterway fleet”; ready rollers, prominent persons and invite prime ministers and princes, access to Muskoka aboard comfortable political luminaries could mingle at plutocrats and theatrical personalities carriages of the Grand Trunk Railway; leisure. The posh Royal Muskoka to be his guests at the Royal. the Royal Muskoka itself, now the quickly became a magnet for North district’s most prestigious hotel; and American notables. Margaret As the Age of Steam revolutionized the celebrated cure of a Muskoka Eaton, lavishly hospitable hostess at world society from the 1870s onward, vacation. Ravenscrag, the Muskoka summer just when Muskoka’s unique economy estate she enjoyed with her husband and society were developing, it The brothers’ publishing Timothy, broughtFOOD CONCIERGE guests over for propelled Ontario’s “hinge” district conglomerate invented, and then afternoon pleasures aboard her private toward its true destiny. unabashedly projected, Muskoka’s steam-launch, Wanda II. Major Hugh image as a playground where high MacLean used his connections to – J. Patrick Boyer

Pleased to provide our catering, service staff and chefs for events from 10 to 200 people at cottages, homes, and offsite venues.

FOOD CONCIERGE CALL: 705.687.8618 • WWW.THEOAR.CA/CATERING

Summer 2019 • 27 SPECIAL EDITORIAL FEATURE From truck to lake to dock A QUARTER CENTURY FULL OF ADVENTURE IN GRAVENHURST

hen you are as old as Wanda Transported across country by truck III—104 years—and such an from Lake of Bays in 1993, Wanda arrived W elegant steam yacht, you could at Muskoka Wharf with great plans for be compared to an elegant lady of the past. restoration. The first winter she spent One of the chapters in Wanda’s life has on cradles. Repair during that winter been spent on Lake Muskoka, docked at included replacing unsound white Muskoka Bay in Gravenhurst. One could oak planking below the waterline, say that her twenty-six years in this area caulking all plank seams with modern of Muskoka have not all been happy flexible caulk, and refurbishing the times, but the future is much brighter. rudder, rudder bearings, propeller

In 1996 Wanda III cruised Lake Muskoka for the first time in 66 years.

28 • MUSKOKA REFLECTIONS bearings and shaft. In addition, the installation of sliding windows, a new A plating shop that specialized in superstructure was made weatherproof feedwater preheater, and an overhaul antique boats and automobiles was and some equipment was temporarily of the engine pistons and valves. Major found, and her brightwork was re- removed to give access to her “innards.” refurbishing and upgrading of the plated in March 1996. Her cosmetic She had a makeover. electrical system were planned so that surgery was complete. the ship could operate for at least six By early June 1994, she was ready for The engine was generally in good launching. Partway through that process, condition and needed no major repairs. the trailer wheels became stuck in the lake Pistons, bearings, valves and crossheads bottom before Wanda could be floated ‘Tiffany-style were cleaned and adjusted, and both off the trailer, and the ship had to be steam and water valves were ground, pulled off by a tugboat. When secured at lamps were and sometimes replaced. Work on the dock, inspection showed there were the interior décor, which had actually serious leaks in the keel area. In 1995, commissioned to started in the fall of 1995, was in 1996 Wanda was taken to Archer’s marine the subject of a major program. It was railway on Browning Island for repairs. retain the period decided to re-furnish the ship in the appearance.’ original style. A consultant was engaged Later that year, Wanda III was to design new furniture, carpets, drapes moored at the Gravenhurst dock and fittings. Tiffany-style lamps were opposite RMS Segwun. Work started commissioned to retain the period on the exterior woodwork, and hours on batteries at night if the single appearance, while giving additional cleaning and painting the interior and original generator should fail. With a headroom. Some non-original furniture the steel hull below the cabin floor. set of drawings newly prepared, the was removed. Also, installation With industrial electric space heaters, marine architect determined that the interior restoration continued through ship required 4,000 pounds of ballast. the winter of 1995–96, including

Summer 2019 • 29 From 1996 to 2001 Wanda III cruised the lakes, mainly carrying charter groups. COURTESY OF JOHN McQUARRIE COURTESY included a completely new galley with To mark this occasion, on August 25, Wanda III had happy times from stainless steel surfaces and a cold-plate 1996, Canada’s 20th Prime Minister, the 1996–2001 as she cruised Lakes refrigerator with 12-hour useful life Right Honourable Jean Chretien, flew Muskoka, Joseph and Rosseau, mainly before re-cooling. Her new wardrobe to Gravenhurst to rededicate Wanda with private charter groups. was in place. III. Two thousand people crowded Sagamo Park to find flags flying, tents All went well with Wanda until July Finally, Wanda III was ready for her and temporary podiums erected, 2001 when the boiler sprung a leak first voyage under her own steam, the first refreshments being served and bands and required major repairs, the leak since 1990. On July 25, 1996, a calm and playing. This was reminiscent of Prime coming through one of the bolts that sunny day, she cast off, turned around Minister Pierre Trudeau attending the held the angle iron for the floor. Upon under her own power and sailed gracefully re-launch of RMS Segwun in 1974. This inspection, there were likely other north and through the Narrows into Lake was her coming-out party. cracks in the boiler drum. With a new Muskoka. The trials were uneventful $210,000 boiler being installed and and successful; everything worked At this point the repair and numerous charter bookings, there correctly and adjustments were minimal. restoration was effectively complete, was every prospect for a good season Wanda III was welcomed back to Lake and the ship was turned over to normal in 2002, BUT her engineer resigned Muskoka, a place she had not cruised for operations to carry out extensive in July and she was unable to service 66 years. She had made her debut. charter engagements already booked. many of her charters for that season.

Gary Clark (705) 687-1083 Gravenhurst, Ontario [email protected]

30 • MUSKOKA REFLECTIONS She needed more major surgery and a new leader. A restoration project will soon have Wanda cruising the lakes again. In 2003, it was clear that a new wood hull was needed. At season’s end, she was taken out of the water and put on the dock at Gravenhurst. Applications for grants to restore the oak hardwood portion of her hull were made. There were hopes to service her in 2006 when she would be housed in a new boathouse to protect her beautiful varnished exterior from the elements.

A boathouse big enough to house the 94-foot yacht was part of the Muskoka Wharf plan, but funding from the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund fell through when Muskoka lost its Northern Ontario designation. An elegant lady needs a good house.

In 2006, master ship builder Fred four years out of service, sitting on protection was added in 2014 when a Mischler replaced the wooden planks blocks and having her hull replaced. It metal frame was constructed over her on her hull. This was his second stint was good to be back in Lake Muskoka. and then shrink-wrapped, allowing after completing her restoration work work to be done inside the vessel. She ten years before, when Muskoka With plans to resume service, was happy to have a roof over her head. Steamships purchased her. He used Transport Canada had concerns about 3,500 board feet of white oak from New the steam engine and her new boiler. On her 100th birthday in 2015, York State, replacing the entire hull It was decided that she should not run, unfortunately Wanda could not and doing some metal work. Fred was given that she was an historic vessel and celebrate, since she was not allowed to helped by residents of Fenbrook, the many changes were required to bring sail, so she sat tied to the dock and again medium security prison in Gravenhurst, her up to standards. This decision was waited to be restored to her glory years. who put nine coats of varnish on the also influenced by the fact that she still superstructure. The restoration cost needed a proper boathouse to protect Wanda is excited about the good $250,000 and also included upgrades her from the elements and preserve her news of 2019. With additional grant to the steam engine. Money was a wooden superstructure. A sad time for money and fundraising, the prospects combination of provincial and federal our elegant lady. of a boathouse built just for her and a grants and fundraising by the Muskoka new electric engine are in the works. Steamship & Historical Society. More At this time, in 2009, she was towed She is also being honoured by a special cosmetic surgery for the lady. across the bay to be moored beside exhibit at the Muskoka Discovery the Muskoka Discovery Centre. Centre. As the slogan goes, “Good On June 19th, 2007, Wanda was Securely tethered to the dock and the things come to those who wait.” returned to the water, with whistles water around her bubbled in winter to from her sister ships, RMS Segwun and prevent ice damage, this was to be her – Mary Storey with files from Wenonah II blowing. She had spent new home for the short term. Further Jack McIrvine, Archives Volunteers

Handmade by [email protected] Dean Rivett 705-687-3804 Gunnel, Transom, Dispro Gravenhurst, Ontario & Custom Curved Fenders Classic Rope Fenderswww.classicropefenders.com

Summer 2019 • 31 The Phoenix rises again

he phoenix is symbol of phoenix was proudly placed atop her rebirth, a mythical bird that wheelhouse. Trises from the ashes. It is said that the phoenix builds a nest In September 1925, just two months of cinnamon sticks and lights them after Segwun made her maiden voyage, on fire; the nest and the bird burn fire struck again: RMS Sagamo burned together, and a baby phoenix rises at the dockside in Gravenhurst. from the ashes, continuing the cycle of Sagamo was the pride of the fleet regeneration and rebirth. and was quickly rebuilt and ready for use again by the summer of 1926. To The Muskoka fleet’s first phoenix was decorate the new ship the phoenix was carved in 1887 by Commodore George transferred from the wheelhouse of Bailey. TheNipissing had been destroyed Segwun to the pilot house of Sagamo. by fire in 1886, and the next year an exact replica – Nipissing II – was launched. The In January 1969, after a phoenix had phoenix was placed atop the wheelhouse been atop the ships for 82 years, history The current phoenix was carved in 1987 of the Nipissing II, an appropriate symbol of repeated when RMS Sagamo burned to replace the 1887 original. rebirth. The phoenix remained on the ship’s again. This time, the phoenix did not wheelhouse for 27 years until the Nipissing escape: it was among the first things to This past winter, the volunteers at II retired in the summer of 1914. burn, as it had been sitting in the ship’s Heritage Boatworks have refurbished dining room where the fire started. Segwun’s phoenix, giving it a new In 1924, the Muskoka Lakes gloss, and ensuring that this proud bird Navigation Company needed a new But that wasn’t the end of our continues to look out on our ships and steamer. Instead of building phoenixes. In 1987, when the our lakes. a new ship, the company relaunched RMS Segwun decided to utilize its resources celebrated her 100th birthday, the – From the Archives by using the hull of Nipissing Antique and Classic Boat Society II. That ship was named – Toronto commissioned Bill Segwun, and the Hunnisett of Guelph to carve a new phoenix, modeled after Captain Bailey’s original.

The RMS Sagamo following a fire in 1925. It burned again in 1969.

530 Muskoka Rd N. Gather year round with friends Grave n hurst and family over the inspired 705.687.8618 reservations recommended

FOOD & DRI N K THE OAR www.theoar.ca

32 • MUSKOKA REFLECTIONS Volunteers craft newSegwun mast

he volunteers at Heritage The clamps were removed after a few At this time, the lights are Boatworks have sometimes days of curing. All the joints were being updated to conform to Trefurbished items for Segwun good. We now had one solid piece. Transport Canada requirements and while she is laid up for the winter. This consequently new mast brackets must year the group was presented with So, how to turn a twenty-four foot be fabricated to match. When this is quite a challenge: Segwun needed a by six-inch square timber into a round completed everything will be attached new wooden mast. pole with a taper from six inches to to the mast, which will be painted and three inches? With the aid of the installed back on Segwun. The ship’s mast not only flies the internet and articles from Wooden flag but also displays various lights for Boat magazine, the process was – John Storey, navigation and supports a radar housing. revealed. First, cut the taper on four Heritage Boatworks Volunteer sides using a ten-inch portable saw. The old one came off the ship in Next, Stuart Stoddart created a three well-rotted pieces. Fortunately, spar gauge to mark the full length we had a pattern to follow by loosely of the tapered timber joining the old pieces together for in order to obtain an measurements. octagon or eight-sided piece. By hand planning The first task was to acquire some the corners of the clear quarter-sawn fir planks. A trip timber, we achieved an by Ron Scott and John Storey to octagon shape. Still not Century Mill Lumber in Stouffville round enough. provided the source for two by eight- inch planks. The plan was to join and Next step was to use laminate the sixteen-foot planks to a different gauge to achieve a piece six inches square by create a sixteen-sided twenty-four feet long. hexadecagon. Lots of shavings were produced The rough sawn lumber was run and the shape gets through the planer and made true. A much closer to being jig was built to create scarf joints close round. Sighting by eye, to twenty inches long, so the wood the remaining corners could be glued up into a solid piece were planned off and twenty-four feet long. sanding began. Jim Alylan-Parker built Other team members built supports a belt sander for this to carry the long timber and created purpose using a large clamps for the laminating procedure. portable drill driving Using two-part epoxy glue, the team a sanding belt around Volunteers use hand tools had a twenty-minute window to apply the pole to true up the and patience to round two coats to four sides of the planks, shape to get a perfectly and taper the 24-foot mast. lay them together and clamp all pieces. smooth round taper.

PHOTOGRAPHYWRITINGDESIGN MAKING YOUR BUSINESS LOOK GREAT IN PRINT OR ONLINE 705-681-0709 MUCH MORE THAN JUST SUPERB MAGAZINES

Summer 2019 • 33 Dick Steele (above) and Frank Cull were navy veterans who took up boat building after the war, running a small shop on Foot’s Bay, Lake Joseph.

Gorgeous boats from a small shop ver the past 150 years, Muskoka Less is known about Frank Cull, a with V-bottom hulls and inboard has been home to a large Scot who also had a background in motors. Two of these used plywood Onumber of boat builders. One boat building. Cull served in the Royal construction, but the more expensive of the lesser known of these is Matlo Navy during the war, then immigrated Meteor model featured a planked hull Boats, formerly located on Foot’s Bay, to Canada. How the two men met is and a 100 hp engine. The following Lake Joseph. A small boatworks that unknown, but their naval experience year they introduced an even more produced mahogany runabouts, Matlo and interest in boats was clearly a impressive design, the 19-ft Coxswain. was only in operation from 1947 to 1950. common bond. It also explains why they chose the name “Matlo,” which is While Matlo produced less than a TWO SAILORS a variant of the French word matelot, dozen boats over its four years, they Matlo Boats was started soon after meaning “sailor.” also offered other services, such as World War II by Dick Steele and Frank fuel and repair. After dissolving Matlo, Cull. Steele had grown up in Toronto, “A COMPLETE BOAT” Frank Cull continued to run the shop attending Upper Canada College and the Steele’s plan was to build boats that until about 1960, then relocated to University of Toronto, where he studied were versatile, performed well and Portland, Ontario. Dick Steele moved mechanical engineering. He left before looked good, all at an affordable price. to Detroit and had a long career in the graduating, but gained plenty of hands-on Cull wanted to try out the plywood automotive industry. Today, there are experience while employed at the Port construction techniques that he had still at least two surviving examples of Carling Boat Works. When the war came, seen used in wartime craft, such as Matlo boats. Steele enlisted in the navy and, despite PT boats. In 1948, they offered three being wounded, served for the duration. models, all in the 16-17 ft range, – Gerry Hatherley, Archives Volunteer

“Your Gateway to Muskoka Realtor” April Drane, Sales Representative 416 617-3733 cell/text Magazine worthy Staging Expertise/ President’s Sales Award 2018

34 • MUSKOKA REFLECTIONS SPECIAL FEATURE 200 cruises and counting

FROM ONE OLD GIRL shovel coal, wheeled her all over Lake a small part of the Segwun’s life. I Muskoka, tooted long and two shorts to purposely have no screen in my office TO ANOTHER children waiting on their docks, worked window so I can look out and see her am living in the present but in her galley putting veggies on the coming and going on her daily cruises - my heart is in the past, I love a dinner plates, washed the dishes and I wishing my office was onboard. I steamship!! TheRMS Segwun -the even got to be her deckhand. last hand-fired steamship in North I am not a sales person, but the lady America. Imagine working for the same I have stood on the dock, tears in who counts the beans, but if you want company for more than thirty years and my eyes, many a time when she has memories that will last a lifetime, go for a their oldest asset is a steamship. returned from her inspection in Port cruise, she knows her job and she and her Carling that tells us she is good to go for crew will not disappoint you. I guarantee! Things have changed. When I came to another five years. work in the spring of 1988, there was no – Molly Rivers, Muskoka Wharf, no Wenonah (Segwun’s It has been an honour and privilege Controller for Muskoka Steamships sister ship) no Wanda ( our 1915 steam to work for this company and to be & Discovery Centre yacht ) no Muskoka Discovery Centre (built over 10 years ago). There was only a small little ticket office building and the government dock. My first office was the wheelhouse from the steamship Cherokee - now lovingly restored and sitting outside the Muskoka Discovery Centre.

Passengers come from all over the world to sail on the “Old Girl” and I have lost count on the number of cruises I have taken but it would be well over a couple of hundred. I have sailed on all three of the Muskoka Lakes, through the locks at Port Carling, the bridge at Port Sandfield, tried to

“I have stood on the dock, tears in my eyes.”

Summer 2019 • 35 Somewhere in Muskoka CAN YOU TELL WHERE THESE IMAGES WERE TAKEN? hen a steamship sails past, 30 years since the Segwun last did the train tracks are still there but not you just have to stop and the trip. If you look closely, you may much else. W watch. That was even recognize a landmark or two. true a century ago, when dozens of Can you tell where each picture steamers plied the lakes and rivers The smaller images below were was taken? Share your guesses on of Muskoka. both taken on lakes, but which ones? our facebook page, or email them to There’s still a structure standing where [email protected]. We will Boats still travel the river where the a shed can be seen in the right-hand announce the correct answers on photo above was taken, but it’s been picture. As for the left-hand image, facebook in August.

36 • MUSKOKA REFLECTIONS THE PLACE TO BE FOR LIVE EXPERIENCES!

June 26th - July 19th July 24th - August 16th September 11th - 27th

Jack Hutton Woodstock Tapestry August 17th August 24th September 28th Muskoka's oldest entertainment tradition!

295 MUSKOKA RD. S., GRAVENHURST, ON PHONE: 705.687.5550 • 1.888.495.8888 WWW.GRAVENHURSTOPERAHOUSE.COM Get the complete Muskoka experience with Muskoka Steamships & Discovery Centre MUSKOKA DISCOVERY CENTRE Featuring North America’s largest collection of in-water antique and classic boats, KidZone family engagement area, exhibits on Muskoka history & culture, Watershed Wonders, and coming in 2020 the Stanley Meek Steam Era Exhibit! Guests who purchase a steamship ticket receive discounted admission to Muskoka Discovery Centre. Open year round. MUSKOKA Steamships Offering a wide range of sightseeing, dining, and specialty cruises on the historicRMS Segwun and Wenonah II. Purchase your cruise tickets online at www.realmuskoka.com, or call 1-866-687-6667.

Make your next special event unforgettable by hosting it aboard our classic steamships with Lake Muskoka as your backdrop, or at the Discovery Centre surrounded by amazing Muskoka history. Members of Muskoka Steamships & Discovery Centre receive a 10% discount on public cruises and admission to MDC. Muskoka Wharf, Gravenhurst • 1-866-687-6667 • www.realmuskoka.com