WAVE OF NOSTALGIA AS SEGWUN RIGHTED AFTER KEELING OVER ON WEEKEND
Mark Clairmont | MuskokaTODAY.com
GRAVENHURST — Back in the good ol’ era when newspapers were still all hard copy, Gravenhurst briefly had three at one time. Believe it or not.
The Gravenhurst News, Banner and Leader.
Readers woke up on April 1, 1981, to a fourth one.
The ‘Gravenhurst Banlea’ featured a “shocking” front page with a photo of the Segwun sinking. Residents couldn’t believe the fake news spoof edited by one “Monty Clair.”
Vol. 1 No. 1 was a one-off hit that’s still remembered in folklore among local cognoscenti.
While the last of the great Muskoka fleet has many winters shifted starboard a few degrees in the ice, last weekend’s port side lilt was more than a tilt.
It bent over near 45 degrees toward her sister ship the Wenonah II at the winter port dock.
With all hands literally on its deck, she was brought back up.
A cool John Miller, Muskoka Steamships president, couldn’t be happier.
Today he released a couple of before and after photos.
“RMS Segwun recently wrestled with Mother Nature, I am writing to make sure you know that once again she was a winner.
“Last week Gravenhurst received a record snowfall that caused road closures, power outages and a state of emergency declared by our mayor. A record 140 centimetres of snow fell over two-and-a-half.
“Four-and-a-half feet accumulated on our ships that totalled an estimated 60 tons on Segwun and 80 tons on Wenonah II. That weight caused Segwun to heel over toward the dock before staff and crews arrived to shovel her.
“The outpouring of help and support in extreme conditions from the Town of Gravenhurst, the fire department, volunteers and the community was a reminder of how RMS Segwun is cherished by Muskoka and people throughout Canada.
“At 137 years old she is the oldest operating steamship in North America and 7th oldest in the world. She has been an icon for the Province of Ontario for a very long time and is synonymous with Muskoka. The Muskoka Steamships & Discovery Centre’s (MSDC) mandate is to see RMS Segwun preserved for future generations to enjoy the unique experience of a Segwun cruise. We are developing plans to ensure that her legacy continues.
“MSDC is just finalizing the restoration and electrification of the 109-year-old Wanda III, so she can sail the Muskoka Lakes again in 2025 and be an example of sustainable heritage.
“More than ever, we must celebrate our history to have a better view of our future.”
Now that’s another great story — even online.
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