This summer, we’re setting sail beyond Collingwood! Join us as we follow the incredible adventures of ships built right here in Collingwood - travelling oceans, crossing decades, and surviving wars, disasters, and even a few identity changes!

Meet Hull 31, Estevan, the first ship commissioned by the Federal Government for the Canadian Department of Marine and Fisheries in 1912. She took a 27,358 km trip around South America to reach the West Coast. Then there’s Hull 5, Emerson, launched in 1903, this ship’s extensive history included transatlantic voyages, war service, and being sunk three different times.

Following the short story we invite our listeners to take in our new Community Exhibit marking the 25th anniversary of the Beinn Gorm Highlanders and join us on July 22 for a free concert put on by the museum and the band to mark the occasion.

Episode Picture:

Black and white photograph of the steamer Estevan in the Collingwood Harbour in 1912. Crew prepare for its long journey to Vancouver Island, British Columbia. [Collingwood Museum Collection, X974.567.1]

Research:

https://www.collingwoodtoday.ca/remember-this/this-was-the-first-ship-commissioned-in-collingwood-by-the-federal-government-1592944

Gillham, Skip. Ships of Collingwood. Glenaden Press, Vineland ON.