Tragedy was an ever present possibility for those who worked in, or relied upon the great lakes shipping in the days of steamships and paddle wheelers. And when it struck, whole families and communities were often left with unanswerable questions. Such is the story behind the disappearance of the Waubuno, bound from Collingwood to Parry Sound in November of 1879. Following the story  we remind our listeners to check out our excellent four part video series over on Facebook (facebook.com/collingwoodmuseum), “Stories of Unsettling Lore” where, in episode three, you can hear more about the Waubuno’s sad story through the lens of two of her passengers on that ill fated final journey. We also make the connection to Ernest Taylor, a local artist and his amazing painting of this tragic story which you can see for yourself by coming to the museum for a visit. Call 705-445-4811 to book your appointment.

Episode Picture:

The Waubuno [Collingwood Museum Collection X007.19.25]

Research:

Barbara Arp, ed., Reflections An Historical Anthology of Collingwood (Collingwood: The Corporation of the Town of Collingwood, 1983), 71.

Dallaire, Elise.“The Waubuno’s Battle”  http://www.elisedallaire.com/49/the_waubuno_s_battle.htm

“The Waubuno” The Diver’s Nook. July 2008 http://www.diversnook.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=30&Itemid=72

Warnes, Kathy. “The Newly-Weds, a Winter Storm, and the Waubuno” Magic Masts and Sturdy Ships https://magicmastsandsturdyships.weebly.com/the-newly-weds-a-winter-storm-and-the-waubuno.html