The Selkirk Marine Museum, situated in the "Catfish Capital of the North" on the banks of the Red River, stands as a vital repository of the nautical history that has shaped the region's identity. Established in 1972, the museum's mandate is to preserve and interpret the story of marine life on Lake Winnipeg and the Red River, showcasing a remarkable collection of ships and artifacts that span from the mid-19th century to the present day. More than just a display of old vessels, the museum offers a tangible link to the past, illuminating the crucial role these waterways and the industry of fishing played in the lives of early settlers and the development of communities around Lake Winnipeg.
A Fleet Frozen in Time: The Museum's Historic Ships
The heart of the Selkirk Marine Museum lies in its impressive collection of six historic ships, each with its own unique story and connection to the waters of Lake Winnipeg and the Red River. These vessels, joined by walkways for easy exploration, offer visitors a hands-on experience of maritime history.
S.S. Keenora (1897): Arguably the museum's crown jewel, the S.S. Keenora holds the distinction of being Manitoba's oldest existing steamship. Built in the United States in 1897, her initial service was as a passenger and freighter on Lake of the Woods. Around 1910, she was acquired by Winnipeg entrepreneurs and briefly served as a floating dance hall. Subsequently, she was brought to Selkirk's shipyard, where she underwent significant modifications, including being cut in two and lengthened, with new cabins and more powerful engines installed. For nearly half a century, the Keenora acted as a vital lifeline for remote communities along the shores of Lake Winnipeg, transporting passengers and cargo. Decommissioned in 1965, she found her final resting place at the Marine Museum in 1973, a proud testament to a bygone era of lake transportation.
C.G.S. Bradbury (1915): Manufactured in Sorel, Quebec, the C.G.S. Bradbury was assembled in Selkirk. Owned by the federal government, this vessel served a multifaceted role throughout its lifetime. It operated as a fishing patrol vessel, ensuring adherence to regulations on Lake Winnipeg. It also functioned as a lighthouse and dredge tender, maintaining navigational aids and channels. Furthermore, the Bradbury was utilized as an icebreaker, crucial for extending the navigation season and assisting communities during harsh winters. Its robust construction reflects the demanding conditions of operating on a large and often unpredictable lake.
Chickama II (1942): Built in Selkirk by the Purvis Company, the Chickama II was a smaller, more maneuverable vessel designed for specific routes on the northern reaches of Lake Winnipeg. Its shallow draft allowed it to navigate the Nelson River and Playgreen Lake, areas inaccessible to larger ships like the Keenora. At Warren's Landing, at the north end of Lake Winnipeg, the Chickama II took over the crucial task of transporting passengers and freight to Norway House, highlighting the interconnectedness of transportation networks on the lake. It also served as a barge tug, further demonstrating its utility.
Lady Canadian (1944): Another vessel built by Selkirk's Purvis Company in 1944, the Lady Canadian was initially a hard-working fish freighter owned by Canadian Fish Products. In 1963, she underwent a rebuild by the Riverton Boat Works, extending her service life. Beyond transporting fish, the Lady Canadian also served Manitoba Hydro as a surveying ship, underscoring the diverse applications of vessels on Lake Winnipeg.
Peguis II (1955): This tugboat was built for the Department of Public Works and operated on Lake Winnipeg from 1955 to 1974. Its primary role was as a dredge tender, assisting in maintaining navigable waterways, and for hauling barges, essential for transporting goods and materials across the lake.
Joe Simpson (1963): Named after the celebrated Selkirk hockey player, "Bullet" Joe Simpson, this freighter was built in 1963. Its flat-bottomed design allowed it to navigate shallow waters with ease, making it well-suited for specific routes and tasks. Interestingly, the Joe Simpson was powered by the original diesel engines from the retired S.S. Keenora, a tangible link between two significant vessels in the museum's collection. It took over the duties of the Chickama II at Warren's Landing upon the latter's retirement.
Beyond these six main vessels, the Marine Museum also displays smaller boats, ship parts, and two historic lighthouses that once guided mariners on Lake Winnipeg. One lighthouse, dating from 1898, was built on Black Island, while the other was constructed in 1914 at the mouth of the Red River. These additional exhibits provide further context to the challenges and necessities of navigating Lake Winnipeg.
Lake Winnipeg: A Historical Lifeline for Fishers
Long before the arrival of European settlers, Lake Winnipeg was a vital resource for Indigenous peoples, who relied heavily on its abundant fish populations for sustenance. Archaeological evidence reveals fishing practices dating back thousands of years, with First Nations using weirs, harpoons, hooks, and nets at the mouths of the lake's numerous tributaries and in its shallow waters. The spring spawning runs, particularly at the mouth of the Saskatchewan River near Grand Rapids, were crucial times for fishing. The importance of fishing was deeply ingrained in Indigenous culture, with the Fish clan of the Ojibway holding a significant intellectual role within the community.
The arrival of Europeans and the establishment of fur trading posts in the late 17th and 18th centuries marked the beginning of commercial fishing on Lake Winnipeg. Initially, Indigenous people were primarily engaged in this trade, exchanging fish and fish oil for European goods. The establishment of reserves near waterways in treaty agreements of the 1870s further highlights the significance of fishing to First Nations communities.
The late 19th century witnessed the 본격적인 growth of commercial fishing on Lake Winnipeg, driven by increasing demand in growing settlements like Winnipeg. Enterprising individuals and companies established fishing stations and employed various methods, including sailboats and seine nets, to harvest the lake's rich bounty of whitefish, sturgeon, and other species. Selkirk, strategically located near the mouth of the Red River and with access to the lake, became a central hub for the fishing industry.
Companies like the Dominion Fish Company, established in Selkirk in 1882 with the assistance of Booth Fisheries, built icehouses and freezers to process and store the catch. The railway link to Winnipeg, established in 1883, facilitated the transportation of fish to broader markets. The Purvis family, whose boatbuilding legacy is also showcased at the Marine Museum, played a significant role in constructing vessels specifically designed for the demands of the Lake Winnipeg fishery, including fish freighters and gas boats.
The early 20th century saw further development in fishing technology and infrastructure on Lake Winnipeg. Steam-powered vessels and later gas-powered boats increased the efficiency and range of fishing operations. The industry provided significant employment for residents of Selkirk and surrounding communities, shaping the social and economic fabric of the region.
The Marine Museum's exhibits on the history of fishing on Lake Winnipeg offer a fascinating glimpse into this crucial industry. Displays showcase traditional fishing tools and techniques used by Indigenous peoples, as well as the equipment and methods employed by early commercial fishers. Artifacts like early boat motors, nets, and photographs illustrate the evolution of the industry and the lives of those who depended on the lake's resources. A graphite exhibit representing the various fish species found in Lake Winnipeg and the Red River further highlights the ecological diversity that supported this vital industry.
The story of the Selkirk Marine Museum and its collection of ships is inextricably linked to the history of fishing on Lake Winnipeg. These vessels were not merely modes of transport; they were often directly involved in the fishing industry, serving as freighters to transport catches, patrol boats to enforce regulations, and even as platforms for fishing operations themselves. The museum serves as a poignant reminder of the symbiotic relationship between the communities surrounding Lake Winnipeg and its rich aquatic resources. It preserves the stories of the ships that navigated its waters and the livelihoods of the fishers who relied on its bounty, offering a valuable insight into a crucial chapter in the history of Manitoba.
Comments:
Post Your Comment: