Author to honour 50th anniversary of Chi-Cheemaun
It’s an iconic symbol of summer, the Chi-Cheemaun, and it’s about to be memorialized in a book for all to see as it sets sail for its 50th year.
Historian and author Richard Thomas has been busy working on the project, in coordination with the Owen Sound Transportation Company, and is looking for help from those who have memorable stories involving the Chi-Cheemaun.
“It’s a great story and I ride Chi-Cheemaun probably about a dozen times every summer myself,” said Thomas. “So it’s a subject that’s near and dear to my heart.”
For decades now, Chi-Cheemaun (otherwise known as *Big Canoe*) has been making the trek to Manitoulin Island and back ferrying summer lovers across the Georgian Bay and cutting hours off car trips.
“Chi-Cheemaun really is an iconic symbol of Great Lakes travel. For many people, it’s the biggest ship they’ll ever be on in their lives and so it’s a special trip,” he said.
According to Thomas, the biggest issues with Chi-Cheemaun’s predecessors was the line-ups. They couldn’t keep up with demand which led to it’s creation at a Collingwood shipyard.
“I’ve heard lots of great stories so far, people are very generous with reaching out. I’m up to three couples who were married on Chi-Cheemaun who have shared photos and stories with me so I’ll be including some of those,” he said. “There have been a number of people talking about the iconic nature of Chi-Cheemaun, they remember as little kids travelling on Chi-Cheemaun with grandma to go over to the cottage and now as adults they take their own children on board. It’s a real generational story."
Thomas says he’s hoping to gather information about special trips they’ve had on the ferry, whether it was the good or worst passage ever along with any other interesting tidbits.
“I’ve gotten up to the point where Chi-Cheemaun is being built and I’ve actually interviewed about a dozen men form the shipyards who worked on Chi-Cheemaun back in 73 and 74 and I’ve got some great stories about them and the one thing I’ll say that came through loud and clear from the shipyard workers was the sense of pride that they all have that Chi-Cheemaun is still sailing,” he added.
No word yet on when the ferry plans to launch for the summer season.
To reach Richard Thomas or to contribute to his work, he can be reached at chicheemaun50@gmail.com
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Canadian Olympic Committee offers 'heartfelt apology' after New Zealand accuses Canada Soccer of spying
The Canadian Olympic Committee offered a 'heartfelt' apology to New Zealand Football Tuesday after the New Zealand women's club accused the Canadian women's team of spying on them during a training session.
Jasper evacuees forced into B.C. to flee fires told to make U-turn to Alberta for aid
Thousands of wildfire evacuees forced from Jasper National Park into British Columbia along smoke-choked mountain roads Monday night were directed Tuesday to make a wide U-turn and head home if they needed a place to stay.
Pennsylvania state police commissioner reveals stunning details about Trump shooting
A local law enforcement commissioner revealed during a House Homeland Security hearing on Tuesday stunning new details about the security failures that led to the near assassination of Donald Trump, raising more questions for the embattled U.S. Secret Service.
Sunday was the hottest day ever recorded on Earth, scientists say
Sunday was the hottest day ever recorded, breaking global temperatures dating back to 1940, according to preliminary data from Europe's Copernicus Climate Change Service.
Polar bear at Calgary Zoo died by drowning following 'crushing' injury
The Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo has revealed the cause of death for polar bear Baffin last week.
Clip resurfaces of Vance criticizing Harris for being 'childless,' testing Trump's new running mate
Comments Donald Trump’s running mate JD Vance made in 2021 questioning U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris’ leadership because she did not have biological children have resurfaced, testing the young conservative senator in his early days campaigning as part of the Republicans' presidential ticket.
'Stars are aligning' for Bank of Canada rate cut: economists
The Bank of Canada is expected to deliver a dose of interest rate relief Wednesday when economists and market watchers predict the central bank will cut its overnight lending rate.
'Bigger than just the record': Football fan eyes world record for quickest visit to all CFL stadiums
A CFL super fan is two-thirds of the way into his record-breaking attempt to visit all nine stadiums in the Canadian Football League in 15 days.
Alberta premier blames Town of Jasper for misinformation spread during wildfire evacuation order
Alberta's premier says changes are needed to the province's emergency alert system after incorrect information was shared about the Jasper evacuation on Monday night.