The Bruce County Museum’s new historic marine artifact has been restored and will be making a few special appearances this week.
A Mackinaw boat called the Kayoshk, an Ojibwa word for “Seagull” was donated to the museum and will be on display Friday July 18th at the Artisans and Tastes Market in Southampton
“We had been approached by a donor last year in regards to this particular boat and it is a unique boat because as far as we know it’s the only one that is still in existence,” says Director of Museum and Cultural Services Cathy McGirr. “And as an example of a Mackinaw boat that was actually sailed quite extensively in the area, in particular in the Oliphant Regattas.”
The boat that can be described as looking like a canoe with sails was built in the 1890s by James Falls from Wiarton, Kayos and later purchased by Fred Miller for $30.
“For insurance purposes we have a value for it but essentially there is no value for something like this, to earn knowledge there is no other boat that is still in the area like this, so it’s kind of one of a kind,” says McGirr.
She added that they are still working on the unveiling date but the boat will be on permanent display at the museum.