Despite countless books, magazines and documents published on the history of Muskoka, there always seems to be something new to learn in the process. Through maintaining archives, reviewing old photographs or interviewing people connected with events and artifacts of the past, history continues to evolve.
Chuck Allbon, who builds decorative scale models of the historic ships and yachts of Muskoka, is particularly excited with a new challenge. His fleet began with the Segwun and Wenonah, but after more than 25 years building the models, his fleet now includes every steamship and several private yachts.
The Mildred is one of his more recent boats and one he entered into an arts competition, so he paid special attention to detail, presentation and accuracy. The Mildred, a particularly elegant steam boat, follows the traditional stylistic forms of its day. The Rambler is a private yacht on Lake Rosseau that has very similar lines.
The Mildred operated on Lake Muskoka and could navigate up the river to Bracebridge. It is a twisty route for a big steamer and this smaller ship could make the twists and turns of the river with less risk. While today, the river is a mixture of private dwellings and natural shore, at one time there were several major factories on the route. The Mildred was built in 1903 by Polson Iron Works in Toronto. She was 70’ long and 10’ wide. According to Polson Iron Works records her first power was a triple expansion steam engine generating 9.95 Nominal HP. In 1944 a 100 HP Diesel engine was installed. Lovely photographs show her cruising up the river with a full load of passengers.
By Tim Du Vernet
The post Allbon’s New Challenges first appeared on Port Carling Boats - Antique & Classic Wooden Boats for Sale.