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The Nasookin Lives On

by John MacFarlane and Sean Pól MacÚisdin 2021

Nasookin

The Nasookin in her prime (Photo from the Vancouver Public Library collection.)

In 1913 the Nasookin was a sternwheeler passenger freight vessel built in sections by Western Drydock & Shipbuilding Co. at Port Arthur Ontario and assembled at Nelson BC. 200.2’ x 40.0’ x 8.0’ steel hull 1869gt 1035.24rt. She was powered by two compound two cylinder 101nhp steam engines in tandem built by North West Dry Dock and Shipbuilding Co. Ltd. In 1942 she was rebuilt with a boiler from the Bonnington.In 1948 she ran aground and was dismantled at Nelson about 1950.

In 1913–1932 she was owned by Canadian Pacific. In 1920 she was used as a car ferry. In 1930 she was withdrawn from service. In 1932–1945 she was owned by the B.C. Minister of Public Works, Victoria BC. for use as a ferry. In 1947 she was owned by The Navy League of Canada, Toronto ON as a sea cadet training vessel. In 1950–1976 she was owned by Earle M. Cutler, Taber AB.

Mark MacKenzie (British Columbia Nautical History Facebook Group 05/06/2019) stated "I heard of this event, but never saw a picture of it! the Nasookin had been laid up after being withdrawn from the Crawford Bay ferry run, I think with the introduction of the Anscomb. In those pre–Duncan dam days the spring freshet meant huge variations in water level. The Nasookin accidentally landed on top of a foundation and broke her back." In 1976 it was reported that the wheelhouse was used as a curio shop on Highway 3A about 5 miles east of Nelson BC."

Nasookin

Exterior view (Photo from the Sean Pól MacÚisdin collection.)

In fact the superstructure has been turned into a house. And what a house it is, set back in the trees from the highway, now only a sharp eye picks it out as you drive by. Sean Pól MacÚisdin was bold enough to approach the owner and was given a full inside tour.

Nasookin

It is still very identifiable as a former vessel and it still retains much of its original fabric. (Photo from the Sean Pól MacÚisdin collection.)

Nasookin

The interior decor is very nautical–themed. (Photo from the Sean Pól MacÚisdin collection.)

Nasookin

(Photo from the Sean Pól MacÚisdin collection.)

Nasookin

The deck area still sports original equipment. (Photo from the Sean Pól MacÚisdin collection.)

Nasookin

The owner has collected up many of the small objects that make it a living museum. (Photo from the Sean Pól MacÚisdin collection.)

Nasookin

I can imagine the pleasure of sitting in this room with a book. (Photo from the Sean Pól MacÚisdin collection.)


To quote from this article please cite:

MacFarlane, John and Sean Pól MacÚisdin (2021) The Nasookin Lives On. Nauticapedia.ca 2020. http://nauticapedia.ca/Gallery/Nasookin.php

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