The Kayoshk participated in and won the Oliphant Regatta several times with Fred Millar and his family at the helm. Photo submitted
Hub Staff
Bruce County Museum and Cultural Centre (BCM&CC) has received something they're calling "an incredible marine artifact," a Mackinaw boat called the Kayoshk. The name comes from the Ojibwe word gayasshk meaning "seagull."
The boat was built in the late 1800s, around 1890, by James Falls of Wiarton and was later purchased by Fred Millar for $30. Millar and his family participated and won the Oliphant Regatta multiple times with the Kayoshk. Now typically held on the August long weekend, the first ever Oliphant Regatta was held in 1906 as part of the Oliphant Camper's Association's annual picnic.
When BCM&CC received the donation, staff contacted the Marine Heritage Society to help with the boat's restoration and all told volunteers contributed hundreds of hours restoring the boat to her former glory.
For now the Kayoshk is due to make special appearances at the Artisans and Taste Market happening at the museum on July 4, 11 and 18, after which time it will find a permanent home at the Museum.
Planning for an official unveiling event is in the works.
Restored by the Marine Heritage Society, the Kayoshk will be making special appearances at BCM&CC's Friday events, Artisans and Taste Markets on July 4, 11, and 18 before it finds a permanent home in the Museum. Photo submitted
