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Heritage Hipster Highlights: Episode 1 "The SS Sicamous"
On this episode of Heritage Hipster, host Kehler takes us through the history of the SS Sicamous with guest Randy Manuel!
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Mike Biden
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Doug Drouin
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Doug Drouin
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Doug Drouin
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Doug Drouin
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Micheal Nelson
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Shirley Anderson
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Micheal Nelson
By Jessie Dunlop
The SS Sicamous is the largest surviving paddle wheeler in British Columbia. Together with the railways, and other lake boats, it formed part of a travel network which spanned the entire country. The ship is in Penticton BC, and now exists as a museum, which provides a window into the vanished past.
Steam ships, like the SS Sicamous, were integral to the development of the early economies of British Columbia. They encouraged migrants to settle in previously remote areas, and ensured that farm machinery, supplies and ideas could reach where they were needed. Most importantly for the Okanagan valley, they ensured that produce could be quickly transported from farms to markets across the continent, allowing the orchards to grow, and the Okanagan to flourish.
The SS Sicamous will be turning 100 years old this May, marking a century in the Okanagan Valley. This year also marks the 100th anniversary of World War I, an event which will forever be tied with the ship.
When the ‘Great War’ was announced, many young men and women signed up for the cause. Training camps were established in Vernon, BC (a city at the north end of Okanagan Lake) where the newest recruits would be prepared for war. From there, they would head to the Western Front. One of the first journeys of the Sicamous carried these new recruits to the camps, many never to return.
As the months passed, the wounded soldiers and veterans would return home travelling on the Sicamous, The fate of the Sicamous is tied to the fate of the valley. After World War I broke out, many once promising farms and businesses stood empty, and once rampant growth came to a standstill. The Okanagan would not recover from its losses for a very long time.
The summer of 1936 marked the last run of the SS Sicamous. Times had changed greatly since the day of its first launch. Roads had been built and the personal automobile was coming into its own. The depression was also biting hard, and for many, a trip on the Sicamous was a luxury they could no longer afford. The ship made its last run, before being tied up at the boat yards. There it waited, derelict for the next decade.
The survival of this one ship is a bit of a mystery. The sister ships of the Sicamous were burned or sunk (using purpose built compartments, placed in the hull during the first days of construction). Other ships were sold for scrap, or allowed to rot away on the lakeshore. It seems the SS Sicamous had a special place in the hearts of local people of the Okanagan
Several plans were suggested for the ship, but none of these worked. In 1950 the city of Penticton agreed to purchase the Sicamous for the princely sum of one dollar. It was towed back to Penticton (its nightly home throughout the years of service) and work began in earnest. A team of volunteers began draining the hull of water, scraping away the rust, repainting, replacing the broken windows, removing years of graffiti and replacing what had been stolen.
In 1988 the Restoration Society was established, with the sole aim of caring for and restoring the ship. It is a never ending job and there is always something to be done! The ship is kept alive by a dedicated crew of volunteers, and two full time staff.
In May 2014 the crew will be marking the 100th anniversary of the SS Sicamous. We are very proud that the ship has survived to see this day, and hope that it may be here in another 100 years. To celebrate major work has been undertaken, restoring the interior of the ship, and improving displays and facilities on board. There will also be several key events this summer, where you can join in the celebrations.
Events
Saturday, May 24th – 100th Anniversary of the SS Sicamous. An evening of wine tasting, fine food, heritage cooking and live music under the stars.
Saturday, July 12th – The Captain’s Table: A Wine Masters dinner, recreating the first daily voyage of the SS Sicamous. There will be a gourmet menu, created with locally grown produce. The event will be a truly Edwardian affair; with costumes, music and parlour games!
Saturday, September 13th – Canoe and Kayak racing: recreating the great Regattas of old. Join us on the Okanagan beach, and cheer on the teams, join in the competition, or even enter the Miss Penticton swim suit contest!
Saturday, September 27th – Taste the Valley – Wine and Food Pairings on board the SS Sicamous. Sample fine wines from the Okanagan, and sample delicious foods, prepared by talented local chefs.
In addition to these events, the SS Sicamous Heritage Park will be open daily, from May 15th until September 15th 2014.
The SS Sicamous is the largest surviving paddle wheeler in British Columbia. It helped to shape the growth of the Okanagan Valley, and is one of the last reminders of the pioneering years of the province. The ship is open throughout the summer for visitors to explore, and to discover a window into the vanished past.
For more information visit www.SSSicamous.ca
Or contact: Jessie@ssicamous.ca | (250) 492-0403