Past Members and Sailors

Jack became President of the Wiarton Propeller Club from 1972-1974 during that time the mortgage was paid off and the next annual farewell banquet held at the Propeller club the main event that evening was the burning of the Mortgage , With Mrs. Jim Coleman (President of the propellerettes) and Ron Porter then the new President.

In spring 1957 Jack answered an Ad in a local newspaper looking for deckhands on a barge tied up at Sarnia grain elevator , Jack and a friend Glen Porter and another farm boy Duke Butchart were hired on the spot. No resume, no Human Resources.

Sailing was offering better paying jobs and he continued to work on the steamboats, his next ship was the Steam Ship Algosteel an Algoma Steel company which ran iron ore into the steel plant at Sault Ste. Marie which was also owned by Algoma. Jack was hired on as a Firemen and again had to learn a new skill.

Firemen would shovel coal and tend to the boilers that would supply steam to the engine, generator and other equipment, this vessel would burn between one ton to one and a half a ton per hour. She was considered a hard firing job. Jack came back to Wiarton and married Jeanette Smart who’s family also sailed. Shipped out as an Oiler on the self-unloader R.O. Pettman, Jack quit sailing in 1963.

Jack took on a number of jobs on the pipeline in Alberta , mining in British Columbia and Newfoundland. He was a millwright and retired from Pilkington Glass in Collingwood and teaching millwright at Georgian College

Jack and Jeanette had four children David, Kathleen, Sandra and Deanne

Captain Harold Miller

My grandfather, Harold David Miller, was born on May 13, 1908 in Wiarton. His parents were David Miller and Mercy Annabel McKenzie. Grandpa started his career on the Great Lakes just before his 16th birthday joining his brother Bill on a steamer sailing out of the Midland harbour. By 19, Grandpa had obtained his mate’s ticket. He married Lavina Lobban on February 9, 1931 and their children were – Harold Jr., Glen, Helen, Ken, Nora, John, and Marion. Grandpa sailed for 48 years on the Great Lakes with the last 22 years as Captain. He retired from the Canada Steamship Lines in 1972 with the honourary rank of Commodore. Some of the massive ships that Grandpa commanded carried cargoes of iron ore and coal and were more than 700 feet in length. Some of the ships that Captain Miller sailed on were the Murray Bay, Algoma, Sir James Dunn, Donnaconna, Richelieu, and T.R. McLagan.

On December 16, 1964 a fire broke out on the S.S. Donnaconna on Lake Huron. Grandpa was honoured for his skill and experience in turning the ship around and out of the wind which forced flames over the bow, saving the cargo and lessening further damage to the ship. The officers and men of the ship lost their personal effects and clothing but no injuries were reported. One of the items that was salvaged from the fire was a $1.00 bill that had been with my Grandpa’s things on the ship and my Nana kept the partially burned bill in her wallet up until her death.

The Miller family share in a great deal of pride in the career of Captain Harold

The McCutcheon Family

Robert 1908-1978

Robert was the first of the brothers that went to sea. He first sailed in 1926. During his lifetime he was a mariner (retired from sailing in 1958), a farmer, business owner and a real estate agent.

Stanley Lee 1910-1993

Stanley was the second brother to sail (started in 1927 at the age of 17 years old). Robert and Stanley sailed on the same ship for a while. He became Captain in 1932. Stanley sailed for several years, finishing his sailing career piloting foreign ships through the Welland Canal. He then

sold Real Estate.

It should be noted that Stanley was the first to pilot a foreign ship through the Welland Canal after the St Lawrence opened in 1959.

Clarence Richard 1912-2002

Clarence spent most of his adult life as a sailor on the Great Lakes. He started as a fireman shovelling coal in 1932. In 1955 he became Chief Engineer and worked 44 years for Canada Steamship Lines.

William George Elgin 1914-2003

Elgin sailed on the Great Lakes for Misener Transportation in the St Lawrence area carrying supplies needed during wartime. He became Captain in 1952 and started in the pilotage in 1959, retiring in 1980.

During the winters, Elgin and his wife Blanche would ship keep in various ports on the Great Lakes.

Ivan Elmer 1916-2006

Ivan sailed as Chief Engineer and sailed with Canada Steamship Lines for 49 years. Ivan was also Commodore for the Canada Steamship Line fleet.

Lloyd Alvin 1917-2008

Lloyd sailed as Captain and later also became a marine pilot.

Harvey Garnet 1919-2005

Harvey sailed for a few years early in his life. Was in the Air Force during WW2. When he returned from the war he farmed at Limberlost.

Morgan Wallace 1922-2011

Morgan worked for several years as a sailor moving up in the ranks to become Captain in 1972. He also worked for Canada Steamship Lines for 30 years.

Francis Burton 1927-2020

Francis was a farmer, marine engineer on the Great Lakes with Canada Steamship Lines and then a businessman.

Francis bought the farm from his parents. His parents, Richard and Elizabeth built a house on Scott St in Wiarton, where they spent their retirement.

Info obtained from The Sun Times, Owen Sound, Saturday August 22, 1987, issued by Rosanne Kyle and the McCutcheon Family History Book 2005.

The Boys from Mar - Bud, Morgan & Bert

William Robert "Bud" Given

My father, William Robert Given, was born in Humberstone, Ontario in 1925, to parents William Wasson Given and Beatrice Given (nee Weir). They were both from Mar, Ontario, which is where Dad was raised.

He began sailing very young and I do not have a record of those early days. He left the ship he was on in what is now Thunder Bay and enlisted in the Lake Superior Regiment to serve in WW11.

After the war, he worked on ships such as The Stadacona, The Kingdoc, The William H. Daniels and The SS Bulkarier. He worked as a Deckhand, a Watchman, a Fireman, and an Oiler. He sailed in and out of Montreal, Midland, Buffalo, Toronto, Corner Brook, Prescott and Port Weller. In his Certificate of Discharge for Seamen, the descriptions of his voyages were Great Lakes and Connecting Waters, General Great Lakes, Home Trade and Inland Waters. His Report of Character for Ability and General Conduct were Very Good and were signed and stamped by The Shipping Master’s Office. These working years were from April 1949 through June, 1953. By this time, he had become a husband and father and gave up the lakes to farm at R.R.#1, Mar (Pike Bay).

Dad was only one member of his family to go sailing. His father sailed for many years and so did some of his brothers, notably his brother Bert Given, whose son Jim Given became the President of the Seafarer’s International Union of Canada in 2013.

Morgan E Given

Albert "Bert" Given 1940 SS Lemoyne, 3rd Engineer

1949 President Milford Cooper Leaves a Lasting Maritime Legacy

Wiarton, ON - 1949

Milford Cooper, an esteemed figure in the maritime history of Wiarton, played a pivotal role in the formation of the Wiarton Propeller Club back in 1949. In a region steeped in marine tradition, Cooper's visionary leadership led to the establishment of this enduring institution, dedicated to celebrating the unique bond between the community and its seafaring heritage.

The Wiarton Propeller Club, aptly named for its symbolism of teamwork, direction, and trust akin to ship propulsion, was conceived as a tribute to the dedicated sailors and their families who called Wiarton home. This establishment recognized the resilience and exceptional skills developed by sailors during their lengthy voyages on large vessels, as well as the remarkable adaptability displayed by their families onshore.

Milford Cooper's efforts paved the way for the Propeller Club's growth and its eventual establishment as a cherished community hall known as "The Meeting Place." Over the years, it has hosted countless events and activities, ranging from first dances to weddings, from fundraisers to community gatherings, and from youth-focused initiatives to celebrations of maritime heritage. The Wiarton Propeller Club has since restructured its operations, renovated its facilities, and proudly reinstated its original name, the Wiarton Propeller Club.

Milford Cooper's legacy lives on as the club continues to promote the maritime heritage of Wiarton and serve as a vital hub for the community. With a new website showcasing local marine history, the Wiarton Propeller Club remains a beacon of tradition, unity, and celebration in Wiarton's rich maritime tapestry.

PAST PRESIDENTS OF THE WIARTON PROPELLER CLUB

Milford Cooper 1949- 1951

Capt. Harold Miller 1951 – 1954

Glen Miller 1954 – 1956

Chris Lee 1956 – 1957

Carl Cole 1957

Howard Glendillon 1957 – 1959

Capt. Harold Miller 1959 – 1964

Capt. Willian Ainslee l964 – 1968

Delmar Stewart 1968 – 1970

Eugene Rouse 1970 – 1972

Jack Mallard 1972 – 1974

Ron Porter 1974 – 1976

Bill Taylor 1976 – 1978

Capt. Robert Hull 1978 – 1980

Capt. William Ainslee 1980 – 1983

Ross Turner 1983 – 1986

Ross Carder 1986 – 1992

Robert McGregor 1992 – 1996

Norman Deakins 1996 – 2002

Barry Carder 2002 – 2008

Don Trudeau 2008 – 2012

Andy Mackey 2012 - Present

1942 Able Seaman Donald Albert Wright

Wiarton, 22 March 1942

Wiarton mourned the loss of Able Seaman Donald Albert Wright, who tragically perished aboard the Victolite during World War II. His sacrifice served as a somber reminder of the courage and dedication displayed by those who served in the Merchant Navy of Canada.
The community of Wiarton expressed its deepest condolences to the family and friends of Seaman Wright, honoring his memory and the ultimate sacrifice he made in the service of his country. His legacy lives on in the hearts of those who remember his bravery and commitment to the cause of freedom.

Able Seaman Donald Albert Wright.pdf

Past Members at the 50th

Back Row From L - R
Robert Carder, Ross Turner, Glenn Miller, Robert Hull, Gerald Greig, Carl Turner

Front Row L - R
Elda Hardman, Kaye Lymburner, Evelyn Hardman

1992 Captain Robert Hull

Wire Cable Rope Splicing

In 1992, Captain Robert Hull, in collaboration with Robert Marchessault and Allana Morbin during his tenure at Georgian College, embarked on a video project with a profound emphasis on marine heritage and marine college education. Their endeavor focused on wire cable splicing repair, a crucial maritime skill. This instructional video was meticulously crafted aboard the iconic MS Chi-Cheemaun, a vessel steeped in marine heritage. Graciously supported by Owen Sound Transportation, this initiative not only celebrated maritime tradition but also underscored the significance of marine college education in preparing individuals for the intricate world of maritime operations.
Wire cables are used to secure ships to the bollards on shore.

Our Founding Members

Back Row (left fo right)

Norman Reid, Eric Fox, Sox Meyers, Ernie Gibson, Bill Young, Don Steip, Anslee McGee

Front Row (left to right)

Dewy Parker, Stan Greig, George Martin, Jim Collins, Jack Scott, Milford Cooper, Jack Chapman, Maj. Whetton

Missing

Orville Greig, Harold Miller, Ted Hardman, Bill Parker, Art Rouse

Chris A. Lee

Chris Lee RW.pdf

The Miller Family

John and Jim Miller.pdf

Jack Mallard (Never will I go Sailing)

Never Again Combined.pdf

Jack Mallard (Paddle Wheelers and Propellers)

Paddle Wheelers and Propellers Combined.pdf