In February 2014, the Wiarton Propeller Club's beloved painting, known as "Captain Bullwinkle," was anonymously returned to its home after being reported stolen. Joanne Lancaster had reported the theft of the iconic portrait, which had hung in the club for over three decades. The undamaged painting was found at the Chatsworth detachment by Grey County OPP officers and was promptly rehung on the Propeller Club stage wall.

The artwork had a unique history. It was initially accepted by the club in lieu of rent payment in 1982 after an artist who held a sale there didn't make enough money to cover the hall's rental fee. Club president Bill Ainslie had taken a liking to the painting and agreed to return it when the artist could fulfill the rent payment, which unfortunately never happened. Ainslie's wife, Nelda, affectionately nicknamed the painting "Captain Bullwinkle," a playful moniker that endured through the years.

Ross Turner, a member of the Propeller Club since its founding 65 years ago, was thrilled to have the painting back, especially as the club's 65th anniversary was approaching. The club was initially established for Great Lakes sailors living in the area and their wives, known as the Propellerettes. Turner himself had sailed the Great Lakes for 43 years and skippered the famous Maid of the Mist ferry at Niagara Falls for 16 years.

The return of "Captain Bullwinkle" brought joy and relief to the Propeller Club, as the artwork held significant sentimental value for its members and stood as a cherished symbol of their maritime heritage.

A SAILOR'S WELCOME HOME POEM

In an era when sturdy vessels ruled the vast inland seas, a sailor's life was one of constant challenge and adventure. From Thunder Bay to Buffalo, through the ever-changing waters of the Great Lakes, these sailors faced trials and triumphs on each journey.

The ships were their steadfast companions, braving capricious winds and blinding snowstorms as they navigated through Erie, Huron, Superior, and more. The ship's fortune lay below, in its precious cargo, and every trip held the potential for both reward and peril.

One such peril was the tempestuous Huron, its tumultuous waves demanding unwavering attention from the captain. While ships raced through the Soo Locks under the veil of night, the newsboy's arrival was a beacon of hope, bringing letters from home, town papers, and a momentary respite from the challenges of the voyage.

As the ship sped forward, the endless expanse of Superior unfolded, resembling an ocean in its grandeur. Amidst the tossing waves, the sailors found solace in the camaraderie of the western breeze and the joyous welcome awaiting them at journey's end. Those were the days of a sailor's welcome home, where every voyage held a tale of resilience, determination, and the enduring bond between seafarers and the great inland seas.

Composed in 1928 by Captain Carman B. Harrison,

now of Shallow Lake, Ont.

Original Poem Documents by Captain B. Harrison, of Shallow Lake, Ont.