MS Normac facts for kids
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|} The Normac is a special boat with a long history. It started its life as a fire tug called the James R. Elliot. This strong ship was built in 1902 in Port Huron, Michigan. Today, it is known as a floating restaurant boat.
Contents
| History | |
|---|---|
 Canada |
|
| Name |
|
| Owner |
|
| Builder | Jenks Shipbuilding Company, Port Huron, Michigan |
| Launched | 29 November 1902 |
| Out of service | 1969 |
| Status | Vacant former restaurant ship moored at Port Dalhousie Pier Marina |
| General characteristics | |
| Type | Steamship |
| Tonnage | 210 GRT |
| Length | 110 ft |
| Beam | 25 ft |
| Depth | 12 ft |
| Propulsion | 1893 Cowles Double high pressure non-condensing steam engine |
The Ship's Early Life and Changes
From Fireboat to Ferry
The Normac began its journey as the James R. Elliot. It was a fire tug, meaning it helped fight fires on the water. It was built by the Jenks Shipbuilding Company in 1902.
After many years, the ship was no longer needed as a fire tug. So, in 1930, it was sold to the Owen Sound Transportation Company Limited. This company had big plans for the ship.
The ship was taken to Midland for a major change. Workers turned it into a combination cargo ship and passenger ferry. This meant it could carry both goods and people. The ship also changed from using steam power to diesel power.
A New Name: Normac
In 1931, the ship received its new name: the Normac. This name honored Captain Norman Mckay. He was the founder and general manager of the Owen Sound Transportation Company. Captain Mckay was a very important person for the company. He was also the captain of their main ship, the SS Manitoulin.
Sailing the Great Lakes
Routes and Journeys
The Normac began its new life as a ferry on July 16, 1931. It sailed a route from Owen Sound to Sault Ste. Marie. This journey took it through places like Killarney and the North Channel.
Starting in 1932, the Normac sailed between Manitoulin Island and Tobermory. In later years, it shared this route with another ship, the S.S. Norisle.
New Assignments and Retirement
In 1964, another ship, the SS Norgoma, was updated to use diesel fuel. It then took over the Tobermory route. This meant the Normac got a new job. It became a car ferry across the North Channel. It sailed from Meldrum Bay to Blind River and Cockburn Island. This was part of its original route from Owen Sound.
The Normac continued on this route until the end of the 1968 season. After that, it was retired from ferry service. It was sold to Donald F. Lee and moved to Wallaceburg, Ontario, for the winter.
Life as a Restaurant Ship
Captain John's Harbour Boat Restaurant
In 1969, the Normac was sold again, this time to John Letnik. He had a unique idea for the ship. He wanted to turn it into a floating restaurant. This restaurant would be called Captain John's Harbour Boat Restaurant.
The Normac arrived in Toronto Harbour still wearing its Owen Sound colors. Soon, it was painted all white. Later, its steel hull was painted bright red. This made it stand out more from the street. The ship was permanently docked at the foot of Yonge Street.
Challenges and New Beginnings
In 1981, the Normac faced a big problem. The Toronto Island ferry Trillium accidentally hit it. This caused a slow leak, and the Normac sadly sank two weeks later.
But the story of the Normac didn't end there! In 1986, the ship was raised from the water. It was then refurbished, meaning it was repaired and made new again. The goal was for it to serve as a floating restaurant in other towns.
Some of its middle rooms were removed. It then became Tokyo Joe's Marina Bar and Grill. This was a floating restaurant and cocktail lounge in Port Dalhousie, Ontario. However, in 2011, a fire badly damaged the ship.
Even after the fire, the Normac was restored once more. It then became the Riverboat Mexican Grill. Today, the ship is vacant, but it remains docked at the Port Dalhousie Pier Marina. It stands as a reminder of its long and interesting life.
