Ruth Shorts facts for kids

Ruth Shorts was a very important boat on Okanagan Lake in British Columbia, Canada. It was the first boat owned by a brave pioneer named Captain Thomas Shorts. With Ruth Shorts, Captain Shorts started the first boat service on the lake in 1883. This was the beginning of many ships and steam boats that helped the Okanagan region grow and develop.

The Story of Ruth Shorts

The Ruth Shorts was a special rowboat that helped connect communities around Okanagan Lake. It was named after Captain Thomas Shorts' mother. This boat marked the start of regular transportation on the lake, which was a big deal for people living there.

Who Was Captain Thomas Shorts?

Captain Thomas Shorts was a pioneer, meaning he was one of the first people to explore and settle in a new area. In the early 1880s, he had an idea to start a business moving goods and people across Okanagan Lake. He wanted to help the growing communities in the region.

Building the Ruth Shorts

To start his business, Captain Shorts needed a boat. He asked Pringle and Hamill, two builders from a place called Lansdowne, to create a strong rowboat for him. This boat was about 22 feet (6.7 meters) long. It was designed to carry up to 2.5 tons (about 2,268 kilograms) of freight, which is like carrying a small car! The boat also had a small sail to help when the wind was right.

Life on the Lake

Captain Shorts began his boat service with the Ruth Shorts in 1883. There was no fixed timetable, so he would travel when needed. A full trip around the lake usually took about nine days. For three years, Captain Shorts rowed the Ruth Shorts in all kinds of weather, showing great determination. He didn't carry many passengers, averaging about one person a month. Even so, he earned about CAD$6,000 from his rowing business. Later, in 1886, he tried using a steam-powered boat called Mary Victoria Greenhow, but unfortunately, he lost the money he had earned.