The Diaries of Captain John Rogers A look at day-to-day life in Muskoka from 1906-1926 The name John Rogers seems synonymous with the history of Muskoka. Having produced the Guide Book and Atlas of Muskoka and Parry Sound, 1879, written the Blue Books of 1915 and 1918 listing all residents, seasonal and permanent in Muskoka, […]
A new opportunity for Corporate and Family members at MSDC The Muskoka Steamships & Discovery Centre (MSDC) has recently introduced two exciting membership categories: Corporate and Family. Both options provide unique benefits tailored to their respective audiences, enriching the experience for members while supporting the MSDC’s mission to engage the community with Muskoka’s natural beauty […]
Can you remember way back before we used the internet to send greetings and messages to one another? If you went on a holiday then, you would carefully take along the addresses of your friends and family, so you could send them postcards to share experiences. Or if your friends were coming to that same […]
Builders of Wanda III were leaders in their day Polson Iron Works closed many years ago, but in over 50 years of operation it produced some incredible vessels, including a few that are still in operation. Most notably, the beloved Wanda III. The company began operating as an engine builder in Cobourg, Ontario in 1878. […]
Wanda III is housed in a custom-built boathouse and will soon resume cruising on the lakes. But before there was a III, there was Wanda II. Wanda II was a 94-foot steam yacht owned by Timothy and Margaret Eaton from 1905 to 1914. She was built by Polson Iron Works in Toronto and was kept […]
1914 was a significant year around the world and also in Muskoka. The year was marked by the outbreak of the First World War and the sinking of the ocean liner Empress of Ireland. And it was also the last time the ship we now know as RMS Segwun sailed under her original name, Nipissing. […]
The Chinese translation of Muskoka Lakes is “Honeymoon Lakes”. Although I don’t know how the translation happens, it does accurately express this area of Ontario. No matter spring, summer, autumn or winter; regardless of sun, wind, rain or snow, as long as you are here, your feeling will always be so sweet like honey. When […]
The Disappearing Propeller Motorboat is basically a double ended lapstrake rowing skiff that was converted to a power boat by mounting a single cylinder, low horsepower two-cycle inboard gasoline motor in the centre. The motor was connected by way of a universal joint, to a hinged and elevating propeller shaft that also protected the rotating […]
This past winter the phrase “busy as a beaver” certainly applies to the volunteers at Heritage Boat Works. However, since they create many items with wood, this phrase might not be appropriate. Heritage Boatworks is a group of volunteers who work every Wednesday morning year-round repairing items on the RMS Segwun and Wenonah II and […]
Have you wondered how towns and villages in Muskoka got their names? It is acknowledged that many of these communities had Indigenous names used by those who lived here for many centuries. However, most of these communities were given their English monikers when they were granted permission to have post offices. They needed an […]
The Muskoka Steamships & Discovery Centre is the leader in preserving, promoting and celebrating the culture and heritage of Canada’s Muskoka District. Founded in 1973, the MS&DC is a membership-based, not-for-profit registered charity with an ongoing objective of presenting compelling, entertaining and educational experiences, attractions and events.
Charitable Number: 132617770RR0001
