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Hacker Boats, Houseboats and The Midland Boat Works (4 photos)

'At that early date, we learn, there were few cottages and these houseboats were moved from place to place,' author notes

Houseboats were different in the old days, these floating palaces had dining rooms, sleeping quarters as well as a bar.

In 1939, George Osborne writes, “Messrs. W. H. Hacker and Sons were manufacturers of boats, canoes  etc., on the Midland waterfront. The boat house was located at the  foot of Midland Ave., and was the only one in the village. Fred A.  Hacker worked at the boat house when a lad.”

Subsequently sold to Ganton Dobson, then J.G. Gidley and finally to The Midland Boat Works.

The author goes on to say, “the Houseboat was first introduced on these waters by Mr. J.A.  Smith around 1883. Mr. Smith was the maternal grandfather of Mr.  Fred Hacker and father of the late Charles E. Smith, former Town Clerk of Midland.”

At that early date, we learn, there were few cottages and these houseboats were moved from place to place.

In the accompanying photos are some examples of these houseboats. Looks like the Dusquesne Fishing Club was a party boat house.

René Hackstetter April 6th, 2021.