Best way to get away from my Dad in 1970, was to head over to see Fred Crealock and his Dad Cecil at Sunnyside Marina…a.k.a. “Great Lakes Boat and Machinery Company.”
Think Drummond smelter, the French family, Zenith Machine Works , WW2, peacetime and a return to milling parts on lathes for ships.
There were power boats and a few sailing craft at the docks in the early seventies.
The Royal Anne was the primary Crealock boat on which Fred was born…in Midland harbour no less. It had been a supply boat up the shore for many years. Their slip was on the long dock nearest the grain silos.
Crealocks had a house on the northeast corner of Fifth and Hugel. Home, however, was really at the Marina. We know that.
During winter layup, Fred would frame and wrap the Royal Anne in plastic against the snow and, with a little heater inside, one was able to effect repairs on the old girl while berthed. It also served as a meeting place for a variety of local ragamuffins that included, at various times, Grant Peever, Kriss Watson and others unnamed.
When the Doctor that owned Mona IV died and Cec inherited the boat, Fred became the owner of the Royal Anne. Famously, this 57-foot boat accompanied Marilyn Bell on her Lake Ontario swim.
A Gidley built in Penetang and, like all women, needed attention. Cec would always be busy scraping, caulking, painting and making her sweet. As a boat builder, it was almost natural that he should come to own her. What a beauty.
I came to know these pirates when I purchased my Seabird from an acquaintance. He was dumping his collection before his ex did. Four cylinders was enough to keep me just moving, but out of trouble.
I snagged my wife using this as bait, my daughter is the result, so it worked beautifully. That is about all the Georgian Bay fishing I have done. Have you no shame in the eyes of God for what you wrought, I think…then it passes.
The Gods continue to favour Fred to this day. With a fair wind, Calusa and Ashley, his First Mate, headed “up the shore” and haven’t been seen since.
Happy 70th Birthday!
René Hackstetter. July 15, 2021.
