IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION #
VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION #
The Edith II was a classic wooden tour boat, a shining example of early 20th-century craftsmanship. Designed for stability and comfort, the vessel was built to provide passengers with a luxurious and scenic tour experience through the intricate waterways of the Thousand Islands. Its polished wooden decks, spacious seating areas, and elegant lines made it a favored choice for tourists seeking to explore the natural beauty of the region.
HISTORY #
The Golden Years (1926-1950s) #
The Edith II was launched in 1926 by the Yacht Edith Line in Clayton, New York, amid great anticipation. The vessel quickly became a beloved fixture on the Thousand Islands tour circuit, providing countless passengers with breathtaking views of the region’s scenic waterways. For nearly three decades, the Edith II operated as a tour boat, first under the Yacht Edith Line and later under the Clayton Boat Line. During this period, it introduced thousands of visitors to the beauty of the Thousand Islands.
As the mid-20th century approached, changes in tourism and advancements in maritime technology led to a decline in the use of older wooden tour boats like the Edith II. Despite this, the vessel continued to operate for some time under Paul’s Boat Line before eventually being retired from active service.
Transition and Transformation (1964-Present) #
In 1964, the Edith II’s official maritime career ended when its documents were surrendered, marking the vessel as “dismantled.” However, this was not the end of its story. Jerry Russell, a visionary who saw potential in the retired tour boat, purchased the Edith II and moved it to Wintergreen Island. There, Russell embarked on a unique project to transform the vessel into a waterfront cottage.
The transformation of the Edith II was a labor of love. The cabins were converted into cozy bedrooms, the cargo hold became a charming living area, and the sundeck was repurposed as a private balcony with stunning views of the Thousand Islands. This creative renovation preserved the vessel’s historical charm while giving it a new lease on life as a unique and inviting waterfront cottage.
LEGACY AND SIGNIFICANCE #
The Edith II stands as a symbol of the rich maritime history of the Thousand Islands. Its transformation from a tour boat into a waterfront cottage is a testament to the creativity and vision of those who recognized its potential beyond its original purpose. Today, the Edith II continues to serve as a cherished part of the Thousand Islands community, offering visitors a chance to experience the region’s beauty from a unique perspective.
The vessel’s legacy is kept alive not only through its physical presence but also through the memories of those who grew up around it and the ongoing efforts to preserve and celebrate its history. As the Tour Boat Cottage, the Edith II remains a living link to the past, offering a rare opportunity to experience the Thousand Islands in a way that honors the region’s maritime heritage.
Photo Gallery Dan Gildea 2024 #
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Historical Photos #
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EXTERNAL LINKS & RESOURCES #
- Thousand Islands Life Magazine: Articles and stories about the history of the Thousand Islands, including pieces on the Edith II.
- David Swayze Shipwreck File: A resource for historical shipwrecks and vessels on the Great Lakes, providing additional context for vessels like the Edith II.
- Bowling Green State University: Archives and collections related to Great Lakes maritime history, including information on tour boats like the Edith II.
- Hip Postcards: Vintage postcards and memorabilia related to the Thousand Islands, offering a glimpse into the region’s history during the Edith II’s heyday.
- Thousand Islands River Rats Facebook Page: A community page where locals and enthusiasts share stories, photos, and memories of the Thousand Islands, including those involving the Edith II.
CONCLUSION #
The Edith II is more than just a retired tour boat; it is a vessel that embodies the rich maritime history and enduring charm of the Thousand Islands. From its early days as a beloved tour boat introducing visitors to the scenic beauty of the region, to its transformation into a unique waterfront cottage, the Edith II has had a profound impact on the community and those who have had the pleasure of experiencing it. Its legacy continues to be preserved through the memories of locals, the ongoing renovations, and the stories shared by those who appreciate its historical significance. As the Tour Boat Cottage, the Edith II remains a cherished part of the Thousand Islands, offering a unique blend of history, charm, and waterfront beauty that continues to captivate all who visit.
TAGS #
- Edith II
- Thousand Islands
- Clayton Boat Line
- Wintergreen Island
- Tour Boat Cottage
- Great Lakes Maritime History
- Wooden Tour Boat
- Historic Vessel
- Lake Ontario
- Transformation of Vessels
- Nautical Heritage
- Boat Conversion
- Maritime Legacy
- Tobermory
