The Silverland, a steamboat constructed in 1909 in Haileybury, Ontario, played a vital role in the transportation network of Lake Temiskaming and its surrounding areas. With dimensions of 85 feet in length, 17 feet in width, and 7 feet in depth, the Silverland was well-equipped to navigate the waters and provide efficient service.
Powered by a screw propulsion system, the Silverland relied on this mechanism to propel itself forward, ensuring smooth and reliable transportation for passengers and cargo alike. Its power and capabilities made it an essential vessel in connecting communities and facilitating trade in the region.
Ownership of the Silverland changed hands throughout its existence. It was initially owned by the Haileybury Navigation Co. from 1909 to 1910. Subsequently, it came under the ownership of the Temiskaming Navigation Co. from 1911 to 1916, followed by the Ville Marie Navigation Co. from 1917 to 1926. In its final years, ownership transferred to J. Cunningham in Kipawa, Quebec, in 1927.
Tragically, the Silverland met its demise on July 5, 1927, when it fell victim to a destructive fire in Kipawa, Quebec. The fire ravaged the vessel, reducing it to ashes and bringing an end to its storied career on the waters of Lake Temiskaming.
The final location of the Silverland is marked in Kipawa, Quebec, where the burnt remnants of the once-proud steamboat serve as a poignant reminder of its untimely fate. Although the Silverland may be gone, its contributions to the region’s transportation history and the memories of those who witnessed its voyages will endure.
