SV Maple Leaf’s 110th Anniversary in 2014
by Maureen Gordon
1904 was a year of dramatic growth for the young city of Vancouver, BC — then just 18 years old.
The first cement sidewalks replaced wooden boards. The first auto dealership opened in town. New office blocks and neighbourhoods sprouted, and people moved in as soon as they were built.
And, the coast’s most expensive yacht slid down the ways and splashed into Coal Harbour: the SV Maple Leaf was born.
This is the year of her 110th anniversary. And it’s off to a great start with a superb gift from historian Michel Riberdy of the Buckingham Historical Society, just outside Ottawa, Ontario – who found these photographs of the Maple Leaf being built.
These new-to-us photographs are a treasure; in the 1920s a fire destroyed records in the shipyard and, as far as we know, the ship’s original plans and drawings were lost.
So, when Kevin and I were on a visit to Michel and the MacLaren family in Buckingham this winter, our jaws dropped to see these photographs. They are sort of like the Maple Leaf‘s long lost “baby pictures”.
A Short Illustrated History
Like to see more of the ship’s history? View this short, illustrated history of the Maple Leaf.
Next Installments on the History of the Maple Leaf…
Throughout the year, we’ll share articles, photos, recollections, and facts from the ship’s history in our newsletters, blog and Facebook page. Stay tuned for more, including a picture of the real Alexander MacLaren….
We hope you enjoyed this first glimpse into the history of the remarkable schooner Maple Leaf.
Happy birthday to a great ship. Here’s to another 110 years!
Learn about cruising BC & Alaska aboard the Maple Leaf.